Welcome to Kirkwood!

Kirkwood is an historic City. Both the Kirkwood Train Station and the Downtown Business District have been selected for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places. Several Kirkwood neighborhoods are also on the Register. Additional information about historic preservation is available on this Website.

The City of Kirkwood is served by the Kirkwood School District. The district, chartered in 1865, is the oldest in St. Louis County and one of the oldest west of the Mississippi River. Located in southwest St. Louis County, Kirkwood School District covers an area of 15 square miles and serves all or portions of eight suburban communities: Des Peres, Frontenac, Glendale, Huntleigh, Kirkwood, Oakland, Town and Country, and Warson Woods. The district also welcomes eligible students from the City of St. Louis through participation in the St. Louis Voluntary Transfer Program.

Finally, the City of Kirkwood operates its own Public Library, located at 140 East Jefferson. For patron information, hours, or upcoming events, please visit their Website.

DEMOGRAPHICS AND HISTORY:

Update: As a result of the 2010 Census, we can report that the City of Kirkwood's population increased from 27,324 (2000 Census) to 27,540.

History:
Kirkwood, Missouri, was established in 1853 and today is a 9-square-mile community with a population of 27,540 (according to 2010 census information). Located in Southwest St. Louis County, Kirkwood boasts high property values, quality public and private schools, safe neighborhoods and exceptional City services. More than 300 acres of park land can be found throughout the community, from a large central park that includes an aquatic center, ice rink, outdoor amphitheater, ball fields, tennis courts, picnic sites, and playground areas, to smaller neighborhood parks.

It’s called “Queen of the St. Louis Suburbs,” an honor Kirkwood has proudly accepted since the late 1800s. As the first planned suburb west of the Mississippi River, and an early railroad commuter suburb, Kirkwood owes its very existence to the railroad. The City was even named after James Pugh Kirkwood, the engineer in charge of locating, surveying and building the railroad. From the beginning, it’s been a love affair between citizens and trains, as evidenced by the beautiful historic train station located in the heart of the City. Built in 1893, the station, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, is a favorite subject of local and national photographers. It currently serves as a stop for daily Amtrak passenger trains and is staffed entirely by Kirkwood residents who volunteer their time.

Downtown Kirkwood: Speaking of downtown Kirkwood, the downtown business district is also now on the National Register of Historic Places and is home to many restaurants and shops as well as the Kirkwood Farmers’ Market.

The City of Kirkwood presently employs about 250 people who work in a variety of departments. The annual operating budget of Kirkwood is approximately $60 million. The City operates under a council/manager form of government with the mayor and six council members elected at large. The City is a full-service municipality, with its own water and electric departments, making it unique among St. Louis County municipalities.

New architectural guidelines, passed by the City Council, became effective August 1, 2011. The City's Architectural Review Board will begin to review building plans for all new single-family residences, additions, and accessory structures. This is a change from the past, when only signs, multi-family buildings, and certain commercial projects were subject to review. ARB will offer design suggestions to help residents and builders comply with City guidelines. The Guidelines and required forms are provided on this Website. The new ARB guidelines will be administered through Tony Carvalho, the City's building commissioner. To reach him, call 314-822-5814.