The Grove History Series

Workers arrived in the thousands to populate the area living in flats, shacks or other alternatives. The driver behind this occurrence is generally associated with the major railway lines leading in out of the city. Moreover access to waterways and boat landings provided a convenient hub for commerce: allowing for shipments going up and down the Mississippi River. Business was booming as the all over the world as a rapid modernization transpired, unheard of manufacturing and technologies industrialized the U.S into an economic engine.

At the time Saint Louis was the fourth largest city in the United States and a burgeoning population needed more housing to accommodate these new residents. The Louisiana Purchase Exposition held in 1904, now famously characterized as the World’s Fair brought resources along with more attention to the city. The preparations for the fair included the development of the surrounding areas, which major events necessitated. Meaning there was an upgrade of the existing sewer lines, and the paving of streets, such as the dirt road that was Lindell.

The architectural styles prevalent in this era included Beaux-Arts, Arts and Crafts, Tudor and Georgian Revival styles which began to replace the Italianate, Second Empire and Romanesque Revival models. Particularly evident in the area are multi-family housing with carvings and brilliant stonework evident on the façade of most buildings. At the heart of the Grove, Manchester Ave., was and is shopping and entertainment to occupy the time, where businesses and commercial buildings still line the street.

Some of the buildings in the Grove exemplify simplicity wherein efficiency was the norm. The slate roof along with limestone foundation can be commonly found. Fires that destroyed homes and businesses were common in large cities as a result; brick of the glazed, pressed, or red variety were the preferred construction material for these two and three story homes. In sum the strategic location of Forest Park Southeast was the leading factor in the past, present and future for those living in Saint Louis to experience quality craftsmanship and convenience. Likewise modern conveniences can be found in all of our properties and with easy access to West County and Downtown there in no better option. With such a vibrant community and nightlife a balance between work and happiness can be had.