Skip to main content

Archive

This project is no longer active. All submitted place stories have been archived below.

Pages: 1 · 2 · 3 · 4 · 5 · 6 · 7 · 8 · 9 · 10 · 11 · 12 · 13 · 14 · 15

Place Security

Flora Place has hired private security to protect the area. The private security patrol was involved in the killing of Vonderrit Myers Jr., and has provoked a sense of instability. Cara explains that the private security makes her nervous. Cara has lived in Shaw since 2000. She moved here for work and immediately fell in love with the area. 

Neighborhood: Shaw
Contributor: Cara Jensen
Location Category: Scary or Unpleasant Places
Location:
Latitude: 38.612853000000
Longitude: -90.246794000000
Plans for Parking Lot at 5500 Gilmore Ave.

 

Glenda Taylor was informed that the Greater St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church planned to build a parking lot at the site of two abandoned houses across the street from the church. The houses are at the intersection of Gilmore and Harney Aves. She states that an additional parking lot is needed since there are not enough places to park if the church hosts a large event. Also, folks who attend events at Greater St. Paul take up the parking spaces of residents on Gilmore Ave.

Glenda Taylor is a long-time resident of Walnut Park East. She can be found sitting on her porch.

Interview conducted July 2017.

Neighborhood: Walnut Park
Contributor: Glenda Taylor
Location Category: Places That Promote Community, Places to Eliminate or Change
Location:
Latitude: 38.702900000000
Longitude: -90.248655000000
Plans for Walnut Park School

 

In this video, Akeens talks about Walnut Park School, and ideas proposed at a neighborhood meeting for future plans for the school.

A childhood resident of Walnut Park, Akeens is the owner of the Roy’s Transmission that has been open at the corner of Riverview and Harney Aves. since 1974.

Interview conducted December 2017.

 

Neighborhood: Walnut Park
Contributor: Akeens
Location Category: Historic Places, Places to Protect, Places to Eliminate or Change, Places of Local Identity
Location:
Latitude: 38.702321000000
Longitude: -90.253227000000
Playground

Alexander believes this park needs to be changed. The neighborhood needs to communicate with the young people to build a park that they will enjoy. 

Neighborhood: Botanical Heights
Contributor: Alexander Howell
Location Category: Other
Location:
Latitude: 38.620186000000
Longitude: -90.250351000000
Playground

This neighborhood playground promotes community. Although she says she wishes more kids would play there, her great nieces and nephews have enjoyed their time here. She also discusses the fence, or the divide in the community, and how she hopes this playground will help bridge that gap. Cheryl has lived in Botanical Heights since 2006 and has enjoyed the opportunity to take part in revitalizing the neighborhood.

Neighborhood: Botanical Heights
Contributor: Cheryl Throgmorton
Location Category: Places That Promote Community
Location:
Latitude: 38.620186000000
Longitude: -90.250351000000
Playground

Jametta likes this park when it’s hot outside because it is the only park in the area with sufficient shade. She also points out that the lack of trash cans promotes littering, which needs to be rectified. Jametta has lived in Botanical Heights since 2012 and believes the neighborhood is thriving.

Neighborhood: Botanical Heights
Contributor: Jametta Jeffries
Location Category: Places to Go When Hot
Location:
Latitude: 38.620186000000
Longitude: -90.250351000000
Police Van

Alexander uses this police van to discuss how police interact with the neighborhood. When something goes wrong, the police are slow to react. Additionally, their dealings with the young people in the neighborhood are too harsh. 

Neighborhood: Botanical Heights
Contributor: Alexander Howell
Location Category: Other
Location:
Latitude: 38.620049000000
Longitude: -90.250663000000
Pond of the Past

 

In this video, Mr. Morehouse reminisces about the activities he and his neighbors participated in when rain water created a pond at Drury Ln. and North Pointe Blvd.

Mr. Morehouse and his family moved to the Walnut Park neighborhood in 1969. He is co-owner of CCCC & C Security in Walnut Park.

Interview conducted July 2017.

 

Neighborhood: Walnut Park
Contributor: Mr. Morehouse
Location Category: Historic Places
Location:
Latitude: 38.710434000000
Longitude: -90.247889000000
Price Chopper

For many people, Price Chopper is the only place within walking distance where people can buy a variety of goods.  For this reason, people are dependent on the store.  The owners can take advantage of this dependence.  It used to be an African-American owned store but it no longer is.  Anthony S. is a long-time resident of Wells Goodfellow. Recorded on August 16th 2016

Neighborhood: Wells Goodfellow
Contributor: Anthony S
Location Category: Other
Location:
Latitude: 38.678047000000
Longitude: -90.275731000000
Progressive Emporium

 

In this video, Mr. Lancaster describes how the Progressive Emporium got to its current location on Sarah Ave., and the attempt to make the space a one-stop shop for folks in the community.

John Lancaster is general manager of Progressive Emporium shop on Sarah Ave.

Interview conducted October 2018.

 

Neighborhood: Vandeventer/Gaslight Square
Contributor: John Lancaster
Location Category: Places That Promote Community
Location:
Latitude: 38.649092300000
Longitude: -90.241801600000
Public Safety

In this story Robert discusses the lack of adequate police coverage in the neighborhood, which he feels prevents prospective home buyers from moving to Baden. He is thankful however for the vigilance of his neighbors, stating that the street looks after itself--and an eye on suspicious behaviors. 

Neighborhood: Baden
Contributor: Robert Moretto
Location Category: Scary or Unpleasant Places, Other
Location:
Latitude: 38.710671000000
Longitude: -90.234585000000
Purchase of Abandoned Lots

 

Reggie wants St. Louis City Government to make the process of purchasing abandoned lots easier. His friend inquired about a lot; it “costs as much as a house.”

Reggie is a long time resident of Walnut Park East, graduating from Northwest High School. He is known as the “historian” of the neighborhood.

 

Interview collected July 2017.

Neighborhood: Walnut Park
Contributor: Reggie
Location Category: Places to Eliminate or Change, Other
Location:
Latitude: 38.702308000000
Longitude: -90.248516000000
Purchase of LRA Lot

 

In this video, Mr. Willis talks about a LRA lot purchased this year by the Lewis Place Improvement Association. Mr. Willis has lived on Lewis Place since 1990 and is president of the Lewis Place Improvement Association.

Interview conducted July 2018.

 

Neighborhood: Fountain Park/Lewis Place
Contributor: Alvin Willis
Location Category: Other
Location:
Latitude: 38.654481000000
Longitude: -90.252109000000
Purchase of Properties

 

Pastor Dr. Irving described the purchase of abandoned properties around Greater St. Paul to encourage neighborhood safety. He also described his plan to renovate 100 properties in St. Louis.

 

Pastor Dr. Irving, his parents, six sisters, and three brothers moved to Walnut Park in 1968. Pastor Irving leads the congregation at the Greater St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church on Gilmore Ave.

 

Interview conducted August 2017.

Neighborhood: Walnut Park
Contributor: Pastor Irving
Location Category: Places That Promote Community, Places to Protect, Places to Eliminate or Change, Places to Go When Hot, Places to Go When Rainy, Places of Local Identity
Location:
Latitude: 38.703528000000
Longitude: -90.248339000000
Ranken

Ms. Green speaks about the contributions that Ranken Tech has made to the neighborhood in the past and in the present.  Melissa Green lives in the Ville neighborhood and maintains strong ties to the neighborhood where she grew up around Delmar and Pendelton.  October 2018.

Neighborhood: Vandeventer/Gaslight Square
Contributor: Melissa Green
Location Category: Places That Promote Community, Places of Local Identity
Location:
Latitude: 38.652655000000
Longitude: -90.248225000000
Ranken Technical College

 

In this video, Mr. Willis talks about the history and expansion of Ranken Technical College. Mr. Willis has lived on Lewis Place since 1990 and is president of the Lewis Place Improvement Association.

Interview conducted July 2018.

 

Neighborhood: Fountain Park/Lewis Place
Contributor: Alvin Willis
Location Category: Places That Promote Community, Historic Places
Location:
Latitude: 38.653338000000
Longitude: -90.248853000000
Recreation Center

Kayla Weeks, resident of the neighborhood expresses frustration with the lack of recreational activities available to the young people of the Wells Goodfellow neighborhood. She feels that existing outlets such as Barrett Brothers park are unattractive such as in winter or to older young people, and the lack of options leads to fights and this leads to crime. Recorded on July 30th 2016

Neighborhood: Wells Goodfellow
Contributor: Kayla Weeks
Location Category: Places That Promote Community, Other
Location:
Latitude: 38.681556000000
Longitude: -90.274685000000
Redevelopment

Joyce P would like to see the revival of shopping along MLK Drive. Joyce P is a pre-school teacher who has lived in the neighborhood since the 1990s. Recorded on August 20th 2016

Neighborhood: Wells Goodfellow
Contributor: Joyce P
Location Category: Places to Eliminate or Change
Location:
Latitude: 38.672741000000
Longitude: -90.280621000000
Relaxation

The Missouri Botantical Gardens is a gorgeous place within walking distance where you can bring your entire family.  It is a place of learning.  Veneeda grew up in the Shaw neighborhood and recently moved back to raise her three kids with her husband, Monty.

Neighborhood: Shaw
Contributor: Veneeda H
Location Category: Environmentally Beneficial Places, Historic Places
Location:
Latitude: 38.614069000000
Longitude: -90.257029000000
Rental Apartments

Lower-income communities in Shaw are vulnerable.  Rental properties for low-income households warrant protection in order to maintain social diversity.  Shaw is in the inner-city and it should like the inner-city.  Cbabi has lived with his family in Shaw for twelve years.  He and his wife own SweetArt Bakeshop and Art Studio.  They enjoy the social diversity and the proximity of Tower Grove Park, the Botanical Garden, and their childrens' school.

Neighborhood: Shaw
Contributor: Cbabi Bayoc
Location Category: Places to Protect
Location:
Latitude: 38.615874000000
Longitude: -90.244962000000
Retention Basin

The retention basins established by the Metropolitan Sewer District have helped to alleviate local flooding but they could be used more constructively as recreational spaces for kids and the community.  Tyrone B spent much of his youth in Wells Goodfellow and attended Gundlach School. Recorded on June 15th, 2016

Neighborhood: Wells Goodfellow
Contributor: Tyrone B
Location Category: Environmentally Beneficial Places, Places to Eliminate or Change
Location:
Latitude: 38.677825000000
Longitude: -90.264084000000
Retention Basin

Paul B would prefer to see a park or a baseball field where the MSD retention currently sits on Ashland Avenue.  Paul B moved to Wells Goodfellow from Chicago in 2008 and enjoys the tranquility of the neighborhood.  September 2016.

Neighborhood: Wells Goodfellow
Contributor: Paul B
Location Category: Places to Eliminate or Change
Location:
Latitude: 38.677825000000
Longitude: -90.264084000000
Retirement Home for Nuns

 

In this video, Mr. Goss talks about a nursing home in the neighborhood that houses retired nuns. Mr. Goss remembers that the home has been in the neighborhood for many years. (His description extends past the photo to include the whole of the property.) 

Michael Goss grew up on Delmar Blvd. in a house his parents purchased in 1943.

Interview conducted October 2018.

Neighborhood: Vandeventer/Gaslight Square
Contributor: Michael Goss
Location Category: Historic Places
Location:
Latitude: 38.643348000000
Longitude: -90.241681000000
Return to a Different Community

 

John W. insists that if elected officials and the St. Louis Police Department “do their job,” Walnut Park East can return to the kind of community as during the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s, and 90’s.

 

John W. has been a resident of the Walnut Park East neighborhood for most of his life. He is a loyal customer of The Kutt Factory at West Florissant and Gilmore Aves.

 

Interview conducted July 2017.

Neighborhood: Walnut Park
Contributor: John W.
Location Category: Places to Protect, Places to Eliminate or Change
Location:
Latitude: 38.704019000000
Longitude: -90.247438000000
Robin Avenue

In this video, Ernest described Robin Avenue near Lillian. The street has few remaining homes on it, and rebuilding should take place. 

Ernest B. was born, raised, and currently resides in Walnut Park East.

October 2017.

Neighborhood: Walnut Park
Contributor: Ernest B
Location Category: Places to Eliminate or Change
Location:
Latitude: 38.698905000000
Longitude: -90.254546000000
Roy's Transmission

 

In this video, Roy describes his history in Walnut Park East, and the history of Roy’s Transmission on Riverview and Harney Aves.

A childhood resident of Walnut Park, Roy is the son of the founder of Roy’s Transmission, Roy DeBoise, and brother to current owner of the shop, Akeens.

Interview conducted December 2017.

 

Neighborhood: Walnut Park
Contributor: Roy D.
Location Category: Places That Promote Community, Historic Places
Location:
Latitude: 38.704869000000
Longitude: -90.250799000000
Safety at Walbridge

 

In this video, Latrice describes safety concerns she has with nefarious activities that take place on the grounds of Walbridge School.

A long-time resident of Walnut Park, Latrice S. is an employee of Beginning Futures Learning Center.

Interview conducted April 2018.

Neighborhood: Walnut Park
Contributor: Latrice S.
Location Category: Places That Promote Community, Places to Protect
Location:
Latitude: 38.693582400000
Longitude: -90.250929700000
Salamah's

Audio Missing. Tami is glad that Salamah's is closed and she is looking forward to seeing the proeprty redeveloped.  Tami has lived in the neighborhood since 2006 and recently purchased a home.  She prefers the neighborhood due to its social diversity. February 2016.

Neighborhood: Shaw
Contributor: Tami N
Location Category: Places to Eliminate or Change
Location:
Latitude: 38.615873000000
Longitude: 90.245471000000
Salamas

William is glad the corner store is gone now, but is looking forward to a new business that will help to revitalize the neighborhood. William, a resident of Botanical Heights, has lived in south St. Louis for most of his life.

Neighborhood: Shaw
Contributor: William Hinton
Location Category: Places to Eliminate or Change
Location:
Latitude: 38.615873000000
Longitude: -90.245471000000
Sarah and Lindell Aves.

 

In this video, Spencer describes how the neighborhood around Sarah and Lindell Aves. have changed in recent years with the implementation of a community-wide special business tax credit. He lists businesses that benefited from the tax credit, and hopes for more economic development in the neighborhood.

Spencer Howard is a long-time resident of the Vandeventer neighborhood. Though Spencer has lived in the community since 1995, his family has lived in the community at least 60 years.

Interview conducted 2019.

Neighborhood: Vandeventer/Gaslight Square
Contributor: Spencer Howard
Location Category: Places That Promote Community, Other
Location:
Latitude: 38.639940000000
Longitude: -90.245750000000

Pages: 1 · 2 · 3 · 4 · 5 · 6 · 7 · 8 · 9 · 10 · 11 · 12 · 13 · 14 · 15