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Tower Grove Heights is a neighborhood that could only be called uniquely "St. Louisan", from its distinctive architectural
style to its stunning brickwork. Noteworthy is that even the bricks themselves were created a century ago by local artisans
who realized that the soil was specially suited to make bricks. One immediately gets a sense that Tower Grove Heights is an
area unlike any other, springing, as it does quite literally, from the earth beneath our feet.
Tower Grove Heights is bounded by Grand Avenue on the east, Tower Grove Park on the north, Gustine Avenue on the west, and
Utah Place on the South. It is a community in the truest sense of the word, from its tightly knit and diverse residents to
the fact that one need not walk very far to find any amenity that one could desire. One of the greatest assets to the Tower
Grove area is its pedestrian scale and the geographical proximity of all the elements of culture necessary to forge a real
community. Moreover, the entire city is accessible in scant minutes by automobile. Downtown, Union Station, Powell Symphony
Hall, the new Busch Stadium, the Savvis Center, TWA Dome, Forest Park, the Zoo, the Art Museum, Muny Opera, the Science Center
- all are within 10 minutes drive.
Tower Grove Park
One could not discuss Tower Grove Heights without commenting on its namesake, Tower Grove Park. Once part of the estate of
Henry Shaw, it was donated to the City in 1868. In 1989 it was designated as a National Historic Landmark, and is one of
North America's best-preserved Victorian walking parks. It boasts extensive walking paths, gardens, tennis courts, whimsical
Victorian pavilions, greenhouses, and a functioning stable where one can arrange carriage rides. The Park is the ideal place
for any physical activity from jogging to the frequent softball and soccer games one can find there on any weekend. Hurling,
you ask? Got that, too.
The Missouri Botanical Garden
Another legacy of Henry Shaw, the Garden is internationally recognized. It is also a mere twenty-minute walk from Tower
Grove South through Tower Grove Park.
The South Grand Business District
It is almost a disservice to this gem to try to sum it up in a few words. Home to
various excellent ethnic restaurants, used book stores, wine bars, coffee houses, and a young, burgeoning bar scene by night,
South Grand is an area that one must experience.
Good Neighbors
The strong sense of community in Tower Grove Heights is enhanced by the diversity and bonds of fellowship that link its
neighbors. The residents have formed strong block units with block captains and active neighborhood and business
associations. Picnics and concerts in the Park, neighborhood gatherings, and South Grand Business Fairs are just a few of the
community activities that bring residents together, to say nothing of the house tours and open houses that attract neighbors
and residents from all over St. Louis.
10 Things you can do
10 Things you can do in the Tower Grove Heights Neighborhood
without getting in your car.
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