Stylish, Sophisticated, Bohemian, Exciting, Cosmopolitan = the Central West End Neighborhood
The Central West End Neighborhood is known for its stylish, sophisticated, bohemian, exciting, and cosmopolitan atmosphere.
In the late sixties, while on a college break, I had my initial experience of the Central West End. During a long weekend trip to St. Louis with friends, we visited Gaslight Square. Despite several of the bars and restaurants relocations to the suburbs, and our underage status, this visit sparked my interest in the area. Consequently, when I relocated to St. Louis in the early seventies, the Central West End became a priority for me to explore and spend time in.
Located in the heart of St. Louis City, the Central West End is a historic neighborhood with a century-long legacy. Bordered by St. Louis University to the east, Forest Park to the west, Highway 64/40 to the south, and Delmar Boulevard to the north, this area was established in the late 1800s during the city’s rapid growth to provide high-quality real estate near the newly established Forest Park. The neighborhood features a blend of residential, commercial, retail, and institutional spaces.
The area immediately attracted the affluent St Louisans with it’s renowned architecture and grand and lavish style. The Central West End mostly prospered over the next 40 years. However, when my husband and I moved to STL in the seventies, the Central West End was weathering the effects of post World War II, the Great Depression and the “flight to the burbs”.
Nevertheless, the region has gained a national reputation as a hub for the arts. Notable figures such as T.S. Eliot and Tennessee Williams have called it home, and during the era of Gaslight Square, it attracted aspiring stars like Barbra Streisand. Presently, the stretch along Euclid Avenue boasts a diverse array of over 125 establishments including shops, galleries, cafes, bistros, pubs, bars, salons, and specialty stores. Check out Maryland Plaza for some favorites. The Central West End exudes an eclectic, cosmopolitan, and “bohemian-chic” vibe, offering a pedestrian-friendly environment and remaining a popular destination for dining, leisure, and retail therapy.
Since my first visit, I have adored the Central West End. Showing our visitors around the exclusive streets, enjoying a meal at Dressel’s Pub, and presenting properties – these activities bring me joy. However, to truly impress our guests, a visit to the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis is a must. This remarkable site boasts the largest collection of mosaic art in the world, spanning 83,000 square feet. The image showcases the basilica along with the newly installed stainless steel sculpture, The Angel of Harmony, crafted by Wiktor Szostlo. This sculpture features a majestic African-American angel with expansive wings made of copper and brass wind chimes.
Another great attraction is the World Chess Hall of Fame. Located at the bustling corner of Maryland Avenue & Euclid, is is part of The Chess Club and Scholastic Center of Saint Louis. The Chess Club functions as an educational organization, offering private lessons while also emphasizing the educational benefits of chess through community outreach efforts. Saint Louis has rapidly emerged as a prominent chess destination on both national and international levels. The WCHOF houses the U.S. and World Halls of Fame, yet its influence extends beyond just chess enthusiasts. It serves as an art-focused institution, showcasing innovative exhibitions of artistic and historical importance by renowned artists and collectors from around the world.
Scarlett’s Wine Bar is next to Northwest Coffee – on any given day, both hit the spot. In 2011, The Chess Club and Scholastic Center of Saint Louis became the home of the World Chess Hall of Fame. The Chess Club is an educational organization giving private lessons but also promoting the educational value of chess through community outreach. Saint Louis has quickly become a national and international chess destination. The WCHOF is home to both the U.S. and World Halls of Fame, but its scope is not limited to the chess enthusiast. It is an art based institution that presents innovative exhibitions of artistic and historical significance from nationally and internationally recognized artists and collectors.
Schools
There is not a shortage of high quality schools in the CWE. The Metro Academic and Classical High School, a St Louis Public School Magnet School, is located at 4015 Mcpherson Ave on the eastern edge of the CWE. Metro ranked number 1 in the state of Missouri in 2013. Also located in the CWE is the new St Louis the King Elementary School. This school includes grads kindergarten through grade 8 and is open to any child. It is located on the campus of the Basilica. Click here for a list of more schools located in the Central West End.
New City School is located at 5209 Waterman. It includes children from age three through 6th grade. Crossroads College Preparatory School at 500 DeBaliviere accommodates grades 7th through 12. St Louis University High School, a Jesuit high school for boys was founded in 1818. It educates young men from 9th through 12th grades. It is located at 4970 Oakland Avenue (Go Billikens!).
To determine which St Louis Public School is close to your home, call 314-633-5200. This guide from SLPS is also helpful in making the all important decision of schools and neighborhoods.
Ready to Learn More About Living in the Central West End?
Allow me to assist you with purchasing or selling real estate in the Central West End area. If you reside in the Central West End and require a home value assessment, please click here to request a complimentary valuation. If you are ready to purchase in the CWE, contact me via email | barb@barbheise.com | or call-text at 314-503-4856.
