Proposed Gravois-Jefferson National Register Historic District
Very soon St. Louis will have another National Register Historic District. The proposed “Gravois-Jefferson Streetcar Suburb National Register Historic District” is an area roughly bounded by Gravois, Jefferson, Meramec and South Grand.
Click here for map of proposed district
It is funny today when you here the term “streetcar suburb” applied to such an urban area in the middle of the city. But the reality is areas such as this proposed district in Dutchtown were developed because the streetcar permitted homeowners to live a few miles from downtown – a big distance at the time. Commercial development along Gravois, Jefferson, Cherokee served the daily needs of the residents. The beautifully scaled commercial area along Meramec East of Grand is ripe for new uses. A coffee house would be an ideal addition.
A National Register Historic District places no requirements on owners nor does it guarantee a contributing structure will not be razed. However, it does make contributing buildings within the district eligible for state & federal tax credits.
I think we’ll see this district emerge as the new place to rehab and live. The terrain is pleasantly rolling and the buildings some of the most attractive in the entire City. The parks are numerous and nicely scaled. If you don’t know the area – I suggest you take a look.
– Steve