Tower Grove South has something for everyone, making it a top pick for those who love city living.
Its location puts everything within reach for residents: grocery stores, medical facilities, restaurants, cafes, and more are all within walking distance or a short drive away.
Let’s take a look at why this St. Louis neighborhood is one of the best places to live for quality of life and historic charm.
Location and Neighborhood Boundaries
Located in the heart of south St. Louis City, Tower Grove South is just south of Tower Grove Park.
Here are the neighborhood’s boundaries:
- North: Arsenal St
- East: South Grand Blvd
- South: Chippewa St
- West: South Kingshighway Blvd
The History of Tower Grove South
Back in the day, Tower Grove South was an agricultural area outside of the city. The land was divided into common fields and sold to anyone who would farm the land.
The Russell family bought up a large portion of the land and called their estate Oak Hill.
The Russells discovered coal on their property and founded the Parker-Russell Mining Company. They employed many people in the community.
The cholera epidemic of 1849, coupled with the diminishing coal supply, contributed to the mine’s closure.
To preserve the business, Parker-Russell Mining shifted gears and started extracting fire clay.
The successful brick industry brought jobs, attracting German immigrants to the area in the 1850s as it grew into a thriving neighborhood.
Tower Grove Park opened in 1872, and with it, real estate speculation surged.
This led to the construction of larger, more impressive homes.
In 1876, St. Louis expanded its city limits to include what would eventually become Tower Grove South.
In the 1920s, development continued with the construction of small Cape Cod-style houses to accommodate workers.
Meanwhile, South Grand began to flourish with the addition of banks, groceries, a movie theater, bakeries, and more!
After a decline in the 1970s, the South Grand Business District became an attractive destination for new Vietnamese immigrants who opened shops and restaurants in the vicinity.
Since then, Tower Grove South (including the South Grand business district) has seen the additions of coffee shops, specialty shops, boutiques, and restaurants.
These additions have transformed Tower Grove South into the vibrant and popular district it is today.
Tower Grove South vs. Tower Grove East
Tower Grove South and Tower Grove East are similar neighborhoods bordering the park, but they have their differences.
Tower Grove South features a mix of historic and modern homes. Tower Grove East is known for its classic architecture and diverse community vibe.
Tower Grove East sits on the eastern border along South Grand Blvd and extends east to Nebraska Ave.
Tower Grove East has about half the population of Tower Grove South, and its active neighborhood association prioritizes building community connections. Homes closer to the park generally sell for more.
The houses are mostly 2-3 stories tall, with details like stained glass and intricate staircases.
The area fell into urban decay in the mid-1900s but started to see a comeback in the 1980s and 90s.
The area also boasts a variety of businesses and eateries.
Homes in Tower Grove South
Many of the historic houses were built from the 1860s through the 1930s.
In the 1920s, Cape Cod-style houses were constructed, while older shotgun houses were prevalent in the western part of the neighborhood.
You’ll also find some modern buildings in the mix, especially along Morganford Road.
A Little Bit of Everything
Whether you’re looking for a modern apartment, a renovated condo, or a modest multifamily building, this neighborhood has a little bit of everything.
Situated within Tower Grove South, Heights extends from Tower Grove Park to Utah Street.
This part of Tower Grove South is characterized by its single-family brick Victorian homes and has its own distinct identity, complete with its own branding and neighborhood association.
New Development in Tower Grove
Jema and AHM Group recently completed a 3-story mixed-use building at 3172 Morgan Ford. Its original plans combined new construction with the rehab of a 1902 building.
Tower Grove Park
Let’s talk about the biggest attraction next to this neighborhood: Tower Grove Park.
The park is the heartbeat of this neighborhood. It’s great for an evening stroll, stopping by the weekly farmers market, or attending one of the many annual events hosted within the park.
A Gift to the City
Henry Shaw had already established the Missouri Botanical Gardens when he approached then-Mayor James S. Thomas in 1866 with a plan to donate land that would be open for everyone to enjoy.
His gift came with conditions:
- It “shall be used as a park forever”
- An “annual appropriation” be made by the city “for its maintenance.”
Today, this cherished park is the only one in St. Louis that is managed by an independent Board of Commissioners and Staff.
Festivals, Food and History
Tower Grove Park has a lot going on, from annual festivals to weekly events to just being a great scenic place to take a walk in the shade on a warm summer day.
The Tower Grove Farmers Market is well-known throughout the city.
It’s every Saturday from 8am to 12:30pm, running from early April through early November.
You’ll find food trucks, and vendors selling anything from hand-woven baskets to soaps to t-shirts.
And of course, a wide selection of vegetables, fruits, meats, and baked goods.
There is a winter market that recently moved to a parking lot adjacent to the park.
Food Truck Fridays: This monthly event takes place from April through September and features a diverse offering of foods from different local food trucks. You’ll find folks making a picnic out of it, and there’s often live music!
Festival of Nations: This annual event is one to put on your calendar if you like cuisine from around the world, dance, and music from different cultures and global wares.
The streets are often shoulder-to-shoulder with people who are there to take part in this unique and diverse celebration of world culture.
Artscope: Artscope is a non-profit that offers art classes, camps, and workshops to the residents of St Louis. Their programming is mostly for children and their home is a small cottage surrounded by nature.
Sports Facilities: There are athletic fields, tennis ball/pickleball courts, horseshoe pits, and a recently opened, brand-new outdoor basketball court. There are also two playgrounds and a splash pad. Not to mention paved paths that are great for jogging or taking a leisurely stroll.
Pavilions
When locals think of Tower Grove Park, they often imagine the Historic Pavilions scattered throughout the park, perfect for picnics, family gatherings, events, and more
These stunning structures are National Historical Landmarks and can be rented for private use or enjoyed at your leisure when not in use.
Exploring Tower Grove South
The parks are just one of the perks of being a resident in this St Louis neighborhood. With South Grand Blvd on one side and Morganford Road running through the middle, you’re guaranteed to find great food, places to meet friends, and new neighbors or spots for shopping.
South Grand Business District
The South Grand Business District is a lively center of St. Louis’ international community, featuring a wide array of culinary and retail options, complemented by a diverse range of cultural events, convenient services, and thriving shops.
Restaurants: South Grand is known for its international cuisine, ranging from Asian fusion and Thai to Vietnamese and Mexican cuisine.
- There’s also Terror Tacos, a vegan taco joint with a heavy metal vibe.
- Steve’s Hot Dogs serves up hot dogs piled high with a variety of toppings.
- Gotham and Eggs offers diner food in a whimsical setting.
- Services: There are optometrist offices, an Urgent Care, a UPS store, a Public Library, Banks, Salons, a Gas Station, Dry Cleaners, and more.
- Shopping: This area will host several artist markets throughout the year in addition to having boutique gift shops, Dunaway Book Store, and other shops that are fun to visit on a Saturday afternoon.
Morganford Road
Morganford Road, which runs through Tower Grove South, offers a variety of restaurants, shops, services, and bars.
When the weather’s nice, you’ll see people sitting outside enjoying a cold drink or visiting one of the specialty shops that line this historic neighborhood.
Other Offerings in Tower Grove South
Tower Grove South features a range of businesses contributing to its convenience for day-to-day living. Schnucks, Aldi, and Home Depot are nearby; running errands is a breeze.
Alpha Brewery and Civil Life Brewery call this neighborhood home, offering perfect spots to unwind with friends. Many of the brewpubs and bars host live music, open mic nights, trivia nights, and bingo for added entertainment.
Tower Grove South encapsulates the vibrant spirit of St Louis living, offering a diverse array of amenities, cultural events, and community connections that make it a cherished neighborhood for residents and visitors alike.
