FRANZ PARK (43)
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LOCATION
Franz Park is bordered by Dale on the north and east, Manchester on the south and the City limits on the west. It is one of the three neighborhoods that comprise what is informally known as "Dogtown."

HISTORY
Franz Park grew with the other "Dogtown" neighborhoods in the mid-1800s, when clay mining moved into the area. The railroads further increased the speed at which residents began to move into the area. Many immigrants from places such as Ireland, Italy, Germany, and Poland came to work in the mines. St. Louis fire brick was a growing industry that was employing most of the residents, who built homes around the industrial locations.

By the end of World War II, the mines had closed, and subdivisions had been built upon the old sites. As a result of the erratic way in which the houses in the neighborhood were built, a variety of architectural styles exist within the area. Despite the fact that the jobs created by fire brick were gone, the strong working class communities remained. In fact, with the World’s Fair in 1904, even more people had been enticed to move into the neighborhood, as did the Sulphur Springs Spa, for a few years.

CHARACTERISTICS
The Franz Park neighborhood is now highly residential, although it is sprinkled with restaurants and small businesses. It holds almost 2,700 residents. The ages of the residents are equally dispersed over all ranges, indicating that it is a place for both families with children and older people. Even though most households are one to two people, there are also a large number of three- to four-person households. Most of the housing stock in the neighborhood is single-family units, and a vast majority is owner-occupied. Less than eight percent of the units are vacant.

The area is still solidly middle class, with median household income just over $28,000. There are very few "poor" or "very poor" residents in the neighborhood. The workforce in the neighborhood is very educated, with more than 40 percent of the residents having attended college. Unemployment is at six percent.

Franz Park is well-located for those who would like to enjoy the rest of the city. It has excellent access to the downtown, via the highways, and is close to Forest Park, as well the St. Louis Science Center. The neighborhood also has its own park, Franz Park, its namesake. Besides outdoor activities, the area is also home to a number of restaurants. The new St. Louis Marketplace is just one of the shopping opportunities that also make life in Franz Park convenient. Access to other forms of entertainment are not far away, including movie theaters, libraries, and restaurants.

INSTITUTIONS AND ORGANIZATIONS
The area has Franz Park, the only city park in the area. Originally given to the city by E. D. Franz in 1915, it continues to host local sports activities. It has baseball diamonds and lighted tennis courts. It also hosts summer programs run by the Parks Department. The park is close to Roe Elementary School, home to a preschool through grade five program. Along with strong language arts programs, it also serves ESL (English as a Second Language) students. The preschool has two sessions, morning and afternoon. For adults and children alike, the neighborhood is also home to the Marketplace Branch of the St. Louis Public Library.

For the planning of the neighborhood, there is the Franz Park Community Association and the Sustainable Urban Neighborhood Development, Inc. As is shown by the changing of the Scullin Steel buildings into viable commercial areas, planning has been solid.

PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT
The Community Association and the Sustainable Neighborhood Development, Inc., have been working with TRIAD Housing Corporation and Operation Impact, as have the other neighborhoods in Dogtown. They have created a Neighborhood Action Plan for and Housing and Marketing, attempting to keep the housing stock strong to continue attract new residents. The projects proposed for the past year were executed, and plans to continually assess potential projects continue on schedule. Last year’s demolitions went ahead, and plots have been sold for development.