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Purpose:
Cathedral
Square treasures its diversity. From architectural style to demographic category, a wide
variety of interests combine to preserve this historic area amidst the crime and urban
decay typical of inner city locations. The purpose of the Cathedral Square Urban
Plan is to further the goal of neighborhood vitality. It is especially important
to preserve the residential character of the neighborhood. The focus is city living.
Location:
Cathedral Square Special Business District is a subdivision
of the State of Missouri located in the northeast corner of the Central West End, a
historic district of the city of St. Louis. It is a residential neighborhood defined by a
series of cul de sacs. Along the northern boundary, Westminster Place,
once a private street called Fullerton Place, was laid out in 1892. The southern
boundary of Lindell Boulevard is highlighted by the Cathedral Basilica of
St. Louis, a landmark Catholic church. Begun in 1907, the Byzantine and Romanesque style
structure houses one on the finest displays of mosaics in the western hemisphere. Most of
the structures located between the eastern boundary of Boyle Avenue and
the western boundary of Taylor Avenue were build during the robust
expansion of the city surrounding the World Fair of 1904. Newstead Avenue
and Maryland Avenue serve as the arterial streets, connecting the square
to neighboring residential and business districts.
In addition, to the church and private homes, the area supports
many condominiums, apartments, and non-profit organizations. The latter include the St.
Louis Cathedral School which accepts students of all denominations, Rosati-Kain
High School which serves the entire St. Louis area, the San Luis
Apartments, which provides housing for senior citizens, Cathedral Towers,
which provides services to unwed mothers and other charitable programs, Doorways,
a residential care facility serving those with HIV/AIDS, the Royal Vagabonds,
a men's social group, the Engineer's Club of St. Louis, the Augustinian
Nuns of Contemplative Life, a convent, Boy's and Girl's Town of Missouri,
which provides housing and administrative services for youths, in addition, Cathedral
Square has a home for persons with Mental Illness, and two additional convents. Apartment
buildings range from turn of the century high rises to a newer two story apartment
complex, from rooming houses to carriage houses. Condominiums, too, have been developed
utilizing both old and new structures. Typical of the historic district, a broad variety
of living styles exist side by side.
The general area had suffered a long decline of culminating in
the 1960's. Demolition of dilapidated buildings became the "answer" in the
1970's. However, a combination of efforts has saved Cathedral Square: The non-profits
organizations served as anchors, helping to stabilize the area; many longtime residents
have resisted the trend to move west; and young urban pioneers have moved in, bringing
fresh commitment to historic preservation. The mix has created a rich diversity in the
area, restoration of most structures, and a healthy environment that invites relocation
back from the suburbs and the introduction of needed businesses.
Funding:
On May 6, 1996, voters approved
a property tax levy at the maximum rate of $.85
per $100 valuation to fund the Cathedral Square
Special Business District for three years, beginning
January 1, 1997. The annual revenue is approximately
$70,000 - $75,000.
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