Tower Grove East
The Tower Grove East (TGE) Neighborhood is a strong St. Louis neighborhood rich in community spirit and architectural splendor, historical heritage and diversity. TGE is conveniently located only six miles from downtown St. Louis, near major highways and hospitals, and just east of Tower Grove Park. Bordered on the west by South Grand Boulevard, TGE stretches from Shenandoah to Gravois. TGE residents are within walking distances of the many restaurants on South Grand Boulevard (Grand South Grand).
HISTORY
The TGE neighborhood was originally part of La Petite Prairie, which was settled by the French in the early 1700s. By the 1850s much of the property was owned by German Catholics, recent immigrants from Germany’s 1848 civil war. They built comfortable homes and began creating a community toward the end of the 1800s. Blocks were developed, upon which many of the prosperous German immigrants built grand homes.
The owners and builders in the early days of Tower Grove East were for the most part siblings, cousins and extended family members of the prominent Germans living in Compton Heights. Thus architectural trends originating in Compton Heights and Flora Place influenced the designs of homes on South Compton, Shenandoah and several of the other residential avenues. Attention was heavily focused on the entry, cornice and windows. Buyers would often choose the architectural elements from pattern books that illustrated multiple styles of windows, doors, stairways and fireplace mantels. Thus the interiors of the homes in Tower Grove East are full of surprises. The often austere exterior facades typically hide a wealth of richly designed entries with carved fretwork; built-in hall benches, mirrors and bookcases; wood paneling; stained-glass windows and elaborate staircases.
TOWER GROVE EAST NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION
The Tower Grove East Neighborhood Association (TGENA), founded in 1965, in a non-profit, volunteer organization. Their mission is: To achieve an outstanding urban neighborhood characterized by a diverse population, unified in an atmosphere of trust, respect and friendship. The TGENA monthly meetings are held on the 4th Thursday of every month. Please visit their website, www.towergroveeast.org for more information.