Benton Park is one of those neighborhoods in St. Louis City that has more history than it knows what to do with – and that is not a bad thing!
Beyond the ample amount of beautiful city parks, Benton Park hosts one of the best antique shopping areas in the city and a slew of phenomenal establishments for food and drink.
The neighborhood itself is a melting pot of small businesses, artists, singles and families, making it a very desirable place for city living. It has also been one of the premier spots for rehabs in large part to the beautiful existing local architecture and local draws.
To understand the neighborhood today, let’s take alook at the history.
Since it’s named after the park, we’ll start there:
Before it was a park, it was the city cemetery (which makes for some great ghost stories). When it was initially converted into the park back in 1866, it was called “City Park” but later renamed after the senator (not the artist) Thomas Hart Benton (a rather fascinating person if you have time to look into his story; there is even a duel on the infamous Bloody island).
So how did an area surrounding a former cemetery become such a popular place to live? The answer to that is right beneath the surface.
BP is littered with underground caverns beneath it which attracted many beer makers to the area. Think about it – in an era without electric refrigeration, caverns were ideal for storage (especially since their temperature control was held at a steady 55 degrees by Mother Nature).
After the the beer manufacturers came, so did their German workers – and with a slew of masons, bricklayers, and other architectural artisans to build up the area. The phrase “they don’t build them like they used to” holds true as most buildings in this area (and much of South City) were built by these German immigrants who were highly skilled in masonry, carpentry, and overall craftsmanship. There could be (and should be) a whole webpage dedicated to all the different styles of architecture showcased in Benton Park.
There were two major disruptions to the rise of this area.
1. Prohibition – nothing screws up the vitality of an area more than the outlawing of its most produced commodity.
2. Highway 55 – While highways are great for everyone else, they are pretty much a neighborhood killer if it sets up a border (just like what it did for Old North StL).
Benton Park survived though, in large part to the architecture. While other portion of the city were being demolished due to structural decay, most properties in BP stood the test of time which is one of the reasons why BP is such a wonderful place today. The majority of BP still contains these remnants of classic 19th century architecture.
Examples of Architecture:
Benton Park Architecture
I love the tall windows!
Benton Park Architecture
The detail of the brickwork is amazing on some of these Benton Park homes.
Benton Park Architecture
One of the many rows on beautiful homes in Benton Park
Benton Park Architecture
One of the many beautiful brick corner properties throughout the area.
Benton Park Architecture
Benton Park Architecture
One of the many rows on beautiful homes in Benton Park
Benton Park Architecture
Benton Park Architecture
Many of the homes in Benton Park are tall yet close in proximity to each other.
Benton Park Architecture
One of the many beautiful homes in Benton Park
Benton Park Architecture
The tree lined streets make Benton Park a destination for the weekend walker crowd.
Senate Square
Offering a wide selection of apartments ranging from spacious studio apartments to lofty 3 bedroom town homes.
Benton Park Architecture
While many of the homes in Benton Park are all brick, there are quite a few made of stone
Benton Park Architecture
Benton Park Architecture
One of the many rows on beautiful homes in Benton Park
Benton Park Architecture
One of the things I love best about the homes in Benton Park is the use of bright colors
Benton Park Architecture
One of the many beautiful homes in Benton Park
Most of the major changes in revitalizing Benton Park are the result of its residents, making BP a prime example for struggling neighborhoods of StL of what can be accomplished through hard work (and city, state, and Federal assistance programs). Serving as a mecca for local artists (and still is in many ways), BP became the first city neighborhood to create its own art council in 1980. A year earlier, the Senate Square Apartments were created from the rehabs of run down properties owned by absentee landlords. During the 1980’s, parts of Benton Park (the actual park) were renovated with assistance from Federal and City grant money. Through the efforts of its residents, the Benton Park neighborhood was placed on the National Register of Historic places as Missouri’s largest Federal Register District in 1985 – one of the reasons biggest reasons why developers and rehabbers come to BP since they can take advantage of historic tax credits in rehabilitating homes. StL City’s Land Reutilization Authority (LRA) has also played a significant role in rehabilitating BP by buying buildings in need of rehabilitation for fair market value (if the current owners are unwilling or unable to do so) and then selling them to rehabilitation developers for renovating.
Today Benton Park is thriving part of St. Louis City. A home to singles, growing families, artists, and small businesses. Drop by for some antique shopping on Cherokee or visit one of the many great coffee shops of restaurants that are located in the neighborhood.
Around the Neighborhood:
Now that we have explored the history and architecture, let’s take a look at what else the neighborhood has to offer. From Cherokee Street Antique Shops to Benton Park Lake, this neighborhood has so much more than just its history!
Benton Park Lake
Benton Park Lake
Benton Park
Anheuser-Busch
Just across the 55 bridge from Benton Park. Drop by for a tour. Anheuser Busch Website
Lemp Brewery
Cherokee Street
One of the many antique shops along Cherokee Street
Cherokee Street
One of the many antique shops along Cherokee Street
Cherokee Street
I love this concept of an open source library!
Benton Park Lake
Cherokee Street
One of the many antique shops along Cherokee Street
Historic Cherokee Antique Row
Is a perfect afternoon getaway offering six blocks of independently owned and operated Antique, Collectible and Specialty Shops, Art Galleries, Restaurants and Café’s!
Historic Cherokee Antique Row
Is a perfect afternoon getaway offering six blocks of independently owned and operated Antique, Collectible and Specialty Shops, Art Galleries, Restaurants and Café’s!
Benton Park Lake
Lemp Mansion
In the 1800’s and early 1900’s, the Lemp Mansion was as a residence and auxiliary brewery office for William J. Lemp and his family, owners of the famous Lemp Brewery. Although it was already an impressive structure, Lemp used his massive brewery fortune to turn the thirty-three room house into a showplace. Today the Mansion — lovingly restored by the Pointer family — offers guests the luxury of a beer baron’s lifestyle combined with casual hominess. Explore this website and find out why Lemp Mansion is a unique treasure enjoyed by generations of visitors. Lemp Mansion Website
The Purple Cow
A wonderful antique shop on Cherokee street
Saxquest
For all your sax needs.
Cherokee Indian
This giant Cherokee Indian gets his name from the street over which he watches.
Food & Drink
There are quite a few great places in Benton Park to grab a bit to eat or sit back and enjoy a cup of coffee. Here are a few of my favorites:
Venice Cafe
A shot of some the the very unique artwork that line the walls of the patio. Venice Cafe Website
Venice Cafe
A shot of some the the very unique artwork that line the walls of the patio. Venice Cafe Website
Frazer’s
The entrees at Frazers are inspired by tastes from around the globe, including French, Moroccan, Italian, Mexican, and Cajun. From New Orleans to The Mediterranean, his dishes are one of a kind. Frazer’s Website
Sidney Street Cafe
Is located in a century old store front building in historic Benton Park. The atmosphere is informally elegant, graced with exposed brick walls, gleaming hardwood floors, and the nationally recognized cuisine of Chef Sidney Street Cafe Website
Mississippi Mud House
Brings youthful energy, a warm vibe that’s as much friendly-hipster as hipster-friendly, and great coffeehouse grub. http://themudhousestl.com Mississippi Mud House
Blue’s City Deli
A wonderful combination of Italian sandwiches and blues music Blues City Deli Website
Venice Cafe
A shot of some the the very unique artwork that line the walls of the patio. Venice Cafe Website
Whisk
A Sustainable Bakeshop provides sweet treats to the awesome people of Saint Louis through the storefront in the Cherokee-Lemp Art District Whisk Website
Trueman’s Place
A local favorite for drinks during after after just about any sporting event Trueman’s Place Website
Hodak’s
Has been St. Louis’ premiere stop for chicken lovers since 1962. Hodak’s Website
Benton Park Cafe
One of the local favorites for breakfast Benton Park Cafe Website
Luvy Duvy’s
A fabulous little restaurant that mixes barbeque, burgers, and southern food. Luvy Duvy’s Website
Ernesto’s Wine Bar
Captures the passion for inquiry and adventure through the pairing of wine and food.Featuring an artisanal wine list, craft beers, and a seasonal dinner menu.
Venice Cafe
A shot of some the the very unique artwork that line the walls of the patio. Venice Cafe Website
Gus’ Pretzels
The flag above Gus’ Pretzels Gus’ Pretzels Website
Niche
This used to be one of the best restaurants in Benton Park (and arguably St. Louis) but unfortunately they moved out to Clayton. I hope another great restaurant will rise up in this central location.
O’Malley’s Irish Pub
Your neighborhood corner bar. Come enjoy food and drinks, stay for live Irish music with great company.
Venice Cafe
A shot of some the the very unique artwork that line the walls of the patio. Venice Cafe Website
Venice Cafe
One of the most colorful of bars in St. Louis Venice Cafe Website
Gus’ Pretzels
Is a family-owned and operated business and a visit to Gus’ has become, to a lot of St. Louisians and visitors, a tradition. Their pretzels are made fresh daily. Gus’ Pretzels Website
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