When Interstate 44 was constructed in the 1960s, McRee Town was split into two parts. The Shaw neighborhood thrived while the area to the north of the dissection fell apart. After decades of neglect, the Garden District Commission (GDC) was created to help renovate the area now known as Botanical Heights. It consists of 14 square blocks, bounded by Folsom Avenue on the north, Lafayette Avenue on the south, 39th Street on the east and Vandeventer Avenue on the west.
Founded: 2000
Named in honor of: In 1998, the Missouri Botanical Garden created the GDC in an effort to revitalize the area now called Botanical Heights.
Notable landmarks: The Liggett & Myers Historic District, City Garden Montessori Charter School
bars & restaurants
- La Patisserie Chouquette: Chef Simone Faure runs this French inspired boutique pastry shop. Specialties include a macaron subscription, wedding cakes, split beverages and breakfast.
- Nixta, Olio and Elaia: All owned by James Beard semi-finalist Ben Poremba, Nixta serves contemporary chef-driven cuisine with nods to Mexico and the American Mediterranean. Olio can be found in a renovated Standard Oil filling station from the 1930s, featuring a blend of Mediterranean and Middle-eastern cuisine. Elaia is known for imaginative cuisine and its extensive wine list.
- Union Loafers: This bread bakery and café serves sandwiches, soups and salads for lunch and then transforms into a pizzeria with a variety of wines and beers at dinnertime.
local shops
- AO&Co: Also owned by Poremba, this specialty foods market features an espresso/tea bar and a cigar and gift shop.
Sugarwitch: This Airstream business parked on the patio of Olio is a must visit. Specialty ice cream sandwiches include the Glimmer ‘Witch, made of lavender ice cream and miso toffee shortbread. Other items include push pops, pup cops and seasonal coffee and tea original recipes. - Union Studio: Works from more than 100 artists are featured in the retail section of this workplace.
- Utopia Studios: It’s the hub for musicians, dancers, DJs, photographers, videographers—you name it! A variety of studios are offered by the hour or through memberships.
parks
- Botanical Heights Community Garden: MaTovu recently built a temporary sukkah in the garden to celebrate Sukkot. The community garden is supported by Gateway Greening.
- Botanical Heights Playground: This playground was created in 2011 by a group of volunteers wanting to transform a vacant lot. It’s small but includes a puppet theater and play train.
annual events
- Botanical Heights Neighborhood Association’s Garden Walk (June): Having been celebrated for five years, the event helps raise money for the Botanical Heights Neighborhood.
- Opportunity Around the Corner: Organized by Park Central Development, the job fair connects residents of Tiffany, Botanical Heights and Forest Park Southeast to jobs within walking distance of their neighborhoods.
Photos courtesy of Botanical Heights Neighborhood Association