The heartbeat of the Central West End, elegant Maryland Avenue was once the high-end shopping destination of St. Louis, housing Saks Fifth Avenue, Montaldo’s, The Woman’s Exchange and other upscale retail destinations. When Plaza Frontenac opened in the ’70s, Saks relocated, and many other stores soon shuttered, as well. “We went from the premiere shopping district in the region to a block of empty stores,” says Jim Dwyer, a member of several neighborhood organizations, including the CWE Association Planning and Development Committee, the CWE Business Community Improvement District, and the Neighborhood Security Initiative.
After a steady decline in the 1970s as a result of St. Louis’ population shift to suburbia, Maryland Avenue has rebuilt itself into a vibrant corner of the city. “The appeal of the neighborhood lies not only in its beautiful architecture, but also in its central location and the fact that it’s stayed true to itself over the years,” Dwyer says. At holiday time, the majestic street is lit up with lights, and each year, Maryland Plaza hosts a tree-lighting ceremony and a holiday extravaganza showcasing multicultural traditions. Special events throughout the year celebrate the sense of community this area is known for.
While the iconic Chase Park Plaza closed its doors in 1989, it came back better than ever a decade later. Changes included the redevelopment of the stately Art Deco-style Park Plaza Tower into some of the toniest private residences in the city and a hotel redo that included a five-screen movie theater and two premier restaurants. Now, the Chase serves as an important anchor for the neighborhood.
Other parts of Maryland Avenue got a face-lift, as well. Maryland Plaza was revitalized with office and rental units, and the elegant, three-story homes on the north side of Maryland Avenue were returned to their original intended use as residential structures, Dwyer says. In addition, in the Central West End overall, more than 1,200 apartment units are either under construction or have been announced, which creates a denser environment—desirable for maintaining a thriving city neighborhood. “When you think about the most attractive cities in the world—Paris, London, New York—they’re all densely populated, and that’s what gives them their vitality,” Dwyer says. “That’s why the addition of new apartments, as well as the renovation and upgrading of existing housing stock, is an important factor going forward.”
Maryland Avenue and Maryland Plaza now boast a variety of restaurants, retail shops and attractions, including the world’s largest chess piece at the World Chess Hall of Fame. “I’ve been here for more than 40 years, and I’ve always been optimistic about the prospects for the future, but I never quite imagined the vitality we currently are experiencing,” Dwyer says.
what » Maryland Avenue and Maryland Plaza
where » The Central West End
why » To enjoy the turn-of-the-century architecture, eclectic shopping and top-notch restaurants of one of St. Louis’ most iconic areas
Photo: Bill Barrett
