Many St. Louis suburbanites venture downtown only for sporting events or concerts, but Dan Becker, who moved to the area two years ago, loves the neighborhood for its cool urban feel, its mix of eclectic restaurants and nightlife, and the pedestrian lifestyle it provides.
Q. What first attracted you to the area?
A. It has everything. I was working downtown and I just liked the neighborhood, its feel and the loft style of living. I looked at other places to live, but the lofts were the coolest thing.
Q. What makes living downtown different from living in other areas of St. Louis?
A. It has a city feel, and the only place you can really get that is downtown. I can walk down the street to FleishmanHillard, where I work, and it’s super convenient. And it’s probably the best place to live for a St. Louis sports lover. I can walk to Blues and Cardinals games. Experiencing that World Series win in October 2011, when I first moved downtown, was incredible.
Q. Are there many amenities in the neighborhood ?
A. I just moved two months ago to 10th and Olive, which is a block from Culinaria, Schnuck’s downtown market. So I have a grocery store a block away and a ton of bars and restaurants nearby—burgers, sushi, even a jambalaya place that’s really good. And there are a lot of new developments happening, like MX Movies. Now I can walk to see a movie after work.
Q. Has the area changed much in the two years you’ve lived there?
A. It has. I feel like the number of people and the businesses that have opened up have increased a lot, with the MX theater being the most notable.
Q. What’s the most memorable thing you’ve experienced living downtown?
A. The 2011 World Series win. I was at the game and going back to Washington Avenue, with people partying in the streets, cars honking and people celebrating everywhere—I’ll always remember that.
Q. Would you ever consider relocating?
A. If I had to live somewhere else, it would be the Central West End. But the loft-style apartments downtown, with the exposed brick and industrial look—you can’t get that anywhere else in St. Louis.
[downtown destinations]
Best restaurant >> Bailey’s Range. The beer selection and the burgers are amazing, and it’s just so convenient. I eat there pretty often.
Best place to hang out with friends >> The Side Bar or Hair of the Dog
Best place to grab a drink >> The Flying Saucer. The beer selection is incredible. The people there are super friendly, too, and it’s right next to the stadium.
Most unique business >> The Collective MX. It’s a boutique co-op, so you can buy things from all these different boutiques in one spot.
Best place to get outdoors >> The riverfront, right by the Arch.
By Stephanie Zeilenga
Photo by Bill Barrett
Pictured: Dan Becker