Unseen STL Vibes November 2024
Upbeat STL news, history events and other historical tidbits
Unseen STL Vibes
Welcome to Unseen STL Vibes, a monthly feature of Unseen St. Louis, where we highlight the positive and unique aspects of our city. Each month, I showcase uplifting stories, events, and hidden gems that make St. Louis special. From heartwarming community initiatives to exciting local discoveries, Unseen STL Vibes aims to spread joy and foster a deeper appreciation for our city.
Upbeat STL news
Here are some positive stories about St. Louis worth sharing.
Mixed Use in Midtown
A new $232 million mixed-use development in Downtown West near CityPark is set to break ground next year, revitalizing 12 acres with over 450 apartments, offices, and retail spaces. St Louis Public Radio described how AHM Group secured the final $171 million in bonds and aims to create a vibrant community with housing options across income levels. “We’re really focused on being able to create a neighborhood that serves everyone, and that’s really driven through diversity of incomes and affordability,” said managing principal Kyle Howerton. The development, featuring a 29-story high-rise and affordable units, promises to bring new energy to the area.
You Can Now Pass Go in STL
St. Louis now has its own edition of Monopoly, featuring iconic landmarks like the Gateway Arch, Forest Park, and The Hill, giving locals a chance to “own” pieces of their city in the beloved board game. According to Fox 2, this official “Monopoly: St. Louis Edition” includes unique touches like “railroads” named after the region's rivers and Community Chest cards supporting local nonprofits like Stray Rescue and Operation Food Search. “We wanted to capture the heart of St. Louis by including places that locals know and love,” said a representative from Monopoly’s creators. The game is available locally and online, offering a fun tribute to the city’s rich culture.
When It Comes to Coffee, Kaldi’s is #1
St. Louis-based Kaldi's Coffee recently clinched the top spot as the nation’s best coffee chain in the USA Today 10 Best Readers Choice Awards, a proud moment as it outshone giants like Starbucks and Peet’s. As reported in St. Louis Magazine, Kaldi's impressive rise to No. 1 from an initial No. 10 slot reflects its dedicated customer support, especially during its 30th-anniversary celebrations. Marketing director Rob Wilhelm captures the sentiment: “It goes back 30 years, that loyal following, the memories, all of those people who have a connection to the brand.” Alongside the accolade, Kaldi’s has much to celebrate with new locations, innovative products, and anniversary events that honor its St. Louis roots while fueling its future growth.
Emerson Is Staying In Town
In a pivotal decision for St. Louis, Emerson CEO Lal Karsanbhai has chosen to keep the Fortune 500 company headquartered in the region, moving from Ferguson to a new high-rise in Clayton rather than relocating to another city. Reflecting on his choice to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Karsanbhai credited both data-driven analysis and personal commitment to the community, saying, “I wanted to live here. I wanted to raise my kids here, and the data supported my decision.” As part of his dedication to the region, Emerson is increasing its local charitable contributions to $30 million annually, launching initiatives in education and public safety, and supporting infrastructure improvements like St. Louis Lambert International Airport's redevelopment. Karsanbhai urges local leaders to improve education, jobs, and public safety, emphasizing that “words are no longer enough” to create a viable and thriving community.
Downtown’s #1 Cheerleader
In his Post-Dispatch column, Tony Messenger profiled Denis Beganovic, a city planner and downtown St. Louis resident. He described how Denis finds hope and progress in the streets of his city, seeing the potential for transformation in projects like the redevelopment of the historic Jefferson Arms building. Known as downtown’s “No. 1 cheerleader,” Beganovic has walked over 16,000 miles around St. Louis, documenting positive changes and dispelling misconceptions about safety with data-driven insights. Reflecting on his pride in St. Louis, he shared, “We can take pride in the progress that is being made. You cannot deny that St. Louis is safer this year than it was last year, and the year before that. I don’t feel unsafe. I just don’t.” His passion drives him to encourage connectivity and community pride, envisioning a vibrant, well-connected downtown that others can appreciate as much as he does.
STL History and Related Events
Check out upcoming events in the St. Louis area.
The Great Big STL Architecture Bus Tour
Are you a fan of flounder houses? A maniac for mansard roofs? An ardent arch admirer? Or maybe you just want to learn more about the buildings around you. Either way, this super-size See STL tour is the place to discover St. Louis architecture across history—and maybe even take a glimpse at what the future holds.
Attendees will meet and learn from local architecture experts and enjoy exclusive behind-the-scenes access to some of our city’s most stunning landmarks. This 5-hour bus tour includes a 1-hour lunch break at City Foundry (lunch purchased separately).
Saturday, November 9, 10 am-3 pm
$40, $35 for MHS members
Visit the MHS website to purchase tickets
Cassilly Birthday Shenanigans & Special Footage Release: The Making of City Museum
View Sharon von Senden’s work up close and meet the artist herself. Enjoy the archival footage that tells the story of the City Museum’s creation. Meet Max Cassilly and Chris Naffziger, hosts of the Cassilly Chronicles Podcast, who will be sharing stories from behind the scenes. Grab some pizza, coffee, or beer as we celebrate together!
November 9th, 6-9 pm
Gelateria, 3197 S Grand Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63118
Event is free; food and drinks available for purchase
Researching St. Louis Newspapers
Explore historic St. Louis newspapers and discover where to access them in this webinar presented by historian Chris Naffziger. Throughout St. Louis's history, numerous newspapers have come and gone, offering valuable resources for historians and genealogists. This session will guide you through the rich archives of both English and German-language newspapers from the 19th century, including notable titles like the Westliche Post.
Monday, November 11th, 5 pm
Zoom
Free
Register for event
A History of Chinese Restaurants in St. Louis
Join Assistant Librarian and Curatorial Assistant Magdalene Linck to delve into Chinese restaurants in St. Louis.
November 12, 11:00 am
Missouri History Museum
Free
Event listing
Reconstructing the James Clemens, Jr. House
Michael R. Allen and Alan Yang explore the history of the demolished James Clemens, Jr. House and conservation of its remaining architectural elements at the National Building Arts Center. Built in 1859-1860 at 1849 Cass Avenue, St. Louis, Missouri, the residence-turned-charitable facility was destroyed in 2017-2018 after a devastating fire.
November 13, 1-3 pm
Zoom
Free, but registration is required
More info and tickets
Unseen STL History Talks
In November’s Unseen STL History Talks, Andy Hahn and Dr. Joe Squillace will bring St. Louis’s past to life through maps and social history. Andy Hahn, author of Mapping St. Louis: A History of the Gateway City in 40 Rare Maps, will explore how historic maps reveal the city’s evolution from the 1760s to today, showcasing everything from navigation maps to imaginative city plans. Dr. Joe Squillace, author of Over the Hills to Saint Louis’ Poverty Hill, will delve into the history of “Poverty Hill” and the city’s Poor House, Insane Asylum, and Female Hospital, highlighting the lives and stories of those often overlooked by history.
November 21, 7-9 pm (doors 6 pm)
Spine Bookstore and Cafe, 1982 Arsenal
$5 cover
Learn more at Unseen St. Louis
Revisit Unseen St. Louis Articles
Craving more STL history? Look no further!
Today, let’s take a visit to Spring Church. Tucked in behind the Grand Center Arts District of St. Louis is a shell of a building that is a favorite for photo ops and events. Known as Spring Church, it was built in 1884 for the Delmar Baptist Church. Next door was a townhouse complex designed c. 1905-06 by famed architect Theodore Link, with one used as his residence. Although that structure is gone, the foundation remains and was incorporated into the garden outside Spring Church. You can learn more about this preserved piece of St. Louis history on Unseen St. Louis.
If you have events, news, historical tidbits, or other things you think Unseen STL readers would appreciate, just drop me an email at jackie@jackiedana.com and be sure to include “Unseen STL Vibes” in the subject line. And be sure to subscribe to Unseen St. Louis and share this with your friends!