As St. Louis real estate pros who spend our days exploring neighborhoods across the metro, we have a soft spot for Lafayette Square — and if you’ve ever strolled past those elegant brick mansions and wondered what they look like inside, this weekend is your chance.
The Holiday Parlor Tour returns this Sunday, offering a rare peek into some of the neighborhood’s most beautifully restored Victorian homes. These aren’t just houses — they’re living pieces of St. Louis history, each one lovingly brought back to life. Tickets Here! They sell out!
Why Lafayette Square Is So Special
Centered around Lafayette Park (the oldest public park in the city), this neighborhood was the “it” place to live in the 1800s. Wealthy merchants and civic leaders built grand Second Empire homes facing the park, with signature features like mansard roofs, ornate ironwork, carved staircases, and those dramatic tall windows that flood every room with light.
Today, thanks to decades of restoration, Lafayette Square stands as one of the most intact Victorian neighborhoods in the nation. And on Parlor Tour day, you get to step right inside these masterpieces.
What to Expect This Weekend
Multiple historic homes decorated for the holidays
A festive holiday market in Lafayette Park
Carriage rides and seasonal entertainment
Gorgeous photo spots everywhere you turn
If you love STL architecture, local history, or just want to soak up some holiday cheer, this event is a must.
And yes — if the charm of Lafayette Square steals your heart (it happens!), we’d love to show you what’s available in the neighborhood. Homes here are rare and sought-after… but when one comes on the market, it’s something special.
If you’ve ever taken an afternoon stroll down Arsenal Street, you know the feeling — the kind of Old St. Louis charm that hits you the moment you pass those red-brick façades, wrought-iron fences, rolling hills and lakesand the smell of coffee drifting from a nearby corner café. That’s what life at 1951 Arsenal Street is all about — being part of a neighborhood where every block tells a story.
Photographs of a home on Arsenal Street in the Benton Park neighborhood of St. Louis, Missouri for Lisa and Chris Grus, Premier Realty Exclusive.
🍃 Welcome to Benton Park — A Hidden Gem with a Soul
Benton Park isn’t just one of the oldest neighborhoods in St. Louis — it’s one of the most beloved. Tucked between Soulard and Tower Grove East, this community has that rare mix of historic beauty, creative energy, and small-town friendliness that makes people stay for decades.
You’ll find artists restoring century-old homes, young professionals walking dogs past the park pond, and neighbors chatting on stoops with cold iced tea in hand. Benton Park has a way of slowing life down — without ever feeling boring.
The centerpiece, of course, is Benton Park itself — a lush green escape dating back to the 1860s, where ducks gather on the lake and joggers circle under the shade of mature trees. The park is also home to community picnics, concerts, and that Sunday-morning peace that money can’t buy.
Benton Park isn’t the kind of neighborhood you just move into — it’s one you become a part of.
☕ A Neighborhood Built on Flavor and Community
One of the best parts about living at 1951 Arsenal St. is how walkable it is. You can grab breakfast at Benton Park Café, some world famous fried chicken at Hodak’s, or enjoy happy hour on the patio at Venice Café — all without ever getting in the car.
Just a few blocks away, you’ll find the legendary Blue’s City Deli, known for its live music and line-out-the-door sandwiches. And if you love vintage shopping or local art, the Cherokee Street Arts District is a short walk or bike ride away.
From Benton Park Concert Series, to the labor day Gateway Cup criterium cycling race, its craft breweries, farmers markets, dog parks and cozy brunch spots, this pocket of the city gives you all the culture of urban living — without losing that friendly, front-porch neighborhood feeling.
🏠 A Home That Reflects Its Neighborhood’s Character
Step inside 1951 Arsenal Street, and you’ll feel that same blend of old soul meets modern life. This home tells its story through exposed brick, tall ceilings, and carefully restored historic woodwork — all paired with today’s comforts: an open kitchen, spa-style bathrooms, and light-filled living spaces that flow seamlessly.
It’s the kind of home that makes entertaining easy, that feels warm in winter and airy in summer, that perfectly mirrors the personality of the neighborhood itself — rooted, elegant, and quietly confident.
🚶♀️ Why People Fall in Love with Benton Park
Benton Park isn’t the kind of neighborhood you just move into — it’s one you become a part of. It’s where you can walk your dog past 19th-century row houses, meet friends at a neighborhood bar where everyone knows your name, or spend a lazy Sunday morning on your porch watching the city wake up.
Here, you’ll see families planting flowers, neighbors sharing tools, and the same faces at the corner bakery every weekend. It’s community at its best — authentic, connected, and real.
If you’re looking for a home that gives you character, convenience, and connection, 1951 Arsenal St. and Benton Park offer all three.
❤️ Presented by the Chris and Lisa Grus Team
At The Chris and Lisa Grus Team, we don’t just sell homes — we live and breathe St. Louis neighborhoods. From Soulard to Tower Grove, we believe every home has a story worth telling, and this one’s ready for its next chapter.
📍 1951 Arsenal Street, St. Louis, MO 63118 ✨ Listed by The Chris and Lisa Grus Team — Premier Realty Exclusive | eXp Realty
Nestled along the banks of the mighty Mississippi River, St. Louis, Missouri, is a city rich in history, culture, and architectural marvels. Among its notable urban living trends, loft living has emerged as a popular choice for both residents and newcomers. These unique living spaces offer a blend of historical significance and contemporary design that embodies the city’s vibrant spirit.
A Glimpse into St. Louis’s History
St. Louis boasts a remarkable history, from its role as a trading post in the 18th century to its prominence during the westward expansion in the 19th century. This historical significance is reflected in the city’s architecture, with many abandoned warehouses, factories, and commercial buildings being repurposed into modern loft apartments.
Industrial Heritage Transformed
Lofts in St. Louis often feature exposed brick walls, wooden beams, and expansive windows, which pay homage to their industrial origins. The adaptive reuse of these spaces preserves their historical charm while integrating contemporary amenities. The soaring ceilings and open floor plans that characterize lofts create an atmosphere of spaciousness, allowing residents to personalize their living spaces creatively.
A Hub for Art and Culture
St. Louis’s loft districts have become hubs for art and culture. The abundance of space has attracted artists, musicians, and other creative individuals seeking room for their passions to flourish. Many lofts serve as both living spaces and studios, fostering an environment where residents can engage in their creative pursuits without leaving the comfort of home.
Neighborhoods of Distinction
Several neighborhoods in St. Louis stand out for their vibrant loft communities:
Washington Avenue Historic District: Once the heart of the city’s garment and textile industry, this district is now a thriving hub of entertainment, dining, and loft living. The cobblestone streets and historic facades are a testament to the area’s past, while the bustling nightlife and art galleries demonstrate its modern evolution. The Grove: Known for its LGBTQ+ friendly atmosphere, The Grove features an eclectic mix of lofts, boutiques, restaurants, and art galleries. This neighborhood exemplifies the fusion of contemporary culture with historic architecture. Downtown West: Situated near Busch Stadium and the Gateway Arch, this area offers lofts with breathtaking views of iconic St. Louis landmarks. Its convenient location and proximity to entertainment venues make it a sought-after address. Lafayette Square: Characterized by its charming Victorian architecture, Lafayette Square combines historic elegance with loft-style living. The neighborhood’s picturesque park, Lafayette Park, adds to its allure. Community and Connectivity
Loft living in St. Louis fosters a strong sense of community. Residents often participate in neighborhood events, farmer’s markets, and local art walks, which contribute to the vibrant social fabric of these districts. Additionally, the close proximity of lofts to cultural institutions, theaters, and sports arenas ensures that residents are always connected to the city’s pulse.
The St. Louis loft living trend encapsulates the city’s unique blend of history and modernity. The adaptive reuse of historic buildings has breathed new life into forgotten spaces, creating vibrant neighborhoods where creativity and community thrive. As the allure of loft living continues to grow, St. Louis remains a captivating destination for those seeking a distinctive urban lifestyle.
Often times, people moving to St. Louis are directed away from the City. The St. Louis area is definitely known for its suburban sprawl, and especially with the GREAT DIVORCE OF 1876, the urban area has less balance than other metropolitan areas, driving up crime statistics (per capita) and diminishing perceived safety.
The Truth about St. Louis
St. Louis, Missouri, is a city known for its diverse neighborhoods and affordable real estate options. The St. Louis real estate market offers a range of choices, from historic homes in established neighborhoods to modern developments in up-and-coming areas.
Some popular neighborhoods in St. Louis include:
1. Central West End: This vibrant neighborhood features beautiful historic homes, upscale condominiums, and a bustling commercial district with trendy restaurants, cafes, and shops.
Piazza del Imo on the Hill
2. The Hill: Known for its strong Italian heritage, The Hill offers charming bungalows and brick homes, as well as delicious Italian cuisine and local bakeries.
3. Soulard: Located near downtown, Soulard is famous for its lively atmosphere and historic brick townhomes. It’s also home to the oldest farmer’s market west of the Mississippi River.
4. Lafayette Square: This neighborhood features stunning Victorian homes surrounding a picturesque park, offering a mix of old-world charm and modern amenities.
5. Tower Grove South: Known for its diverse community and beautiful Tower Grove Park, this area offers a mix of historic homes and affordable housing options.
6. Southampton: trendy neighborhood with affordable brick gingerbread homes and a thriving business district called the Macklind Avenue Business District.
7. St. Louis Hills: built as a luxury neighborhood, this neighborhood is known for its stylish larger brick gingerbread homes. This area’s popularity began as a home for celebrities and remains well known due to Francis Park, Willmore Park, a Christmas light display called Candycane Lane and, of course, the famed Ted Drewes frozen custard.
It’s important to note that the real estate market is dynamic, and prices and availability can vary over time. It’s always recommended to work with a local real estate agent who can provide you with up-to-date information and guide you through the buying process in St. Louis.
As a Realtor with lots of experience in the City, there’s a few things I know:
There’s a great demand for updated urban homes.
The City is being restored.
Restoring 100+ year old neighborhoods takes time and money.
Noah Brandt, the purveyor of fake news in today’s Post-Dispatch, wrote an op-ed piece on how city residents are fleeing because of their concerns of safety, and that its going to get worse with the new mayor.
Working extensively in the City in areas Like Tower Grove, Benton Park, Soulard, Lafayette Square and Forest Park Southeast, I see major shift in occupancy trends. People want more space. Converting a 2 family or 4 family apartment into a single family home, or converting a 5 bed / 1 bath home into a 3 bedroom 3.5 bath home means smaller family sizes. A gut rehab we did a few years ago had 8 people living in 2 apartments at the 1940 census, was purchased by a single person. The home 2 bedroom home my grandmother grew up in with her family of 9 was demolished to build the new SLU hospital. Before the 80’s the population had a lot to do with the size of families in the City. Now, large families are rare. There are too many factors to describe why the poplulation of St. Louis is dropping. Maybe he can ask Paul McKee how many St. Louis City resident’s he displaced with his failed attempt to improve the area.
He describes the population loss in St. Louis, and attributes it to fear of crime, while comparing the growth in St. Charles County at the same time. As a Realtor with lots of experience in St. Charles, I know a few things about that too.
St. Charles County has more affordable new construction and for sale each year than ST. Louis City and St. Louis County combined. In the past 365 Days, a quick search of the MLS shows that 905 homes sold in St. Charles county with an average price of $368,988, whereas St. Louis City & County had a combined 558 sales with an average price of $635,456.
St. Charles has a land mass of 560 sq miles, versus St. Louis City has a land mass of 61.74 sq miles.
Clearing farmland and building new homes is cheaper, easier and quicker than restoring neighborhoods and infrastucture built in the 19th Century.
Finding a place to live that meets up to certain standards is getting harder and more consuming for people, increasing the likelyhood that they’ll consider spreading out and paying less. Last year, I had a client that wanted to find a home in the city. We looked and made offers, but they eventually settled on a home in Affton. In January, we listed a home in Affton that ended up receiving 11 offers. It left 10 buyer’s, all with strong offers, scratching their heads about where they were going to find a home. Some may choose the path of least resistance, where homes are more plentiful and more affordable. Someplace like St. Charles.
The Bottom Line….
No one has asked me who I would have picked for the new mayor, so I won’t say, but it wasn’t Tishuara Jones. My hope is that she works hard, and knows more about how to address the problems in St. Louis and is able to energize the City’s residents. The pandemic was hard on the region, and she has her work cut out for her. Even if I was a skeptic, its a little early to be weighing in, casting doubt through fear based propaganda. I say give the new administration a chance.
What I’m wondering is what motivated a PR guy from St. Charles County cast doubt on the city through misleading statements and negativity. Who paid him, and what does he have to gain?
Just steps away from the Soulard Garden Co-op, at 9th and Lami, and Pontiac Square Park, this updated Soulard townhome is the perfect move-in ready residence. Historic charm and soaring high ceilings showcase current updated kitchen and baths. Showings will begin on Saturday, and 2306 S. 9th street will be OPEN 4/11 from 1-2:30pm!
5703 Parc Ridge Way is a MOVE IN READY, updated townhome in the Heart of St. Louis! With 3 LARGE BEDROOMS, a master suite and spacious open floorplan, vaulted ceilings, this has everything you want!
Close to everything, this home is located near the Hampton / Arsenal intersection, so access to all the major highways is minutes away, along with access to the River Des Peres Trail, Forest Park, Sublette Park and more!
Medical residency programs are in Chesterfield, Creve Coeur, Richmond Heights and St. Louis City.
Real estate is a 365 day a year business, but as we inch closer to spring time, [24 days, but who’s counting?] calls from nervous buyer’s and sellers start to intensify. One group we know and love is the resident physicians, since they run on a schedule, and often times don’t have a lot of time to waste. But there’s a lot of others coming for academic posts, corporate jobs, or even a change of scenery. With Washington University and St. Louis University being located centrally, a good chunk of new residents look at the City, and its affordability, impressive architecture various perks!
We Specialize in finding urban and suburban homes where YOU need them!
With rank order list deadline a week away, and Match Day coming on the 15th, STL might become a certainty for many and we’re here to help!
When we moved to Tower Grove, our office had an apartment upstairs that we lived in, while we were estabishing our office, and remodeling a home just blocks away. Having a live work space was amazing! When we no longer needed to live their, we rented the 2nd floor aparment out and essentially paid our loan amount each month with the rental payment and “officed for free”.
Photographs of a restaurant and apartment building on McNair Avenue in the Benton Park neighborhood of St. Louis, Missouri for Chris & Lisa Grus, Premier Realty Exclusive.
Photographs of a restaurant and apartment building on McNair Avenue in the Benton Park neighborhood of St. Louis, Missouri for Chris & Lisa Grus, Premier Realty Exclusive.
Photographs of a restaurant and apartment building on McNair Avenue in the Benton Park neighborhood of St. Louis, Missouri for Chris & Lisa Grus, Premier Realty Exclusive.
Photographs of a restaurant and apartment building on McNair Avenue in the Benton Park neighborhood of St. Louis, Missouri for Chris & Lisa Grus, Premier Realty Exclusive.
Photographs of a restaurant and apartment building on McNair Avenue in the Benton Park neighborhood of St. Louis, Missouri for Chris & Lisa Grus, Premier Realty Exclusive.
Photographs of a restaurant and apartment building on McNair Avenue in the Benton Park neighborhood of St. Louis, Missouri for Chris & Lisa Grus, Premier Realty Exclusive.
Photographs of a restaurant and apartment building on McNair Avenue in the Benton Park neighborhood of St. Louis, Missouri for Chris & Lisa Grus, Premier Realty Exclusive.
This very cool opportunity is in the Heart of Benton Park, just blocks away from Sidney Street Café, Hodak’s, my favorite, Blues City Deli, and Peacemaker. It’s across the street from Cone’s and Cups and Freemont Park. Currently it’s set up as a 3 family apartment with attached restaurant, but there’s so much flexibility. Some would use the whole 1st floor as commercial, others might convert the whole thing to an apartment. For businesses, the optional lot behind the property on Lynch Street would be ideal for parking, for others, it could be used for new construction.
The options are fantastic!
In researching this property, the city tax record is most interesting.
The original architecture was entirely stripped off the 3rd floor, as was the “thing” from the 50’s -70’s …. to ‘modernize’ buildings. It made me curious to know what the building was used for most recently, and historically, so I started searching online. The architect from the rennovation has some nice photos and information about the project. The building had been abandoned. Newspapers.com has archives of newspapers going back to the 1800’s in STL, so there were some interesting news bits in there, but after the pharmacist passed away in 1948, there wasn’t much out there on the news until the physician in the northern storefront passed away in 1962, and then nothing until new life was breathed back into it thanks to historic tax credits, great developers and architects!
So it was built to be a German grocer. Then used as a Doctors office, with McNair Pharmacy operating for 36 years and the family living upstairs. The pharmacy was remodeled extensively in 1928, just in time for the Great Depression
So 35 homes and a 12 unit condominium building is slated to fill in areas surrounding the nearly completed SLU hospital in the Gate District neighborhood according to the news. This is exciting news for the transitioning little neighborhood, along with so much of the other development going on in its proximity. Several developers are sharing in building on lots owned by St. Louis University with cooperation from the neighborhood development committee.
Having seen the demise of condominium builders financing once, it would be nice to see an opportunity to build new condos with reasonable provisions for builders. Last go round, between 2001-2006, builders all over abused the provisions, taking advantage of banks loose procedures on checking for the buildings sales data. It would be nice to try to meet in the middle, if that’s even necessary. A well funded project / contractor may not need to start the project without some sales.
The new homes may have several builders, but UIC, active in Botanical Heights / McCree town is part of the deal, and appear to be more affordable with these homes than in the past. I’m hoping this project moves forward as the press has it, although its never 100%.
Way to go everyone on adding more great city homes for sale and building up an already growning community!
STL CITY LIVING 