Thursday, December 29, 2005 

Shaw


Tell us the story of how you chose your house. What makes your house your "home"?
This was the first house "deep" in the city that we looked at. Somehow, the tinfoiled windows across the street didn't deter us :) It was mid-morning when we stepped in and the sun was streaming through the original stained glass windows onto the original oak wainscoting and illuminating the walnut inlayed hall floor. I was in love at that moment. We had never seen such a splendid house - being both raised in small town suburbia - much less entertained the thought that we could LIVE in one. These old houses are alive and can express so many emotions. They can feel warm and inviting, cranky and creaky and scary, and protective to their families. Full of character.

What does your neighborhood mean to you? Why do you stay?
Since we live so close to one another physically, the sense of community is heightened. I like the diversity, and the activism that comes along with quality of life improvement. We're living history and writing our own versions each day...

How do you describe the neighborhood to your family? your friends? Are the two descriptions different?
A beautiful, historic neighborhood in the heart of the city, near all the major amenities, within driving distance of the rest. A strong neighborhood association committed to improving the quality of life. A neighborhood is what you make of it no matter where you come from or where you are going.

Tell us about the ideal snapshot of the neighborhood in 5 years. In 10 years.
A inclusive, diverse, pedestrian neighborhood where all people are comfortable and are playing by the rules. There are shops and services and playgrounds and a farmer's market :)

 

Tower Grove East

Tell us the story of how you chose your house. What makes your house your "home"?

My husband & I wanted to live on Crittenden. We loved the block and
bought the first house that came on the market at that time.

What does your neighborhood mean to you? Why do you stay?

Being in walking distance of shops, restaurants, and my morning cup of
coffee was so important to me. We are two houses from Tower Grove Park and enjoy
walking our dog in the morning, greeting neighbors, roller blading & bike
riding.

How do you describe the neighborhood to your family? your friends? Are the two descriptions different?

We tell everyone that we live here because of all the activities. We are
close to SLU, culture, diversity, and a park. We ride our bikes downtown for the
ballgames and parades and love the freedom from our cars.

Tell us about the ideal snapshot of the neighborhood in 5 years. In 10 years.

I would love to see a bookstore, gourmet supermarket (not Schnucks or
Dierbergs), and gym.