Tower Grove Park is the Victorian park Henry Shaw gave St. Louis. Shaw had already opened the Missouri Botanical Garden in 1859 on land around his country house. In 1866 he went to Mayor James S. Thomas and offered a larger tract as a public park. The city accepted. The park was founded on October 20, 1868, and opened to the public around 1870. It is about 285 acres. Picnic pavilions, the bandstand, and the Saturday farmers market sit inside the fence.
Tower Grove South is the residential field south of the park. The houses are streetcar-era brick, four-squares, and porches on Utah, Connecticut, Arkansas, and Magnolia. South Grand is the commercial street: dinner, coffee, and errands on foot. Closer to the park and Grand, you feel restaurant traffic. Farther south toward Chippewa, the blocks get quieter.
Tower Grove East sits on the other side of the park, toward Compton, Nebraska, and Texas. Shaw wraps the garden to the north. Compton Heights is the mansion pocket to the northeast. Portals lump all of that under "Tower Grove." Price a South house from South sales.
The Grove on Manchester is a different neighborhood. Same word. Different street.
Why people stay
- The park is a Tuesday evening as much as a Saturday market.
- A front porch here is where you sit with a bag from the market.
- South Grand puts dinner and coffee on foot.
- Shaw and the Botanical Garden are a short walk when you want the garden instead of the park.
- Brick two-stories and alley garages still make a complete block.
Homes here
Homes for sale Tower Grove South, homes for sale Tower Grove East, and homes for sale Shaw St. Louis close on their own sales. A St. Louis realtor keeps those columns separate. Start with the city neighborhood guide if you are still choosing a park gate.