Gaslight Square, St. Louis

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Contents

[edit] Geography

Gaslight Square in Saint Louis, Missouri flourished from 1953-1972. The district was located in the blocks surrounding the intersection of Olive Street and Boyle Street in the Central West End neighborhood.

[edit] History

Gaslight Square was the name given to the entertainment district built in the mid 1950s. The district was known for gaslights and ornate Victorian style architecture,[1] reflective of the riverboat times around the turn of the century. Gaslight Square quickly became a thriving entertainment district that can be compared to Bourbon Street in New Orleans at the time and the Delmar Loop area of St. Louis today. The Square occupies the area surrounding Olive and Boyle Streets in the Central West End. The district was popular for music, poetry, great food, and dancing. It was the home to many clubs and restaurants, and entertainment venues.[2]

The district was greatly affected by dramatic change in culture and music of the late 1950s and 60s when the bohemian and hippie generation began questioning traditional majority values in art, literature, and political self expression.[3] the district attracted many poets and writers, such as Jack Kerouac and Alan Ginsberg who would stop in St. Louis to experience Gaslight Square.[3]

Many entertainers such as The Smothers Brothers, Lenny Bruce, Miles Davis, Barbra Streisand, Jackie Mason, Mike Nichols and Elaine May, Woody Allen, Jerry Stiller Dick Gregory, Jack E. Leonard, and Miles Davis, gained exposure at the start of their careers in the clubs of Gaslight Square[2]

[edit] Today

The last establishment, the Prestige Lounge, shut down in 1990. By the late 1990s most of the buildings were long gone; those that remained stood open and rapidly deteriorating.[1] For the 20-30 years the district was almost completely vacant. With many empty lots and the remaining buildings dilapidating and empty.

In 2005, many properties within Gaslight Square were bought by the development company RJK Inc. 150 units are planned, mostly condominiums[4]. The new residential properties will sell in the 280k-600k price-range.[5] As of 2008, the vacant lots and condemed buildings are no more. The district is a mixed density residential community with new single family, row homes, small apartments, and condos.[6] It is a prime example of Urban renewal.

[edit] Media

Two documentary were produced about Gaslight Square within the last several years. Gaslight Square The Forgotten Landmark (Bruce Marren/2002) explores the history by the people who developed the area. Includes interviews with the Smothers Brothers, Jay Landesman, Bob Kuban, and many others.

Gaslight Square The Legend Lives On (Bruce Marren/2005) looks at the influence it had on the city, uncovers relics, and what has happened to it today. Includes interviews with Phyllis Diller, Billy Peek, Jonnie King, and many others.

[edit] References

  1. ^ a b Powers, Rob. The North Side: Fountain Park/Gaslight Square. Built St. Louis. Retrieved on 2008-05-23.
  2. ^ a b Central West End - Neighborhoods - Gaslight Square. City of St. Louis. Retrieved on 2008-05-23.
  3. ^ a b Intro2
  4. ^ 150 residential units in the works at Gaslight Square - St. Louis Business Journal:
  5. ^ Gaslight Square East-Rolwes Homes | New Single Family Homes in Saint Louis MO from $280,000
  6. ^ Urban St. Louis - Gaslight Sqaure District, 4200 Block of Olive Street

[edit] External Links