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Lafayette Park

Considered to be the oldest urban park west of the Mississippi, Lafayette Park has a rich history. Its 30 acres were dedicated as the first public park in the city of St. Louis in 1851. During the Civil War the park was used as campgrounds for Union troops. Near the end of the war, Renowned Landscape Architect, Maximillian Kern created a very impressive Victorian strolling park, which was devastated shortly after by The Great Tornado of 1896. The 1904 World's Fair named Forest Park as the Premier Park in St. Louis, which furthered the decline of Lafayette Park. It wasn't until the late 1960's that Lafayette Square and Lafayette Park started to progress again. Urban pioneers began restoring the homes in Lafayette Square and eventually restored the park as well bringing it to its current glory.

If you wish to explore the park and see some of its rich history for yourself, a self guided walking tour is available to print out with a map and explanation of some of the major sites.

Lafayette Park is home to the Saint Louis Perfectos, a vintage baseball club that plays by the rules and customs of 1860's baseball. Their games are fun and entertaining for all ages! Just don't forget to bring your own lawn chair! 

Children will enjoy playing on the fun playground with its slides, ramps, and huge fish bridge! 

There are 3 monuments that you can find in the park, a statue of George Washington, one of Senator Thomas Hart Benton, and a Revolutionary War monument. The Revolutionary War Monument features 3 cannons that were resurrected from the British frigate Actaeon which was scuttled during the Battle of Sullivan's Island. 

Enjoy Live Music at the Lafayette Park Summer Concert series every other Saturday from June-August. Each summer the Park puts on a Summer Movie series as well where they show popular movies on a giant inflatable screen.

Labor Day Weekend kicks off each year in Lafayette Square with the Gateway Cup: Tour de Lafayette!   

Tour de Lafayette

Lafayette Park is a hot spot for Weddings, Photos, and other Events. The Park House, The Elizabeth Cook Pavilion, and The Kern Lakeside Pavilion are each wonderful possibilities for your next event! The Park House was built in 1867 as a police station, and now serves as the office for the Lafayette Square Restoration Committee as well as a City of St. Louis police sub-station. It can be rented out for private events as well. The Elizabeth Cook Pavilion overlooks the Grotto and gardens, many weddings are held in this beautiful outdoor space. The Kern Lakeside Pavilion was recently restored and now also has a catering kitchen as well as a patio overlooking the lake. 

No matter what type of outdoor activity you are looking for, you are sure to find something fun to do at Lafayette Park!

                

Homes Sales near Lafayette Park

$1,900,000
5 Beds 5 Baths 26037723 MLS CLOSED Status
Some homes fit into a neighborhood. This one redefines it. Occupying one of the most coveted locations in Lafayette Square, directly across from Lafayette Park on prestigious Park Avenue, this extraordinary residence represents a rare convergence of historic character, modern luxury, and irreplaceable location. Just steps from the neighborhood's beloved restaurants, cafés, and shops, it offers a lifestyle that few properties can match. With nearly 9,000 square feet of total living space, this one-of-a-kind urban estate seamlessly blends historic architecture with a level of luxury, scale, and amenities rarely found in historic city neighborhoods anywhere in the Midwest. While many of Lafayette Square's grand Victorian homes remain defined by formal parlors and compartmentalized rooms, this residence was reimagined with a completely different vision. Soaring ceilings, expansive sight lines, and a dramatic open-concept design create a sense of volume rarely experienced in a historic home. At the center of it all stands a grand staircase, thoughtfully positioned to serve as an architectural focal point without interrupting the flow of the home. The result is a main level that feels both monumental and effortlessly livable. Designed for everyday living as well as unforgettable entertaining, the space features expansive gathering areas, a custom-built bar with backlit glass cases, a striking hand-crafted tiled facade wood-burning fireplace, and a completely reimagined chef's kitchen featuring two dishwashers, two ovens, a gas cooktop, a 50+ bottle Sub-Zero wine fridge and an expansive island with additional peninsula that can seat at least eight that anchors the entire home. Step outside to discover a private resort-style retreat complete with a heated pool, custom outdoor wood-burning fireplace, modern deck with cable-style architecture, multiple seating areas, and an oversized four-car garage—an offering virtually unheard of in Lafayette Square. Of course this is all light-scaped for an unforgettable evening atmosphere. The pool equipment was smartly placed inside the garage to ensure peace and quiet while enjoying the outdoors with family and friends. While the neighborhood's private pool and tennis club is highly sought after and often carries a multi-year waiting list, this home delivers the ultimate luxury: your own PRIVATE oasis directly across from one of St. Louis' most treasured parks. Overlooking Lafayette Park, the spectacular solarium is flanked by terraces on both sides and anchored by a stunning two-sided gas fireplace that connects seamlessly to the massive owner's suite, creating a private sanctuary unlike anything else in the neighborhood. Expansive park views and abundant natural light make this one of the home's most remarkable spaces. The sprawling lower level offers endless flexibility for recreation, fitness, media, play, or large-scale gatherings. Nearly every inch of the home has been meticulously renovated, including all five bathrooms, with a level of craftsmanship and attention to detail that must be experienced in person. There are luxury homes. There are historic homes. And then there are homes that redefine what is possible. Welcome to the house that didn't exist until now.

2035 Park Ave, St Louis

$1,795,000
4 Beds 4 Baths 26058843 MLS ACTIVE Status
Some homes are beautiful. Others are memorable. And every so often, an opportunity comes along that may only present itself once in a lifetime. Tucked into the heart of Lafayette Square and facing the park, this extraordinary residence on prestigious Park Avenue began life in 1869 as the Church of the Unity and is now the oldest church on the square. Designed by architect Frederick Raeder, who in 1874 became the first person appointed to lead the School of Architecture at Washington University, the building's remarkable original character remains at the heart of this extraordinary private residence. From the soaring 26-foot tall arched ceilings and exposed wood beams to the enormous stained-glass double doors and magnificent stained-glass windows, the architecture creates a sense of scale, character and history that simply cannot be recreated. Yet for all its drama, this is not a home that feels like a museum. Thoughtfully transformed for modern living, it offers generous living and entertaining spaces, including a main-floor primary suite and a second bedroom on the main level—an uncommon advantage in a neighborhood where most of the homes place the primary suite upstairs. Four bedroom suites in all, an expanisve masterfully designed chef's kitchen, main-level laundry, potential theater/game room and wine cellar in the lower level and an attached, finished garage with both heating and cooling provide the comfort and functionality expected of a truly exceptional residence. And when it comes time to entertain, the scale and character of this home make it possible to host gatherings on a level few private residences could ever accommodate—from intimate dinners to some of the most lavish celebrations imaginable, all within a setting your guests will never forget. The outdoor spaces offer an entirely different experience. Just off the kitchen, a covered porch leads to a private patio tucked beneath mature trees and illuminated by string lights—a wonderfully peaceful retreat where filtered sunlight, quiet evenings and the surrounding greenery create a setting that feels almost magical. A separate rear yard provides a perfect spot for four-legged family members, while the expansive front lawn, larger than many entire lots in Lafayette Square, offers an abundance of possibilities for entertaining, gardening, play or simply enjoying the extraordinary setting directly across from Lafayette Park. More than a home, this is the kind of place that becomes part of your identity—a conversation piece that friends remember, visitors talk about and everyone who enters will have a story to tell. Perhaps most fittingly, the current owners found a way to honor the history of these walls in the most personal way possible. When they began planning their wedding, they realized they didn't need to search for the perfect venue—they were already living in it. Beneath these soaring ceilings, surrounded by family and friends, they exchanged their wedding vows and began the next chapter of their lives. They were married here. Now, this extraordinary home is ready for someone else to begin theirs.

2123 Park Ave, St Louis

$1,080,000
3 Beds 4 Baths 25058747 MLS CLOSED Status
A masterpiece of urban living where modern simplicity meets historic charm, this stunning 3 story home is perfectly situated for relaxed city living, directly across Lafayette Park. Just moments from popular restaurants, vibrant entertainment, and major highways, giving you the best of both worlds—a peaceful retreat that’s still at the center of it all. Upon entry, hardwood floors flow throughout, highlighted by tall ceilings and plantation shutters that add charm and elegance. Formal DR is ideal for hosting dinner parties, while the spacious, light-filled LR invites you to unwind, with easy access to the backyard (entertainer's paradise!), making indoor-outdoor entertaining a breeze. Chef's kitchen: GE Monogram appliances, gas cooktop, and custom walk-in pantry; 1/2 bath is across hall. 2nd flr: The gorgeous primary suite is a spa-like sanctuary with lush new carpet/upgraded pad, gorgeous views, a lux soaking tub, huge walk-in shower, heated floor, and 2 walk-in closets. 2nd bedroom is equally well-appointed, with walk-in closet and full bath. Laundry room is in between bedrooms. 3rd floor is a space built for fun and relaxation, with rec room/wet bar. A full suite offers a private space for guests. The showstopper is the terrace, an outdoor oasis with an Arch view, offering a truly iconic backdrop for sunset cocktails or morning coffee. Upgrades: sprinkler system, 2nd story HVAC; 2 EV chargers; Sonos sound system. Full, unfinished, walk-up basement has tons of storage.

1414 Mississippi Ave, St Louis

$945,000
5 Beds 5 Baths 25054446 MLS CLOSED Status
Step into this stunning Lafayette Square gem, offering four levels of finished living space on a double lot just steps from the historic Lafayette Park. Blending original character with refined updates, the main level features 5" white oak hardwood floors and a classic Victorian layout that seamlessly connects the elegant living room, and the show stopping chef’s kitchen, complete with a fireplace, high-end appliances, quartz surfaces, and a stylish butler’s pantry with tile accents. Enjoy your mornings in the cozy family room, also adorned with its own fireplace. As you make your way upstairs, you'll find a private retreat featuring a luxury primary suite with a fireplace and spa-like bath with its own fireplace, three additional bedrooms, a full bath, laundry, and updated HVAC systems for zoned heating and cooling. The third level offers two more bedrooms and a full bath as well. Did I mention the beautiful white oak engineered flooring on both the second and third levels? The finished lower level expands your lifestyle with a spacious rec room, sleeping quarters, a full bath, a second laundry area, and convenient walk-up access to the outside. You'll love entertaining or simply relaxing on the deck overlooking the sprawling double lot, complete with a private 2-car parking space behind an electric gate. This home is a true gem in one of St. Louis’ most coveted neighborhoods, where vibrant dining, shopping, and the serene beauty of Lafayette Park are just outside your door.

2317 Park Ave, St Louis

$915,000
4 Beds 4 Baths 25043014 MLS CLOSED Status
Circa 1877: New meets old in this painted lady facing Lafayette Square Park. The recent addition of the second floor primary suite w/ a bank of windows, 2 original marble fireplaces, a private sleeping quarters & 6 closets of storage with a true dressing room whether going to work or going out, not to mention the luxury bathroom are game changers for this storied home once owned by steamboat captain Horace Bixby. Meticulously updated & remodeled the architectural bones of this brick beauty are for the ages. An entertainer’s dream from parlor to formal dining room w/ built-ins, to custom cabinetry & butler’s pantry in the well appointed kitchen. The spacious octagonal family room/lounge is the place for gathering with friends and family. And the formal dining room awaits when you want to entertain with style. Original elements of pocket doors, restored millwork, elegant fireplaces & original light fixtures remain. All the bells & whistles of modern living are drenched in detail w/ medallioned ceilings & run-in-place plaster details. Enjoy stunning sunrises from the private guest suite & covered veranda facing the unparalleled STL skyline. The new brick garage w/ spiral stairwell & rooftop garden deck raise the roof for outdoor enjoyment & complete the package. Unprecedented love & care include Solar panels make energy consumption a fraction & a full sewer line replacement for peace of mind. Enjoy all the events, neighbors & charm that are squarely unique to Lafayette Square!

1532 Mississippi Ave, St Louis

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