Have you ventured up to Old North St. Louis recently?  This neighborhood is rebounding rapidly and has been doing so for quite some time without being noticed by an urban enthusiast such as myself.

Many people may know of this neighborhood as where Crown Candy is.  I came across the neighborhood for the first time in 1999 when I read an ad for Crown Candy.  My experience at Crown Candy was great, but the neighborhood made me feel uneasy. 

Fast forward eight years.  Through some volunteering with Grace Hill, I came back to the neighborhood for more than just the occasional Crown Candy trip.  The developments taking place and tight knit nature of the neighborhood is incredible.

Back in June I took a tour of Crown Village, the outdoor shopping mall that has been vacant for years.  That is all about to change.  The $32 million comprehensive revitalization of the mall is going to be incredible.

The neighborhood has its own farmer’s market which provides fresh produce to the area. 

Over the past two summers I have been fortunate to be a part of Grace Hill’s incredible summer concert series in St. Louis Place Park funded by Whitaker.  This year I watched more than 800 people relax, dance, and enjoy themselves as Javier Mendoza rocked the park on a Thursday night in July. 

The neighbors I’ve met and conversed with are excited about the neighborhood.  Next time, you’re out for a Sunday ride swing by the area and take in the sites.