Introduction: A Neighborhood Steeped in Heritage
St. Louis is a city where every corner tells a story, and nowhere is this more evident than in Botanical Heights, formerly known as McRee Town. Tucked between the bustling thoroughfares of Tower Grove Avenue and South Vandeventer, with Shaw Avenue and Interstate 44 as its boundaries, Botanical Heights is a vibrant patchwork of history, architecture, renewal, and enduring community spirit. For many St. Louisans, the name still conjures memories of McRee Town—a testament to the area's decades-long journey through challenge and change.
Origins: From Prairies to City Streets
The story of Botanical Heights traces back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. What is now an established city neighborhood began as open prairie lands on St. Louis’s western frontier. As the city expanded, so did the grids of brick homes and corner storefronts that became the hallmark of this close-knit area.
The neighborhood's origins are linked to the explosive growth St. Louis experienced in the wake of the 1904 World’s Fair, as families sought proximity to both industrial jobs and the lush landscapes of the nearby Missouri Botanical Garden. Many locals fondly recall how McRee Avenue became a bustling artery, central to daily life.
How Botanical Heights Got Its Name
For decades, the area was popularly known as McRee Town, named for McRee Avenue, which cut through the heart of the neighborhood. The street itself was named after James H. McRee, an early landowner whose holdings once defined this portion of St. Louis’s layout.
In the early 2000s, as part of a robust revitalization effort led by the city and local stakeholders, the neighborhood was rededicated as Botanical Heights. The new name pays homage to its close ties with the world-renowned Missouri Botanical Garden—the community’s most beloved neighbor—and marked a fresh chapter rooted in historic pride and urban renewal.
Key Historical Milestones
- Late 1800s – Early 1900s: Rows of classic St. Louis brick homes are built to house workers from the city’s booming rail yards, foundries, and breweries.
- Mid-20th Century: The area faces decline, as urban flight and highway construction—especially the creation of Interstate 44—divide and displace parts of the community.
- 1970s-1980s: Despite challenges, McRee Town remains a tightly knit network of families, with corner grocers, schools like Mann Elementary, and a strong church presence.
- 2002-2004: The McRee Town Redevelopment Project sees the demolition of several blocks of vacated and blighted properties east of Thurman Avenue. This controversial period brings hardship and displacement, but also paves the way for subsequent rebirth.
- 2006-Present: Renamed Botanical Heights, the neighborhood blooms anew. Restored historic homes, new infill construction, community gardens, and bustling restaurants on Tower Grove Avenue mark a renaissance era.
Notable Landmarks and Institutions
- Missouri Botanical Garden: The neighborhood’s most famous neighbor, founded in 1859, this living museum is not only a National Historic Landmark but a major anchor that shapes the area’s character, economy, and green spaces.
- McRee Avenue: Still the backbone of the area, this street preserves the legacy of past residents and remains a corridor of both change and continuity.
- Historic Row Houses: Handsome 19th-century brick homes run along streets like Blaine, Lafayette, and DeTonty, offering a glimpse into St. Louis’s architectural golden age.
- Food and Community Hubs: Modern-day Botanical Heights has become a local destination for foodies. James Beard-nominated dining at Olio, unique offerings at Union Loafers, and the artisanal spirit of La Patisserie Chouquette have brought fresh energy to the blocks near Tower Grove and McRee.
- Community Gardens and Parks: Intentional green spaces and small community gardens on vacant lots foster gardening, education, and neighborly ties.
Evolution and Renewal
Every longtime resident knows the story: In the postwar years, like many city neighborhoods, McRee Town suffered from depopulation, disinvestment, and the scars of “urban renewal” projects that often fell short of promises. The construction of I-44 famously cut through the community, physically isolating sections and causing disruptive change. Yet the residents’ resilience never faded; even when blocks fell empty, the pulse of the neighborhood ran strong.
The turning point started in the early 2000s. The controversial but ultimately transformative redevelopment process brought new homes and investment. Sometimes, progress meant painful change—for those displaced, their stories remain an essential part of the neighborhood's fabric. Today, old and new residents alike are writing its next chapters together.
What Makes Botanical Heights Special Today
Botanical Heights is unique because it holds its history close even as it innovates. Architectural preservation is a point of pride, with many homes lovingly restored to their original brick splendor. New infill homes, designed to complement century-old architecture, welcome young families and professionals drawn by the neighborhood’s central location and community warmth.
You’ll often find neighbors chatting on front porches, children playing hopscotch along McRee Avenue, or residents gathering at Urban Harvest STL’s community garden. The area’s proximity to the Missouri Botanical Garden and Tower Grove Park means an abundance of urban green space, celebrated every year with neighborhood festivals and street fairs.
The waves of newcomers, artists, and entrepreneurs who have made Botanical Heights their home in recent years add layers to its already diverse identity. From its lively restaurant row to community-driven art projects and green initiatives, Botanical Heights continues to evolve—always shaped by its deep roots and welcoming spirit.
Conclusion: A Neighborhood with a Lasting Legacy
There’s a saying in St. Louis: “Every brick tells a story.” In Botanical Heights, those stories are written in the resilient faces of longtime residents, the flourishing blooms of backyard gardens, and the laughter echoing from local bakeries and sidewalks old and new. As a proud resident or regular visitor, you can feel history whisper at every corner—and its legacy is proof that when a neighborhood holds onto its heart, it can survive anything and thrive anew.