Old North Featured in St. Louis Magazine’s “Where We Live” Issue

St. Louis Magazine has done it again.  And we thank them very much! Old North St. Louis once again is featured prominently in St. Louis Magazine’s annual issue in which they take a look at the many different neighborhoods, municipalities, and communities that make up the greater St. Louis region.

The April issue arrived in our mail today, and we were very pleased to discover that not only did Old North make it into St. Louis Magazine’s 2011 Neighborhood Guide, the very first article in this section included a full-page photo of Old North residents Claire Wolff and Joe Sweet, sipping coffee at the former Urban Studio Cafe (soon to re-open as La Mancha Coffeehouse), followed by another full-page update on “What’s New in Old North” with even more photos of Crown Square, the North City Farmers’ Market, and the Johnnie Owens sign at the Hebert Community Garden.

And if that wasn’t enough to make us happy, the magazine’s website at stlmag.com uses the photo of the Crown Square buildings at 2601-09 N. 14th Street as the image to promote the link to the online content for the Neighborhood Guide.

As our way of thanking St. Louis Magazine for this well-deserved but generous coverage of Old North, we encourage one and all to rush out to the newsstands to pick up your own issue.  However, when you get the magazine in your hands, don’t just flip ahead to page 80 for the article about Old North.  Feel free to read the whole issue from cover to cover, but take a moment to stop at page 16 and read what Stefene Russell, the magazine’s Culture Editor, has to say about why she lives in Old North.

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Old North Flickr Set Features Highlights from 2010

The collection of Old North photos on Flickr now includes a set dedicated to highlights from the activities and events of 2010.  Check it out by clicking here.

Some of these photos will be included in the slideshow of 2010 highlights that will happen at the Old North St. Louis Restoration Group’s Annual Meeting & Pot-Luck Supper, which will start at 6 p.m. on Monday evening.

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• 13th Street Community Garden, 14th Street Mall, Art in Old North, Awards and honors, Bikes and Trails, Community Gardens, Crown Candy Kitchen, Crown Square, Crown Square Businesses, Habitat for Humanity, Historic rehabs, House Tour, Houses for Sale, Infill housing, Johnnie Owens, Life in ONSL, Metropolis STL Tours Old North, North City Farmers' Market, North Market Place, ONSL amenities, ONSL people, Old North Gallery (formerly known as Crown Village Gallery), Old North Grocery Co-op, Old North St. Louis Restoration Group, Public Meetings, RHCDA, Renovation, Schools in Old North, Urban Studio Cafe, Videos, Volunteer Opportunities, real estate, sustainability
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Black Friday Shopping Options in Old North

Many decades ago, the North 14th Street commercial corridor was one of the most active shopping spots in town.  Now you can do some traditional Black Friday shopping in Old North St. Louis once again.  By avoiding the unruly crowds at the big box stores and traffic jams in and out of parking lots at mega-malls, you can support local businesses and help invest in Old North’s revitalization at the same time.

Shopping in Old North not only is more peaceful and good for the spirit, the options are good too:

Therapy Fashion Boutique at 2717 N. 14th Street is the newest business at Crown Square, just across St. Louis Avenue from Crown Candy Kitchen.  With stylish new dresses and accessories, it’s the perfect place for gifts for the women in your life.  For more about Therapy, take a look at our previous post about the store’s opening last month.

The Urban Studio Cafe at 2815 N. 14th Street has much more than its usual good coffee, sandwiches, and pastries today. 

 As the flyer below notes, you can pick up gifts from local crafters and get a free cup of coffee today with the purchase of a baked good.

Old North Grocery Co-op at 2713 N. 13th Street also offers unique options for Christmas gifts.  While the fresh produce and baked items on the shelves probably won’t last until December 25, many other items in the store would do just fine, including bags of whole bean coffee from Chauvin Coffee, salsas and pasta sauces from Chef Mel’s, packaged pastas, dried fruit, and other edible items.

Crown Candy Kitchen is always a good source for chocolates and other sweet stuff.  And since they sell gift certificates, their goods make great stocking stuffers and can be enjoyed all year long.

And let’s not forget that merchandise from Old North St. Louis Restoration Group can make great gifts, as well.  Although today is an office holiday, ONSLRG’s online shop is open 24/7 - and is always just a click away.  Unique gift options include Old North t-shirts, mugs, stickers, or even a contribution in the name of a loved one.

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• 14th Street Mall, Crown Candy Kitchen, Crown Square, Life in ONSL, ONSL amenities, Old North Grocery Co-op, Old North St. Louis Restoration Group, Uncategorized, Urban Studio Cafe
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Neighbors Plan Old North Halloween Route & Activities

Further proof of the vitality of community life in Old North St. Louis:  Old North residents have taken the initiative to start a new neighborhood tradition with a plan for a Halloween evening of trick or treating at more than two dozen homes, businesses, and community gathering places.  Among the stops on the map are the 13th Street Community Garden, Old North Grocery Co-op, and the Urban Studio Cafe.  From 5-7 p.m. on Sunday evening, the children of the neighborhood will get a chance to collect some treats while the parents, guardians, and other adults will get a chance to get out for a walk through the neighborhood and to see more of their neighbors.

See below for the flyer that is being distributed to neighbors throughout Old North.  Please pass this along to any neighbors who might have missed receiving a flyer at their home:

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• 13th Street Community Garden, Community Gardens, Life in ONSL, North City Farmers' Market, ONSL amenities, ONSL people, Old North Grocery Co-op, Urban Studio Cafe, sustainability
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Upcoming Events in Old North include North City Farmers’ Market End of Season Celebration, Metro Theater Co. Play, and Cinema St. Louis Film

The next 9 days will bring a steady stream of events and activities to Old North.

On Thursday the 14th, the Old North Grocery Co-op will hold its first official meeting for Member-Owners (and you can join us for that — all you have to do is join the co-op!  Visit the Membership Page at OldNorthGrocery.com to join online or to download a membership form).

On Friday, October 15th, the St. Louis Beacon will bring “Beacon & Eggs” to the Old North Gallery.  This event, scheduled to start at 8 a.m., includes an opportunity to meet editors and staff from the Beacon prior to an hour-hour long panel discussion on the topic of Old North’s current wave of development and recent activities.  Panelists include Sean Thomas, ONSLRG’s executive director; Claire Wolff of the Urban Studio Cafe; Avis Laden from Habitat for Humanity St. Louis; and Ebony Wilson, who will be opening Therapy, a new fashion boutique at 2717 N. 14th this week.

On Saturday, October 16, the North City Farmers’ Market will hold the last market day of the season from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. along N. 14th Street just south of St. Louis Avenue.  If you haven’t been to the market this year, don’t miss this last opportunity in 2010 to experience one of America’s “Top 20″ Favorite Markets, especially since the season-end celebration will include a battle of celebrity chefs (Brian Hale from the Chase Park Plaza vs. award-winning chef Jack MacMurray of Sage restaurant), a Brownie Competition (bring out your best brownies and you could win a fancy dinner prepared by our own Chef Ivy!), a Cactus Display by local artist Seitu, and live music by Raw Earth, a Gardening Class on the topic of “Preparing for next year”, PLUS crafts, baked goods, and LOCAL PRODUCE!

On both Saturday the 16th and Sunday the 17th, at 1 p.m., Metro Theater Company will bring the play, Delilah’s Wish, to the Old North Gallery.  The play, which is set in Old North St. Louis, features local playwrite and actress Mariah Richardson in the family-friendly performance.  The play is free (although a $5 contribution is requested to help offset the costs).

At 6 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 21, ONSLRG and Trailnet will co-host a community meeting at the the Old North St. Louis Restoration Group office and gallery on the topic of the planning for a Bikeable & Walkable Master Plan for Old North.  Come on out to see how the plan is coming together and to offer your ideas and suggestions for making improvements to the sidewalks, streets, and other paths throughout the neighborhood.

On Friday, October 22nd at 7 p.m., the Old North Gallery will open its doors for another free film brought to us through a partnership of ONSLRG and Cinema St. Louis.  The October feature is a Halloween treat, the animated film, “Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit.”  The movie starts at 7 p.m.

For information about any of these events or activities, call the Old North St. Louis Restoration Group at 314-241-5031.

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• 14th Street Mall, Art in Old North, Bikes and Trails, Crown Square, Habitat for Humanity, Life in ONSL, North City Farmers' Market, ONSL amenities, ONSL in the news, ONSL people, Old North Gallery (formerly known as Crown Village Gallery), Old North Grocery Co-op, Old North St. Louis Restoration Group, Public Meetings, Uncategorized, Urban Studio Cafe, sustainability
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Scenes from Friday Night’s “Local Brews for Local Foods” & Urban Studio Anniversary Party

The “Local Brews for Local Foods” fundraiser for the 13th Street Community Garden was a great success with a good crowd of friends and supporters who came out to Old North’s Crown Village Gallery on Friday night.

Stefene and Keith managed the ticket booth and welcomed guests, including neighborhood artist Seitu.

Barbara and Teresa held things down in the beverage dispensing room.

Much of the success of the evening can be attributed to Thom Fletcher, pictured here with Garden and Market Coordinator Veronica Holden.

Among the highlights of the evening, the raffling off and auctioning the rights to name chickens living at the 13th Street Garden.

Graham Lane was one of the lucky bidders, posing here with the lucky chicken and Ivy Tominack, North City Farmers Market's nutrition coordinator and chef.

Meanwhile, down the street, the Urban Studio Cafe hosted their 1st Anniversary birthday party, which also drew a crowd of customers and supporters.

Claire Wolff and staff celebrate the Urban Studio Cafe's anniversary

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• 13th Street Community Garden, Community Gardens, Life in ONSL, North City Farmers' Market, ONSL amenities, ONSL people, Old North Gallery (formerly known as Crown Village Gallery), Old North St. Louis Restoration Group, Urban Studio Cafe, sustainability
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Join us Friday: One Night, Two Great Events in Old North

Join us Friday night in celebrating & supporting two great causes in the heart of Old North St. Louis.  Come on out to the Old North Gallery for a benefit to support the 13th Street Garden and then head on down the street to the Urban Studio Cafe for a benefit to support the Urban Studio.  With a donation of $12, you can attend both events.

Click here for a downloadable flyer that you can print and distribute to your friends.

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• 13th Street Community Garden, Art in Old North, Community Gardens, Crown Square, Life in ONSL, ONSL amenities, Old North Gallery (formerly known as Crown Village Gallery), Old North St. Louis Restoration Group, Urban Studio Cafe, sustainability
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Another Fun Day at the North City Farmers’ Market

The third week of the North City Farmers’ Market is in progress at this very moment, providing ONSL residents and friends with fresh produce, tasy baked goods, and one-of-a-kind crafts.  And if you come now, you’ll be able to enjoy the toe-tapping music of Barefoot Jones.

As the sign above indicates, the market is NOT on 14th Street, as it will be when the street is finished, but is just behind the former 14th Street Mall on the parking lot just east of the buildings along the 2700 block of North 14th (but still just south of St. Louis Avenue).

The market runs every Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon, so there’s still time to run on over and get your healthy & good food for the week - and enjoy a taste of community life while you’re at it.

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• 13th Street Community Garden, 14th Street Mall, Crown Square, Life in ONSL, North City Farmers' Market, ONSL amenities, ONSL people, Old North St. Louis Restoration Group, Urban Studio Cafe, Volunteer Opportunities, sustainability
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Scenes from the Wildly Successful 1st Day of North City Farmers’ Market & Parade

Now that the North City Farmers’ Market has officially closed down for the day, we can officially report that the opening day was a wonderful occasion enjoyed by all.  The following are some more images from the day, including the arrival of the first ever Eat.Right.Now! parade.

If you missed the fun today, come back next Saturday from 9-noon, and every Saturday morning through October 16.  Thanks to all of the volunteers who made today, such a great success, and to Project Coordinator Lucas Hudson, Market Master Sarah Pritchard, 13th Street Garden Coordinator Veronica Holden, and Nutrition Educator/Chef Ivy Tominack.  For more updates and plans for future events at the market, visit www.NorthCityFarmersMarket.org.

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• 13th Street Community Garden, 14th Street Mall, Crown Square, Habitat for Humanity, Life in ONSL, North City Farmers' Market, ONSL amenities, ONSL people, Old North St. Louis Restoration Group, Urban Studio Cafe, Volunteer Opportunities, sustainability
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Old North House & Community Tour Less Than 2 Weeks Away

The annual Old North St. Louis House & Community Tour is rapidly approaching, so start spreading the word and make plans to join us for a celebration of the dramatic community transformation in progress throughout Old North.  Scheduled for Saturday, May 8, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., this year’s tour will highlight the soon-to-be-completed redevelopment of the former 14th Street Pedestrian Mall (including commercial and residential spaces in historically rehabbed buildings at Crown Square), community gardens, the future Old North Grocery Co-op, and several historic homes.  The residential spaces on the tour represent the range of housing styles available in Old North, including a work in progress rehab of a former LRA building, an adaptive re-use of a former warehouse, rental apartments, and two properties that have been recognized with ”Most Enhanced” awards from Landmarks Association.  Click on the following link: oldnorthhouseandcommunitytourflyerfinal to download a PDF version of this flyer, and please pass it along to all who are interested in neighborhood revitalization, historic preservation, community-based development.

Tickets for the tour are available for purchase at $10 in advance (in person from ONSLRG’s office or the Urban Studio Cafe) or online, at the House Tour page on the ONSL website (where you can also learn about volunteer opportunities at the tour).  On the day of the tour, tickets will be available at $12 from the registration and information tent at the southwest corner of St. Louis Avenue & N. 14th Street (across from Crown Candy Kitchen).  For more information, call the ONSLRG office at 314-241-5031.

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• 13th Street Community Garden, 14th Street Mall, Awards and honors, Crown Candy Kitchen, Crown Square, Historic rehabs, House Tour, Life in ONSL, North Market Place, ONSL amenities, ONSL people, Old North Gallery (formerly known as Crown Village Gallery), Old North Grocery Co-op, Old North St. Louis Restoration Group, Renovation, Urban Studio Cafe, Volunteer Opportunities, real estate, sustainability
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