Posts Tagged ‘Riverview’

Hidden Jewels of the Riverview Bluff

A secret driveway leads to this 1.2-acre, two-house haven on Lookaway Drive, on the edge of the bluffs near Riverview and Glasgow Village.

In most cities, a house with a hilltop location and a beautiful water view would be considered real estate gold. But as we all know, St. Louis is…special. That’s why one of the area’s best-kept secrets remains just that, and why, if you told someone you were moving to Riverview, they would probably think you’re nuts. But ah, what treasures await in this gorgeous little corner of North County.

Perched high on a bluff overlooking the mighty Mississippi, the vintage homes on and around Lookaway Drive are truly architectural gems. Most date from the 1920s and 30s, coinciding with the growth of the Riverview Gardens and Glasgow Woods subdivisions, but some – like 11152 Lookaway, which is currently for sale – date back to the 1800s.

Resting on more than an acre of lush, very private property that was originally deeded to one Isabella Chitwood before the Louisiana Purchase, the house is like a place lost in time. Built just prior to the opening of the Chain of Rocks Water Works (those cute little buildings in the river), it’s surrounded by land once owned by Dr. William Carr, the first mayor of St. Louis, and Amadee Valle, a Missouri legislator and close friend of Abraham Lincoln.

A Glasgow Village brochure from the 1950s. Credit: Lori Campbell

Of course, from 1927 through 1977, the house shared its lovely bluff view with the Chain of Rocks Amusement Park (later known as Fun Fair Park), a once bustling destination whose rides, roller rink and massive swimming pool many St. Louisans still fondly remember. But during the 1950s, it was nearly swallowed by redevelopment, as William Glasgow’s adjoining “Bienvenue Farm” gradually became the sprawling collection of modest ranch homes known as Glasgow Village.

Much has changed in the area since then. Though most of the houses on the bluff still radiate their unique charm and a handful of Glasgow Village’s original homeowners still remain (and remain active), white flight has opened the door for an increase in poverty and rentals, spurring St. Louis County to identify the community as “changing” – essentially stable but with “emerging signs of trouble in specific areas.”

I hope I’m not alone when I say this, but man, we are crazy to let this happen. The Riverview bluff’s quaint winding streets, tucked with enchanting, one-of-a-kind homes, remind me of the fabulous canyon hillsides in Los Angeles – except that here, you also get a view of one of the grandest rivers in the world.

I think it’s a crime to let this area deteriorate, especially when you consider that exceptional older houses and estate-style properties can be found all around the Bellefontaine/Chambers/Riverview corridor. Talk about an opportunity for some bold, creative redevelopment, building on the area’s existing assets and potential for eco-tourism! (Green homes, anyone? Bob Cassilly’s wondrous recycled Cementland is right next door.)

It was natural beauty that attracted early landowners here in the first place, inspiring them to build such captivating houses. With a little focused effort, particularly from those who claim to love this area so much, why couldn’t it draw a new wave of progress now? Why walk away from a part of town that still has so much to offer?

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Local Calendar
  • Chaz45 @ Marley's — Mar 13, 2010 9:00pm - Mar 13, 2010 9:00pm
    Get your groove on with live music from Ferguson's own Chuck Henson and his band Chaz45. Marley's, 500 S. Florissant, 63135
  • David Gray @ the Touhill — Mar 19, 2010 8:00pm - Mar 19, 2010 10:00pm
    British singer/songwriter David Gray brings his dreamy lyrics and warm, folksy sound to the Touhill, for a performance that is sure to include this winning hit. Tickets: $37.50 & $47.50.
  • Tony Kenny's Celtic Nights — Mar 20, 2010 8:00pm - Mar 20, 2010 10:00pm
    Enjoy an authentic Irish variety show right here in NoCo, as Tony Kenny brings his troupe of singers, dancers and storytellers to the Florissant Civic Center. Tickets $25-27
  • Show Me A Cure Night @ the Blues game — Mar 25, 2010 7:00pm - Mar 25, 2010 10:00pm
    Enjoy some St. Louis Blues hockey while helping to fight cancer at this discount night benefiting Show Me A Cure, a NoCo nonprofit that raises money for cancer research. Instead of $34, tickets are just $20, and SMAC gets $5 of every ticket sold through its website.
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