John Saunders knows what Penrose can be. The executive director of the nonprofit Wesley House Association grew up in the north St. Louis neighborhood on a block of well-kept, owner-occupied homes surrounded by shoe shops and grocery stores. More than 30 years later, that same block has nine vacant homes and few local businesses, according to Saunders. Many of Penrose’s houses remain in great shape, but others have become dilapidated and unkempt as an increasing number of homes have turned into rental properties or become vacant. “The major difference between those days and now is residents back then owned their homes,” says Saunders. “There was a lot of pride and commitment to keeping their homes nice and their lawns cut.” Despite challenges, the Penrose community is working steadily to return their 130-year-old neighborhood to its former glory.
A new gas station is under construction in Penrose.
The Urban League is a pillar in the Penrose community.
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Brick cottages and Craftsman homes
All-brick Craftsman homes are common across St. Louis’ northside, but Saunders says the consistency of home styles varies. That’s why prices range widely in Penrose, from less than $20,000 for a gutted duplex to a four-bedroom turnkey house in the mid-$100,000s. Brick homes are popular with many homebuyers due to their durability, and Saunders says bricks are so valuable that when vacant homes are demolished in Penrose, the bricks are shipped to other cities for future use.
And it’s not just Penrose that’s changing. “Houses across the Northside are undergoing renovations,” says Walls Real Estate Co. agent Paula Brown. “Locals are putting a lot of work into improving their community.”
Intricate brick patterns adorn this craftsman style home in Penrose.
Penrose has many tudor inspired homes with wrought iron adornments.
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Penrose offers Missouri's only Velodrome born in 1962 and reborn in 2019.
Biking in Penrose Park
Cyclists should race, not walk, to Penrose Park to visit the velodrome, a banked arena designed for track cycling. One of only 27 velodromes in the U.S., it’s been the place for St. Louis cyclists to train since the ‘60s. In addition to cycling, Penrose Park offers a handball court, jogging path and playground with a miniature rock wall.
A community garden is coming soon to Penrose. According to Saunders, Wesley House Association plans to join with locals to pick up trash, pull weeds and prepare space for the garden. Once productive, the fresh fruits and vegetables harvested in the garden will be given to the local food pantry.
Historic schools that excel in sports
One thing that has remained the same in Penrose is the presence of Ashland Elementary School, which has been standing since 1911. Students may attend Ashland Elementary School, Yeatman-Liddell Preparatory Middle School and Vashon High School. Niche graded these schools D plus.
Both Yeatman-Liddell and Ashland host Shop and Grow Markets, where students and families can pick up fresh, frozen and canned groceries for free. Vashon High received a Niche grade of A-minus specifically for its sports program, where both the boy's and girls' basketball teams reign as state champions.
5% of students at Vashon High School are at least proficient in math.
Yeatman Middle School.
Ashland Elementary offers various activities for students.
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Local businesses and big box grocers
There are still a few locally run businesses in Penrose, including Yummy Sweetcakes cheesecakery, a popular spot for a decadent snack. Although best known for its specialty peach cobbler cheesecake, Yummy’s is also the local bakery used for wedding and birthday cakes. For dinner, grab a bite at Newstead Chop Suey, a hole-in-the-wall grill serving fried catfish with sides of pickles and onions. Corner stores are scattered throughout the community, so houses are rarely outside of walking range from a spot to pick up snacks and drinks. For a full grocery haul, head to the neighborhood Save A Lot.
Penrose residents can head over to Save-A-Lot for their grocery needs.
Grab take out from Newstead Chop Suey in Penrose.
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Many Penrose residents rely on the Public Transportation available.
Public transit to downtown
Since the neighborhood is on the city’s bus routes, getting to the city center takes under a half hour. Just five miles north of downtown St. Louis, Penrose is building on its strong foundation to form a revitalized community.
Penrose has typical city living with grid pattern streets.
Looking forward
Though Penrose has changed from the time Saunders grew up in the neighborhood, he says he stays because he’s inspired by the challenge of restoring the community, an ongoing effort Saunders says will require input from nonprofits, banks and local government. “I want people to know that this was a thriving, strong African American middle-class community,” he says. “It can be that again.”
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A lot of local business are family owned so their budget is pretty tight but they manage. The customer service is good because their typically friendly people.
2.0Niche User
3/11/2015Niche Review
It's not the safest place to be. Trouble isn't hard to find but usually only comes to those who are either looking for it or doing something their not supposed to. The community typically stays to themselves and out of the way but will report any real signs of trouble if they see it. Police circulate to make sure everything's at peace.
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Penrose Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Penrose, Saint Louis sell after 61 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Penrose, Saint Louis over the last 12 months is $65,500, up 26% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to 4416 San Francisco! This solid brick home needs a little TLC after the recent storm damage, but the original millwork, historic features, & fireplace are stunning! The original hardwood floors appear to be very salvageable, and the **seller will replace the roof with an acceptable offer**! The floor plan is fantastic with larger-scaled rooms! The Penrose neighborhood has great parks
This beautiful home has so much to offer! From the moment you step inside, you’ll be charmed by the elegant ceiling-fan chandeliers that light up the spacious living room. A remote-controlled wall fireplace sits just beneath the mounted TV that stays with the home, creating a cozy, modern ambiance. Nice wood floors flow throughout, complemented by the home’s well-kept stained-glass windows. This
Susan JohnsonKey-West Property Partners brokered by EXP Realty, LLC
Calling all investors and buyers alike! Check out this 2 bedroom brick bungalow in the heart of the city, near Kingshighway. Includes finished basement with a bar, ceiling fans and kitchen cabinets, rear sunporch, just to name a few special features. Get your hand in the strong rental market of St. Louis City, or purchase your first home, with a few finishing touches. Home to be sold As-Is. Set
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Nicely maintained 1 Bedroom, 1 Bathroom 2nd floor unit available for rent. Beautiful hardwood floors, eat-in kitchen, separate dining room, bonus/sunroom, plenty of closet space, and additional storage in the basement. Minimum 1 year lease, must pass background check, minimum 1 year employment history, NO previous evictions, NO pets. Rent: $860, Deposit $900. All adults 18+ need to apply. Must
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