Rebuilding after decades of population decline in North St. Louis
It took a couple of tries for Wellston to become the city it is today. Incorporated in 1909, dissolved by 1911, and incorporated once again in 1949, the community has undergone many changes over the last century. Less than 10 miles west of the famous Gateway Arch, Wellston is one of 88 municipalities in St. Louis County — but its story is unique compared to its neighbors. Although home to over 9,000 in the 1950s, the fall of the streetcar and the closure of the community’s largest employers caused Wellston to become more sparsely populated over time. Now, there are about 1,500 residents. To fight the challenges that arose from this decline, organizations like the Wellston Center strive to foster connections between neighbors and ensure the community always has access to resources. “The Wellston Center has existed since 1992. It’s where people come together,” says Andrew Diemer, executive director for the Wellston Center. “The grandmothers call it the pulse of the community.”
Reenvisioning single-family living off Page Avenue
Though there are still homes from the earliest phases of Wellston, many new affordable housing developments have replaced vacant properties, including Eskridge Estates, Rise Wellston Homes and Wellington Family Homes. Most streets appear well-worn, but sidewalks have been carefully maintained to promote walkability throughout the community and to the Wellston MetroLink light rail station. “The community seems to be making a noticeable comeback,” Diemer says. Houses seldom come to market here, and when they do, listings often include occupied investment properties. Market-rate housing for owner-occupants is few and far between. Properties in need of rehabilitation start around $20,000 and typically remain shy of $50,000. The average estimated home value has increased over 52% from 2020 to 2024, and most turnkey ranch-style and traditional homes cost anywhere from $60,000 to $150,000.
Taking the MetroLink into the city limits
Sidewalks lead to the Wellston MetroLink light rail station off Plymouth Avenue, connecting the community to downtown St. Louis and the St. Louis Lambert International Airport. To drive into the city, Skinker Boulevard connects right to Forest Park, and ramps to Interstate 64 are about 3 miles south. “It’s spitting distance from Washington University, you can go to downtown St. Louis for a card game, it’s not too far from the shops on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive, and it’s not too far from North St. Louis and Crown Candy, which is traditionally touristy but also frequented by a lot of local residents,” Diemer says.
Access to Normandy Schools Collaborative
Although the old Wellston High is still standing along Wells Avenue, the building is one of many still awaiting demolition in the community. Now, students are zoned for Normandy Schools Collaborative and can start at the Early Learning Center, about 3 miles away. From here, students can head to the Washington School, which receives a D-plus grade from Niche, and transition to Normandy High, a D-graded school with a 67% graduation rate. Students needing a less traditional classroom setting at Normandy can participate in programming at the Center for Academic and Social Advancement to help achieve on-time graduation. For private schools, there are options within a mile drive, including Christ the King Catholic School.
From Bada Bing Pizza & Wings to the restaurants of downtown STL
Made up of over 65% industrial properties and about 20% residential properties, Wellston doesn’t have much room for retailers or restaurants. Wellston Food Market is available for little things like snacks and frozen foods, but the nearest grocery store would be the Fields Foods in Pagedale, about a half mile west. Bada Bing Pizza & Wings features a menu of takeout foods from turkey ribs to charbroiled hamburgers off Page Avenue, and the many restaurants of downtown St. Louis are only about 8 miles away.
Home to Trojan Park, a stop along the St. Vincent Greenway
Trojan Park is one of the most symbolic green spaces in Wellston. Once nothing but an empty field, the gathering space now features a playground with climbing nets, splash pads and a basketball court. Part of the St. Vincent Greenway, the park is also linked to a trail that heads all the way to Forest Park, an amenity-rich park 2 miles south in the City of St. Louis. Wellston also has other smaller parks, including Isabella Park and Yadier Molina Field, and it is about a mile west of COFLA City Garden, which hosts live music, yard sales and evening Zumba classes.
Crime Score above the average and evolving community resources
According to the CAP Index, Wellston receives a homicide Crime Score of 10, which is higher than the national average of 4. Though there are many nonprofits throughout the North St. Louis area, the Wellston Center promotes a sense of community and improves resource access right in Wellston. “If you’re moving to Wellston and want to get to know people, this is the place to get to know folks,” Diemer says. “We fund the food pantry primarily through our thrift store, and we sell pretty high-quality things. Because this place is our community hub, it’s a frequent place for all sorts of community groups to gather, like the neighborhood grandmother group.” The center’s resources include health screenings, legal services and utility assistance. “We wear a lot of hats here. It’s a historically underserved area,” Diemer says.
Black Wall Street 314 Festival at Wellston Loop
Black Wall Street 314 Festival is held at the end of June each year at the Historic Wellston Loop, and the event features networking opportunities with Black-owned businesses, live music and African art displays. With money earned through sponsorships and admittance, the Young Voices with Action group behind the event gives back to Wellston by aiding in community beautification efforts, expanding resources for residents, and creating training opportunities for those looking to build their own businesses in the area.
Photography Contributed By
Daniele Giuseppe Del Gaudio
