Common Ground
Completed Projects
East Stream “Nee Kee Nee”
Named Nee Kee Nee, or “revived water” in the language of the Osage people who once inhabited the land, the East Stream captures storm water from 43 acres of the Park and provides a naturalized play area filled with Missouri native plants. The stream’s Headwaters are just west of the Stupp Center and are fed by a user-activated potable water source that will begin functioning for the first time at this event. Stormwater from intakes on Arsenal Street rejoin the stream 300 feet below the headwaters and are managed by a system of weirs and rain gardens that will capture over an inch of rain in a one-hour weather event. The Headwaters installation contains elements that reference the origin story of the Osage People, and interpretive resources created with their input are planned for the near future.
This project was funded by generous donations from the Crawford Taylor Foundation and members of the Kindle and Taylor families, as well as an appropriation from Project Clear of the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer district.
Turkish & Old Playground Pavilions
Extensive restoration of the Turkish and Old Playground Pavilions was completed in the summer of 2021. Both structures were built in the early 1870’s based on plans by Eugene Greenleaf working at the behest of the park’s founder Henry Shaw. The octagonal Old Playground Pavilion is characterized by a distinctive blue bell-cast metal roof topped by a domed cupola. It sits on the north side of Main Drive a few hundred yards inside the Grand Avenue park entrance. The Turkish Pavilion is located on the east side of Tower Grove Avenue and easily identifiable by its vibrant red and white striped roof.
These structures are just two of Tower Grove Park’s eleven Victorian-era pavilions, all of which have remained in continuous public use for 150 years. They serve not only as living exhibitions of the park’s architectural importance, but as affordable, welcoming venues that host families and groups in the center of St. Louis’ most diverse and thriving urban neighborhoods.
Restoration of the Turkish Pavilion has been made possible through a gift from Ann and Mike Konzen while restoration of the Old Playground Pavilion is possible because of a gift from Nancy and Steve Kidwell. Additional support for the project was received from Ameren Corporate Charitable Trust.
Stables
Constructed in 1870 before widespread use of mechanized equipment, the Tower Grove Park stable originally housed working mules, the stables are located in the northwest quadrant of the Park, just east of the intersection of Magnolia and Alfred avenues. The structure features rustic Missouri limestone walls, a bell tower reminiscent of the Alamo, and an unusual end-grain woodblock floor. Prior to restoration, the walls displayed decades of patchwork repairs, portions of the floor had sunk, and the roof suffered from deferred maintenance.
Thanks to the generosity of the anonymous donor, this historic structure was fully and painstakingly restored to its historic glory. The entire exterior was tuck-pointed with appropriate materials and stone replacement as needed, including the rebuilding of the bell gable. New roof, windows, and doors were installed; and architectural lighting added. The interior floor blocks were removed and re-set with new subflooring. The building has all-new electric, plumbing, ventilation, and heat. A horse washing station has been added, and an employee restroom was refurbished.
The stables are home to Tower Grove Park’s equestrian program, featuring Moonshine the Clydesdale, and Sheffield his companion pony. Moonshine is delighted to serve as the centerpiece of the Park’s beloved carriage ride program.
West Gatehouse
The West Gatehouse is a Gothic Revival style, stone structure constructed in 1870. A $1.3 million renovation project has reversed deterioration and transformed the building into the Park’s educational hub. Improved accessibility and other enhancements will give children a place to attend sessions offered through the Park’s growing education program, as well as opportunities provided by partner organizations. The West Gatehouse is a short distance from several natural resources found on the west end of Tower Grove Park, including the Robert & Martha Gaddy Wild Bird Garden, a prairie, and more. The Park’s Community Engagement Coordinator is officed in the building, as are two naturalists from the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC). The Park has a long-standing relationship with the MDC and collaborates on more than 20 educational events each year for youth in our region.
Community Basketball Courts
Two post-tension concrete courts and related amenities have been designed and built to complement the Park’s historic fabric as a National Historic Landmark. They were one of the most requested additions of the 2017 Master Plan, and since opening in September 2023, they have immediately proven to be an important new way to welcome everyone to the Peoples’ Park.