History for the Future

Fortunately, for those of us who like St. Louis the way it looks now (and the way it looked way back when), all developers aren't interested in the demolition of our distinctive neighborhoods and beautiful architecture. And those are the people we are honoring during Historic Preservation Week (stlouis.missouri.org/501c/landmarks). We're more than midway through the festivities right now, but there's still plenty of history left to celebrate. To wit, tonight (Thursday, May 18) you can attend the Eleven Most Enhanced Awards at 5:30 p.m. at the 130-year-old Centennial Malt House (2017 Chouteau Avenue). This structure has undergone renovations, and you can check it out — after you pay the $25 admission price. Then, on Friday, May 19, drop by the Majestic Stove Lofts (2014 Delmar Boulevard) for a free 5:30-to-7:30-p.m. TGIF party. These lofts will house mixed-income folks in 110 apartments; have a look at the adaptive-reuse project after you call 314-421-6474 to make your happy-hour reservations. And finishing off the week from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday (May 20 and 21) are the Benton Park House Tour ($10; more information at 314-772-9177) and the free Cherokee-Lemp History Fair. Tour these south-side nabes both formally and informally as you get to know the residents and the area's "antique" tales. Plus on Sunday, you can participate in the Race-toration, a 5K run/walk beginning at 8 a.m., which starts at (and benefits) the lovely Chatillon-DeMenil Mansion (3352 DeMenil Place); for more about this event, call the house at 314-771-5828.
May 18-21