Lafayette Square, St. Louis
Lafayette Square is a neighborhood in St. Louis, Missouri, which is bounded on the north by Chouteau Avenue, on the south by Interstate 44, on the east by Truman Parkway, and on the west by South Jefferson Avenue. It surrounds Lafayette Park (see below), which is the city's oldest public park — created by local ordinance in 1836.
Lafayette Square | |
|---|---|
Neighborhood of St. Louis | |
French style houses in a row face Lafayette Square Park | |
Location (red) of Lafayette Square within St. Louis | |
| Country | United States |
| State | Missouri |
| City | St. Louis |
| Wards | 6, 7 |
| Government | |
| • Aldermen |
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| Area | |
| • Total | 0.34 sq mi (0.9 km2) |
| Population (2020) | |
| • Total | 2,164 |
| • Density | 6,400/sq mi (2,500/km2) |
| ZIP code(s) | Part of 63104 |
| Area code(s) | 314 |
| Website | lafayettesquare.org |
The neighborhood is one of the oldest in St. Louis. When it was developed, it was one of the most fashionable places to live. It declined after a tornado devastated the area in 1896. Later, industrial encroachment and highway construction further weakened the neighborhood.
Since the 1970s, St. Louis residents have been buying and renovating the older homes in Lafayette Square. As of 2006, most of the homes have been restored and there are many shops and restaurants.