Nestled in the midst of tree lined residential streets and children playing on the sidewalks is an up and coming business district that is poised to become the next hoppin’ entertainment destination.
Mirroring the recent upturn of residential renovation, the last few years have seen an explosion of rehab along the Morgan Ford Business District. Morgan Ford Road runs perpendicular to Arsenal Street just south of Tower Grove Park and between Grand Avenue and Kingshighway Blvd. Most structures along this six block strip were built in the early 1900s and were originally designed for business commerce drawing from pedestrian traffic of the surrounding residential streets.
As urban culture began to evolve and suburbs created an appealing alternative to the city way of life, many neighborhoods experienced unforeseen problems and issues. The commercial businesses along this strip of Morgan Ford faded in the 1960s and 1970s as many residents headed for suburban subdivisions and green space.
Morgan Ford Road serves as a natural corridor connecting mid city with south city. In the mid 1990s, the Morgan Ford Bridge (just south of Fyler) was closed for repairs and businesses at the time began to struggle. It would be another decade before the current revitalization efforts took hold.
The last few years have seen the beginning of a rebirth: a bar here, a retail store there. Another retail store. A service business. Art began to appear. Each time something opened, people talked.
Ultimately, what created this commercial pocket at the turn of the century is the same thing that drives the current resurrection: the need and desire for accessible, viable, and useful businesses right here where we live. After throwing in an element of entertainment and fun, the recipe was created for the Morgan Ford Business District. It may not be finished cooking, but come back in an hour and check on the progress.
