History and Architecture of Neighborhoods

History and Architecture:

arly in the twentieth century the neighborhoods of West Belleville began to take shape. The first of these was in the Signal Hill area which celebrated its centennial year in 2004. From the beginning, the area attracted a diverse group of home owners. While larger homes were being built on Signal Hill Boulevard and Granvue, smaller bungalows were appearing on the side streets. The tradition of various groups finding common ground in the same neighborhood continues today.

Like their owners, the houses also reflect an interesting mix of tastes and backgrounds. No two are alike. Many of the home designs were created by architects and many different styles are represented. Some of the earliest Signal Hill homes display elements of the Victorian era. In the 1920's the neighborhoods of Country Club Place and Oak Knoll began and the Tudor Revival style was popular. This style had been transported to America by the troops returning from England and France after WWI.

By the 1940's, Commodore Heights was being planned and families were choosing the white clapboard look of the Cape Cod style and along West Main Street and numerous side streets the Craftsman Bungalow style dominated. Unlike many current housing developments, the neighborhoods West Belleville were built up over a period of many years and the electric look is treasured by the families of the area.

By the 1950's the generation of the "baby boomers" was getting a firm foothold and in response to the need for more housing the Olge's farm was divided into home-lots and numerous single-storied ranch houses began to appear. This pattern was repeated later in Powder Mill Woods where the ranch house as joined by the split-level design. By the 1970's there was a return to the traditional look of the two-story home, but with many different interpretations on that theme and this continues today in the new homes of Oak Hill.

In the neighborhoods of West Belleville there is a strong sense of individual ownership. Families take great pride in the look of their home, especially since it is so different from their neighbors. Many of the neighborhoods sponsor special events throughout the year and neighborhood associations are strong. The shady streets and lush gardens are carefully tended.

Because of the close proximity to downtown St. Louis and the recent connection with two Metrolink stations, many families are finding that West Belleville provides them with a remarkable quality of life. For work or recreation, commuting to the city is easy and parents particularly appreciate the safety and superiority of neighborhood schools. Something as old-fashioned as riding a bike to school is still being done in West Belleville.