Courtesy of Cheryl Tadin Photography
The Central West End Association held its 56th Annual
Meeting at Bar Italia last Monday, January 14. Jeff Fister, above, a past president of the association welcomed members and introduced the organization's president Doug Teasdale, below.
Courtesy of Cheryl Tadin Photography
Teasdale recited a list of accomplishments for the past year including the CWEA House Tour on stately Washington Terrace, the dedication of the Kate Chopin sculpture on Writer's Corner, First Friday Happy Hours, the Halloween parades, the CWEA 5k run/walk with over 200 participants, participation in the funding of the Movies on the Plaza, etc. The CWEA was recently awarded a long-term loan of an Ernest Trova sculpture, "Gox (A)," which will replace "Hobo" next to Left Bank Books and Jason's. The organization also helped push forward revisions, suggested by the Planning & Development Committee, to the CWE Historic District Standards. These revisions are currently pending before the St. Louis Board of Aldermen.
Courtesy of Cheryl Tadin Photography
Each year the CWEA presents two awards at the annual meeting. The Polk Award is presented to an individual who has exhibited outstanding support and/or contributions to the betterment of the neighborhood. This year the Polk Award was presented to Wade Crowder, above left, "for his singular dedication to the enhancement and ongoing maintenance of the streetscape in the Cathedral Square district. Examples of the many initiatives undertaken by Crowder include: Refurbishment of the historic-style lamps & posts throughout the district; cleanup and ongoing maintenance of the vacant and overgrown lot on the northwest corner of Maryland & Boyle; and beautification of numerous overlooked patches of ground by creating and maintaining new gardens. "
Alderman Lyda Krewson, below, presented Wade with a plaque commemorating a resolution passed by the Board of Alderman honoring Wade's work in the neighborhood.
Courtesy of Cheryl Tadin Photography
The Renaissance Award (established in 1992) is presented to a person(s) or group who has had a profoundly positive effect on the Central West End. This year's award was presented to multiple individuals for their roles in the dramatic revitalization of the 4400-4500 blocks of Olive Street:
Uan & Sue Nguyen (not present), developers of the Lister Building, Taylor-Olive Building and the Eugene Field School apartments.
Bill Kent, Jr., above left, Executive Director, Youth Learning Center, 4471 Olive Street. The Youth Learning Center focuses on after-school and summer programs teaching literacy & math programs to youths in need.
Mark Keoshkerian, middle, is the developer of 4440, 4448, 4449, 4443 & 4445 Olive Street. Mark improved four run-down, uninhabited properties and, in addition, built new townhouses which are the first new construction on that block in over 80 years.
The four Renaissance Award-winners were also presented with plaques by Alderman Krewson commemorating resolutions passed by the Board of Alderman honoring the winners' contributions to the neighborhood.
Courtesy of Cheryl Tadin Photography
Doug Teasdale (left) shown with Renaissance Award winner Mark Keoshkerian.
Courtesy of Cheryl Tadin Photography
Bill Kent, Jr., above, spoke about Youth Learning Center's program which employs certified teachers, 65 volunteers and grad students from WU and SLU. Here is a post from last summer showing YCC's program which includes a segment on community gardens.
Finally, thank you to Cheryl Tadin Photography for providing the professional touch by sharing the terrific photographs featured above.