National Trust for Historic Preservation Names St. Louis, Missouri, to its 2010 List of America’s Dozen Distinctive Destinations
First Year that Public Will Vote for Fan Favorite Destination
Posted February 3, 2010 | Contact pr@nthp.org or 202-588-6141
Washington, D.C. (February 3, 2010)—Today, the National Trust for Historic Preservation named St. Louis, Missouri, one of its 2010 Dozen Distinctive Destinations. St. Louis, nominated by the St. Louis Convention and Visitors Commission, was selected for its revitalized downtown area, its diverse and inviting tapestry of neighborhoods and an architectural style all its own. In the month of February, St. Louis will be participating in the first-ever public online voting contest for the 2010 Dozen Distinctive Destinations Fan Favorite.
For 10 years the National Trust for Historic Preservation has annually selected communities across America that offer distinctive cultural and recreational experiences. From dynamic downtowns and stunning architecture to cultural diversity and a commitment to historic preservation, sustainability and revitalization, the selected destinations boast a richness of character and exude an authentic sense of place.
"People have flocked to St. Louis to see the Gateway Arch for decades, but there's a lot more to St. Louis than that iconic symbol," said Richard Moe, president of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. "St. Louis' downtown has become a vibrant city center, and its dynamic and diverse neighborhoods offer something for everyone."
The "Gateway to the West," famous for its beer, legendary baseball teams, and the Modernist Gateway Arch that has loomed over the cityscape since the mid-1960s, St. Louis is one of America's great cities. But visitors who look beyond St. Louis' hallmark offerings will find a vibrant, ethnically diverse city full of unexpected treasures and one-of-a-kind attractions.
Architecturally, St. Louis has a look that's all its own: Red brick buildings, cobblestone streets, terra cotta friezes and stunning stained glass all contribute to the tapestry that is St. Louis' built heritage. Thanks in large part to the Landmarks Association of St. Louis, the city's forward-looking preservation organization since 1958, a large number of historically and architecturally significant buildings have been saved. St. Louis has taken advantage of state and federal historic tax credits to transform the once-troubled downtown area into a thriving city center that hums with activity around the clock, from new restaurants to retail outlets to entertainment venues and several new hotels. The up-and-coming Loft District along the Washington Avenue corridor is now home to thousands of downtown residents occupying restored historic buildings.
To fully appreciate the city, visitors should experience its many neighborhoods, each of which is bursting with hidden gems. Check out the historic Soulard neighborhood and its famous farmer's market, visit the Central West End with its stately collection of 20th-century mansions, or stop by University City—adjacent to Washington University—to spend time in its contemporary assortment of music clubs, coffee shops and trendy vintage clothing stores. Visitors looking to get out of their cars will find St. Louis a very walkable city, and bike riders will be pleasantly surprised by amenities such as dedicated bike lanes—part of St. Louis' commitment to environmental sustainability.
Highlights
- Soulard Farmers Market has offered fine meats, cheeses, local produce, and other goods since 1779, making it the oldest farmers market west of the Mississippi
- The Dred Scott Trials opened in 1847 in the Old Courthouse, which features courtrooms restored to their appearance at the time of the trial
- Founded in 1859, the 79-acre Missouri Botanical Garden is the nation's oldest public garden, boasting a grand greenhouse and founder Henry Shaw's Victorian home
- The Chase Park Plaza, a Historic Hotel of America, is an elegant Art Deco property.
- The Gateway Arch is a modern testament to St. Louis' historical role as part of the old frontier west of the Mississippi River
- Louis Sullivan's Wainwright Building, America's first skyscraper, and Frank Lloyd Wright's Ebsworth Park show the progression of modern architecture
- St. Louis' Earth Day Celebration, the largest and oldest in the Midwest, shows the city's dedication to sustainability issues
For the first time, the public will determine which of the 12 destinations will be the 2010 Fan Favorite. From February 3 to February 28, any legal resident of the U.S., 18 years of age or older, can vote as often as they like for their favorite city or town on this year's list. The winner of the popular vote will be announced on March 1, 2010. Voters are automatically entered to win a complimentary two night stay at any Historic Hotel of America. No purchase necessary. Offer void where prohibited. Visit www.PreservationNation.org/ddd for official rules, information about Historic Hotels of America, to learn more about this year's destinations, and to begin voting!
To download high resolution images and video of this year's Dozen Distinctive Destinations, visit www.PreservationNation.org/press.
The 2010 list of America's Dozen Distinctive Destinations includes:
Cedar Falls, Iowa – With recreational activities ranging from kayaking on the Cedar River to shopping on its acclaimed Main Street, Cedar Falls delightfully connects a dynamic downtown with its natural surroundings.
St. Louis, Mo. – Destination highlights are nestled amongst the historic brick buildings that line St. Louis' cobblestone streets, proving the city lives up to its iconic status as the "Gateway to the West."
Marquette, Mich. – Named one of the 100 Best Art Towns in America, cosmopolitan Marquette offers wonderful views of the Lake Superior waterfront and an equally enchanting downtown.
Fort Collins, Colo. – The great Rocky Mountains overlook the thriving businesses of Fort Collins' Old Town Square – a vibrant area that so epitomizes the ideal of a bustling American main street that it was actually used as a model for "Main Street, USA" at Disneyland.
Provincetown, Mass. – This New England seaport town, site of the 1620 signing of the Mayflower Compact, positions fabulous galleries and restaurants next to National Seashore dunes and beaches.
Simsbury, Conn. – This quintessential small town appeals to the heritage traveler with its top-rated restaurants, historic sites and parks and real working farms that produce everything from wine to sweet corn to homemade ice cream.
Rockland, Maine – With great pride in its maritime past and present, Rockland blends tradition with an innovative spirit and delivers delicious dining opportunities as well as historic lighthouses and museums.
Chestnut Hill, Pa. – Enjoying a unique combination of colonial and modern history, Chestnut Hill features historic homes ranging from Federal to Modernist, a boutique shopping district, and recreational opportunities at nearby Wissahickon Valley Park.
Huntsville, Ala. – Still preserving the largest collection of antebellum homes in Alabama, Huntsville has grown from its deep southern roots to become "America's Space Capital."
The Crooked Road: Virginia's Heritage Music Trail, Va. – The Crooked Road celebrates the region's rich Appalachian heritage, weaving together quaint historic districts that share a past steeped in a uniquely American music culture.
Bastrop, Tex. – Only 30 minutes from downtown Austin, Bastrop takes visitors back in time with traditional Texas charm and historic buildings set along the banks of the Colorado River.
Sitka, Alaska – Sitka prides itself on its diverse cultural heritage and offers a glimpse of a unique chapter of American history, while the extraordinary wilderness in its backyard beckons visitors to explore the largest temperate rainforest in the world.
2010 marks the eleventh announcement of the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Dozen Distinctive Destinations annual list. To date, there are 132 Distinctive Destinations located in 46 states throughout the country. To see a complete list and to vote for the 2010 Fan Favorite Destination, visit www.PreservationNation.org/ddd. The title of Distinctive Destination is presented to cities and towns that offer an authentic visitor experience by combining dynamic downtowns, cultural diversity, attractive architecture, cultural landscapes and a strong commitment to historic preservation, sustainability and revitalization. In each community, residents have taken forceful action to protect their town’s character and sense of place.
The National Trust for Historic Preservation (www.PreservationNation.org) is a non-profit membership organization bringing people together to protect, enhance and enjoy the places that matter to them. By saving the places where great moments from history – and the important moments of everyday life – took place, the National Trust for Historic Preservation helps revitalize neighborhoods and communities, spark economic development and promote environmental sustainability. With headquarters in Washington, DC, eight regional and field offices, 29 historic sites, and partner organizations in 50 states, territories, and the District of Columbia, the National Trust for Historic Preservation provides leadership, education, advocacy and resources to a national network of people, organizations and local communities committed to saving places, connecting us to our history and collectively shaping the future of America’s stories.
