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59-496: The Hi-Pointe–DeMun Historic District is a historic district that was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2005. The district, commonly referred to as “ DeMun ,” is a neighborhood straddling the city limits of St. Louis, Missouri and Clayton, Missouri . The district is roughly bounded by Clayton Road to the south, Big Bend Boulevard to the west, Northwood Avenue to the north, and Skinker Boulevard to

118-507: A Certificate of Appropriateness (COA), and the historic commission or architectural review board may decide upon the changes. The COA process is carried out with all aspects of due process, with formal notification, hearings, and fair and informed decision-making. According to the National Park Service, historic districts are one of the oldest forms of protection for historic properties. The city of Charleston, South Carolina

177-444: A State Historic Preservation Office, not all states must have a "state historic district" designation. As of 2004, for example, the state of North Carolina had no such designation. Local historic districts usually enjoy the greatest level of protection legally from any threats that may compromise their historic integrity because many land-use decisions are made at the local level. There are more than 2,300 local historic districts in

236-580: A federal designation, such as granting qualifications and tax incentives. In addition, the property can become protected under specific state laws. The laws can be similar or different from the federal guidelines that govern the National Register. A state listing of a historic district on a "State Register of Historic Places", usually by the State Historic Preservation Office , can be an "honorary status", much like

295-400: A group of buildings, archaeological resources, or other properties as historically or architecturally significant. Buildings, structures, objects, and sites within a historic district are normally divided into two categories, contributing and non-contributing. Districts vary greatly in size and composition: a historic district could comprise an entire neighborhood with hundreds of buildings, or

354-596: A historic district per U.S. federal law , last revised in 2004. According to the Register definition, a historic district is: a geographically definable area, urban or rural, possessing a significant concentration, linkage, or continuity of sites, buildings, structures, or objects united by past events or aesthetically by plan or physical development. A district may also comprise individual elements separated geographically but linked by association or history. Districts established under U.S. federal guidelines generally begin

413-544: A mesh of structures, streets, open space, and landscaping to define a historic district's character. As early as 1981, the National Trust for Historic Preservation identified 882 American cities and towns that had some form of "historic district zoning " in place--local laws meant specifically to protect historic districts. Before 1966, historic preservation in the United States was in its infancy. That year

472-434: A new campus at the current location was built to accommodate the increase in students. Over the next 20 years a liberal arts curriculum was developed. A cafeteria, swimming pool, and gymnasium were added to the original buildings (Ryan Hall, Science Building, Fine Arts Building). Medaille Hall, the university's first residence hall, was dedicated. The school, received North Central accreditation and degree-granting powers. In

531-514: A price per square foot basis increased in value significantly more than non-designated properties. The original concept of an American historic district was a protective area surrounding more important, individual historic sites. As the field of historic preservation progressed, those involved came to realize that the structures acting as "buffer zones" were key elements of the historical integrity of larger landmark sites. Preservationists believed that districts should be more encompassing, blending

590-456: A separate process unrelated to zoning. Local historic districts are identified by surveying historic resources and delineating appropriate boundaries that comply with all aspects of due process . Depending on local ordinances or state law, property owners' permission may be required; however, all owners are to be notified and allowed to share their opinions. Most local historic districts are constricted by design guidelines that control changes to

649-530: A smaller area with just one or a few resources. Historic districts can be created by federal, state, or local governments . At the federal level, they are designated by the National Park Service and listed on the National Register of Historic Places ; this is a largely honorary designation that does not restrict what property owners may do with a property. State -level historic districts usually do not include restrictions, though this depends on

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708-504: A somewhat upscale clientele. The DeMun neighborhood was developed on land once owned by French fur trader Jules DeMun and his wife Isabelle Gratiot DeMun, the great-granddaughter of Pierre Laclède . The large tract deeded to the DeMun family by the King of Spain in colonial days was ultimately divided, with the eastern part sold under protest to the city of St. Louis for the establishment of,

767-583: A specific area in the library for African American students and an establishment of an African American artist series fund. Along with these demands, their manifesto demanded wage increases and an improvement of working conditions for African American workers at Fontbonne. Overall, the demands of these women were an effort to more fully integrate African American students and workers with the Fontbonne Community, and to address their concerns about exclusion. Fontbonne College became co-educational in

826-423: A specific definition in relation to the National Register. All but the eponymous district category are also applied to historic districts listed on the National Register. A listing on the National Register of Historic Places is a governmental acknowledgment of a historic district. However, the Register is "an honorary status with some federal financial incentives." The National Register of Historic Places defines

885-650: A women's college, takes its name from Mother St. John Fontbonne , who, in 1808 after the French Revolution, refounded the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph (CSJ). More than a century and a half before, in 1650, the Sisters of St. Joseph had been founded in LePuy, France. During the French Revolution, the sisters were forced to return to their homes and the community was dispersed. Some 28 years after

944-621: Is adjacent to Forest Park and conveniently close to multiple movie theaters, grocery stores, large- and small-retail outfits, as well as the cultural attractions of the Delmar Loop in University City and the Downtown Clayton business hub. DeMun Avenue, in the heart of the neighborhood, is home to a number of restaurants, bars, coffee shops, and other retail, all within walking distance of one another, and frequented by

1003-405: Is artificially restricted and the supply of new housing permanently capped in area so designated as 'historic'. Critics of historic districts argue that while these districts may offer an aesthetic or visually pleasing benefit, they increase inequality by restricting access to new and affordable housing for lower and middle class tenants and potential home owners. Housing advocates have argued that

1062-407: Is credited with beginning the modern-day historic districts movement. In 1931, Charleston enacted an ordinance which designated an "Old and Historic District" administered by a Board of Architectural Review. Charleston's early ordinance reflected the strong protection that local historic districts often enjoy under local law. It asserted that no alteration could be made to any architectural features

1121-471: Is little more than recognition by the government that the resource is worthy of preservation. Generally, the criteria for acceptance to the National Register are applied consistently, but there are considerations for exceptions to the criteria, and historic districts influence some of those exceptions. Usually, the National Register does not list religious structures, moved structures, reconstructed structures, or properties that have achieved significance within

1180-563: Is located proximate to Washington University, Concordia Seminary, Fontbonne University , and to other St. Louis neighborhoods such as Dogtown , the Delmar Loop, and Skinker–DeBaliviere . Nearby attractions include the 1922-built Hi-Pointe Theater, Forest Park, the St. Louis Art Museum , and the St. Louis Zoo . Historic district (United States) Historic districts in the United States are designated historic districts recognizing

1239-488: Is not involved, then the listing on the National Register provides the site , property or district no protections. For example, if company A wants to tear down the hypothetical Smith House and company A is under contract with the state government of Illinois, then the federal designation would offer no protections. If, however, company A was under federal contract, the Smith House would be protected. A federal designation

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1298-560: The U.S. Conference of Mayors penned an influential report which concluded, in part, that Americans suffered from a sense of "rootlessness." They recommended historic preservation to help give Americans a sense of orientation. The creation of the National Register of Historic Places in 1966, on the heels of the report, helped instill that sense of orientation the mayors sought. The mayors also recommended that any historic preservation program not focus solely on individual properties but also on "areas and districts which contain special meaning for

1357-486: The 1950s its Department of Education was expanded to include special education, behavioral disorders, learning disabilities, and mental handicaps. A major in deaf education linked Fontbonne with St. Joseph's Institute for the Deaf. The department of communication disorders was established to prepare teachers for speech-impaired children and adults. Insufficient space led to the high school and college sections to be separated and

1416-498: The 1970s. Service programs were expanded to areas such as dietetics, special education, communication disorders and deaf education. A predominantly lay board of trustees was formed. The Fontbonne Library was dedicated, along with two more residence halls. The first male president, Dr. Dennis C. Golden, was inaugurated in September 1995. The school celebrated its 75th anniversary during the 1998–99 academic year. March 14, 2002 marked

1475-882: The 1994–95 school year) of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) from 1986–87 to 1989–90 (the latter school year was due to dual membership within the NAIA and the NCAA Division III ranks). Fontbonne competes in 23 intercollegiate varsity sports: Men's sports included baseball, basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, sprint football (beginning in 2022), track & field (indoor and outdoor), volleyball and wrestling; while women's sports include basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, softball, stunt (formerly co-ed), track & field (indoor and outdoor), volleyball and wrestling; and co-ed sports include cheerleading, dance and eSports (which none of

1534-529: The DeMun Park and Hi-Pointe subdivisions were designed as public neighborhoods, there were restrictive covenants attached to their deeds. Wright was an original trustee for the Hi-Pointe subdivision, which had restrictive covenants until December 1999. The restrictions were designed to insure architectural consistency, maintain the residential nature of the area, provide a funding mechanism for maintenance of

1593-758: The Griffins. The university is a member of the Division III level of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), primarily competing in the St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SLIAC) since it was a founding member back in the 1989–90 academic year. The Griffins also previously competed in the Show–Me Conference (now currently known as the American Midwest Conference since

1652-470: The National Register of Historic Places. If such an objection occurred, then the nomination would become a determination of National Register eligibility only. This provision is controversial because of the presumption that owners who do not file a formal objection support the designation, placing the burden on opponents. Most U.S. state governments have a listing similar to the National Register of Historic Places. State listings can have similar benefits to

1711-669: The National Register. For example, in Nevada , listing in the State Register places no limits on property owners. In contrast, state law in Tennessee requires that property owners within historic districts follow a strict set of guidelines from the U.S. Department of Interior when altering their properties. Though, according to the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, all states must have

1770-424: The United States is primarily based on arguments that such laws creating such districts restrict the supply of affordable housing, and thus the result of such districts is that of enforcing caste structures and class divisions by region and segments of urban areas. Several historic districts have been proposed not for a true preservation purpose but to prevent development. The issue of local historic districts and

1829-425: The United States. Local historic districts can be administered at the county or the municipal level; both entities are involved in land use decisions. The specific legal mechanism by which historic districts are enacted and regulated varies from one state to the next. In some areas, they are a component of zoning (where they are sometimes referred to as "overlay districts." In other places, they are created under

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1888-668: The Vieux Carré Commission and authorizing it to act to maintain the historic character of the city's French Quarter . Other localities picked up on the concept, with the city of Philadelphia enacting its historic preservation ordinance in 1955. The regulatory authority of local commissions and historic districts has been consistently upheld as a legitimate use of government police power, most notably in Penn Central Transportation Co. v. City of New York (1978). The Supreme Court case validated

1947-435: The buildings are created using limestone, terra cotta and bricks of different colors and textures. Many of the original roofs were terra cotta tiles — either red unglazed or green glazed. The other main material used in the roofs of the original buildings is slate. Many of the homes include leaded and art glass windows and doors. The garages matched the homes using the same brick, mortar, and in some cases roofing accents. DeMun

2006-427: The buildings have cut stone foundations with brickwork walls that are dark in color and vary from heavily textured to smooth faced brick. The brick varies in color including greens, tans, yellows, and browns. The brick is generally laid in an American common bond pattern. All colors are muted. The mortar colors vary. The predominant mortar color is black, however, brown, red, light gray and sand are also common. Accents on

2065-407: The change in status from Fontbonne College to Fontbonne University. On February 1, 2014, J. Michael (Mike) Pressimone, Ed.D., was selected the 14th president of Fontbonne University. He assumed office on July 1, 2014. In 2017, Fontbonne purchased 23 acres (9.3 ha) of the former JFK High School in western St. Louis County to allow its student-athletes to train and play home games. The new space

2124-465: The community." Local, state, and federal historic districts now account for thousands of historical property listings at all levels of government. Fontbonne University In March 2024, university officials made public their decision to cease operations by 2025. Washington University in St. Louis agreed to purchase the campus. Fontbonne University, established in 1923 as Fontbonne College as

2183-444: The congestion and noise of major thoroughfares. Access from busy streets was limited, and streets were curved to deliberately slow and quiet automobile traffic. There were alleys for cars and service vehicles, and sidewalks to get to the shops, parks, and the school, all located within the self-sufficient community. To ensure land was used efficiently, structures were placed on small lots and people shared central green spaces. Considering

2242-421: The designation process through a nomination to the National Register of Historic Places. The National Register is the official recognition by the U.S. government of cultural resources worthy of preservation. While designation through the National Register does offer a district or property some protections, it is only in cases where the threatening action involves the federal government . If the federal government

2301-505: The doors of the library shut and began to do their homework as they occupied the space. Their goal was to see the points in their previously written manifesto come to reality. In their manifesto they asked the following changes to be made at Fontbonne: to have an African American administrator, an African American officer in both Financial Aid and Admissions, an African American counselor, an orientation program more geared towards African Americans, African American cultural education experiences,

2360-409: The east, and consists of two subdivisions: DeMun Park and Hi-Pointe. In 2005, there were 441 buildings in the district deemed contributing to the historic character of the district, and nine other contributing sites, over a 72.5-acre (293,000 m) area. In 2007, the boundaries were increased to include an additional 33 acres (130,000 m) with 111 contributing buildings. DeMun is known as one of

2419-411: The former moved to its new campus in the suburb of Frontenac in 1955. The college section became Fontbonne College as the academy name solely referred to the high school . On October 24, 1970, a group of eight African American women entered the library of Fontbonne University with a common goal. Yolande Nicholson, Antoinette Smith, Rita Hunt, Jeannette Gauda, Collette Lemelle and three others chained

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2478-528: The historic designation process has in many places been hijacked by NIMBY homeowners to block housing. The first U.S. historic district was established in Charleston, South Carolina in 1931, predating the U.S. federal government designation by more than three decades. Charleston city government designated an "Old and Historic District" by local ordinance and created a board of architectural review to oversee it. New Orleans followed in 1937, establishing

2537-538: The huge drop in enrollment of students from 2,293 (in 2011) to 955 (in 2021) has caused the university to operate at a deficit for the past 10 years. By November, 2023 enrollment had dropped to 874 with a deficit of $ 5.2 million. In March 2024, officials with the university announced that it will close in 2025. The adjacent Washington University in St. Louis has agreed to purchase the campus. After closure, Fontbonne student records will be maintained by Saint Louis University . The Fontbonne athletic teams are called

2596-627: The impact on property values concerns many homeowners. The effects have been extensively studied using multiple methodologies, including before-and-after analysis and evaluating comparable neighborhoods with and without local designation status. Independent researchers have conducted factual analysis in several states, including New Jersey, Texas, Indiana, Georgia, Colorado, Maryland, North and South Carolina, Kentucky, Virginia, and elsewhere. As stated by economist Donovan Rypkema, "the results of these studies are remarkably consistent: property values in local historic districts appreciate significantly faster than

2655-406: The last 50 years. However, if a property falls into one of those categories and are " integral parts of districts that do meet the criteria", then an exception allowing their listing will be made. Historic district listings, like all National Register nominations, can be rejected based on owner disapproval. In the case of historic districts, a majority of owners must object to nullify a nomination to

2714-545: The market as a whole in the vast majority of cases and appreciate at rates equivalent to the market in the worst case. Simply put – historic districts enhance property values." In a 2011 study Connecticut Local Historic Districts and Property Values , it was found that "property values in every local historic district saw average increases in value ranging from 4% to over 19% per year." Similarly, in New York City between 1980 and 2000, local historic district properties on

2773-479: The most historically significant neighborhoods in St. Louis, “chock-full of 1920s architecture and peaceful, tree-lined streets.” The neighborhood's residents are a mix of families, young professionals, and students — typically graduate and professional students from nearby Washington University in St. Louis . DeMun is centrally located within the St. Louis metropolitan area and is one St. Louis's most walkable neighborhoods. In addition to Washington University, DeMun

2832-426: The multi-family areas of the district, buildings of similar size used similar plans, with individuality attained by changing the decorative tile roofs and brick patterns. The single-family neighborhood has a more eclectic collection of dwellings. However, the commonality of size, scale, and materials throughout DeMun, and in each distinct residential area, gives the neighborhood a sense of unity in design. The majority of

2891-488: The parks, trees, and streets, and limit use of the property to those originally designated. Because of the care taken in developing DeMun, the neighborhood maintains a high level of historic integrity. All but 8 of the 305 primary buildings in the district are within the Hi-Pointe–DeMun Historic District. The neighborhood is characterized primarily by post-World War I brick and limestone architecture. In

2950-467: The properties included in the district. Many local commissions adopt specific guidelines for each neighborhood's " tout ensemble " although some smaller commissions rely on the Secretary of Interior Standards. For most minor changes, homeowners can consult with local preservation staff at the municipal office and receive guidance and permission. Significant changes, however, require homeowners to apply for

3009-435: The property owner's consent or compensation for the historic overlay. Historic districts are generally two types of properties, contributing and non-contributing. Broadly defined, a contributing property is any property, structure, or object which adds to the historical integrity or architectural qualities that make a historic district, listed locally or federally, significant. Different entities, usually governmental, at both

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3068-516: The protection of historic resources as "an entirely permissible governmental goal." In 1966, the federal government created the National Register of Historic Places, soon after a report from the U.S. Conference of Mayors had stated Americans suffered from "rootlessness." By the 1980s, there were thousands of federally designated historic districts. Some states, such as Arizona, have passed referendums defending property rights that have stopped private property from being designated as historic without

3127-713: The public could view from the street. Local historic districts, as in New Orleans and Savannah, Georgia , predate the Register by ten years or more as well. Local historic districts are most likely to generate resistance because of the restrictions they tend to place on property owners. Local laws can cause residents "to comply with (local historic district) ordinances." For example, homeowners may be prevented from upgrading poorly insulated windows unless they spend tens of thousands of dollars on identical styles. Criticism of historic districts in Chicago and elsewhere in

3186-478: The re-founding, six Sisters of St. Joseph came to the United States in 1836 and established American roots at Carondelet , a small community in south St. Louis, Missouri within the Archdiocese of St. Louis . Five years later, in 1841, they opened St. Joseph's Academy for girls. First classes began at Carondelet College following World War I, with the first eight baccalaureate degrees given in 1927. By then,

3245-525: The state and national level in the United States, have differing definitions of contributing property, but they all retain the same basic characteristics. In general, contributing properties are integral parts of a historic district's historical context and character. In addition to the two types of classification within historic districts, properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places are classified into five broad categories. They are: building, structure, site, district, and object; each one has

3304-442: The state. Historic districts created by local municipalities, however, almost always protect historic properties by regulating alterations, demolition, or new construction within the district. Much criticism has arisen of historic districts and the effect protective zoning and historic designation status laws have on the housing supply. When an area of a city is designated as part of a 'historic district', new housing development

3363-420: The unique topography of the highest point in St. Louis, large multi-story buildings were placed at the bottom of the hill, and short ones at the top, yielding a visually appealing landscape and equal access to sunlight and air circulation. Finally, Wright encouraged the use of many traditional architectural styles and a limited variety of materials, so that structures were both consistent and unique. Although both

3422-593: The western part sold in 1921 to the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod to build Concordia Seminary , and the remainder sold and subdivided for the creation of the neighborhood that bears their name. The district was designed by renowned American landscape architect and urban planner Henry Wright , and completed in 1923, after Wright's 1917 plan for the development. DeMun illustrates what would become known as Wright's “new town” philosophy and planning features. The neighborhood faced inward, away from

3481-415: Was to also allow the college to offer adult and continuing education courses. In 2020, it put up the former JFK high school for sale to concentrate on its main campus instead. Nancy Blattner became the university's 15th president in 2020. She was previously the president of Caldwell University and had been Fontbonne's Vice President of Academic Affairs from 2004 to 2009. In 2022, it was revealed that

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