Benton Park

The oldest remaining "private place" in the city (private place meaning, in St. Louis, an upscale, limited-access street with interesting architecture and zoning restrictions), Benton Place was laid out in 1868 as part of the developing Lafayette Square neighborhood. Its dozen or so houses, framed by four massive residences at its entrance, are mostly in the Second Empire Mansard style. A derelict street of rooming houses some 30 years ago, it is today the most fashionable street in once-again-fashionable Lafayette Square. The private homes are not open to the public, but visitors can feel free to enjoy a walk through the neighborhood.