MARQUIS MAY 2024

MARQUIS • Serving St. Louis’ Near Southside Neighborhoods MAY 2024 7 In late February, the final component of the entrance feature for Waverly Place was completed with the installation of a 30-foot wrought-iron feature that spans the two columns in the center. The columns were tuckpointed and new concrete spherical finials were added in 2022. In addition, new capstones identi- fying the entrance were cast by JV Seibel & Sons. The four columns closely match the brick on the condominium building to the east and were thought to be added around 1913, according to City records. The columns were in severe decline with missing grout, disintegrating capstones and weeds growing out of the tops. The generic metal fencing (added in the 1980s) was rusted, broken and out of scale with the rest of the wrought-iron features scat- tered around the historic district. The restoration of the entrance was overseen by Mitch Hunt, Matt Negri and former resident Frank Mistretta. The entrance toWaverly Place had been on the radar back in 2020 and was funded by the Capital Improvements Committee of the Lafayette Square Neighborhood Association. The LSNA spent approxi- mately $19,400 completing the two phases Repair of the entrance to Waverly Place took two phases, about four years and nearly $20,000. Waverly Place entrance feature completed B y M att N egri — well under the $24,000 allotted. A big thank you goes to the Lafayette Park Conservancy for donating some of the wrought-iron finials in the construction of the fencing. Initial comments by residents ofWaverly Place and Lafayette Avenue have been overwhelmingly complimentary. It also has become a noticeable feature along the entire length of Lafayette Avenue. Wednesday, May 29 Cocktails on the Plaza Saturday, June 1 Springtime in the Park/Antique Fair Friday, Oct. 18 Masquerade Ball Saturday, Dec. 7 Light up the Square  Sunday, Dec. 15 Holiday Parlor Tour  One of the biggest fundraising events of the year is the annual Lafayette Square Holiday Parlor Tour and Market. It will take place on Sunday, Dec. 15. Planning for the event begins in July. If you are interested in serving on the plan- ning committee, or if you’d like to volunteer your home for the tour, email housetour@lafayettesquare.org. Mark your calendar!