Welcome to the first edition of St. Louis Magazine's Clayton newsletter! Here’s a peek at what you’ll find inside this week:
🗳️ Get the latest on Tuesday's ballot issue, the ongoing tornado cleanup, and more.
🎉 Mark your calendar with the latest seasonal events.
🏠 Look inside a three-bedroom condo that hit the market this fall.
🎃 Meet the Clayton family going all-in on their Halloween decorations this year.
📌 Get updates on Herbie's fall menu, local crime, and an honor for a public servant.
To share events and story ideas about Clayton, contact SLM associate editor Mike Miller.
Photography courtesy of Lightmetro, Wikimedia Commons
📰 AROUND THE BLOCK
Ballot issue on charter amendment set for Tuesday(City of Clayton): Next week, Clayton residents will vote on Proposition 1, a proposed update to the Clayton City Charter. The changes would rename the governing body from “Board of Aldermen” to “City Council,” incorporate gender-neutral language, clarify rules around elected official term limits, vacancies and compensation, and shift many detailed operational provisions (such as those for departments, boards and commissions) out of the Charter and into the City’s ordinance code for greater flexibility.
City offers update on tornado response(City of Clayton): Cleanup efforts continue more than five months after a tornado touched down in Clayton on May 16. David Gipson, Clayton's city manager, said this week during a briefing that sidewalk and curb repairs are 40 percent complete and expected to wrap in December. Significant work remains on the city's streetlight system, which saw 170 lights/poles and nine circuits damaged during the storm. Meanwhile, replenishing Clayton's tree canopy will be a long-term effort. Gipson said all 186 damaged trees have been removed, but pruning and stump removal work remains ongoing. Approximately 600 trees will be replanted over a three-year peiod. While the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the state of Missouri are reimbursing more than 80 percent of infrastructure costs, $1.5 million worth of tree-related work will be funded locally. Gipson said tree replanting and pruning is not eligible for FEMA reimbursement.
New redevelopment plan proposed for former 7UP HQ(City of Clayton): A developer presented new plans for rehabilitating the former 7UP headquarters in downtown Clayton during the city’s Plan Commission Architectural Review Board meeting last week. Michael Knight of Revive Capital Development said at the meeting that the firm intends to use historic tax credits to convert the vacant office building at 111-121 South Meramec into an apartment complex with 118 residential units. Plans call for preserving the building’s distinctive rooftop crown, adding a pool area where the outdoor fountain once stood, and introducing other outdoor programming—grilling areas, seating, and televisions—to activate the street frontage. Although members of the commission seemed generally supportive of the plans outlined by Revive Capital, they asked the developers to resolve several issues with the proposal, including alley and ADA access, traffic and egress safety, design details for the street-level podium area, and more. Revive Capital purchased the building and an adjacent lot from the St. Louis County Port Authority for $3.8 million in 2023.
A MESSAGE FROM ST. LOUIS MAGAZINE
Arch Eats is celebrating two years
St. Louis Magazine’s dining podcast, hosted by Cheryl Baehr and George Mahe, is celebrating its second anniversary! The duo has ranked the city’s best burgers, explored the craft beer scene, shared stories from the restaurateurs shaping St. Louis dining, and more—conversations every local food lover needs to hear.
Chapman Plaza Concert Series (Oct. 30, Shaw Park): The Playadors will perform a free concert from 4:30–8 p.m. Grab a bite from food trucks, enjoy outdoor activities, and more.
Special Election (Nov. 4): The city has introduced an amendment to its charter that would streamline administrative structures.
Toys for Tots Toy Drive(Nov. 3–Dec. 6): Bring new, unwrapped toys—including infant toys, books, games, sports equipment, and more—for drop-off at the Clayton Fire Department, Clayton Police Department, or Center of Clayton.
Ward III Coffee(Nov. 15, Starbucks): Chat with Ward III Alderpersons Gary Feder and Kami Waldman at the Starbucks on N. Central from 10 a.m.–noon.
The Kyasaram family followed last year's Grave Digger's Truck display with a Haunted Harbor scene in front of their house on Arundel Place this Halloween season. Photography courtesy Ravi Kyasaram
⭐️ COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT
Ghost ship haunts Clayton family's front yard
Ahead of Halloween, a ghostly pirate ship has mysteriously docked on Arundel Place. Its skull-and-crossbones sail ripples above red and blue lights, a skeleton crew stands at the helm, and a mix of lanterns and ropes completes the eerie Haunted Harbor scene in the Kyasaram family’s front yard.
This year's display follows an equally spooky seasonal spectacle created by the Kyasarams last October. With the help of family friend Bob Schellenger, owner of PJ Columns, the Kyasarams sourced materials—including a 1962 Studebaker—to create a Grave Digger's Truck display, which featured tombstones and skeleton passengers. Children Zia, 6, and Zeev, 4, play important roles in selecting many of the parts for each year's creation.
The Kyasarams say they've enjoyed seeing other Clayton families stop to take photos with their kids next to the frightening front-yard flagship.
BRANDED CONTENT
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📌 BULLETIN BOARD
Earlier this month, Herbie's (8100 Maryland) launched its fall menu, featuring new dishes such as the Bavarian Bistro Steak and the Surf & Turf Wagyu Frankfurter, which is topped with lobster, béarnaise, and cherry pepper relish.
The Clayton Police Department had a busy week, responding to 487 calls between October 20–26, including several hit-and-runs, a couple of jewelry thefts, a few fraud and shoplifting cases—and even a vehicle break-in. Most of those investigations are still ongoing.
The Missouri Chapter of the American Public Works Association named Clayton's Matt Malik its "Public Works Leader of the Year."
Here is this year's residential leaf collection schedule.
A three-bedroom condo at the Whitehall Club features nearly 4,000 square feet of living space. Photography courtesy Gladys Manion, Inc.
🏠 HOME OF THE WEEK
3-bed condo at Whitehall Club hits the market
Sky-high living: This 17th-floor residence offers 3,811 square feet of living space, sweeping views, and a private balcony.
Chef’s kitchen: A sleek, modern kitchen features custom cabinetry, high-end stainless appliances, and a built-in wine cellar.
Full-service lifestyle: Residents enjoy 24-hour doorman service, pool and spa, fitness center, guest suites, and attached garage parking for two vehicles.
Address:710 S. Hanley, No. 17 C
Price: $975,000
Realtor: Keith Manzer and Cameron Marino, 314-721-4755, Gladys Manion, Inc.
