Once part of an estate known as the Gay Villa, Lake Forest is that famous subdivision that has its own traffic light at the southwest corner of Hampton and Clayton roads. It was exciting, while exiting, to finally be able to use it!
Lake Forest was platted in 1929 when a later owner of the subdivided Gay Villa, Sophie Crow, sold the property to developers. Originally, there were racial covenants on the lots, and depending on locations in the subdivision, there was a requirement of $15,000 to $25,000 per house built to maintain housing values.
While they might not be designed by Maritz and Young, the houses clearly show the influence of that famous architecture firm.
Due to another restrictive covenant, that the frontage of the houses be a minimum of a certain width, their houses, based off of Norman or English revival styles, fit perfectly with the requirements of the houses being turned parallel to the street, as opposed to perpendicular to the thoroughfare.
They’re beautiful, and well-maintained, located in the heart of St. Louis.
