Historic Code
Planning on Renovating Your Home or Business?
The Preservation Committee
The Preservation Committee is a subcommittee of the Lafayette Square Neighborhood Association (LSNA). Lafayette Square is a National and Local historic district. The local district regulations are set forth by ordinance and are the result of a partnership between the neighborhood and Cultural Resources Office and were originally written in 2010 and amended in 2019. The Preservation Committee is responsible for being informed about all aspects of development within the Lafayette Square Historic District by:
- Encouraging the completion of restoration of all existing historical structures within the Lafayette Square Historic District
- Providing assistance and guidance on renovation and restoration projects with regard to compliance with the ordinance
- Reviewing proposed construction and renovation projects for compliance with the Lafayette Square Historic Ordinance and the Lafayette Square Urban Plan and, as appropriate, providing feedback to residents as to potential changes or improvements to comply with the existing code.
- Functioning as the official body representing the LSNA in reference to the Historic Code and the Urban Plan to the appropriate agencies of the City of St. Louis (Cultural Resources Office and Preservation Board) and to the neighborhood
If you are planning on renovating your home or business, or are thinking about new construction, we suggest reading the Ordinance and detailed Standards linked below. We regret that we cannot officially endorse any contractors or products. However, we encourage you to use the resident social media groups to ask your neighbors for advice. If you have questions about the Historic Code, we recommend that you contact the Cultural Resources Office to work with skilled staff. Additional assistance in understanding the code can be found by contacting the Preservation Committee by emailing preservation@lafayettesquare.org.
Some general guidelines on our Historic Ordinance the goal of which is to ensure the Square retains its distinct architectural styles:
- Restrictions apply only to building exteriors
- Public-facing windows must be wood, not vinyl or aluminum
- All structures visible from the street must be brick
- Fences must reflect historical styles in the area and have height restrictions
- If you need guidance on your project, please reach out to the Cultural Resources Office at the City of St. Louis at 314-657-3865.
Matt Negri, 2023 Chair of the LSNA Preservation Committee: Preservation@lafayettesquare.
A rich history.
Lafayette Square is one of St. Louis’s most vibrant historic neighborhoods, known for its restored Victorian homes and Lafayette Park, the city’s oldest public park, established in 1836. Once a post–Civil War enclave for St. Louis’s elite, the area declined after the 1896 tornado but was revitalized beginning in the 1970s when residents launched preservation efforts. Designated the city’s first historic district in 1972, Lafayette Square today blends architectural beauty, community spirit and a deep connection to St. Louis’s past.
