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City Of Moline Acres: City Profile
by Laura Holloway
City Of Moline Acres
Many Opportunities Ahead
The city of Moline Acres is located in North St. Louis County, about a 20-minute drive north of downtown St. Louis via Interstate 70 and Highway 367. With a population of nearly 2,500, it sits within one square mile, within the neighboring communities of Jennings, Bellefontaine Neighbors and unincorporated St. Louis County.
Considered a bedroom community, Moline Acres is made up of a diverse population of all ages, many having lived in the City for decades. It has always been very family oriented, and residents look out for each other’s needs. Like many cities, the community is not without challenges but has worked hard to make improvements and has plans underway pointing to a bright future.
Exploring New Resources
City of Moline Acres City Hall.
A major development in this small city was the new Lewis and Clark branch of the St. Louis County Library. Built in 2015, it replaces a much-loved library building that simply could no longer meet the space and technology requirements residents needed.
Although the building had architectural significance, the need for an expanded space was clear. However, despite a planned ballot proposition for funding permission, the City first received resident pushback from those wanting to keep the old structure. The City Council needed to dig deeper to find the source of resident concerns. The council found that citizens adamantly
– Marianne Williamson
wanted to preserve the iconic stainedglass windows. The panels, originally created by Emil Frie & Associates, depict Lewis, Clark, and Sacagawea, and had been purposely installed on the library’s east side in order to form stunning reflections inside as the sun rose each day. As long as the windows were preserved, the project had community support.
The modern building is now a source of pride for residents and provides a wealth of resources. The 20,000-square-foot-branch features a modern children’s area with Lewis and Clark-themed discovery details, including the LED-lighted Big and Little Dipper. The building can now accommodate a computer lab, private study room, and features a large meeting space. “I’m very proud to have been a part of advocating for that project,” said Mayor and MML President Michele DeShay. “It has been a breath of fresh air for the City.” Another current development in the City is a new Community Cultural Arts Center located across the street from City Hall. The City has been able to receive a Community Development Block Grant for this project. The building will be, as Mayor DeShay puts it “a community center but a little bit more.” City leadership wants to make sure all residents have a place for recreation, meetings and learning. Plans include an area to teach music, cooking and other life skills. The City is particularly focused on reaching youth and seniors in the community.
Mayor DeShay points out that schools in the area have been able to provide less and less of the classes that teach life skills, such as home economics or music. This Center is meant to help replace that loss. Computer classes, a communications room, and even a podcasting room will provide more opportunities for residents. It is a place where families can learn together.
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Moline Acres City Council (l-r): Ward 1 Alderperson Robert Hester, Ward 1 Alderperson Nicole Sanders, Mayor Michele DeShay, Wart 2 Alderperson Darlene Bell, Ward 2 Alderperson Jennifer Erby-Johnson
Landmark In Transition
A striking landmark in the heart of the City is the circular Lewis & Clark Tower. While the City was forced to condemn the unique structure in 2015 for safety, the building was once a major North County attraction. Built in 1965, the tower epitomized the idea of a having everything a resident could need in one place. Standing 10 stories tall, it featured luxury condominiums, with services such as a bowling alley, swimming pool and movie theater. An attached retail plaza flourished, with the staple businesses of Stelmacki’s Market, still open today and known citywide for its meat market, and Glens’ Barber Shop, where residents often gather to talk and share stories.
The top floor was home to the renowned Top of the Tower restaurant, a top-notch dining destination with picturesque views of the surrounding area. Patrons could see both the downtown St. Louis and Clayton skylines, as well as the Alton River bluffs.1 Mayor DeShay says it was a regular sight to see limousines pulling up on a Friday or Saturday evening with patrons coming for dinner.
Today, the City keeps the area secure and is focused on preparing the site for future development. One avenue has been working with the Missouri Brownfields Program to perform site testing and determine what cleanup might be needed. In addition, the City has been hosting forums where the community can provide input on the most desired and beneficial types of development.
“There are no stones unturned,” said DeShay. “There are many possibilities, but we want to make sure this will be the right development for the community.”
Regional Relationships
With multiple cities making up North St. Louis County, the mayors of these communities meet often to share project news, challenges and discuss ways to collaborate. DeShay sees this as a path to success.
“It’s so important to keep those lines of communication open, bringing everything to the table in order to help everybody,” says DeShay. “What affects one area usually has the potential to affect all areas. We are more alike than different.”
Most see a hospital. We see a community with hope.
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Lewis and Clark branch of the St. Louis County Library in Moline Acres. Royal Park.
Lately, neighboring mayors have been discussing how to pool resources for better costs, such as for needed vehicles, salt for the streets, and more.
Mayor DeShay would like to see even more collaboration between St. Louis County and the cities located in North County. In particular, she would like to see a focus on individual needs in the community.
“We need to take care of the less fortunate,” says DeShay. “Otherwise, what happens to people? What happens to the community"?
Looking Ahead
Mayor DeShay sees many opportunities ahead. She would like to develop a business district along Chambers Road, a main thoroughfare through the City. She envisions flowers lining the street and signage welcoming visitors – some signs are already in place.
Moline Acres was awarded a recent waste reduction and recycling grant that focuses on helping seniors who have older electronics. Beginning in 2023, City residents will be able to recycle appliances and electronics.
The City is also working with the Missouri Department of Transportation to add pedestrian walkways at the bridge on Chambers and Highways 367. Currently, there is not a safe place for pedestrians to walk from Chambers to the strip mall on Hwy. 367.
Resurfacing for Hwy. 367 is also underway, with completion in 2023.
A beautification committee began last year that is assisting residents one need at a time. They meet every two weeks early on a Saturday morning. First, they worked to clean up main streets around the City, then recently adopted a house with a severely overgrown yard. City hall staff volunteered their time, helping to clean the fence line and help cutting tall grass. It was a positive boost for the homeowners who did not have the resources to keep up with the property. Small project by small project, the committee is helping the residents thrive.
“It’s important to bring everyone together, to make them care, and feel good about where we live,” says DeShay. “At times we have gotten away from that, but we’re bringing it back little by little. In the end, we are all here to love people and do what we can to help somebody else.”
Laura Holloway is the communications and external relations director for MML. Contact her at Lholloway@mocities.com. End Notes: 1Hahn, V.S. (2014, Jan. 14) “Iconic Lewis & Clark Tower building in Moline Acres condemned because of broken elevators.” St. Louis Post-Dispatch. https://www. stltoday.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/ iconic-lewis-clark-tower-building-in-molineacres-condemned-because-of-brokenelevators/article_45db5868-4aea-5a3c-a920da1b8eff7668.html
