Planters will be in Aged Terra Cotta color for Olive Blvd. in U City
Olive Boulevard stretches four miles through the center of University City, from the light industrial district on our eastern border, along Heman Park, and westward to I-170 through the International District of Asian shops, businesses, and restaurants. This highway, for it is a Missouri State highway, is often the first impression a visitor to our community has. Over the years, the City worked to make this important corridor more attractive. Decorative street lights in some areas, and a grant program to encourage business owners to freshen up the facades of their buildings are among these efforts. U City in Bloom has partnered with the City to improve Olive Blvd. and received funding from EDRST (the Economic Development and Retail Sales Tax fund) for thirty three-foot square planters. These large planters, to be placed on Olive Boulevard from the western city limit to Woodson Road, will brighten the streetscape at this important entrance.
Recently, a couple talked with U City in Bloom about making a significant financial contribution. They learned about the planters which will start appearing on Olive this spring and were exciting by this new effort to enhance a street which is an important part of their family’s history. They offered to donate $10,000 to add more planters at bus stops along the length of Olive. Additionally, they challenged U City in Bloom to raise additional money to further this beautification project. If U City in Bloom can raise up to $16,000, they will add another $6,000 to their gift. Imagine what a difference $32,000, or more, will make!
U City in Bloom is very grateful to Mike and Nancy Georgen, the long-time residents who are making this donation and challenging us to increase its impact. Mike’s family has been in University City since the 1880’s, many years prior to the City’s incorporation in 1906. His great-grandparents’ farmland was off Olive. His grandmother and grandfather grew up on adjoining farms and those farms are now part of Heman Park. His grandparents built two houses on Partridge and then his parents built a house farther west off Olive on Appleton. The couple’s two sons are the fifth generation to live in University City.
U City in Bloom is also appreciative of the support it has enjoyed from the City of University City and to citizens like you for over thirty years. First impressions count! Help us make this vital route through the center of University City more welcoming. Donations of any size are appreciated.
You can use the convenience of your PayPal or Credit card account to make a contribution by simply clicking on the Donate button below:
Enter “Olive Beautification” in the “In memory/honor” field so your donation will count toward the match.
If you prefer to send a donation via snail mail, please print out a form (in .pdf format or .doc format) and send your contribution to:
If you would prefer making a gift donation by mail, please send to:
U City in Bloom
P.O. Box 50283
St. Louis MO 63105