ClaytonPenthouseLivingwith
NewPrice$1,749,999 3Beds|3.5Baths|3,388Sq.Ft
Asophisticatedtwo-levelpenthouseintheheartofClayton,60BrightonWay #3Soffers privateelevatoraccessfromthegarage,expansivelight-filledinteriors,andelegantindoor-outdoorliving.Archedwindows,multipleprivatepatios,asleekkitchen,generousen-suitebedrooms,andarooftopgardenwithretractableawningcreatearareblendofprivacy,design,and walkableClaytonconvenience.
Seton3.36perfectlymanicuredacres,thisestateoffersexceptionalscale,privacy,andresort-styleamenities acrossthreestructurestotaling16,519squarefeet.Thepropertyfeaturesninebedrooms,sevenfullbaths,and threehalfbaths,alongwithachef’skitchen,hometheater,videostudio,andasix-cargarage.
Outdoorlivingisequallyimpressive,withmaturegardens,alargeprivatepool,poolhouse,andpoolbarcomplete withthreebeersontap-creatingtheperfectsettingforentertaining,relaxing,andenjoyingthe estatelifestyle.
$5,500,000
Thefutureofice makingishere
PUBLISHER
Ian Caso
EDITORIAL
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Amanda Dahl | adahl@laduenews.com
SENIOR EDITOR
Emily Standlee | estandlee@laduenews.com
CONTRIBuTING WRITERS
Mark Bretz, Bethany Christo, Drew Gieseke, Lauren Leady, Connie Mitchell, Brittany Nay, Nancy Robinson, Andrea Smith, Mabel Suen
SALES
VICE PRESIDENT OF SAlES
Andrea Griffith | agriffith@post-dispatch.com
SENIOR MEDIA STRATEGIST
Katie Ray | kray@laduenews.com
MEDIA STRATEGIST
Michelle Brown | mbrown@laduenews.com
SPECIAl PROJECTS MANAGER
Maggie Peters | mpeters@laduenews.com
ClASSIFIED ACCOuNT MANAGER
Lisa Taylor | ltaylor@lee.net
CREATIVE
ART DIRECTOR
Laura De Vlieger | ldevlieger@laduenews.com
Experiencethe NEW Sub-ZeroDesigner
UndercounterIceMakeratRothLiving
CONTRIBuTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Zach Dalin, Christina Kling-Garrett, Bryan Schraier
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA @LADUENEWS
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A LEE ENTERPRISES PUBLICATION
Womenare blazing trailsacross St.Louis–fromtheboardroomtolocal franchisestothesportsand entertainmentworld,both onthefieldandbehindthe scenes.Thatspiritofprogressis reflectedthroughoutthisissue.
Nationwide,awomen’ssportsbarboomishappening.OnPage36,wespeak withabusinesspartneratSt.Louis’firstwomen’ssportsbar,TheSportsBra, abouttheimportanceofspacessuchasthese.
OnPage10,meetthreewomenrunningareafranchiseswhobelievein buildingcommunitybyofferingspacesthatsupportwellnessandorganic connection.Theysharewithustheirphilosophyofrelationship-building andphilanthropy.
We’realsointroducingyoutothewomanwhoisspotlightingSt.Louis, capturingtheattentionofmoviemakersandTVshowdevelopers.KelleyHiatt isbehindrecentprojectsshotinSt.Louis.TurntoPage40toreadabout currentandupcomingfilmsthatarebringingnotablenamestoourcity.
ThanksforreadingLadueNews,
AmandaDahl,editor-in-chief
‘SUNFLOWERTRAIL’atEckert’s HeadtoEckert’sFarminBelleville,Illinois thisAug.1toexperiencemorethan100,000 sunflowersinfullbloom.Purchaseticketsonline ateckerts.comfor$13oronsitefor$18.
PLAYERStocompeteinSaint LouisChessClubtournament
Tenoftheworld’seliteplayersarecompeting inthe2026CairnsCupfromAug.8to21. Learnmoreandpurchasespectatorticketsat saintlouischessclub.org/event/2026-cairns-cup.
YAPPYHOURatLeMeridien St.LouisClayton
Theluxuryhotelinviteshumansandtheircanines tocelebrateNationalDogMontheveryTuesday throughoutAugust.Limitedtosevenanimalsata time,theboutiquesocialexperiencecosts$15per dog.Ticketsavailableateventbrite.com. WORLD’STOPWOMENCHESS
Editor’sphotobyChristinaKling-Garrett;“SunflowerTrail” photocourtesyofEckert’s;YappyHourphotocourtesyof LeMeridienSt.LouisClayton
UNDERSTANDINGTHE ContinuumofCare
ByMaggiePeters |PhotoscourtesyofMcKnightPlaceExtendedCare
Whenplanningforthecareofan aginglovedone,it’simportant tolookaheadtohowtheirneeds willchangeovertime.From independentlivingtoassistedliving,memory care,andskillednursing;it’sbeneficialtohave plansinplaceandacommunitythatcanhelp yourlovedonethroughthesevariousstages. TheGatesworthfamilyofcommunities recognizestheimportanceofcontinuityin helpingelderlypeoplemaintainahighquality oflifeandthusoffersacontinuumofcare.
“Thebiggestmisconceptionisthatyou’re onlychoosingacommunityfortoday;inreality, you’remakingadecisionthatcouldimpact thenext10,20,oreven30yearsofyourlife,” explainsChiefRevenueOfficerPatrickLeonard. “Ourmissionhasalwaysbeenaboutmuchmore thanprovidingaplacetolive.It’sabouthelping peopleliveexceptionallywellthroughoutevery stageofaging.Residentsandtheirfamiliesknow theydon’thavetofacelife’schangesaloneor
McKnightPlaceExtendedCare
startoversomewhereunfamiliarif additionalcarebecomesnecessary.”
Thiscontinuityhelpsinpreserving relationships,maintainingroutines,and surroundingpeoplewithfamiliarfaces duringsomeoflife’smostvulnerable moments.Whencareisavailablewithin thesameorganization,transitionsbecome dramaticallyeasier.Familiesaren’t scramblingduringahealthcrisis,residents aren’tforcedtoleavethepeopleand surroundingsthey’vecometolove,andcare teamsalreadyunderstandtheindividual’s historyandpreferences.
McKnightPlaceExtendedCareplays animportantroleinthiscontinuum.The skillednursingcommunityhelpsresidents recover,maintainqualityoflife,andreceive advancedsupportwhenneeded.
“Themostcommonreasonsresidents cometoMcKnightPlaceExtendedCareare afterahospitalizationforasurgery,illness, injury,stroke,orfall,”saysDirectorof AdmissionsJenniferJuengst.“Manycome forshort-termrehabtoregainstrengthand independence,whileothersrequireongoing skillednursingcareformorecomplex medicalneeds.”
Theteamworkscloselywithresidents, families,physiciansandhospitalstaffto ensureasmoothtransitionintoskilled nursingcareandcommunicateregularly
aboutcareplansandprogressandprovide supporteverystepoftheway–from admissiontodischarge,aswellasthe importantnextsteps.Istheresidentableto gohomewithpropersupporttoensurethey aresafeandsuccessfulordotheyneeda higherlevelofcarethatonlyacommunity canprovide?ThisiswhereMcKnightPlace professionalsexplainthedifferentlevels ofcareandwhatwillworkbesttohelp familiesnavigatethatprocess.
“Oneofthemostmeaningfulstories wehearinvolvesresidentswhoexperience anunexpectedhealthevent—afall,an illness,orsurgery—andareabletorecover atMcKnightPlaceExtendedCarebefore returninghometotheirapartment,” Leonardadds.“Ratherthanleavingthe communitythey’vegrowntolove,they’re surroundedbyfamiliarcaregivers,friends caneasilyvisit,andfamilymembershave confidencethateveryoneinvolvedis communicatingandworkingtowardthe samegoal.”
Aspartofalocallyownedandmanaged familyofcommunities,McKnightPlace ExtendedCaremakeseverydecisionwith theresidentsandtheirfamiliesinmind. HavingbeenpartoftheSt.Louiscommunity forcloseto40years,youknowyourloved oneisinthehandsofpeoplewhotrulycare.
“WhenfamiliesleaveatourofMPEC,
Ihopetheyunderstandthepeaceofmind thatcomeswithhavingaccesstoafull continuumofcare,”Juengstconcludes. “Havingskillednursingavailablemeans residentscanreceiveahigherlevelofcare, rehab,andmedicalsupportwithouthaving tonavigateanunfamiliarenvironment duringthischallengingtime.It’sabout helpingseniorsrecover,maintaintheir independenceforaslongaspossibleand enjoythehighestqualityoflife.”
McKnightPlaceExtendedCare, TwoMcKnightPlace,St.Louis, 314-207-4400,mcknightplace.com
TheGatesworth
By Drew Gieseke
Beyond THE BRAND
For many St. Louis entrepreneurs, running a franchise is not purely transactional. It’s a commitment to the neighborhoods they call home, blending national brand recognition with a hometown point of view.
One example is Abby Meyer – owner of Face Foundrié in Frontenac and Town and Country – who has seen her businesses grow into gathering places. “Since opening, I feel like our spaces have become more than facial bars,” she says. “They’ve become places where people come to decompress, reconnect with themselves, build confidence, and feel cared for.”
Meyers says her locations are a natural fit because the communities they serve “truly value wellness, self-care, and relationships.” The most meaningful feedback she receives has less to do with aesthetics and more to do with hearing how her services have helped clients navigate postpartum recovery, burnout, and grief. She adds: “Some of our favorite moments have come from collaborating with other local businesses, attending community events, supporting women-owned brands, donating services for local fundraisers, and partnering on wellness or beauty experiences.”
Similarly, Jessica Prasse has watched her Town and Country studio, The Bar Method, become something of an emotional safety net over the past 16 years. “To see the way the studio members come together to support [one another during] hard times is so touching,” she says, noting the organic friendships born from shared workouts. The workout method is rooted in the principles of physical therapy, making it an effective exercise routine for people of all ages. Those special moments though, once class ends, showcase just how tight-knit the community has become.
The St. Louis Drybar franchise, led by owner Caroline Wideman, prioritizes community outreach by partnering with St. Louis Children’s Hospital. Its team hosts a
styling station at the hospital’s Teen Prom. “If we can provide even a small moment of joy, normalcy, or confidence for these patients and families, then that is absolutely worth it,” Wideman says.
What binds these businesses together is their involvement beyond the products and services they provide. They create jobs, support local businesses, and participate in charitable and community initiatives across the metro area. Combining local ownership with established national brands, they have become familiar fixtures throughout St. Louis.
“Life moves fast,” Wideman says. “If we can provide a space where someone feels confident, cared for, and uplifted, even for an hour, I think that has real value.”
The Bar Method, 1048 Town and Country Crossing Drive, Town and Country, barmethod.com
Face Foundrié, multiple locations, facefoundrie.com
St. Louis Drybar, multiple locations, drybarshops.com
Photo courtesy of The Bar Method
Photo of Caroline Wideman courtesy of Dry Bar
Photo of Abby Meyer by Rae Marcel Studios
MORE THAN SKIN DEEP
By
you’ve heard it a million times: Sunburns and tanning increase your risk of skin cancer. Avoiding sun exposure and using sunscreen every day are some of the easiest ways to protect your skin. But what if you still want that sun-kissed look?
The same UV radiation that increases the risk of skin cancer penetrates deep into the skin’s middle layer where it also damages DNA and proteins. These cells respond by producing enzymes that break down collagen and elastin while suppressing new collagen production – essentially destroying the skin’s structural scaffolding.
“Over time, this manifests as wrinkles, sagging, loss of elasticity, uneven pigmentation, and a leathery texture, the hallmarks of photoaging,” says Dr. Emily Smith, a dermatologist with SSM Health SLUCare Physician Group. But what about vitamin D? Smith adds: “Vitamin D can be reliably and safely obtained through diet and supplements, making deliberate unprotected sun exposure an unnecessary trade-off.”
According to Smith, the best remedy for photoaging are retinoids. “Look for products containing retinol, retinaldehyde, or retinyl esters,” she says. “Prescription-strength retinoids, such as tretinoin, can be obtained from your dermatologist. These products stimulate collagen production, reduce fine wrinkles, and improve pigmentation.”
Other ingredients like vitamin C, niacinamide, and glycolic acid can complement retinoids, but retinol remains the over-the-counter gold standard for lessening visible signs of sun damage.
If you want to tan sans sun, consider self-tanner. “The active ingredient in most self-tanners, dihydroxyacetone, is FDA-approved for external use and works by reacting with amino acids in the outermost layer of dead skin cells to produce a temporary brown color,” Smith says. “DHA has an acceptable topical safety profile, though spray-on formulations should be used carefully to avoid inhalation.”
She adds that recent studies have found some cosmetics and personal care products (not just self-tanners) do contain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances – known as “forever chemicals” – that can be absorbed through the skin. Consumers should look for products from brands that are committed to being PFAS-free.
“The single most impactful thing people can do is seek shade and wear protective clothing,” Smith adds. “This includes a wide-brimmed hat, UV-blocking sunglasses, and long sleeves. … The damage from UV radiation is cumulative and largely invisible until years later, so the habits you build today determine the skin you’ll have in 20 years.” SSM Health SLUCare Physician Group, ssmhealth.com/slucare
Connie Mitchell | Photo supplied
WHYYOU’LLLOVEIT:
•50acresofpark-likesettingintheheartofWildwood
•Chooseyourfloorplanandpersonalizeeverydetail •MilesofconnectedtrailstoWildwoodTownCenter •Privatecommunityparkwithplayground,gazebo&firepit •Top-ratedRockwoodSchools •LegendaryMcKelveyqualitysince1898
Contact SteveLane or DavePuricelli,orvisit McKelveyHomes.com tolearnmore.
A Light
TOUCH
By Nancy Robinson | Photos supplied
Artisans add surface pattern with a delicate, imaginative touch on lustrous pottery and contemporary wallcoverings.
Abigail’s Aegean bowl in vibrant blue and white is part of a larger collection that meshes nicely with current decorating tastes. Handmade in Italy, the footed bright white ceramic bowl is detailed with simple dimpled blue spots. The bowl measures 12.75 inches in diameter. (abigails.net)
LN’SWEEKLYNEWSLETTERSARETHEBESTWAY TOKEEPUPWITHYOURCOMMUNITYWHILE ONTHEGO.
SUBSCRIBETODAYTOGETALLOFTHESTORIES YOULOVEDELIVEREDDIRECTLYTOYOURINBOX.
Wecoverallthetopicsthatmattertoyou–fromwaysto supportsmallbusinessesinthearea,tothehealthnewsyou needrightnow,tohumanintereststoriesthatupliftand inspire–soyou’llalwaysstayinformedandentertained. You’llscorefirstlooksatourfavoritefeaturestories,fresh onlineexclusivesandsomuchmore.
There’snobetter–oreasier–waytostay involvedinyourcommunity.
Washed indigo shibori stripe is a heavyweight matte wallpaper designed by Poppy Print Studio for Bradley uSA. The loosely designed and softly colored stripe wallcovering is sold in rolls that are each 26 inches wide and 8 yards long. (bradleyusa.com)
The Neos vase by Seth Vaughn for Cyan Design emulates the ancient technique of horse-hair raku. A cobalt glaze is hand-applied over a clean white ceramic body, mimicking the method’s intricate patterns and organic textures. (cyan.design)
INSIDETHEDESIGN| ANNEMARIEDESIGN
Beautiful Spaces fortheEveryDay
ByMaggiePeters |PhotosbyChristinaKling-Garrett
Kitchens,bathrooms,laundry rooms…spaceslikethesearemore thanjustdecorativespacesinthe home,they’rewherelifehappens. Thesewell-used,essentialroomsseethe mostuseinyourday-to-daylife,sowhy shouldn’ttheybejustastailoredtoyour styleasanyotherspaceinyourhome?At AnneMarieDesignStudio,you’llfindateam dedicatedtothese“essentialspaces,”with designandbuildservicesthatarecurated specificallyforthewayyoulive.
Foundedbykitchenandbathdesigner AnneMarieBoedgesin2013,thestudio beganinherbasement,quicklytaking off,andgrewintoabeautifulboutique showroominWildwood.
“Ihadallthepassion,desire,grit,skillset andfaithtodothisthe‘right’way;my clientelecamefloodingin,andmypositive mindsetandrelatabilityhelpedmestay groundedwhilethebusinesskeptgrowing,” shesays.“Sincethen,wehavegrownto11 employees,alwaysinspiringinterns,and weareonour3rdexpansioninthesame boutiqueWildwoodlocation.”
AnneMarieDesignStudioreimagines kitchens,bathroomsandfullhomes, selectingandinstallingthebespokesurfaces, cabinetryandfixturesthatbecomeahome’s lastingcharacter.Eachprojectbeginswith gettingtoknowboththehomeowner’s lifestyleandgoals,aswellasthespace itself—includinganin-homeconsultation forprecisemeasurements.Everyselectionis thoughtfullycuratedwiththeclient,while stunning3Drenderingsandimmersive virtualrealitypreviewstransformideasinto
reality—allowingclientstoexperiencetheir futurespacelongbeforethefirstphaseof constructionbegins.Arecentexampleofthe studio’sskillwastheirremodelofahomein theShawneighborhood,whichdrastically expandeditskitchen.
“Wetookaquaintkitchenandexpanded itinthreedirections,”Boedgesexplains.“We utilizedanunnecessarysecondsetofstairs topushthekitchenoutmorethan40inches, removedaloadbearingbrickstructural wallbetweenthekitchenandtheoriginal sunroom,givingthekitchenanadditional sevenfeet,andwecompletelymovedthe bathroomintoasmallcoatcloset,which gaveusmoreflow,andallowedforanew functionalcoffeestation.Thekitchenisnow anopenfloorplanwhichtransformshow everydaylifemovesthroughthehomeeach day.Thehomeownersnowhaveloadsof storage,countertopspace,andatimeless approachthatstillallowsforpunchesof colorintheirhome.”
Thisentireproject,likeanyotherbyAnne MarieDesignStudio,wasmanagedin-house. Oncethedesignisfinalized,itsteamhandles andcoordinatescontractorbids,scheduling, permits,andmaterialorderingbefore constructionbegins.Theyprovidedadetailed binderofinformationforboththeclientand contractortokeepeveryoneonthesamepage andremaininvolvedthroughoutconstruction toprovideguidanceandcommunication,so theexperienceisasseamlessaspossible.
“Beingadesignandbuildcompanyhelps homeownersconfidentlycreateandrenovate theirhomes,withouttheunnecessarystress,” Boedgessays.“Clientsshouldknowthey
don'thavetomanagedozensofmovingparts themselves—theyhaveatrustedpartner guidingtheprojectfromfirstideastothe finishedspace.It'saboutthepremiumclient experience,notjusttheendresult.”
Youcangoonlinetolearnmoreabout AnneMarieDesignStudio,includinga calculatortohelpdeterminehowmuch yourprospectiveprojectmightcostaswell asgalleries,featuredbrandsandmore. YoucanalsofollowthemonFacebookand Instagramat@annemariestudio.Takethe steptowardcreatinga beautiful,functional hometoday.
AnneMarieDesignStudio, 17014NewCollegeAve., SuiteE,Wildwood, 636-821-3395, annemariestudio.com
VisitAnneMarie DesignStudio onlineto learnmore!
By Maggie Peters
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ROOM IN A HOUSE TO DESIGN AND WHY?
The bathroom is my favorite space to design because it quietly witnesses life’s biggest moments. It’s where we prepare, reflect, celebrate, heal, and begin again. Every bathroom should be as beautiful as it is functional; a personalized sanctuary designed for the way you truly live.
HOW DO YOU APPROACH DESIGNING A SPACE?
A space is so much more enjoyable when you can interact with it rather than simply look at it. A landscape that surrounds you and connects to you gives you the opportunity to see and appreciate the unique qualities of the plants and materials as they change through the seasons.
HOW DO YOU APPROACH DESIGNING A SPACE?
Large space or small, I start with the same question: What story are we telling? Is it Steel Magnolias? Yellowstone? Gothic cottage? I listen to my clients and learn how they live and what really matters to them. Then I layer old and new, personal pieces and unexpected details, creating something timeless.
Anne Marie Boedges
Owner and Designer, Anne Marie Design Studio
Jason Burney, PLA, ASLA Landscape Architect, Chesterfield Valley Nursery
WHAT ARE SOME DESIGN TRENDS YOU’RE SEEING NOW?
Composite slate and shake is redefining luxury roofing by capturing the timeless beauty and architectural character of natural slate while offering a lighter-weight design, lasting color, and exceptional hail resistance. It is quickly becoming a preferred choice among design-conscious homeowners, designers, and architects seeking timeless beauty with modern performance.
Koziatek Contracting
Jenny Rausch Owner and Designer, Karr Bick
WHAT SHOULD I SPLURGE ON IN A BATHROOM REMODEL, AND WHERE SHOULD I SAVE?
Spend more on cabinetry, toilets, shower walls, and lighting; their quality is noticeable every day in how they look, feel, perform, and hold up over time. Save on countertops, flooring, and hardware, where budget-friendly options can deliver a beautiful, high-end look for less.
Mosby Building Arts
Jenny Rausch
Photo by Lisa Mitchell
HOW DO YOU APPROACH DESIGNING SMALL SPACES?
Start by identifying the room’s purpose. Choosing furniture that’s appropriately scaled and using lightcolored walls can make the space feel noticeably larger. And don’t skip the mirror—it’s essential for visually expanding the room. No exceptions!
linda Shubert Owner, Shubert Design Furniture
WHAT ARE YOUR TIPS FOR CREATING A TIMELESS LOOK?
My tips for timeless home design include selecting products with material integrity! Incorporate elements that are both functional and elegant and opt for natural textures and heritage patterns. You will appreciate the enduring nature of well-made objects and the dignified value of handmade.
Sadie Smith Interior Designer, Stockell Custom Homes
Sponsoredby:
Aloe-ha!
By Andrea Smith
Aloe vera’s plant-derived gel is widely loved for its soothing properties that relieve sunburns and other skin irritations, and although it may be a staple for summer skincare, its benefits should be enjoyed year-round.
According to local brand Sage Skincare Solutions’ website, “[Aloe vera] is used for calming, soothing, wound healing, hydration, and skin softening.” Certified paramedical esthetician Barbara Strickland founded the company – now run by Melissa Coleman – in 1982. Sage uses cold-pressed aloe vera in all its products because it locks moisture into the skin, has anti-inflammatory properties, and is gentle and versatile enough for different skin types and concerns. A blog post on its site details the advantages of aloe vera as the base ingredient in skincare.
When combined with other ingredients, aloe vera can also help treat acne and may improve other skin challenges like psoriasis and eczema. Research proving its effectiveness as a treatment for these conditions is limited, but the plant is generally considered a safe and beneficial ingredient by the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, a department of the U.S. National Institutes of Health.
Sage products include daily exfoliants and moisturizers, plus specialized formulas that address fine lines and wrinkles, rosacea, and acne. Other products featuring aloe vera may be found locally at The Saint Louis Med Spa and Whip It Goods Skincare.
From the Clayton med spa, GlyMed Plus Comfort Cream with Aloe Vera is a lightweight moisturizer meant to follow cleanser, toner, serums, and treatment steps as part of a daily routine. “Comfort cream is especially intended to calm irritated, sensitized, or compromised skin such as after exfoliation, waxing, retinoids, or when your skin barrier feels inflamed,” owner Elizabeth Nienhaus says.
Whip It Goods founder Ashley Morgan created a line of plantbased products with minimal – yet effective – ingredients, including aloe vera. The Butterfly Pea + Aloe Balancing Toner combines aloe vera extract with alcohol-free witch hazel, butterfly pea flower extract, and glycerin to hydrate and brighten skin, minimizing the appearance of fine lines while improving overall skin texture. Follow that up with the Jojoba + Aloe Whipped Facial Moisturizer for a calming daily practice.
“As someone who formulates products for sensitive and dry skin, I appreciate that aloe helps deliver lightweight hydration while also soothing the skin,” Morgan says. “It works well across a variety of skin types and layers beautifully with plant oils and butters, allowing us to create products that feel moisturizing without feeling heavy.”
Sage Skincare Solutions, sageskincare.com
The Saint Louis Med Spa, 525 S. Hanley Road, Clayton, thesaintlouismedspa.com
Whip It Goods Skincare, 12953 Olive Blvd., near Creve Coeur, St. Louis, whipitgoods.co
Photo courtesy of The Saint louis Med Spa
Photo courtesy of Whip It Goods
KIllER FASHION
Amid flickering candles and eclectic music, an array of garments from bygone eras pulls you off Cherokee Street and into Assassin Vintage.
The boutique covers fashion’s evolution, reflecting the signature styles of co-owners Tammy Heet and Kay Miller, who met in the early 2000s and took their vintage wares to markets together. Heet gravitates toward 1960s and ‘70s fashion, particularly printed polyester, while Miller favors older pieces and vintage Western wear.
“We want the space to feel more like a boutique than a typical vintage clothing shop,” Miller says. “When you walk in, we want you to have an experience, which comes from the décor, the music, the candles we’re burning, and the clothing.”
From the start, rule No. 1 at Assassin has been that the co-owners must love every item brought into the shop. “We hand-select each piece for its quality, print, fabric, and wearability,” Heet says, noting that they source inventory from estate sales, auctions,
and customers. “We get a lot of calls from the community about purchasing their family pieces [and] feel fortunate that they want to entrust us with their [heirlooms]. … Saving vintage clothing is important to us, and we often take a piece that looks like it’s trash and bring it back to life.”
Assassin is filled with personal touches, from price tags and business cards featuring family photos to a signature service that records customers’ measurements for future shopping. Through the years, Heet and Miller have grown close to customers, greeting every client with the same welcoming spirit. “We always ask if they’re searching for something special, because if we don’t have it on the floor, it could be in our backstock,” Miller says. “We keep a wish list for customers and call them if we get a piece in that they’re looking for. We’ll also let them know if we see a piece we think they would love. … We have met some amazing people through the shop, many of whom have become friends.”
One young customer has been particularly inspiring for the pair. “Her name is Emma, and she’s now 13 years old,” Miller says. “We met her when she was 8, and she’s been shopping with us since. She wears vintage every day and is [already] a master stylist.”
Alongside Heet, Miller hopes to welcome neighbors to new faces into Assassin to share in her favorite part of vintage clothing shopping: “The thrill of the hunt.”
Assassin Vintage, 3156 Cherokee St., Gravois Park, St. Louis, assassinvintage.com
By Brittany Nay | Photos courtesy of Assassin Vintage
LAYER BY LAYER
By Lauren Leady
St. Louis-based artist Carolyn Lewis is known for creating layered mixedmedia works that explore identity and healing. Her art appears throughout the city – from vibrant public murals to her “Wings of Empowerment” door on display outside Hope Lodge St. Louis.
Her pieces often begin with layers of textiles, collage, and paint, building from a place of chaos into something cohesive. “My process is a reflection of how I think about life, identity, and healing,” Lewis says. “The layers represent … people we’ve loved, experiences we’ve had, lessons we’ve learned, and even the parts of ourselves we’ve outgrown. I’m drawn to beginning in a place of disorder because that often feels the most honest. Life rarely arrives neatly arranged.”
Birds and nests are recurring images in Lewis’ works, symbols that reflect her notions about belonging. “[They symbolize] protection and the idea of home as something we build and carry with us,” she says. “They also mark cycles of building, leaving, and return – where absence
does not signal loss but the continuation of connection.”
While her art is rooted in her own experiences and personal reflection, Lewis has extended those ideas into community spaces. Created during the pandemic, The Little Art Gallery STL invites artists of all ages and backgrounds to share their work with the community. Today, the project still has a constantly evolving collection. “When
someone shares artwork, they feel seen, valued, and connected to something larger than themselves,” Lewis says. “The gallery welcomes everyone, from children to professional artists sharing original works. Every piece has the potential to resonate with someone in a meaningful way.”
Among Lewis’ public works in St. Louis are the Empowerment Mural, the Love is Love Mural, and her “Wings of Empowerment” door created for the 42 Doors of Hope project at Hope Lodge St. Louis. “St. Louis has been my home for the past 18 years, and the support I’ve received from this community has been incredibly meaningful,” she adds. “Seeing my artwork become part of the city’s everyday spaces is deeply rewarding because it allows me to contribute to the character, beauty, and sense of connection that make St. Louis such a special place. I want the work to offer a sense of warmth and encouragement, an unexpected reminder that kindness can be found in everyday places.”
Carolyn Lewis, carolynlewisdesigns.com
Photo by the Regional Arts Commission
Photo by Carolyn lewis, courtesy of The little Art Gallery STl
CIBO Italia
In University City, restaurateur Michael Del Pietro has created his dream concept with CIBO Italia, bringing the all-day eatery to the neighborhood he’s proudly called home for the past 35 years.
The accomplished industry stalwart comes from a long line of industry lifers, growing up with family eatery Del Pietro’s and going on to own and operate several businesses of his own. He currently runs two locations of Sugo’s Spaghetteria in Frontenac and Edwardsville.
With CIBO (Italian for “food”), Del Pietro has built a multi-faceted casual eatery in a contemporary yet cozy setting. “CIBO offers three concepts under one roof. In the morning, we’re doing pastries and coffee. In the afternoon, we have pizza by the slice – Roman- and New York-style – and Italian sandwiches and salads,” he says. “In the evening, we’re doing classico-style pizza, cicchetti, and housemade pastas.”
The eatery’s clean, contemporary interior features warm tones, abundant natural light, and sleek wood-and-marble tabletops. Housed in a former auto shop, the dining room opens through bi-fold doors onto a spacious, covered front patio, creating an airy indoor-outdoor vibe for al fresco dining and drinks.
Pops of color throughout the design come from potted plants, a green-tiled bar facade, and eye-catching Bianco DiNapoli tomato cans. Perhaps most impressively, a partially open kitchen gives guests a glimpse behind the scenes, where chefs can be seen cooking up from-scratch fare using a fiery deck oven. Nearby is a display case filled with housemade pastries.
Highlights from the dessert counter include housemade tiramisu and panna cotta cups as well as biscotti from Del Pietro’s mother, Mary Rose. From the morning menu, choose from options such as breakfast paninis and pizzettes, French toast, and The Americano plate with grilled salsiccia, eggs, and roasted potatoes.
Lunch options include Sugo’s meatball sandwich; a grilled salmon plate over quinoa with salsa verde; and pizza by the slice in options such as New York-style with pepperoni, banana peppers, ricotta, hot honey, and grated Parmigiano.
Dinner highlights include zucchini carpaccio; scampi pizza with shrimp, extra virgin olive oil, burrata, and pesto; and Del Pietro’s personal favorite pasta: orecchiette with roasted cauliflower, parsley, chicken jus, and Parmigiano.
“It’s a great location, and everything has been extremely well received,” Del Pietro says. “I grew up in U. City, [and this is where I’ve spent] my whole adult life... Our neighbors have been so awesome and welcoming.”
CIBO Italia, 7489 Delmar Blvd., University City, ciboitaliastl.com
Story and photos by Mabel Suen
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Welcome to the 15th Annual Fringe Festival
By
Inspired by the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, as well as similar events in other cities, St. Louis launched its own STL Fringe Festival in 2012 under the leadership of founding executive director Em Piro.
Approximately 1,000 people attended that inaugural week to see a variety of productions, with artists hailing from around the nation as well as the St. Louis area. In 2026, says Fringe president and artistic director Matthew R. Kerns, the festival will feature 45 acts staged by performers from Los Angeles, New York City, Chicago, Kansas City, Atlanta, Indianapolis, and St. Louis. Some 85% of the acts will be put on by local artists.
Kerns, who joined the festival in 2015, notes that several different genres will be featured in this year’s fest, held Aug. 4 through 9 in partnership with the Kranzberg Arts Foundation. “Those 45 acts are broken down into theater, musical theater, music, poetry, performance art, dance, puppetry, and magic at five venues in Grand Center,” Kerns says. Performance spaces include High Low, the Marcelle, .ZACK, Urban Chestnut’s Midtown brewery location, and a pop-up at
Golden Gems, with UCBC serving as a hub.
The festival’s headline act is Debut Theatre Company’s in-the-round presentation of the Tony Award-winning “Dear Evan Hansen.” STL Fringe Fest’s headline series also includes “The Doctor” by St. Louis native Dr. Jarad Schwartz. Along with performing at The Improv Shop and Second City, Schwartz created a game show in Los Angeles called
“The Doctor” in which contestants decide whether a named “disease” is real.
The two additional headline productions are Cherokee Street Theater Company’s world premiere of “The Wizard of Oz(es)” and the festival’s late-night burlesque show, “Aurelie Wilde Presents: A Court of Tits and Rear.”
Kerns expects more than 400 participating artists and upward of 3,000 attendees at STL Fringe Festival ’26. With all five venues within walking distance in Grand Center east of Grand Boulevard, the festival continues the mission described on its website as providing “an uncensored, accessible platform for creative expression while connecting audiences with bold and innovative work.” Kerns adds, “STL Fringe Festival ’26 honors that legacy while continuing to push artistic boundaries, support artists, and bring our community together through the power of live performance.”
Information about festival passes, tickets, volunteer opportunities, and the full performance schedule is available at stlfringe.org. Prices are $15 to $35 for single tickets and $115 for all-access passes.
Mark Bretz | Photos courtesy of St. lou Fringe
Skyline Symbols
By Emily Standlee
Take a closer look at St. Louis, and symbols of its history and identity reveal themselves.
After researching the towering Amoco sign at the corner of Skinker and Clayton roads for the last edition of “A Storied History,” we wondered: What other lofty signs reveal clues about St. Louis’ past? These two invite closer inspection.
Although one isn’t technically a sign, it nonetheless once served as a beacon of public knowledge; the other is instantly recognizable. Together, they light up the skyline in more ways than one – helping tell the story of a city that truly can’t be duplicated.
Anheuser-Busch “A & Eagle” flying eagle sign | Above I-64/U.S. 40 and Grand Avenue
Originally designed in the early 1950s by Disney animator Byron Rabbit, this highflying sign is a neon (now LED) masterpiece
St. Louisans hold dear for good reason. If you’ve ever driven west past the Gateway Arch and downtown around sunset, you know it has a certain nostalgic je ne sais quoi.
According to the sign’s longtime caretakers, Federal Heath Sign Company, “To create a realistic wing pattern, Rabbit rented an eagle and released it into a large armory to study its flight and determine the shape and position of the wings at different points. … The original sign was built in 1953 by Artkraft Strauss in New York and installed on a building on Wilshire Boulevard in Los Angeles. It cost approximately $350,000 to make.” Now overlooking St. Louis, the eagle remains a reliable neon vision: always there, always flapping – a lasting symbol of hometown pride and innovation through the years.
Weather Ball | 1501 Locust St., Downtown West, St. Louis
Sitting atop a landmark in its own right – the Gothic Revival-style Missouri State Life Insurance Company building, the neon Weather Ball was devised to signal when fair weather was expected or storms were approaching. General American Life moved into the building in the 1930s, and in 1956, added the Weather Ball, which could be seen as far as 10 miles out, according to a report from the St. Louis Globe-Democrat.
“It was lit in red for warm weather, blue for cooler weather, green for no change, and flashed when precipitation was expected,” writes Debra Jane Seltzer of the online archive roadsidearchitecture.com. The building is now home to Terra Cotta Lofts, and although the Weather Ball no longer flashes its forecasts, it still symbolizes innovation in advertising and a time when weather updates provided the public with knowledge via a glowing, heavenly beacon.
Photo by Robert Cohen for the St. louis Post-Dispatch
Photo by Warren leMay
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WOMEN’S CONNECTION NETWORK
“A Night at the Royal Gallery”
On May 9th, a fundraiser for Women’s Connection Network was given at the home of Marsha and David Schuman, “A Night at the Royal Gallery.” Guests had sent in photos of themselves in advance; they were then surprised by the unique gallery, transposing their faces onto the period costumes of British royalty and displayed on a 30-foot glass wall. The guests viewed their portraits while sipping sparkling wines and listening to harpist Elaine Pontious. A six-course meal followed, served by waiters in seventeenth-century clothing. After the meal, the party moved to “America,” enjoying desserts and the piano music of Ethan Leinwand, American Ragtime Specialist.
“What is Women’s Connection Network? It is a non-profit established to connect women in the St. Louis community and helping through philanthropic donations. We have helped organizations such as Home Sweet Home, Annie’s Hope, and St. Louis Crisis Nursery through our outreach program.”
– MARSHA SCHUMAN HOST
Story and photos by James Anderson
Marsha Schuman, Anne Goode, yvonne Greenwood, linda Weaver, Carol Van Hoogsstraat
Ethan leinwand
“Queen” Karen Clark
Marsha Schuman, Bill Marshall, Sharen Russell Royal Gallery staff
The Schumans and Royal Gallery staff
Mr. and Mrs. Rich Rogers Karen Clark, Peggy Ashton, Carol Van Hoogstraat
Vicki Taggart
The Royal Gallery
FATHERS & FAMIlIES SuPPORT CENTER
A Toast to Fathers 2026
More than 350 guests joined Fathers & Families Support Center at the Ritz Carlton, St. Louis for their A Toast to Fathers 2026 event. After enjoying cocktails and hors d’oeuvres guests sat down to dinner and program featuring awards and speeches. The Fathers & Families Support Center works to break the cycle of poverty, child neglect, child abuse, and welfare dependence by educating and preparing fathers and mothers to support their children financially, emotionally and developmentally.
“As Chair of A Toast to Fathers 2026, I am constantly reminded that the true guests of honor are the children across St. Louis whose lives are changed when their dads succeed.
Every dollar we raise helps local fathers to be present, positive role models. When a father stands tall, his children grow up with a profound sense of security, love, and endless possibility.”
– JIM NARDULLI GAlA CHAIR
Story and Photos by Bryan Schraier
Theresa Hebron, Freddie and Cynthia Stevens
Pam Greer, Reginald Slaughter, Salomon and Salud Hernnandez
Blair Stephenson, Christian Price, Rakeen Simms, Shuntelle Fisher
Randy Karraker, Sid Officer
John Popp, Kris Scott
Christine Way, Krista Sjorson
Dan Davidson, Kathy Zorica
GAME-CHANGERS
ByBethanyChristo |PhotoscourtesyofTheSportsBraSt.Louis
InaletterpublishedinMay,Jenny Nguyen,CEOandfounderofThe SportsBra,wrote:“Wedidmorethan justchangethechannelontheTV; wechangedtheconversationaboutwhat asportsbarcanbe.”Nguyenopenedthe Portland,Oregonbarin2022asthefirst sportsbardedicatedentirelytowomen’s sports.Sincethen,TheSportsBrahas announcedits“startingfive”franchise locationsincludingoneinMaplewood, whichissettoopeninearlyfall.
“Ihonestlythinkeverycity,everytown needsawoman-focusedsportsbar,”says HeatherHill,whoco-ownstheSt.LouisareafranchisewithSaraPilsner.Thepair metplayingsoftballincollegein2003 andhavesinceremainedfriends.“Every generationcomesandchangestheworld. Ithinkthenextgenerationofyounggirls isgoingtohavethesespacestogrowupin andseethemselvesonTVandknowthat’s anopportunitytheycanhaveoneday.”
Thebar’snamesaysitall:Women athletesarecelebratedonthescreens, intheseats,onthemenuandtaps,and inthecommunity–asevidencedby TheSportsBra’scurrentsupportof St.LouisSLAM,thecity’saccomplished women’sprofessionaltacklefootballteam. Thebarhasbeenhostingwatchparties aroundtownforprofessionalwomen’s hockey,soccer,volleyball,andmore untildoorsopen.(Checkitssocialmedia pages@thesportsbrastlouisfordates andlocations.)
“Visibilitymatters–itmattersthatwe seeourselvesinspacesthataren’ttypically dominatedbywomen,”Hillsays.“We’re tryingtoincludeasmuchlocalwomenowned,women-brewed,women-distilled, andwomen-madeonthemenu,with thebuild-outandwiththeartonwalls
–everythingwecandotoupliftwomen frombeginningtoendispartofour missionatTheBra.”
Andyes,menareallowed.Anyone who’safanofwomen’ssportsiswelcome, andtherewillbeplentyoffoodanddrinks toenjoyalongsidethewomen’ssportson TV.Standoutitemsonthefamily-friendly menuincludeMom’sBabyBackRibs,Aunt Tina’sVietna-GlazeWings,andatempeh Reubenaswellassignaturecocktails likeTheGOAT,TitleIX,CherryPicker, andPickleBall.HillandPilsnerplanto offergluten-free,vegan,andvegetarian alternativestonearlyeverythingserved aswellasabudget-friendlyhappyhour toaddtotheinclusiveatmosphere. Eventually,oncetheco-ownersgeta gaugeonwhat’spopularandcouldbe added,theyplantoincludeSt.Louisspecificentréesandappetizers.They’ve alreadyconnectedwithlocalwomenownedbreweriesandwineriesincluding NoboleisVineyards,SixMileBridge,2nd ShiftBrewing,andThirdWheelBrewing toserveandpourontap.
Theother“startingfive”locations willbeinBoston,Indianapolis,Las Vegas,andPortland,Maine.Housedin theformerBoogaloospace,TheSports Bra’sMaplewoodlocationhasroomfor around140visitorsbetweentheindoor andoutdoorseating.Hillsayswhile patronswon’tfindBoogaloo’siconic swings,theywillseeTheSportsBra’swalls decoratedwithmemorabiliacelebrating localwomen’ssports.Keepaneyeonthe bar’ssocialmediapagesfordateswhen communitymemberscandonatejerseys anduniforms,photos,andotherhistoric memorabiliahighlightingtheimportance andimpactofwomen’ssportsintheregion.
Hillwasafour-sportathleteinschool,
competinginsoftball,basketball,volleyball, andtrack.She’safanofallsportsandthe waytheyempowereveryone:thewomen competingonthefield,theyounggirls whodreamoffollowingintheirfootsteps, andthefanscheeringthemonatanallwomen’ssportsbarinMaplewood.
“Itgatherspeopletogether,”shesays. “Weknowgirlswhoplaysportsturninto leaders.We’remoredecisive.We’rebetter teammates.Therearesomanybenefits forgirlswhoplaysports.It’sempowering toknowwe’regoingtobeapartofthis nextgenerationofgirlswhowillgrowup withinclusivespaceslikethisexisting andwhowillneverhaveknownittobe anydifferent.”
TheSportsBraSt.Louis, 7344ManchesterRoad,Maplewood, thesportsbraofficial.com/pages/st-louis
Your CulinaryPASSPORT
AroundtheWorldWineDinners attheMissouriBotanicalGarden, hostedformorethan30yearsby CateringSt.Louis,offervisitors globallyinspireddiningexperiencesina serenesettingthatarecustomizedtosuit variousthemes.AccordingtoCateringSt. Louis’vicepresidentofoperationsRacquel Lee,theworldlyeventsare“designedto feellikeaspecialnightout–partdining experience,partguidedtasting,allsetin abeautiful,relaxedenvironment.”
Overtheyears,morethan250different winedinnershavetakenplace,routinely heldduringthechangingseasonsbetween JanuaryandOctober.Guestsgoonthese culinaryadventuresatthehouserestaurant insidetheJackC.TaylorVisitorCenter, Sassafras,featuringacocktailhourfollowed byacoursedmeal,whichoffersfour platespairedwithcorrespondingcurated wines.Guestsareseatedtogetheratlong diningtables,withpersonalcommentson eachpairingofferedbyaknowledgeable
StoryandphotosbyMabelSuen
sommelierthroughouttheevening.
“Communalseatingmakestheevening feellikeaspecialoccasionratherthana casualrestaurantvisit,”Leesays,notingthat dinnerservicefromstarttofinishisusually 90to120minutesinlength.“Thisisn’tjust awineservice,it’sguided:Eachcourse ispairedwithaspecificwinechosento complementthedish.Oursommelierwalks gueststhroughwhatthey’retastingandwhy itpairswellwiththefood.Youarereally buyingafullexperience.”
ChefStephanLedbetter,whoserves asthegeneralmanagerofSassafrasand BellwetherCafé,developsuniquedishesto transportdinerstodifferentdestinations suchastheremainingconceptsforthe season:Australia,Germany,andArgentina.
“DevelopingourAroundtheWorld WineDinnersisacollaborative,crossdepartmentaljourney,”Leesays.“Onthe culinaryside,wedeeplyresearchthe featuredregion’sheritage,takingauthentic globalflavorsandelevatingthemwith seasonal,locally-sourcedingredientsto
createaperfectdialoguewitheachwine pairing.Equallyimportanttotheexperience istheatmosphere.”
Thecontemporarydiningareafeatures abeautiful,illuminated3Dfloralmotifon theceilingandbotanicalartacrosswindowpanedividersthatrunthelengthofthe room.TheSassafrasoakbenchbookends theentranceononesideoftheroom, showcasinga17-foot-longlogcraftedbya localwoodartisanfromaShumardoakthat washarvestedfromtheGardenattheendof itshealthylifespan.Eachdinnercomeswith itsownone-of-a-kinddesignelementtoset thetone,fromthetableembellishmentsto adecorativedisplayattheheadoftheroom highlightingtheselectedwines.
“Ourdesignspecialistscompletely transformthespace,turningabustling daytimecaféoperationintoanintimate, beautifuldiningroomtailoredentirelyto thespecificregion,”Leesays.“Ultimately, ourapproachisallaboutstorytelling–combiningmeticulousmenuengineering withanimmersivevisualenvironmentto
transportourgueststoadifferentpartofthe worldfortheevening.”
Eachwinedinnerseats80guests,and Leeadvisespurchasingticketsasearlyas possiblesincetheydosellout.“Anyone whohasattendedaticketedeventwith usbecomesapartofourmailinglistand receivesemailswhennewdinnersareadded aswellaswhenticketsgoonsale,”shesays.
“AroundtheWorldWineDinnersstand outbecausethey’remorethanjustameal –they’reathemed,immersiveculinary experienceinauniquesettingwitha beautifulbackdrop,diningatoneofthe topbotanicalgardensinthecountry,”Lee adds.“Thenaturalsurroundings,greenery, architecture,andseasonalbloomsadda built-in‘wow’factor.Therotatingtheme keepstheseriesfreshandgivesguestsa reasontocomebackmultipletimes.”
MissouriBotanicalGarden, 4344ShawBlvd.,St.Louis,314-577-5100, missouribotanicalgarden.org/events-classes/ wine-dinners
From St.Louis tothe SILVERSCREEN
PhotobyAnthony SantaCroce
ByBrittanyNay
WETALKWITHDIRECTOR KELLEYHIATT ABOUTTHE DIVERSEBACKDROPSOURCITY OFFERS,PLUSTAKEYOUINSIDE MOVIESCURRENTLYBEING FILMEDHERE.
CueKelleyHiatt:thewomanhelpingbringHollywood toSt.Louis.
AsdirectoroftheSt.LouisFilmOffice,Hiatt marketsthemetroasafilminglocationtoTVand movieproducers–andmanyaresoldontheLou.
AmongfilmsbeingshotinSt.Louisrecentlyare“Chasing Summer,”acomedy-dramastarringcomedienneIlizaShlesinger alongsideTomWelling(“Smallville”),LolaTung(“TheSummer ITurnedPretty”),GarrettWareing(“RansomCanyon”),Cassidy Freeman(“TheRighteousGemstones”),andMeganMullally (“Will&Grace”);andromanticcomedy“LoveontheHill”from executiveproducerLoriDowdofSt.Louis-basedvideoproduction companyStoryTrack.
Inlate2025,thecityalsoservedasthebackdropforthe comedy“JacobBeatsUpNate,”whichfollowsafamilyman,played byLaMorneMorris(“NewGirl”),returningtohishometownof St.Louisforhishighschoolhalloffameinductionwithplansto confronthisformerbully,portrayedbyJustinLong(“He’sJust NotThatIntoYou”).
LocalfilminglocationsincludedKirkwood’sSt.JohnVianney HighSchool–thealmamaterof“TheOrville”actorandthefilm’s directorJ.Lee–aswellasSt.LouisLambertInternationalAirport, TowerGrovePark,AngadArtsHotelintheGrandCenterArts District,andTheMarylandHousesocialclubintheCentral WestEnd.
Hiatt–nowontheothersideoffilmsetsafter20yearsin locationmanaginginChicago,NewYork,andLosAngeles–says sheknowswhatscoutslookforinproductionsettings.
TheHollywoodvet’sbigbreakcamewithworkonthefirstthree seasonsof“TheApprentice,”hostedby(nowPresident)Donald
Trump,anditsspinoff,ledbyMarthaStewart,beforesecuring morejobsinTVincludingNetflix’s“Glow,”ABC’s“Station19,” andmultipleNBChitseries:“ChicagoFire,”“ChicagoMed,”and theEmmyAward-winning“ThisisUs”(starringnativeSt.Louisan SterlingK.Brown).
HeadinguptheSt.LouisFilmOfficesince2023,Hiattsays there’ssomuchtoloveabouttheLou,makingthecityaspecial placetofilm.“Ithasmanyuniqueneighborhoodsthatcanstand inforotherplacesthroughoutthecountry,”shesays,likening downtownSt.LouistoNewYorkCity,LafayetteSquaretoNew Orleans,andWebsterGrovestovirtuallyanywhereintheMidwest. Itscentrallocationalsoattractscoast-basedcasts,wholove thefactthattheycanhoponanonstop flighthometoLosAngelesorNewYorkon weekends.Andduringfilming,St.Louis’ fairlylighttrafficsimplifieslogistics,Hiatt adds:“Youcanreallyhaveabasecampin themiddleofthecityinsteadofmovingthe [production,which]costsmoneyandtime.”
Afilm-friendlydestination,Missouri boastsagenerousfilmtaxincentivethatalso helpsmaketheseproductionspossible,Hiatt says.TheMissouriMotionMediaProduction TaxCreditprogramhasa$16millionannual cap,with$8millionallocatedtofilmsand $8millionforepisodicTV.
PhotoscourtesyoftheSt.LouisFilmOffice
St.LouisFilmOfficedirectorKelleyHiatt,photocourtesyoftheSt.LouisFilmOffice
BEHINDTHESCENES:‘LOVEONTHEHILL’
Thissummer,therom-com“LoveontheHill”setupshopin St.Louis,shootingscenesthroughouttheprominentItalianAmericanneighborhoodaswellasacrossthemetro.
“Hillresidentswillrecognizeplacestheyknowandlove: St.AmbroseChurch,BerraPark,Milo’s,Cunetto’s,Eovaldi’sDeli, [and]PizzeriadaGloria,”saysDowd,whochosethefilming locationalongwithherproducingpartnerJasonHenderson. LynetteMcCloudandKitSundararamanalsoareproducerson thefilm.
ThemoviemixesItaliancuisineandbaseballasitfollows Nina,playedbyFrancescaReale(“StrangerThings”),acelebrity foodinfluencerwho experiencesacareer setbackandreturns hometoTheHilltofind herfamily’srestaurant struggling.Herworld unexpectedlycollides withformerbaseball playerBeckett,played byJakeLockett (“ChicagoFire”).
RalphMacchio,“The KarateKid”himself,takes ontheroleoflocaldeli ownerAngelo,“serving upsandwiches,cannoli... andunsolicitedwisdom,” Dowddescribes.St.Louis CardinalsHall-of-FamerOzzieSmithandItalianchefandsocial mediastarGianlucaContealsomakeappearances.
Aneighborhoodregular,Dowdsaysshe“fellinlovewithThe HilllongbeforeIeverimaginedmakingamoviethere.TheHillhas asoul.Audiencescanfeelthatevenifthey’veneversetfoothere. Ourhopeisthat‘LoveontheHill’entertainspeopleandsendsafew ofthemtoTheHilltofindoutforthemselves.”
TheHillisn’tabackdrop–it’sacharacter,Dowdnotes:“The traditions,therestaurants,thefamilieswhohavebeentherefor generations–allofithelpsmovethestory.That’srare.That’s worthbuildingafilmaround.”
Haveyoueverdreamedof havingyour house featuredina f ilm?
Localresidentsinterestedinaddingtheirhome totheprospectivemovielocationpoolcancontact Hiattorregisteronheroffice’swebsite,which offersatoolboxofinformationonSt.Louis’film locationsandadditionalproductionofferings.
St.LouisFilmOffice,701ConventionPlaza,Suite300, Downtown,St.Louis,stlouisfilmoffice.com
FrancescaRealeandJakeLockett,photobySpencerPeck
JakeLockett,photobySpencerPeck
“LoveontheHill”directorJackC.Newell, photobySpencerPeck
LoriDowd,FrancescaReale,andLynetteMcCloud,photobyJunoHeidbreder
JakeLockettandRalphMacchio,photobySpencerPeck
PhotobyJunoHeidbreder
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