Looking West from 7th Street

Washington Avenue was recently named one of the Ten Great American Streets of 2011. Let’s celebrate this much deserved selection by the American Planning Association with a photo tour of one of America’s grandest avenues.

Yes, that's the Chase Tower in the background in this compressed view

Looking East from Tucker

A clear view of Illinois sans sky bridge

Looking West from Tucker

GW Lofts in center and Missouri Theatre Building on Grand in the background

Red light at Tucker

Looking East from 13th Street

The APA’s description of this amazing urban canyon:

“Once mostly vacant and deteriorating, Washington Avenue today has reversed decades of urban decline to become one of St. Louis’s most popular districts. This downtown corridor — replete with residential and office lofts, boutiques, restaurants, and nightclubs — pulses with activity not seen since its garment district days, a time when sidewalks were filled with window-shoppers and buyers. A virtual museum of late 19th and early 20th century warehouse architecture clad in brick, stone, and terra cotta, this monumental corridor imparts one of St. Louis’s most cohesive vistas.”

Well said, indeed.