Cherokee Street Small Business Renaissance

    About a hundred years ago, electric streetcars transformed Cherokee Street from a neighborhood with a collection of small businesses to a popular shopping destination – eventually boasting big name stores like J.C. Penney and Woolworth. But when the city started to lose its population – and big name stores – to the suburbs, Cherokee Street was no different and the area fell into decline. Happily, the past decade has witnessed a slow but steady emergence of small businesses near the corner of Cherokee and Jefferson – most of them minority owned. These shops, restaurants and galleries have formed a tight and supportive community – providing the anchor needed to see continued growth and success in the area. Profield Reserve, an athletic apparel and design boutique, recently hosted and curated an art show at The Luminary to shine a light on the untapped artistic talent in St. Louis and celebrate the community that continues to rebuild Cherokee Street.