Sold on Manchester

05/29/2026

Quite a stir is happening around the Old Schoolhouse on Henry Rd. This is the red brick building built in 1907 that held Maiden Voyage Bridal at 120 Henry Ave. You can see it from Manchester Rd on the north side as you enter the Henry Avenue National Historic District and make the S-turn, one of the more iconic historic buildings in Manchester.

It is under contract to be sold, and there was a public hearing scheduled before the June 1st Board meeting. Social media was gathering people to participate in the public comments. However, 2 days ago on the 27th, Manchester city postponed the hearing on their page, and a community open house is set for June 10th:

The June 1, 2026 public hearing before the City of Manchester Board of Alderman regarding the 120 Henry Avenue project has been postponed.
Residents with questions or concerns are encouraged to attend a community open house organized by the applicant on June 10 from 5-7 p.m. at 120 Henry Avenue to review project information, view renderings, discuss potential impacts, and ask questions.

Please check with the city for current information, page is here: https://www.facebook.com/manchestermo

05/27/2026

Did you get caught in the traffic jams a few weeks ago when "Swig Manchester" opened at Manchester Rd and Mason? Social media was buzzing with complaints, which may have attracted more curious people, about the long lines backing onto the roads. Police and elected officials were all called to the scene to straighten it out.

Swig is a national chain that hit St Louis last fall in St Peters, and now close to Manchester (I like that they call it their Manchester location when it is closer to both Town & Country and Des Peres), serving dirty sodas, a fusion of soda and various flavors, syrups and creams. Must have a strong following!

05/25/2026

Join us this morning at Stoecker Park, 10am, parking at Manchester Methodist lot, then walk west thru back end of park.

Join the community for the annual Manchester Memorial Day Remembrance Service on Monday, May 25, at 10 a.m. at the Veterans Memorial at Stoecker Park. The ceremony will feature the Manchester Community Band, a live bald eagle presentation, Flags of Valor, and memorial wreath presentations as we honor and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

05/06/2026

It was a full 2 days for retiring Mayor Mike Clement this past Sunday and Monday, where many goodbyes and thank you's were shared. First, at city hall Sunday afternoon where the public was invited to meet with him, and several speeches and stories were given on his accomplishments over the years. Manchester is a better place because of Mayor Clement, and a supportive Board of Alders and city staff.

Then on Monday eve, Mayor Clement ran his last city meeting after 8 years of Mayor and 17 years as Ward 2 Alderman, had a nice proclamation read by Alderwoman Huether, inductions took place for the newly elected officials, and Mayor Ben Toben, who was a Ward 3 Alderman, opened his first meeting as Mayor. Welcome to the new Mayor and 2 new Aldermen!

04/28/2026

The Manchester Craft Beer Festival is this Saturday, May 2nd at Schroeder Park from 3pm to 6pm. Hosted by our Parks Dept and Circle 7 Ranch, price is $34 now via website below or $40 day of, includes tasting glass and unlimited tasting.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/manchester-craft-beer-festival-tickets-1969876576869

The next day, Sunday the 3rd from 3pm to 5pm is Mayor Mike Clement's Salute to Service at city hall on Manchester Rd at Creve Coeur Ave. It is a community open house to celebrate Mike's 25 years of public service dedicated to our city. He may offer a few words around 4pm.

04/23/2026

The last 2 weeks, many of us have been volunteering at Manchester city hall to match photos of fallen heroes with their dog tags to be displayed on Art Hill this September with over 7000 flags, one for each service member who lost their life in the global war on terror since Sept 11, 2001. Called America's Heartland Remembers, these Flags of Valor have been displayed every 5 years on Art Hill, this being the 25th Anniversary.

Additionally, there will be memorials for the victims and first responders who lost their lives on Sept 11th.

It is a rewarding experience to be a part of this solemn remembrance that happens every 5 years in St Louis. A big thank you to the organizers, Gold Star families and volunteers doing this, Manchester has played a big part in it. There is a Flag Sponsor program too, see photo for details.

03/27/2026

A candidate forum was held Tuesday night, sponsored by the League of Women Voters at Manchester Methodist. A good sized crowd watched a total of 8 candidates for our 3 Wards: a registered candidate vs a strong write in for Ward 1; the incumbent vs a candidate in Ward 2, and 4 new candidates vying for Ward 3. It is unusual for Manchester to have so many people running for elected office, and taking their time to explain their views. Thank you to all who participated!

03/10/2026

What a fun time we had last Friday at A Slice of History in the Parks community center! An event of the city's 3rd Civic Season, it was part Manchester/ West County/ St Louis/ Missouri history narrated by Amanda Clark from Missouri Historical Society; part trivia night with lots of prizes (my wife and I won a Tucker's gift card); and part throwed rolls ala Lambert's style!

Thank you to Alderwoman Megan Huether for being a big part of this event and the posted photos I borrowed; to Lisa Wi**er and Darin Warnig of Manchester city staff to help organize and run it; to the Parkway South high students who volunteered to judge it; and to the local businesses who donated free food and prizes.

Look for this event next year, you will enjoy it!

03/06/2026

Spring is springing in Manchester today! With a high of 80 degrees, the outdoor nurseries opening last weekend, and Fritz's custard opening this weekend with the clocks changing, get out there and enjoy!

02/20/2026

A coffee shop change is happening at More Than Coffee on the south side of Manchester Road just east of 141. More Than Coffee is part of the Extreme St. Louis Charitable Foundation and trains people with disabilities with job skills and assists them in finding jobs. They are moving to a larger location in Maplewood that will have delivery plus walk in service. They have been a part of our community for several years, and we wish them well!

The new shop is called Exit 11 Coffee, and is based in Washington MO, a family run business with 8 shops in the area. They have their own roastery, and plan to open in the next few weeks. They offer a wide range of coffee drinks, plus a limited breakfast/ pastry menu. It will remain a drive thru. Welcome Exit 11!

02/05/2026

Mayor Mike Clement has just announced he will be stepping down from the position of Mayor when his term ends in early May 2026. He has decided not to run for re-election. Mike has been a wonderful Mayor and leader of our community these past 8 years, and also the previous 17 as Ward 2 Alderman, totaling 25 years in city governance. It has been a real a joy having you in those positions Mike, you have been a true asset and positive force, thank you!

The city Board, administration and various departments have also been very supportive and positive in their efforts in running our fine city. There are alot of exciting events coming up that are in the Message this week, and on the city website.

A community open house, called the Mike Clement Salute to Service, will be held Sunday, May 3, from 3–5 p.m. at the City Hall Community Room, with remarks taking place at 4 p.m. Residents are invited to stop by, share stories, and celebrate his leadership.

I found a photo of Mike's Mayoral installation in 2018, along with Ward 3 Alderman Ben Toben on the left who is running unopposed for Mayor this spring. The previous Mayor, David Willson, is back left. Long time Ward 2 Alderwoman Ottenad and previous Ward 1 Alderman Nolte are also pictured.