University City Community Profile

Retail Profile

Shopping in University City is convenient and fun. Most commercial development is located on two major thoroughfares, Olive Street Road and Delmar Boulevard. These two roadways run parallel to each other, traversing the city from East to West and extending beyond the western city limits.

There are several other major streets that bisect U. City from North to South to accommodate the steady flow of traffic. Several of the retail districts have distinct characteristics that contribute to their identity.

Delmar Boulevard

The University City Loop on Delmar Boulevard is an eclectic mix of restaurants, galleries and specialty shops. Located in a five-block area near Washington University, the Loop is also home to the elegantly restored Tivoli Theater which showcases both foreign films and films in limited release and the St. Louis Walk of Fame.

A number of art organizations are located in this district including the St. Louis Symphony Music School, Craft Alliance gallery and teaching studio and Center of Contemporary Arts teaching and performance space. Each year the U. City Loop is the site of occasional special community events like the Fair in the Square, Loop in Motion Festival and the annual bike race sponsored by the Big Shark Bicycle Company.

Along with the nationally renowned Michigan Avenue in Chicago and St. Charles Avenue in New Orleans, The Delmar Loop was designated as one of the "Great Streets in America" by the American Planning Association.   

Olive Street

The Olive Business District which begins at the western edge of the city near Interstate 170 and continues heading East along Olive Boulevard is where many ethnic groceries, retail stores and small professional offices are located. An amazing variety of restaurant choices can be found in this area including Japanese, Italian and Vietnamese to name a few. This district is directly accessible from other business areas where a variety of grocery and retail chain stores, hair and nail salons, auto repair shops and professional offices are located.

Cunningham Industrial Park

The City's industrial park is located at the eastern city limit and is populated by light industrial companies.

There are other smaller business cells interspersed throughout University City's neighborhoods. These areas are within walking distance of some residences and include investment brokers and legal offices, butcher shops, repair shops and restaurants. This area can be found on Forsyth Boulevard, Midland Boulevard, North and South, Delmar Boulevard, Old Bonhomme, Hanley Road and Jackson Avenue.

Because of its convenient location, ease of access and variety of stores, University City is able to attract consumers from neighboring communities and is often a shopping destination for students from Washington University and Fontbonne College.

Tax & Permit Information

Businesses that choose to open locations in University City will be required to obtain the necessary licenses and permits and pay federal, state and local taxes as assessed.  The Department of Community Development will provide technical assistance to new businesses with obtaining building and occupancy permits. 

Municipal Profile

University City has a strong community culture with a rich tradition of excellence in the creative and performing arts. There are ample opportunities for citizens to enjoy a hobby while becoming involved in the community. The University City Orchestra, Optimist Club, U. City in Bloom and U. City Lions are just some of the civic interest groups that residents can join.

School District

The fully accredited University City School District is comprised of 7 elementary schools, 2 junior high schools and 1 senior high school. University City has a nine-hole municipal golf course, a large outdoor municipal swimming pool and scattered throughout the eighteen municipal parks are numerous tennis courts, basketball courts, field hockey/soccer fields and softball and baseball diamonds.

Council-Manager Structure

University City's business and residential property maintenance codes help to maintain the appearance and character of University City's business districts and neighborhoods. University City is a full service community that operates under a Council-Manager form of government and encourages residents become involved in municipal issues.