Creve Coeur, Missouri

History

The name crève cœur (French pronunciation: ​[krɛv kœʁ], heartbreak) is said to derive from Creve Coeur Lake. According to the city's website the tale goes that the lake "formed itself into a broken heart" after an Indian princess's unrequited love for a French fur trapper led her to jump "from a ledge overlooking" the lake.

Written accounts and archaeological finds show that Native Americans inhabited the Creve Coeur area from 9500 B.C. to 1800 A.D. French explorers began farming and fishing in the area in the early 18th century, and fur trappers settled there in the early 19th century. When the area was acquired by the United States through the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, the Lewis and Clark Expedition came through Creve Coeur. During the American Civil War, men from the area served on both sides of the conflict, but most residents were southern sympathizers.

Creve Coeur was incorporated in 1949. Although there are cabins that are more than 200 years old (including two still in Conway Park) in the community, it grew primarily as a stopping point along Olive Boulevard (now Route 340) between University City and Creve Coeur Lake. It expanded faster following construction of Interstate 270 and U.S. Route 40.

The lake and its associated park of the same name, which was the first county park in St. Louis County, is now part of Maryland Heights to the north of Creve Coeur.

Geography

Creve Coeur is located at 38°40′2″N 90°26′33″W (38.667352, -90.442600). According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 10.27 square miles (26.60 km²), all of it land.

Government

The City of Creve Coeur’s Charter was adopted in 1976, providing for a Council-City Administrator form of government. The Mayor is elected by the voters while the City Council consists of eight members (two members representing each of four wards Council members are elected to serve staggered two-year terms). The Mayor is elected at large for a three-year term. The City Administrator is hired by the City Council and is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the city. Creve Coeur has 104 government employees.

The city is located in the 2nd Congressional District, 7th and 24th State Senate District, and 82nd and 87th State Representative Districts.

Ratings and accreditations

The City of Creve Coeur’s Standard & Poor bond rating is AAA, one of only four such rated cities in the State of Missouri. The city’s Police Department is accredited through the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc., (CALEA).

Demographics

Ranked 3rd in highest assessed value in St. Louis County the median income for a household in the city was $94,852, and the median income for a family was $99,100. Males had a median income of $65,106 versus $39,102 for females. The per capita income for the city was $59,496. About 1.8% of families and 2.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 1.8% of those under age 18 and 2.7% of those age 65 or over.

2010 census

As of the census of 2010, there were 17,833 people, 7,654 households, and 4,717 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,736.4 inhabitants per square mile (670.4/km²). There were 8,433 housing units at an average density of 821.1 per square mile (317.0/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 79.9% White, 7.2% African American, 0.2% Native American, 10.1% Asian, 0.7% from other races, and 1.9% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.6% of the population.

There were 7,654 households of which 26.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.2% were married couples living together, 6.2% had a female householder with no husband present, 2.2% had a male householder with no wife present, and 38.4% were non-families. 32.8% of all households were made up of individuals and 12.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.26 and the average family size was 2.91.

The median age in the city was 44.3 years. 20.9% of residents were under the age of 18; 7.4% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 22.6% were from 25 to 44; 28.5% were from 45 to 64; and 20.7% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 48.2% male and 51.8% female.

2000 census

As of the census of 2000, there were 16,500 people, 6,988 households, and 4,465 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,628.9 people per square mile (628.9/km²). There were 7,496 housing units at an average density of 740.0 per square mile (285.7/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 88.79% White, 3.45% African American, 0.21% Native American, 6.02% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.55% from other races, and 0.97% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.77% of the population.

There were 6,988 households out of which 25.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.6% were married couples living together, 4.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 36.1% were non-families. 30.9% of all households were made up of individuals and 10.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.29 and the average family size was 2.89.

In the city, the population was spread out with 21.0% under the age of 18, 6.9% from 18 to 24, 25.0% from 25 to 44, 27.9% from 45 to 64, and 19.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 43 years. For every 100 females there were 93.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.5 males.

Education

Approximately 68% of Creve Coeur residents have college degrees; 33% have graduate or professional degrees.

Primary and secondary schools

Creve Coeur has a number of private and public elementary and middle schools including Our Lady of the Pillar and St. Monica, and four private high schools (Saint Louis Priory School, De Smet Jesuit High School, Chaminade College Preparatory School, and Whitfield School). The western portion of Creve Coeur is part of the public Parkway School District. The eastern portion is served by the Ladue School District. Pattonville School District is also within the city limits of Creve Coeur.

Colleges and universities

Missouri Baptist University is located within the city of Creve Coeur along with Covenant Theological Seminary.

Economy

Creve Coeur is recognized as a key node for technology, life and bio sciences, and medical services in the St. Louis region. It is home to Monsanto Corporation World Headquarters, the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center & the Bio Research and Development Growth Park.

Isle of Capri Casinos moved its headquarters to Creve Coeur from Biloxi, Mississippi, in 2006. The state of Missouri and the city of Creve Coeur had offered Isle of Capri more than $4.2 million in tax incentives. In addition, Correctional Medical Services, Drury Hotels, have their headquarters in Creve Coeur.

Adam's Mark previously had its headquarters in the city.

Top ten employers

According to the City's 2011 Comprehensive Annual Financial the top employers in the city are:

Notable businesses

According to St. Louis Business Journal Book of Lists 2012, Creve Coeur is home to several leading businesses in the St. Louis region.

Technology

Five of the top fifteen largest information technology consulting firms in St. Louis are located in Creve Coeur including the top two.

Life and plant sciences

Two of the top ten largest life science research organizations in St. Louis are located in Creve Coeur. (2012).

Organizations

The American Association of Orthodontists has its headquarters in the city.

Attractions

The City of Creve Coeur maintains seven parks spanning 95 acres which include playgrounds, walking trails, tennis courts, and historic homes. The City of Creve Coeur also operates the Dielmann Recreation Complex, which includes a 9-hole golf course and ice arena.Creve Coeur Lake Memorial Park is a St. Louis County Park located 3 miles north of the City of Creve Coeur.

Transportation