Posted by Dawn Griffin
Shaw Neighborhood Farewell
Client Spotlight — A Fond Farewell from Longtime Clients Moving to Minnesota
After more than a decade of calling Shaw home, our long-time clients and friends, Adriano and Andrea, are preparing for their next chapter — a move to Minneapolis, Minnesota. As they get ready to leave, they’re reflecting on what has made St. Louis, and Shaw in particular, such a special place to live, raise a family, and build lasting connections.
What They’ll Miss Most About St. Louis
Having lived in Chicago, St. Paul, and other large cities before settling in St. Louis, this family always appreciated that St. Louis offers a “small big city” feel — with the perks of a vibrant city but the closeness of a true community. Here are the top things they’ll miss:
- The Parks and Festivals – From Tower Grove Park and the Missouri Botanical Garden just blocks away to citywide events, they’ve loved the accessibility of outdoor activities that kept them and their kids active and connected.
- Family-Owned Restaurants – Favorite spots along South Grand, Tower Grove East, and Cherokee Street became more than just dining destinations — “We’ve gotten to know the families behind these businesses and love being recognized as regulars.”
- Walkable Neighborhood Vibes – The ability to stroll, run into friends, chat with neighbors during yard work, and participate in local events created a deep sense of belonging.
- Supportive Community – Whether it was lending a hand, connecting over school events, or social gatherings, Shaw provided a network of caring, helpful people.
- Their Backyard Oasis – Filled with flowers, vegetable gardens, lights, and music, their backyard was a cozy retreat for family and friends — one of their favorite hidden gems of their home.
Why Shaw Was Home
From the start, they were drawn to Shaw for its walkability, neighborhood spirit, and proximity to great local businesses. Over the years, the family embraced:
- Friendly, familiar faces on daily walks
- Strong ties with other families through schools and sports
- Access to parks, playgrounds, and outdoor adventures for the kids
- The perfect blend of urban and peaceful, tucked-away living
As they put it, “Shaw helped us teach independence to our kids — we felt comfortable letting them bike, run, and walk with friends around the neighborhood without us.”
What They Loved About Their Home (Beyond the Obvious)
While their beautiful Shaw home has great curb appeal, some of its best features are ones you don’t see on a first visit:
- A cozy vibe in every room
- A south-facing backyard, perfect for growing vegetables, flowers, and hosting gatherings
- An outdoor space filled with happy memories of friends, family, and neighborhood get-togethers
Looking Ahead: Life in Minneapolis
Although St. Louis will always hold a special place in their hearts, they are excited to start fresh in Minneapolis — just “up the river.” Andrea will work remotely as a project manager for the same nonprofit organization. Adriano will be the Director of Community Engaged Research at the Robert J. Jones Urban Research and Outreach-Engagement Center of the University of Minnesota, and affiliate faculty member of the Humphrey School of Public Affairs.
The Twin Cities is one of the few places that would take us away from St. Louis.
Their new neighborhood, Hale, reminds them of Shaw with its welcoming, neighborly feel. Plus, they’re looking forward to new adventures:
- Living near Lake Nokomis, complete with a beach, trails, and year-round outdoor activities
- Joining a bike-friendly, green city with public transportation options
- Taking advantage of parks, lakes, and winter fun (yes, they’re ready for those Minnesota winters!)
- Watching their kids learn new skills like sailing, kayaking, and fishing
Advice for New Shaw Neighbors
Their advice to anyone moving to Shaw is simple but meaningful:
Enjoy it as much as you can! Spend time on your front porch and say hi to everyone who walks by. Go to National Night Out — that’s how we met many of our neighbors. And of course, work with Dawn Griffin and her team — Dawn helped us get into Shaw and helped us stay here.
We wish Adriano, Andrea, Helen, and Mabel all the best on their next adventure. Thank you for letting us be a part of it.
Let us know if you (and your neighborhood) want to be featured in a future Client Spotlight!
