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December 2007
101 REASONS TO MAKE THE MOVE TO NEW TOWN TODAY
By: Larry Duffy
Creative Director
When you look at the big picture that is New Town, it is easy to appreciate that this place is special. After two and half years as a resident I’ve grown accustomed to the activity and beautiful environment that New Town offers. Still it’s easy to lose track of all the great little details that make living here so pleasurable, so with that in mind I’ve decided to take inventory. Here, in no particular order, are some of my favorite things about New Town living:
1. Porches: Whether on porch swings, Adirondacks or rockers, nothing beats lounging outdoors watching the hustle and flow of New Town.
2. Big Sky: Lots of wide open vistas provide optimum viewing for inspiring sunrises and stunning sunsets.
3. The Amphitheater: The heart of the Theater District and maybe the entire community, this is where the action takes place. Everything from kite flying and touch football to concerts and Shakespeare happens here.
4. The Obelisk: One heck of an entrance monument and already a landmark.
5. Marsala’s Market: So much more than just the perfect marriage of quality and convenience, Marsala’s has become the unofficial visitor’s center as well as a gathering place for residents. No checkerboard on a cracker barrel but you might encounter a hot game of Euchre at the tables outside.
6. Color: If you’ve seen enough tan siding to last a lifetime, than come build your next home in one of the many brilliant New Town colors like Sea Grass, Cayenne or Mango. Don’t worry if your tastes run more conservative, there are still plenty of options for you also.
7. Trees: Give them a few years and they will be one of the nicest features of New Town. Thousands of maples, elm and birch have been planted and the sycamores are already creating canopies over the avenues.
8. Wildlife: Blue herons, egrets and Canadian geese have all taken a liking to New Town’s many lakes and canals, along with bull frogs the size of your hand.
9. Shire Lane Pool Club: This huge pool complex has it all from a lazy river to a lap pool and plenty of loungers for basking in the sun. I’ve been pining for it since Labor Day.
10. Ruskin O’Brien’s: Great food, cold beer, live music, the game on TV, darts and hanging with your mates – what more could you want from your neighborhood pub?
11. Children’s Stage: Located in the Triangle Park, this colorful stage has hosted some of the most charming performances in New Town with neighborhood kids as the stars.
12. Walls and Bridges: Not the John Lennon album but real hand-stacked stone walls and elegant bridges for both pedestrians and vehicles. New Town’s infrastructure.
13. Bocce Ball: With the nicest courts west of the Hill, New Town residents gather en masse for the camaraderie as well as the love of the game.
14. Fishing: The plentiful bass, catfish and bluegill in New Town’s many lakes and canals only get bigger and feistier. Experience the pleasure of walking out of your garage, pole in hand, crossing the street and hooking a lunker.
15. Bollards: A variety of styles lining the avenues and drives of New Town are just one of the nice touches that make New Town special.
16. Parades: The New Town 4th of July Parade has become one of the most anticipated and beloved events in the community. Each year residents work hard to top last years float entries.
17. The Organic Farm: It won’t be long before New Town residents have the opportunity to purchase the freshest produce available grown right inside the community.
18. Waterfalls: I currently count half a dozen in New Town but I might be forgetting a couple here or there. There are few things as pleasing to the ear as the sound of falling water.
19. Rudy’s Ribs: Located at New Town’s busiest corner it’s hard to resist the smell of the smoke permeating the air. Leave the grilling to Rudy and come polish off a slab.
20. Weddings: Dearly beloved we are gathered here today…Those words are repeated continually as New Town has become a premier destination for weddings and receptions. Indoors and out, New Town provides the perfect setting for the ceremony, reception and photographs. The I Do’s are up to you.
21. Gas Lamps: There are enough Bevolo gas lanterns and lamp posts in New Town to rival New Orleans. Practical and beautiful there is something very calming about strolling down the lane with a flickering flame lighting your way.
22. Wind: The natural enemy of the gas lamp. Love it or hate it, New Town’s got it in spades. Personally, I love it. While gentle breezes are the norm, I also like to see the occasional white caps on the lake.
23. Bonnidel’s Ice Cream: As successful businesses go, an ice cram shop is a no brainer as the long line at Bonnidel’s window will confirm. Serving up creamy treats to the teeming masses is hard work but New Town clearly appreciates the effort.
24. Flowers: Along with the vast quantity of pots and beds that adorn our public spaces, resident have transformed their own front yards into botanical wonderlands.
25. Diversity: Any community this size should represent vast cultural diversity and New Town does. Regardless of income, ethnicity or social/political orientation let me take a moment to say welcome.
26. Teepees: Every Autumn they appear transforming the Triangle Park into a temporary Indian village. Native American ingenuity and design has withstood the strongest New Town winds.
27. Windmills: The Aermotor Company of San Angelo Texas has been manufacturing windmills since 1888. With one in place and another slated for the organic farm, these functional machines look cool in addition to providing an educational opportunity in basic engineering for the kids.
28. Birdhouses: Scattered all around the lakes of New Town are elaborate purple martin houses that provide a luxurious habitat for these notorious mosquito eaters. Keep up the good work boys!
29. Cloud Nine Desserts: So much more than a cup of Joe, Cloud Nine offers delectable cupcakes, cheesecakes cookies and treats. For a muffin in the morning or a catered affair Cloud Nine will fulfill your desires.
30. Row Homes: These beautiful brick structures would feel right at home in the boroughs of New York. Neighbors sit on their stoops and converse with passersby in a decidedly un-New York manner.
31. Grangers Landing: Arguably the prettiest boulevard in New Town, the median of this tree-lined thoroughfare is a park unto itself.
32. Koi: These colorful ornamental fish appear to be thriving in their New Town environments. If some of them grow any larger we may have to find a bigger pond.
33. Pedi cabs: These recent additions to the New Town landscape haven’t been pressed into full service yet but expect to see them darting around town giving newcomers “the tour” at a proper pace.
34. Climbing Rock: This giant faux boulder in the Civic Green Park provides lots of entertainment and exercise for the kids. I’ve even scaled it a few times myself.
35. The New Town Courier: Whether enjoying Laura Bradford’s inspired insights, Brad Reed’s creative clarity or Kurt Meininger’s quizzical allusions and business acumen, the New Town Courier is a delight thanks mainly to the tireless efforts and talent of managing editor Lisa Maull.
36. The Grateful Thread: Jill Ryan has stocked her charming shop with countless tasteful adornments and furnishings for your new home. Many residents have already turned to Jill for her decorating expertise.
37. The Red Phone Booth: Looking as if it was freshly plucked from a Piccadilly Street corner this London telephone box has provided many a photo-op and has come to feel right at home here in New Town.
38. Karaoke: A teenage host who sings like Sinatra in his “wee small hours” period and numerous future American Idol contestants combine for one of New Town’s most beloved traditions.
39. Town Hall Clock: If like me you’re in the small minority of non-watch wearers than you realize what a Godsend this luminous chronometer is. Only try not to make eye contact with it when leaving Ruskin O’Brien’s at closing time. It might spoil the good time you’ve just had.
40. Boot Camp: If there’s one thing I can’t abide its slovenly slackers. Leastwise that’s what I tell myself every morning when I wake up late and look in the mirror. Fortunately, Lyle Johnson is much more understanding and only has your health and best interest in mind. His boot camp has become a staple for folks of all abilities in a town that is naturally inclined towards fitness.
41. Street Names: Anyone can live on Maple, Mulberry or Jackson. Fortunately those names were all taken. I love names like Mackey Wherry and East Lime Kiln. They are rooted in the people and lore of the region and make a lot more sense than Washington, who by the way never slept here.
42. Piers: Aside from their obvious use as platforms for fishing or docking a kayak, the piers have hosted both swank affairs and radio controlled yacht races.
43. Baseball: With plenty of green space available, New Town is among the few remaining places where you can still witness neighborhood kids staging an impromptu baseball game. Baseball is still America’s beautiful game, if no longer it’s national past time.
44. Fountains: The three fountains of the Grand Canal are spectacular and a sought after backdrop for many wedding and prom photos. In addition keep an ear open while you take your evening walk. In many courtyards you can hear the pleasant babble and trickle of private fountains.
45. Insurance: Not since the Monty Python crew sailed “The Crimson Permanent Assurance” has insurance been this exciting. New Town provides two opportunities to make sure your coverage is correct. Head into Farmer’s Insurance and talk to Kevin or see Mike at the Nieroda Insurance Agency to discuss your needs.
46. Barbara Butler Playgrounds: These are the colorful, whimsical playgrounds you see all around New Town. Acclaimed for their design and craftsmanship, Barbara Butler playgrounds have been featured everywhere from the Wall Street Journal to the Oprah Winfrey Show.
47. Fire Pits: Many a s’more has been consumed and many a ribald, late night tale has been told around the New Town fire pits on the front lakes. They are provided for family and friends to gather and enjoy. Just please remember to douse your flames at evening’s end.
48. Alleys: With most of New Town’s garages hidden behind the homes, there are many alleys throughout the community. Just as they were a hundred years ago the alleys are utilized by children for hopscotch, jump rope and the like so please travel them carefully.
49. Metal Roofs: The many galvanized roofs around town are not only pleasing to the eye but a treat for the ear as well. There’s nothing quite like the sound of rain on a metal roof. Tin Roof-Rusted!
50. The Chapel: It looks as if it could just as easily stand in some small village in Germany or France but its right here in New Town. This versatile, graceful limestone edifice has hosted numerous weddings and even a fashion show.
51. Domain Street Wine Bar: Hip without trying, warm and inviting, this great little hangout would be right at home in New York or Chicago and its right here in New Town. Great wine, great food and great times.
52. The Flag Pole: Looking like a mast from some aged schooner, this beautiful wooden pole stands in the center of town proudly waving Old Glory.
53. Bikes: They are all over New Town and the flat, easy-to-navigate landscape makes bicycles the choice mode of transportation for many. Even the cycling clubs detour off the country roads to come into New Town for a breather.
54. The Décor Room: Located at the corner of Rue Royale and New Town Circle Drive, this little shop is jam packed with fun and funky items for your home. Drop in and see Tracy today.
55. Benches: They are all over the many public spaces in New Town and a welcome respite. Take a load off your feet, sit awhile and watch the world go by.
56. Animals: Giraffes, elephants, crocodiles, sea turtles and cows. No really! In addition to the very real aforementioned wildlife, New Town is home to a number of stationary beasts. From the Noah’s Ark animals, to a bale of colorful turtles, to the occasional roaming cows, New Town is home to a cluster of creatures.
57. Live Works: What could be cooler than living above your place of employment? If rising gas prices and the highway 40 shut down aren’t enough incentive, just consider that extra hour of sleep you’ll receive.
58. Music: Blues, jazz, reggae and bluegrass. New Town has hosted festivals in all these genres. Everything from 80’s rock to German oompah to a Beatles cover band has played the amphitheater. The only disappointment that comes to mind is when Mother Nature cheated us out of our Erin Bode concert. We all hope to see Erin in New Town again real soon.
59. Reed Crossing Playground: Tucked neatly between rows of tidy cottages, this funky fortress is one of the hidden gems of New Town. There are lots of benches for mom or dad to read a book while the kiddies frolic.
60. Naps: The best nap I ever had was on a beautiful late summer afternoon down on the bank of the big lake. A blanket, the warmth of the sun and the gently lapping waters were all I needed to forget whatever chaos was ensuing back home. Wonderful!
61. Ice Skating: Soon skaters will be lacing up and performing figure eights and pirouettes right here in New Town at the beautiful outdoor rink on the corner of Rue Royale and New Town Lake Boulevard. I just want to drive the Zamboni.
62. Sign Posts: Look for these cast iron directional markers to point the way to all the fun spots and numerous amenities around New Town. Which way to the Wine Bar?
63. Canals: While not quite Venice yet we are trying. Someday you might find employment in New Town as a gondolier provided you supply your own silly hat.
64. Corn: An odd choice sure, but there’s a lot to be said for the aesthetic value of tall rows of corn in the summertime. The fields abutting New Town compliment the brick and mortar nicely.
65. Zephyr Hair: On the very first day they opened I was passing by when I stopped in to make an appointment. They got me in that afternoon and I went from looking like Shemp to well groomed and respectable without ever leaving New Town.
66. Barns: The big, white barn is one of my favorite places in New Town. Located at the Organic Farm this restored granary has the distinction of being the only structure original to the site.
67. The Wishing Well: Located at the corner of Mackey Wherry and New Town Lake Boulevard, this stone basin that catches the water pumped up from the windmill is just one more of the fun features that make New Town unique. Toss in a nickel and see if you’re dreams don’t come true.
68. Rue Royale: From the Arpent Row Homes to St. Charles Christian Church and eventually beyond, this busy boulevard sees all the action.
69. Family: I’ve long since stopped counting all the extended family living in New Town. Here’s how it works; one family buys in New Town, the parents, siblings, cousins and friends come to visit. They see what a great place this is to live and want to be part of it. The next thing you know they’re moving in. It happens all the time.
70. Kites: Remember the simple joy of flying a kite? With all the wide open green space in New Town, there is ample space to revisit this pleasurable pastime and folks here do. Did I mention the wind?
71. The Town Hall: This beautiful building has hosted everything from family-friendly vaudeville and cook-offs to more raucous affairs like poker tournaments or Town Architect meetings.
72. American Puppy Grooming: No one can say that New Town isn’t dog friendly. We must have more dogs per capita than anywhere in the region. If you’re mutt is looking mangy or your Pekinese needs a pedicure, American Puppy Grooming located on Rue Royale, is the place for you.
73. Fireworks: One heck of a show, every year on the 4th of July and so many great spots to spread a blanket and view them from.
74. Street Cars: They’re here, nestled together on the outskirts of town waiting for the go-ahead to spring back into service.
75. St. Charles: Contrary to what some may believe, New Town is part of the City of St. Charles and proud of it. From historic Main Street to the much anticipated Streets of Noah’s Ark Lifestyle Center, St. Charles is a vibrant, growing city.
76. New Town Fitness: With yoga classes, free weights and top of the line equipment, New Town fitness has everything you need to free mind and body from the malaise of inactivity. If its motivation you lack, come in and talk to Mary Piper. Her up-beat attitude and professional advice will put you on the right track.
77. Cast Iron: The beautiful sturgeon column lampposts, the massive trash cans, the fence posts and bollards all crafted in England the same way its been done for hundreds of years and shipped to New Town.
78. Neon: Ruskin O’Brien’s and Zephyr Hair both have neon signs and then there’s the king daddy of them all outside Domain Street Wine Bar. I hope there are a hundred more before its all said and done. The beautiful glow of neon is a significant sign of a town with a pulse.
79. The Greensmith Street Park: Yet another new park in New Town. This large green space will feature another children’s stage and a magical forest with winding trails for the kids to explore and pretend.
80. The Great Outdoors: On any given beautiful day you might feel the urge to get outside and play but not necessarily want to get in the car to go do it. With so many lakes and parks in New Town you have plenty of reasons to shut down the computer and get outside.
81. Volleyball: Q: When the spring thaw arrives and its time to hang up the skates what do you do with the giant ice skating rink? A: Fill it with sand, string some nets and smear on the sunscreen. Volleyball leagues should be in full swing next summer so start practicing your serve.
82. Christmas: Every year the community gathers for the lighting of the tree just like the Whos’ down in Whoville. There are carolers, hot chocolate and a visit from Santa and residents do a nice job of transforming their front yards into a winter wonderland.
83. Neighbors: Live in most subdivisions and you might be lucky to know the names of your next door neighbors. In New Town you’ll likely know the names of everyone on your street and many more across town. Many friendships have started right here in town.
84. Drama Clean: Quite possibly the most asked about business in New Town. Residents are eager for a dry cleaner down the street and it looks like this added convenience to New Town living will be up and running for the New Year.
85. Movie Nights: Friday nights all summer long, the New Town amphitheater becomes a cinema under the stars. One of the oldest and maybe my favorite New Town tradition.
86. Boats: Look out your window and you’re likely as not to see a colorful sail off in the distance. There are canoes and kayaks, wooden row boats and rubber dinghies all over the New Town waterways. As the lakes and canals continue to expand and connect, you will eventually be able to travel all over town by boat. Its great exercise too.
87. Sidewalk Dining: From sidewalk cafes in Paris to the Delmar Loop, the most vibrant communities the world over accommodate sidewalk dining and New Town encourages it. Weather permitting you can dine outside Marsala’s Market, Ruskin O’Brien’s, Rudy’s Ribs and Domain Street Wine Bar. Someday New Town will be full of restaurants offering this dining option.
88. Courtyards: Most homes in New Town don’t have the traditional backyard where you step out the door and peer out into the back yards of at least five neighbors as they peer back at you. Thanks to the placement of garages in the back of the home a private courtyard space is created. Privacy is important when you live in such a public community. Everyone needs a little alone time.
89. Yardwork: Or better still, the lack thereof. With generally smaller front yards and the above mentioned private courtyards, most New Town residents have manageable spaces that they’ve been able to transform into low maintenance, beautiful gardens. Still, if you really insist on spending your Saturdays doing yardwork, New Town offers some larger lots that can fulfill that need.
90. Anticipation: You’ll feel like a kid during the week before Christmas as you eagerly await the next great restaurant, shop, event or beautiful public space that is coming to New Town.
91. T. Alderson’s Cities Service Diner: Speaking of anticipation, New Town residents are chomping at the bit for this place to open. Offering up comfort food favorites morning, noon and night, T. Alderson’s is bound to become a new institution in a beloved old space.
92. Awnings: Covering the wide, walkable sidewalks in front of many New Town businesses, canvas and metal awnings are something you just don’t see enough of anymore.
93. Car Shows: New Town has already hosted a classic British Car Show, Corvette Show and even a PT Cruiser Show. What a great place to showcase your automotive pride and joy. We are also becoming a favorite cruising spot for the Chuck-A-Burger crowd so on any given day you might see a really sweet ride passing through.
94. Sewer Lids: Just come out and have a look at them and you’ll see what I mean. Even the most pedestrian elements of New Town have character.
95. Kolbe Windows: I once lived in a house where every time you opened a window it sounded like an eighty car train derailment. My wife says they’re her favorite feature of the house. All I know is they don’t squeak when I open them.
96. Orchard Farm School District: When we made the decision to move to New Town our only hesitation was that we loved our children’s school. The kids didn’t miss a step in the transition to Orchard Farm and we quickly came to love the district. Wonderful teachers and a real sense of kinship create a positive environment for our children to thrive in.
97. New Town Gear: While not a requirement, many residents choose to wear New Town t-shirts, sweatshirts and hats with pride. They love the community they live in and like to show it off.
98. The Mail Room: Every New Town resident currently goes to the same place to retrieve their mail. More than just a room full of mail boxes, the mail room serves as a bulletin board and impromptu meeting place. It is also home to a cantankerous DVD rental machine who if not careful is going to wind up at the bottom of a lake with last year’s Christmas tree.
99. Newtownatstcharles.com: The website to go to for photos of all the latest happenings and information on upcoming events and businesses.
100. DPZ: The architectural firm of Duany Plater-Zyberk and Company is a major leader in the practice and direction of urban planning. New Town is fortunate to have their extraordinary creative talents and expertise to draw upon.
101. Whittaker Homes: I’ve known Greg Whittaker for 25 years and I’ve never known him to back down from a challenge. New Town is ultimately his vision and you can be confident that the vision won’t be compromised. His attention to detail is staggering and since he is a resident as well as the developer, his drive to create a wonderful community is deep rooted. Every Whittaker employee in the office and in the field takes pride in being involved in the creation of this amazing place called New Town.
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