When they established the village of North St. Louis in 1816, the founders of what is now the home of Crown Village understood that community is much more than a collection of buildings. These early town planners set aside public space at the core of the village to encourage interaction and community-building. Today, that same spirit of community is alive and well in Crown Village where the warm and welcoming atmosphere is embraced by a diverse community of renters and homeowners. Residents greet each other as they bike or stroll along the neighborhood’s tree-lined streets and discuss the latest news on the front steps of their 19th century brick homes or at one of the community’s pot-luck suppers or block parties. Crown Village is a place where young families from out-of-town now live down the street from life-long residents whose families have been in the community for five generations. Veteran rehabbers are quick to share their tricks of the trade with the rookies, while avid gardeners exchange flower bulbs at one of the neighborhood’s many community gardens. With a passionate commitment to neighborhood-building, residents work together on various community initiatives and celebrate their achievements over cold and refreshing “home-brewed” beverages.