ST. LOUIS, Mo. (First Alert 4) – A South City shopping district is getting a glow-up, aiming to make the area feel safer and more inviting for visitors.

“We’ve heard from businesses and residents who say certain parts of the street can feel less welcoming at night,” said Emily Thenhaus with the Cherokee Street Community Improvement District. “Improving lighting makes a big difference, not just for safety, but for showcasing everything Cherokee Street has to offer.”

The stretch of Cherokee Street, located west of Jefferson Avenue near Benton and Gravois Parks, is known for its vibrant local shops, restaurants and artistic community.

“But sometimes you might drive through at night and not know some of the shops are still active and open for business,” Thenhaus said.

Through a new lighting initiative, sidewalks along Cherokee Street are getting much-needed illumination, including lighting fixtures above storefronts and lighting within the store to illuminate window displays.

The Cherokee Street Community Improvement District is funding most of the project with a budgeted $50,000 investment, using tax dollars collected from property owners in the district.

So far, about 40 businesses and property owners have signed up to take part in the upgrades, Thenhaus said.

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