Statement of Significance (as of designation - December 20, 1989):
Officially opened to the public in 1872, Tower Grove has been characterized as the largest and best preserved 19th-century Gardenesque style city park in the United States. This formal landscape architecture style features winding paths, symmetrical features, intense planting and the use of architecturally elaborate gates, pavillions, and houses; it differs from the much more numerous Picturesque landscapes of Frederick Law Olmstead and others. The 285-acre tract in the south central part of the city, along with the adjacent Missouri Botanical Gardens, was a gift to the City of St. Louis by merchant philanthropist Henry Shaw (1800-1889), who was largely responsible for its design.

Condition:
High winds destroyed a number of the park's trees and a falling branch shattered one of the two historic stag statues at the Magnolia/Tower Grove Avenue entrance. Efforts are underway to repair or replace the statue.

New lighting was installed on four of the Park's tennis courts and air conditioning was installed in the tennis center. The William T. Kemper Foundation gave the park $25,000 for the maintenance and improvement of the park's trees/forest. It will be matched by an additional $25,000 if the Park can raise $50,000 by October 2005. The Garden Club of St. Louis contributed $2,000 toward refurbishing the grounds and gardens of the director's residence.