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Cathedral Square treasures its diversity. From architectural style to demographic category, a wide variety of interests combine to preserve this historic area amidst the crime and urban decay typical of inner city locations. The purpose of the Cathedral Square Urban Plan is to further the goal of neighborhood vitality. It is especially important to preserve the residential character of the neighborhood. The focus is city living.

Cathedral Square Special Business District is a subdivision of the State of Missouri located in the northeast corner of the Central West End, a historic district of the city of St. Louis. It is a residential neighborhood defined by a series of cul de sacs. Along the northern boundary, Westminster Place, once a private street called Fullerton Place, was laid out in 1892. The southern boundary of Lindell Boulevard is highlighted by the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis, a landmark Catholic church. Begun in 1907, the Byzantine and Romanesque style structure houses one on the finest displays of mosaics in the western hemisphere. Most of the structures located between the eastern boundary of Boyle Avenue and the western boundary of Taylor Avenue were built during the robust expansion of the city surrounding the World Fair of 1904. Newstead Avenue and Maryland Avenue serve as the arterial streets, connecting the square to neighboring residential and business districts.

In addition, to the church and private homes, the area supports many condominiums, apartments, and non-profit organizations. The latter include the St. Louis Cathedral School which accepts students of all denominations, Rosati-Kain High School which serves the entire St. Louis area, the San Luis Apartments, which provides housing for senior citizens, Cathedral Towers, which provides services to unwed mothers and other charitable programs, Doorways, a residential care facility serving those with HIV/AIDS, the Royal Vagabonds, a men's social group, the Engineer's Club of St. Louis, the Augustinian Nuns of Contemplative Life, a convent, Boy's and Girl's Town of Missouri, which provides housing and administrative services for youths, in addition, Cathedral Square has a home for persons with Mental Illness, and two additional convents. Apartment buildings range from turn of the century high rises to a newer two story apartment complex, from rooming houses to carriage houses. Condominiums, too, have been developed utilizing both old and new structures. Typical of the historic district, a broad variety of living styles exist side by side.

The general area had suffered a long decline culminating in the 1960's. Demolition of dilapidated buildings became the "answer" in the 1970's. However, a combination of efforts has saved Cathedral Square: The non-profits organizations served as anchors, helping to stabilize the area; many longtime residents have resisted the trend to move west; and young urban pioneers have moved in, bringing fresh commitment to historic preservation. The mix has created a rich diversity in the area, restoration of most structures, and a healthy environment that invites relocation back from the suburbs and the introduction of needed businesses.

On May 6, 1996, voters approved a property tax levy at the maximum rate of $.85 per $100 valuation to fund the Cathedral Square Special Business District for three years, beginning January 1, 1997. The annual revenue is approximately $90,000 - $95,000.