Idealistic isn't the first word that comes to mind when describing a man who has helped transform an entire neighborhood - but perseverance is. In 1972, Edwards and his wife, Linda, chose the University City Loop as home for their restaurant and bar - Blueberry Hill. With half the stores on Delmar shuttered, Edwards realized that the future of Blueberry Hill and the Loop was tied together. Working with businesses in the area and forming a special business district, Edwards has guided the Loop in its 25 - year transformation. A man with creative vision, he spends a lot of his time on Loop activities - from the nonprofit St. Louis Walk of Fame, which he founded, to the meticulous restoration of the Tivoli Theatre.
Persistence is the key.
Helping to reclaim the University City Loop has been gratifying. It is seeking solutions from neighborhoods and their citizens, because they are the stakeholders. For 22 years he never gave up. Hall of Famer Stan Musial has been an institution in St. Louis for more than 50 years, first as a St. Louis Cardinal and now as one of the region's leading citizens. The harmonica-playing Musial keeps active in numerous charitable organizations and feels it's important to be involved in the community.