2011: A Year of Business in Town and Country and Manchester

was just finding its feet in January 2011. This unique ballet inspired exercise studio in Town and Country Crossings is the first of its kind in St. Louis. The studio is growing and owner Jessica Prasse is opening a second location in Brentwood this spring.

In February, Patch checked into . The handcrafted jewelry shop is the second location for local designer Courtney Hopson, who moved the store next to Whole Foods in Town and Country Crossing last fall, seeking better foot traffic.

March saw the , a brand new $70 million dollar school for junior and high school students. The academy moved from their old campus in Creve Coure over the summer and welcomed students to the new building—a year ahead of time—this August.

opened its doors in April on Manchester Road. The family run business is bringing the joy of water gardening—whether in small pots or large ponds--to West County.

In May Patch visited a Manchester with a desire to appeal to the West County driver by offering an upscale convenience store stocked with craft beers and 120 different wines. Their hook? Offer wine tastings to draw customers inside the store to make a purchase. The station is often featured in Patch’s weekly with the lowest prices in town.

Sushi came to Town and Country Crossings this June with the opening of , the sixth location for the St. Louis chain, a favorite in many reader polls.

July brought the opening of another unique business, , a store for triathletes in Town and Country. Owner Sally Drake doesn’t just sell the gear, she’s competed in more than a dozen Ironman competitions. The store has gear that any serious athlete can appreciate.

August’s back to school shopping meant a lesson in Bargains 101, thanks to thrift store. Goodwill is always an interesting shopping adventure, where the deals are tax-free and designer jeans mingle with Wranglers in the racks.

was the big story in September with the oh-so-brief launch of Target’s designer Missoni line. By noon on launch day shoppers were left picking over sparse odds and ends—or shopping on eBay to see what they missed.

It was as the entire St. Louis region cheered on the Cardinals and their unofficial furry mascot. Manchester shops were happy to jump on the Rally Squirrel bandwagon as baseball fans filled their closets with new gear in time for the Cardinal’s eleventh World Series win.

put the finishing touches on its second St. Louis area luxury spa in November, which opened in Town and Country Crossings. The locally owned spa and salon pampers its clients with Earth-friendly products while treating their employees to an excellent benefits plan and open book management.

Ownership of the at the end of 2011. Ramco-Gershenson Properties Trust bought the property from TNC Investors L.L.C. for a reported $37.8 million in cash. The sale closed at the end of November, exactly ten years from the original acquisition of the property by TNC Investors L.L.C.

The year comes to a close with the . The new six-story tower will offer additional operating rooms and 96 new patient rooms. The hospital is also constructing an eight-acre nature area with a trail that will one day connect to the , an addition some neighbors are concerned about.

On the Horizon:

Navigating the Digital Revolution as a Woman, Entrepreneur and CEO: The National Association of Women Business Owners will host this event featuring Susan Elliott. January 11 from 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. at the Missouri History Museum. Cost is $50 for members and $60 for guests, includes lunch and a copy of Elliott’s book.

West County Chamber of Commerce Gala: January 26 at the Meadowbrook Country Club, beginning at 6pm. This is the Chamber’s biggest event of the year, $55 per person or $100 per couple.

State of St. Louis: This breakfast event is sponsored by the St. Louis Business Journal and features Mayor Francis Slay and County Executive Charlie Dooley. January 27 from 7:30am to 9am at the Renaissance Grand Hotel, Majestic Ballroom. Cost: $50 per person.