An estimated 5,000 structures were damaged on Friday, May 16, as an EF-3 tornado swept through parts of St. Louis, carving a path of devastation that disrupted homes, lives and local businesses. While the storm’s impact was widespread including Clayton, Delmar, Forest Park, and the Central West End, we’ve chosen to focus on the area surrounding the Delmar Maker District, which was just beginning to show the early promise of revitalization after years of vision, investment and community effort. The storm impacted numerous establishments, both beloved and burgeoning, in communities that were only beginning to flourish after years of dedicated investment and revitalization.
Now, where bustling sidewalks once promised a bright future, broken glass lies beside garden beds still miraculously intact, a surreal portrait of nature’s indiscriminate randomness. The destruction is staggering – trees splintered like matchsticks, awnings twisted in the wind, buildings ripped open like pages from a book.
Among those hardest hit in these neighborhoods are Beyond Sweet Kitchen + Bar, Nixta, Esca and HuSTL Hospitality’s establishments, including Steve’s Hot Dogs and The Fountain on Delmar. Danni Eickenhorst, CEO HuSTL Hospitality described the chaos. “Our buildings were fully engulfed by the tornado and parts of our roof were ripped off, some windows were broken, one of our awnings blew off, our gas lines were torn, twisted and broken, which led to gas leaks and other critical systems were lost.”
When the tornado struck, the city’s warning sirens failed. Teams had to think fast. At Steve’s, staff and customers huddled in a walk-in refrigerator to ride out the storm. It was a terrifying few minutes that left behind months – possibly years – of rebuilding.
Power outages still affect nearly 90,000 residents. Some businesses only suffered cosmetic damage, but for others, the financial and emotional toll is overwhelming. “This neighborhood took the vision, passion and investment of a great many people to get it as far as it has gotten,” Eickenhorst said. “To see it all destroyed in a matter of ten minutes was heartbreaking. We’ll need patience and endurance to bring it back.”
For those wondering how to help, there are clear and immediate ways to make a difference. A GoFundMe has been set up to help supplement wages for HuSTL employees that can no longer work due to the damage. On Wednesday, May 21, City Foundry STL and STL Bucket List are hosting a Tornado Relief Night at the Live Art Market from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Foundry Way. All funds raised will be distributed among five nonprofits leading grassroots relief efforts.
The event will also include a food and supply drive, with urgent needs including diapers, formula, hygiene products, bottled water, easy-to-eat nonperishables and cleaning supplies. In addition, 25% of all sales that evening from Expat, Fordo’s and NOTA will support local recovery. Free tickets are available on Eventbrite. Many other area businesses are also hosting fundraisers and other giveback events, so keep an eye on your favorite establishments’ social media platforms for more information.
The people of St. Louis are resilient, but they are tired. They need our help. Let’s show up for them, generously, consistently and with compassion.
This article appears in May 2025.