River Bend History

Renowned developer Burton Duenke built homes in the St. Louis area throughout the 1950s and 1960s. He also developed properties in the Lake of the Ozarks, the most notable being the Tan-Tar-A resort. Duenke began building River Bend Estates in 1959. The first phase of the subdivision construction was in the area west of River Valley Drive and north of Olive Street Road, unofficially known as the “West Side.” It comprises 124 homes, all on a minimum of one acre lots. There are three trustees responsible for enforcing the West Side restrictive agreement and maintaining the islands, street lighting and entrance on Olive. Expenses are funded by an annual assessment.

The next phase of River Bend Estates, formally named River Bend Estates Additions 1-6, began east of River Valley Drive in the early 1960s and continued through the decade. Commonly known as the “East Side,” these 241 homes are mostly on third of an acre lots. The East Side has its own restrictive agreement and three trustees. These trustees are responsible for maintaining the roundabout, islands and street lighting. Expenses are funded by an annual assessment.

Some of the homes along River Valley Drive are original to the area (not built by Duenke) and are independent of any restrictive agreements. River Valley Court homes on the north side of the street were built in the late 1970s and have their own set of trustees and restrictive agreement. In the mid-1990s River Valley Estates was established on the south side of River Valley Court, again with separate trustees and restrictive agreement.

If you are having trouble reaching your local trustee, or have a question regarding the RBA website, please contact us at the email below or on the Home Page. We are not trustees, but will try to help you get the information you need!

Interested in becoming a director?  E-mail us at the link below for more information.  One meeting a month and every director has his or her specialty.  It's a great team in a great neighborhood!

President: McLeod Patton

Vice President: Janet Baldwin

Treasurer:  Laura Johnson

Secretary:  Sarah South

Web Master: riverbendassociation@gmail.com