Quinette Cemetery was established around 1866 as a free place of burial for all persons of African descent that lived within five miles of the cemetery. As families died or moved away, the cemetery fell into neglect and disrepair with many grave markers being vandalized, destroyed or stolen. Acquired by the City of Kirkwood’s Department of Parks in 2003, the property has slowly undergone a renewal resulting from efforts by the City and many volunteers.

Planning Design Studio was part of these efforts, helping the community prepare a master plan focused on the use, care and maintenance of the property in the future. Goals of the master plan included making the property more accessible for the public to visit and to give proper respect and remembrance to the lives of the individuals buried there. Today, our continued involvement includes assisting the City during its implementation process by providing on-going design and consultation services.