Richmond Heights officials, at their meeting on Monday, gave the OK for city staff to look into developing a memorial to professional tennis player, Arthur Ashe, who lived in Richmond Heights in the early 60s.
Ashe lived in Richmond Heights from 1960-1961, at the home of his coach, Richard Hudlin, at the corner of Laclede Station Road and Bennett Avenue, according to the city of Richmond Heights.
According to Wikipedia: Ashe was the first black tennis player selected to the United States Davis Cup team and the only black man ever to win the singles title at Wimbledon, the US Open, and the Australian Open. He won three Grand Slam titles. He retired in 1980. He died in 1993.
The memorial would be on the same property where Ashe lived and practiced. The current owners have agreed to the proposal, Mayor Jim Thomson said. The memorial is in the conceptual stage, City Manager Amy Hamilton said; there is no cost estimate.
Lola Oredugba, who now lives at the same house, is launching her professional tennis career in Spain. Oredugba grew up in Richmond Heights, and says her first job was at The Heights.
Great!