St. Louis & The Roaring 1920’s
St. Louis is now a busy, active metropolitan city with hundreds of thousands of residents and homes. However, it took a century for St. Louis to become the city that it is today. While the entire nation was booming in the 1920’s, St. Louis also experienced great growth and development.
The St. Louis boom started with the 1923 Bond Issue. In 1917 the City’s street patterns were precisely planned out, as well as the City Plan Commission, which were then executed under the 1923 Bond Issue. Due to this Issue, wide streets such as Market, Olive, Natural Bridge, and Gravois are here today.
Once the World’s Fair was over, St. Louis realized that it had some endeavors to take on. After observing the transformations occurring around the world, St. Louis recognized it as a sign for its own needed development. This was also the time when the very large $87,000,000 1923 Bond Issue was approved. This feat was seen as a remarkable success. Following the landmark resolution, various civic buildings were built from the ground up such as hospitals, Kiel Auditorium, street lighting and historic buildings. This created much of the St. Louis commercial real estate you see in the present day.
The St. Louis transit revolution also occurred in the 1920’s. It was considered to be an important part of history as it was a large surge of energy and economy for the entire city and its residents. The famous trolley car system saw its heyday from 1910-1920, yet the 1920’s was the forerunner for more private automobiles and bus line expansion.
When the Missouri Motorbus Company came to fruition in 1921, the trolley cars started their quick descent into extinction. This was then usurped by the Peoples Motorbus Company in 1923, operating both single and double deck buses in St. Louis.
The roaring 1920’s boom also brought park improvements to St. Louis, which also improved its expansion and development efforts. Forest Park was developed after the World’s fair and it underwent after a major restoration plan. However, many residents were concerned about the consequences of the development, as the park had been a wilderness property.
The St. Louis City ordinance mandated a park-like area which then triggered the Forest Park improvements. This is also when the following highlights were added to the park: the Zoo with its World’s Fair bird cage, the Jefferson Memorial constructed on Fair funds, The Art Palace which was furnished to the city by the Exposition Company, and of course the World’s Fair Pavilion.
There was also a large development in charismatic architecture in the 1920’s, many of which are the historical buildings you see today. All over St. Louis, you can find some very impressive historical buildings that symbolize the fortitude and prosperity of the 1920’s. The architecture was inspired in part by the World’s Fair and in part by the city’s further development and expansion efforts.
There are Art Deco buildings that arouse the imagination including the old Spanish Mission Deco buildings such as the one found in Grand Center, St. Louis, which was designed by P.T. Barnett. This historical building always turns heads with its rich Spanish style and one of a kind feel.
Art Deco and Spanish Mission Style Architecture is part of some of the classic buildings of Missouri. To download the original plans of the Thomas P Barnett Historic Building or go here to find out more about St Louis Commercial Real Estate For Sale
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Crumbling Landmarks in St. Louis
Not only do the neighborhoods of St. Louis clearly demonstrate St. Louis’ diversity and exceptional historical and architectural interest, but the people of St. Louis are incredibly enthusiastic about this history and the background of their own neighborhood. This is the best way to preserve history: with enthusiasm! It’s no wonder that so many historical and beautiful buildings still are maintained.
For me, one of the most exciting neighborhoods in St. Louis is Grand Center. Grand Center, like the other neighborhoods in St. Louis, has its own rich and exciting history. Grand Center Inc. was established in 1987 to overlook the revival of Grand Center, and the arts, entertainment, and education district truly came to life.
With the years some tremendous improvements were made to the infrastructure, improving the lighting, sidewalks, and parking facilities. Buildings were restored and 25 arts and education organizations became the mainstay of Grand Center. It’s no wonder that today Grand Center is the 12th largest attraction of St. Louis.
Although the neighborhoods of St. Louis have had great history and enthusiasm from people, there is a dark reality. Some of St. Louis’ architecture is crumbling to the ground. It is not just small homes, but also some historic buildings of great significance that are also showing signs of neglect.
Optimistically, we hope there will be a call to action. One clear example is the Clemens House. The building is in danger, as is the City Hospital. Luckily, these are buildings that are currently in the process of rehabilitation. Yet, there are so many other that aren’t receiving the same care. Among them are the familiar, beautiful buildings that are located in downtown St. Louis: the Railway Exchange, the Chemical Building, the Frisco Building, 705 Olive (formerly the Union Trust Building), the American Theater, the Mark Twain Hotel, just to name a few. Why has this gotten so bad? The building owners have very different ideas about how these buildings will ultimately serve the community, perhaps as parking lots.
However, we’re just talking about downtown St. Louis and not the beautiful and diverse surrounding neighborhoods. Just as downtown Los Angeles is also a ghost town of neglected art deco building and towering office structures, so are other urban cities. The life and spirit of downtown Los Angeles is not up to par, because the owners of these historic buildings lack imagination and care. Now, when you look at the surrounding neighborhoods of Los Angeles, you’ll see some of the most lively and gorgeous buildings and styles. Quite similar to a patch-work quilt of variety. St. Louis has much in common with Los Angeles in this aspect.
But like Los Angeles, we need to take our attention off the decay of downtown and focus on the beauty in the neighborhoods. As I already mentioned, I absolutely love Grand Center and Washington Ave.
T.P. Barnett is son of George I. Barnett, a famous architect in St. Louis. The T.P. Barnett building is particularly interesting because it also has Art Deco influences, making it one of the most unique buildings in the Grand Center region of St. Louis. Certainly the next time you’re in St. Louis, you need to visit this Spanish Revival building on Washington Avenue.
Art Deco and Spanish Mission Style Architecture is part of some of the classic buildings of Missouri. To download the original plans of the Thomas P Barnett Historic Building or go here to find out more about St Louis Commercial Real Estate For Sale
The Architecture of St. Louis’ Hills
Many potential buyers go to the hills of St. Louis to uncover their dream home. The St. Louis Hills are enveloped with gorgeous landscapes, beautiful parks, and large lawns. The architecture on St. Louis’ Hills is not only historic, but also amazingly warm, beautiful, and livable.
They are referred to as “gingerbread bungalows” in some parts, and in other parts are known as sprawling mansions. They are constructed in rouge brick and cone-shaped stone roofs. The most significant architectural style of the hills homes is variety, the reason why prospective homebuyers love this area. You can find historic real estate for sale in this area.
Eichelberger Street is the dividing line between St. Louis Hills and St. Louis Hills Estates, and is where the greatest divergence can be found along its north and south sides. When you are north of Eichelberger, you will come across many different designs among the houses, duplexes, apartments. Among those designs are the 1930’s/40’s Art Deco inspired designs. Some of the distinguishments of the homes are their hardwood floors, intricate stone work, stained glass, circular windows, glass, and luscious brick patterns.
You can find Art Deco inspirations and Hansel and Gretel Bungalows on the 6300 block of Bancroft Avenue. You will find that these buildings are very captivating and well-maintained. All of these homes were built in the 1930’s and have quite a few Art Deco features. You will also find an architectural landmark known as the Vedder apartment building near Francis Park, on Nottingham Avenue. This structure has Art Deco adornments and all six units are lavish penthouses! The hills of St. Louis are quite nice, if I do say so myself.
The rest of the neighborhood that surrounds Francis Park also has homes and apartments that are in line with the architectural style. You’ll find charming and distinguished 1.5 and 2 story homes on the eastern and western side of the park, such as the kind you’ll find on Tamm and Donovan Avenues. All of these historic buildings are greatly influenced by the minds and imaginations of the people who originally built them, as there are no two houses alike here.
The St. Louis Hills Estates hold more suburban-style homes, for those with such taste in style. Most of these big ranches and medium sized homes sit on plenty of land that can hold in-ground pools, spacious lawns and back patios. On many homes two-car garages and other typical suburban home features have been added. This locale is wonderful for raising a family, or for having some extra space to live out your life.
If you’re looking for something even a bit more stylish and interesting, today Grand Center is a fantastic place for personal and private investment, and continues to grow with each passing year. The educational and artistic achievements include great architecture, with buildings of various styles and types. Thomas P. Barnett’s great Spanish Mission style art deco building is definitely a highlight at 3207 Washington Ave.
Barnett is the son of George I. Barnett who was another well-known architect in St. Louis. The T.P. Barnett building is one of the most one of a kind buildings in the Grand Center region of St. Louis. This Spanish Revival building with its Art Deco influence is surely a must-see place to visit when you’re in St. Louis.
Art Deco and Spanish Mission Style Architecture is part of some of the classic buildings of Missouri. To download the original plans of the Thomas P Barnett Historic Building or go here to find out more about St Louis Commercial Real Estate For Sale