These 10 Pieces of Architectural Brilliance in Missouri Could WOW Anyone
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Stephanie Butler
Author
So, before you all start telling me which buildings I “forgot”, let me just say that there is SO MUCH gorgeous architecture and great historical buildings in the state that I could never in a million years list them all. In St. Louis and Kansas City alone, there are numerous amazing buildings with great stories behind them. What I have done here is try to take a sample of a few. If it makes you feel better, if I forgot one you really love, just consider this part one.
Actually an upscale shopping center and neighborhood, Country Club Plaza was designed by architect Edward Buehler Delk and opened in 1922. Designs were influenced greatly by Seville, Spain and features include statues, murals and mosaics throughout. The tallest building in the plaza (pictured) is an architectural reproduction of the Giralda Tower at the Cathedral of Seville. The Plaza was also named in the Project For Public Spaces' list of 60 of the World's Great Places. It is located between 45th & 51st streets to the north and south, and between Broadway & Madison streets to the east and west.
The monument, internationally known as the symbol of St. Louis, was constructed from 1963-1965. The architect was chosen by a two part competition and the design that was chosen in 1947 was by a Finnish-American architect named Eero Saarinen. It is the world's tallest arch at 630 feet and sits at the site of St. Louis' founding on on the west bank of the Mississippi River. It was commissioned to be a monument to westward expansion in the U.S.
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Designed by architect Hugo K. Graf, the theater was built for I.W. Rogers, a businessman who opened his first theater in Poplar Bluff in 1914 and would eventually own most of the theaters in town. The Roger's Theater opened on June 1, 1949, and is of the Art Moderne/Deco architectural style. It is located at 204 North Broadway Street and is currently undergoing renovations.
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This Classic Revival Style building opened as state capitol in 1917 and was designed by Stephen Hills from the New York firm Tracy and Swartwoot. The building houses the legislative & executive branches of the Missouri state government. It is located at 201 W. Capitol Avenue and features beautiful columns, a grand stairway, bronze front doors and statues. It is the leading tourist attraction in Jefferson City.
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This 1894 building was designed by architect Max A. Orlopp Jr. in the Richardsonian Romanesque architectural style. In its construction they used local Carthage marble. They have a museum inside and offer tours, and the building is listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.
Using the Italianete architectural style and designed by Edmund J. Eckel and George Mann, construction was completed in 1882. It is located at 305 N. Main Street #102, and is listed on the National Register or Historic Places.
The National Register of Historic Places called this building "a highly influential prototype of the modern office building." Commissioned by brewer and businessman Ellis Wainwright as office space, it opened in 1891. It was designed by architects Louis Sullivan and Dankmar Adler, and is located at 709 Chestnut Street.
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Designed by architect Louis A. Simon in the Modern Movement and Stripped Classical architectural style and completed in 1941, this building serves as governmental offices. It is located at 301 West High Street.
This old grist mill from the late 1800's was purchased in 1974 by the Lalumondiere's and turned into a beautiful bed and breakfast and wedding venue. It is located at 4993 Lower Byrnesville Road. Check out their website at wwwlaluondiere.com.
This 1859 building was designed by Asa Beebe (AB) Cross from Kansas City. It was commissioned as a residence and jail and is designed in the Federal architectural style and made of brick. An addition was added in 1907 to house chain gangs. Now a museum with a huge history, it is located at 217 North Main Street.
From our capitol building to the Gateway Arch, these are just a few more famous examples of architectural brilliance in our state. Are there any hidden gems you would add?
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