Category Archives: Midtown
This Building Matters #4: Morgan Linen (Old Building, New Business)
This Building Matters last visited the demolition site of the Powell Square building near downtown. Everything that Ryan Albritton said about buildings having economic value for entrepreneurs rings true in our latest episode, in which we visited with Amber Giessmann … Continue reading
Posted in Adaptive Reuse, Midtown, This Building Matters
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Starbucks in a Flying Saucer: STL Preservationists Embrace Modernism
Next American City published my account of St. Louis’ recent preservation triumphs of the “flying saucer” Starbucks and the AAA Building. Read the full article: Starbucks in a Flying Saucer: STL Preservationists Embrace Modernism. – Michael R. Allen
Posted in Mid-Century Modern, Midtown
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Central States Life Insurance Company Building Listed in the National Register, Headed for Rehabilitation
by Lindsey Derrington Many may know the Mission Revival style building at 3207 Washington Avenue by one of its string of tenants over the past forty years, from the St. Louis Conservatory and School for the Arts (1970s-1990), to the … Continue reading
Posted in Midtown, National Register, PRO Projects
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Regression on Laclede Avenue
by Michael R. Allen When development firm Sangita proposed demolition of the three Midtown buildings at 3834-38 Laclede Avenue last May, this writer offered no protest. Later last year the two two-story buildings, built as stores and flats, and the … Continue reading
Posted in Demolition, Midtown
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Disasters on Lindell Boulevard, Past and Present
by Michael R. Allen The loss of the apartment building at 3949 Lindell Boulevard (rebuilt in 2009 after a 2007 fire) after a devastating fire on Monday has raised questions about lightweight construction’s fire resistance. Fire Chief Dennis Jenkerson has … Continue reading
Posted in Central West End, Midtown, Severe Weather
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“The Million Dollar Dance Palace”: Vice and Virtue at the Castle Ballroom
by Lynn Josse A lot of what you need to know about the Castle Ballroom can be read on its exterior. The commercial first floor of the building indicates its historic place on a busy streetcar line. Graceful double-height arched … Continue reading
Posted in Midtown, Mill Creek Valley
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The Palladium Made St. Louis Music History; What Will We Make of the Palladium?
by Kevin Belford, Christian Frommelt and Michael R. Allen The Palladium Ballroom is located in the Grand Center Arts and Entertainment District of St. Louis. With Delmar Boulevard to the South, Enright Avenue to the North, and Grand Avenue to … Continue reading
Posted in Midtown
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The Palladium Is Worth Saving
Following up on our recap of last week’s Midtown music and architecture tour, here’s a short video by Kevin Belford that makes the case for the importance of the Palladium. Stay tuned.
Posted in Midtown
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Exploring Midtown’s Musical History
by Michael R. Allen On Saturday night I sat in the balcony watching some 250 dancers heating up the floor at the Casa Loma Ballroom. Even my two left feet were itchin’ to join the action at this weekend’s Nevermore … Continue reading
Posted in Midtown
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That’s What Happens Without Demolition Review
by Michael R. Allen This week, the city said farewell to the Midtown commercial building at 3714 Olive Street just west of Spring Avenue. Sitting behind the massive Coronado Hotel on a block nearly devoid of historic buildings, the two-story … Continue reading
Posted in Demolition, Midtown
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