Jason Gray’s photographs that he took for my series of articles about the Lemp Brewery for St. Louis Magazine are of such higher quality than mine that it almost seems pointless for me to take any more pictures of the… Continue Reading
This power plant is no longer standing; it was being demolished when I walked by in the afternoon. It was not the largest power plant in the world, but it sure seems huge when I was standing near it. Back… Continue Reading
The north bank of the Mississippi is where Pillsbury, yes that Pillsbury, had its mills and grain elevators. Much of its huge physical plant is now condos, and it is really a beautiful area today, much like we saw yesterday.… Continue Reading
I met new people all over North St. Louis this summer, including members of the congregation of the Original Friendship Missionary Baptist Church in the Ville neighborhood, on St. Louis Avenue. Better Family Life had organized dozens of churches to… Continue Reading
One of my favorite buildings that I have never gotten close to is the old Cahokia Power Station, located across the river in Illinois. Its hulking mass and six smokestacks dominate the Southside, and have for decades.
Update: I revisited the area again in the summer of 2019. The near south riverfront, just below the Arch grounds on the Mississippi, is still a fascinating place. This giant crane, for example, is a mystery to me; what was… Continue Reading
I wonder what that crane is doing, I asked one weekend. A week or two later, I received my answer. The massive smoke stacks of the Ashley Street Power Plant are being replaced, and these rusty remnants are the old… Continue Reading
I don’t think anyone has every really figured out what the story is about this towering power plant buried in the thick undergrowth on the south side of East St. Louis. It looks to be made out of reinforced concrete,… Continue Reading
I love this power plant, once used for streetcars, built in 1903. It’s a Beaux-Arts style edifice, and I can’t imagine why this couldn’t be adapted for some use. It has such great little details in its facade.
Update: See the area again in October of 2018.