Update: My original theory was incorrect; examination of city plat maps in October of 2018 revealed there were buildings on all of these vacant lots. It must have been a truly stunning street originally. I wonder if every other building was demolished in a futile attempt at “revitalization.” This was actually done in the 2300 block of South Compton Avenue in Tower Grove East. I revisited this street and buildings in the winter of 2018, the spring of 2021 and then in January of 2023 (last four photos). I visited a block in Tower Grove South with similar buildings in April of 2023. I revisited the street again in July of 2023.
Built in 1929, as far as I can tell these apartment buildings never had other buildings in between them.
The side yards are big, and allow for community.
I think these are such beautiful buildings, and it pains me to see them all vacant now.
The streets are gently curved, following the lead of the topography.
AAAAAHHHHHHHH this breaks my heart!!!!! The whole series you’re doing on this neighborhood does. North City is such an overlooked treasure – it has a great street grid, tons of quality building stock, it’s flat and easy to ride or walk in, and it isn’t carved up into a thousand pieces by industrial infrastructure. Investment can’t happen soon enough. But it’s going to be up to individuals. No silver bullets.
I like the 2 small windows on the upper floor. I wonder what their function was in the interior.
There is a hallway in the center of the building, allowing access to four flats on each floor (2 on the left per floor, 2 on the right) and maybe a couple basement flats. The small windows illuminate the hallway.
They also might be bathroom windows.