I’ve looked at Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church before. which despite Florissant’s French roots, was originally a German language parish. Many of the buildings surrounding the church likewise have historic ties to the community, as well.

Hendel’s Grocery Store was built in 1873, and was operated by that family from 1915 to 1993. It is now a restaurant operated by the Bennetts.

Across the street is the Auguste Archambault House, also on the National Register. It was built in 1850.

Perhaps best described as Greek Revival, it is a great example of early architecture in the St. Louis region before the arrival of anti-classical styles.

Heading down the street away from the church, we see some Cape Cods, which are an evergreen style of house that has long been built in America.

A surprise awaits us.

The Casa Alvarez is one of the oldest extant buildings in the St. Louis region. It was constructed in 1790 for a Spanish soldier, and it remained in his family until the early Twentieth Century.

Back behind the house is a small cul-de-sac with some mid-Twentieth Century homes. It is indicative of the development of the center of town that it took over 150 years for the property to develop behind one of the oldest houses in the region.