Update: Severely damaged in the tornado on May 16, 2025.
Opened in 1901, the Cabanne Branch of the St. Louis Public Library was originally funded by Andrew Carnegie. It reminds me of the appearance of Italian-inspired orangeries I have seen in Germany.
Nearby is Clark Elementary, another Ittner and Milligan creation from 1907.
The architecture again is reminiscent of British private schools still in existence throughout England and Scotland. The beautiful 5300-5400 block of Cabanne Avenue is directly opposite of this stretch of buildings.
An orangery., of course. I would never have thought of that, but that’s just the right thought for this strange, wonderful building. Merry Christmas!
This is an AMAZING library structure….no boring boxy building