Constructed in 1929 on the one block stretch of Ray Avenue, hemmed in on the sides by Meramec and Keokuk streets, this building is actually shaped like the letter C. It is perhaps one of the most simple, and while the ornament still uses precast terracotta heraldry, it is sparse. The two flanking spires sort…

The AnnaLou, with its big bold orange brick, jumped out at me on Giles Avenue just south of the large Tudor Revival complex on Alberta Avenue. Built in 1929, it also has a cool garage in back. I love the rich, dark orange that is used to set off the doors and windows, making it…

Across Gustine, this building from 1931 seems to blend elements of the Tudor Revival with Art-Deco, which is logical from its later date of construction. Rectilinear panels with geometric patterns sits side by side with heraldic shields. And the design shows a sensitivity to both Gustine Avenue, a major boulevard street to the west, and…

Constructed in 1930, this building sits on the busy South Grand Boulevard edge of the neighborhood. A boring front door sadly mars the façade. Many people are now labeling that font as “gentrification font,” but that is not happening around here. I also would like to invite readers out to my free lecture on the…

One of the earliest of the apartment buildings in the area, having been constructed in 1928, the complex at 3747-55 Keokuk shows a more simple design, with two arms built facing their respective streets, almost like the architects were still getting their feet wet. Over a decade later, the Sievers Studio captured the complex, its…

Built in 1931, this apartment building on the northwest corner of Dunnica and South Spring avenues is one of those buildings that defies easy description. It is an eclectic mix of styles, but it also has a certain Spanish feel to it. This is one of those buildings that I feel shows the influence of…