Tag: Libraries
Pius XII Memorial Library, Saint Louis University
I’ll admit it; I wasn’t a huge fan of the Pius XII Memorial Library on the campus of Saint Louis University. But up close, I discovered there is a simple beauty to the straight lines that repeat throughout the facade. Influenced by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, the first floor seems to dissolve, leaving the…
Central Library Atrium Renovations
I went to check out the new atrium and renovations of the Central Library. Initially, I had thought the library was fine as it was, but once I saw how beautifully this palace of books had been restored, I changed my mind. The sunlit filled atrium, replacing the admittedly interesting closed stacks, opens the library…
Pickler Memorial Library, Truman State University, Kirksville
I was always impressed how the 1993 major expansion of Pickler Library embraced the older structure, leaving it largely intact and viewable along its front from the long bridge spanned atrium of the addition. The sign saying Pickler Memorial Library was removed when the new bridge cut across and into the original structure. I also…
More Delavan, Illinois
I love the detailing on the following buildings, most of which are downtown. And finally, the Delavan Library, which is on the National Register; it’s a nice building, small but elegant.
Library, Old Marillac College
Like a giant spaceship, the library building has a slender base and a flared roof. Most likely to let in light but not direct sunlight to protect the books, the building cuts an sleek profile.
Eden Seminary, Webster Groves
Update: See the original location of this seminary in Marthasville. Eden Seminary, in Webster Groves features a beautiful, if standard English Gothic Revival main building, but I’m more intrigued by the library built in the lawn in front of the older academic hall. The massing of this strange, Modernist building seems to be the same…
Carondelet Highlights
Many people know that Carondelet was one of several small, established towns that was later annexed by the city of St. Louis. It really does retain some of its small town feel, such as the above street shown above. Below is a fascinating church; the older, more Greek Revival structure has been partially enveloped by…
Shaw’s Garden
Tower Grove House in the Botanical Gardens is one of those great examples of Italianate architecture in the middle of the city. Above is what I consider one of the iconic images of the garden, looking through the gates of the oldest portion of the institution. The entire house is surrounded and framed by various…