Update: I revisited this block in December of 2022.

We left off on our Beauty of Dutchtown series back in September of 2020, so I thought we would look at Meramec Street across from the major and former institutions on the north side of that thoroughfare. Facing the august St. Anthony of Padua Roman Catholic Church is a fine row of primarily Second Empire buildings, which are a combination of storefronts and houses.

What is interesting to see, as we head east, is how some houses were later converted into storefronts with extensions projecting towards the sidewalk as the street became more commercial and the neighborhood became more dense.

There is a budding retail scene along Meramec, with a few stores opening here and there.

I wish people would stop painting brick unless it is due to economic hardship and covering up a previously badly done and deteriorating paint job. Paint traps in moisture that can damage brick and mortar.

Most of the buildings are in great shape and the one below is used as a parish hall for the church across the street.

Allowing the paint to naturally peal off like can be seen below is the best course of action.