Washington Terrace (St. Louis) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Waterman Place--Kingsbury Place--Washington Terrace Historic District
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Gate at Washington Terrace
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 Location in St. Louis
Location in Missouri
Location in the United States
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| Location | Bounded by Union Blvd., alley S of Waterman Place, Belt Ave., alley S of Kingsbury Place, Clara Ave., alley line bet, St. Louis, Missouri |
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| Area | 66.7 acres (27.0 ha) |
| Architect | Julius Pitzman; Harvey Ellis; George R. Mann; Barnett, Haynes & Barnett; George W. Hellmuth |
| Architectural style | Late 19th And 20th Century Revivals, Colonial Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 07000549 |
| Added to NRHP | June 12, 2007 |
Washington Terrace is a very special neighborhood in St. Louis, Missouri. It was first planned around 1892. This area is known as a "private place." It is located south of Union and Delmar, within the Central West End part of the city.
A "private place" is like a neighborhood that manages itself. The people who live there own the streets and shared gardens. They also hire private companies for services like trash collection or security. This idea was a bit like today's gated communities, but it started about 100 years earlier!
About 50 of these unique neighborhoods once existed in St. Louis. Most were designed by a civil engineer named Julius Pitzman. He worked on these projects between 1868 and 1905. Many of these developments, including Washington Terrace, are still well-kept. They remain gated, have their own security, and continue to operate as private communities.
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Washington Terrace: A Historic Neighborhood
Washington Terrace is a fascinating example of early city planning. It shows how people created special living areas. This neighborhood is a protected historic district. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places on June 12, 2007.
What Makes a Private Place Special?
Imagine living in a neighborhood where the residents make many decisions. In a private place, the homeowners collectively own the common areas. This includes the streets, sidewalks, and any shared green spaces. They work together to maintain these areas.
This system allowed residents to have more control over their environment. It also meant they could provide their own services. This was different from typical city neighborhoods. The idea was quite new for its time.
Designing Washington Terrace's Unique Look
Julius Pitzman designed Washington Terrace with 50 building lots. He also planned an impressive entry gate. This gate looks like a "French Norman Clock Tower." It was designed by Harvey Ellis and the architect George R. Mann. This grand entrance welcomed residents and visitors.
Many of the large homes, called mansions, were built before the 1904 Louisiana Purchase Exposition. This big event, also known as the World's Fair, brought many visitors to St. Louis. The houses were often built on tall foundations. This made them look even more grand.
The mansions in Washington Terrace show many different architectural styles. You can see homes built in the Italian Renaissance style. There are also examples of Richardsonian Romanesque and Tudor styles. Each house has its own unique charm.
Notable Homes and Residents
Some famous people lived in Washington Terrace. For example, Number 25 Washington Terrace was the home of Joseph W. Moon. He was known for the successful Moon Motor Car company in St. Louis.
Another important resident was Julius Adler Baer. He lived at Number 11. Julius Adler Baer was connected to the well-known department store, Stix, Baer and Fuller. These homes tell stories of St. Louis's past.
External links
- Online description of the Historic Landmark District
