Ted Wight's St. Louis Style

41 Washington Terrace, CWE

I was driving down Washington Terrace this morning and noticed the fine house at 41 Washington Terrace.  It thought is was unique in its design and seemed sort of Frank Lloyd Wrightish.  Coming home I looked in the book, Architecture of the Private Streets of St. Louis, written by Charles Savage.  He states:

"Washington Terrace can boast of two of the rare private place commissions of Isaac Taylor's firm. Taylor was fortunate in securing his designer Oscar Enders, who had been working in Chicago and was also aware of the new Austrian ideas. The Chauncey Ladd house, 1905, at No. 41 is unique in St. Louis; its three-story facade suggests the affinities between the Sezession and the Chicago Prairie School."

10 Washington Terrace- For Sale!

The description of 10 Washington Terrace I am pulling from the Charles C. Savage book- Architecture of the Private Streets of St. Louis:

"The J.L. LaPrelle house, 1896, at No. 10 was designed by H.F. Roach.  It is built of white limestone both dressed and rough-cut in the Romanesque style of Harvey Ellis, complimenting his spired gatehouse at the eastern end of the street. Unfortunately the conical roof atop the projecting bow has been removed."

Here is a further description:

"This remarkable home has been lovingly restored and preserved by the current owners to its original magnificent glory. You will be amazed at the hand crafted details in this masterpiece created by true artists of the time. The fine craftsmanship is evident the moment you enter this grand home. Upon entering the vestibule you will find breathtaking onyx covered walls and Italian marble statues. From the exquisite main hall, paneled in exotic Satinwood, to the nine ornately carved fireplace mantels; from the massive staircase with double spindle banisters to the stained glass windows in the landing, this home will amaze you. The kitchen, while maintaining the original feel, has been updated with the addition of a French Lacanche range and Fisher/Paykel dishwasher. If you appreciate history, elegance and craftsmanship this could be your next home."

This exceptional house is on the market for $1.65 million.  Listed by Vicki Armor, Dielmann Sotheby's International Realty, 314-725-0009

 

CWE House Interior Fixture Images

Here are a few images that I have snapped over the weeks of some fine CWE home interiors and fixtures.

An alabaster light fixture in a Washington Terrace home.

 

An old bathroom still very much in style.  Love the sink!

Now that is my idea of an island!....in a Lenox Place home.

A butler's pantry in need of a butler!

 

4639 Maryland Ave- CWE

What else would you want....a stylish CWE location within a stone's throw of Euclid...a pool...glamourous baths...and a great kitchen...2 car garage...all for $610,000. Open Today, Sunday 1-31-10  1-3 PM

Listed by Vicki Armour, Dielmann Sotheby's International Realty, 314-378-4616

Terry Crow for University City Mayor Event

Last night I attended a fund-raiser for Terry Crow who is running for University City Mayor.  The election is in April and if you are a U City resident, please find out more about Terry and get out and vote. It was held at the lovely Lindell home of Gary Werths and Richard Frimel.

Pictured below...Terry Crow and me!

 

Executive House, CWE

Yesterday I was showing a friend/client a condo in the Executive House in the CWE.  I think that the Executive House is a hidden gem.  The views are lovely...it has a pool...doorman...and they have recently done some major renovations. The pricing compared to some of the newer high-rises in the area is a bargain. For $299,000 you can get a two bedroom, 1600+ sq ft condo and a balcony with a great view of Forest Park.  This pricing is on the high-end..there are also studios without balconies for the mid- $150,000s.

Westmoreland Place

Yesterday I was with a client showing a lovely home on Westmoreland Place in the CWE. Much of the house is in its original state which is so wonderful.  The bathrooms were fantastic.....and just think, most people would rip them out and put in new ones.

Look at the steel shower door.

 

 

Look at the picture above and then below....there is a secret door that goes from the nanny/maid's sleeping area to this adjoining bedroom/bathroom.

 

So many wonderful built-in closets....they put our modern Custom Closets to shame.

 

 

 

I can not figure out what this is....it is on the 3rd floor in a closet. I think it may be a water pressure tank or something in case of a fire.

I love basements....look at these old batteries for the phone system.

This is the old servant's call box.  The owners could push a button in many of the main rooms and then the servants could tell where they needed to go.

Art Unveiling!

Last night I attended a lovely gathering to unveil a special gift for my Aunt Bunny.  It was sort of an early birthday present or more likely just an appreciation gift from her friends and family.

The gift was poster from a section of a large circus billboard.  Aunt Bunny was in the circus as a young woman.  Read more about her adventures....HERE.

The party was hosted at a fabulous CWE condo with the largest terrace in town!

Sunday Open Houses

These two fine homes will be open this Sunday from 1-3 PM.

Ladue Home on 3 acres with a pool and tennis court.....5 bedrooms!

85 Sorrel Lane  A great value at $795,000

6137 Waterman

4 large bedrooms, great stained glass features, located in the Washington University development area....so you lucky Wash U employees can get some nice $ from your employer to live there!

$289,000

Both properties are offered by Dielmann Sothebys International Realty Call 314-607-5555 for more information.

17 Hortense Place

Last Friday night I attended an interesting lecture at the St.Louis Art Museum by Anthony Alofin of the University of Texas.  Alofin is one of the preeminent Frank Lloyd Wright scholars. It was interesting how he spun some St. Louis elements into the history of Frank Lloyd Wright....from Wright attending the 1904 World's Fair and seeing the German Exhibits with their innovative straight line decorative elements....to being Bernoudy's instructor....to our one Wright gem in Kirkwood's Ebworth Park.

I understand that Alofin was particularly interested in 17 Hortense Place in the CWE.  This Viennese Secessionist house designed by Tom P. Barnett in 1909.  In Charles Savage's book, Architecture of the Private Streets of St. Louis, he says, "Perhaps nowhere in this country was there a better example of the influence of Otto Wagner and contemporary Austrian design."

I think you can see how this movement influenced Wright.

Below is a current picture of this home and a scan of a page from Savage's book.  The house was stripped of much of its decorative elements by one owner.  In the 80's one of the Maritz kids bought the house and put the decorative columns back in place. She also added a slide from the second story to the pool!