St. Louis Brick

8/14/08

For Sonrie: Gray & green glaze bricks

Hey Sonrie:

I found this photo in my files. It's from 39 Connecticut here in TGS between Roger and Gustine. I recommend a stroll along this block, the brickwork is fabulous.

The photo serves to illustrate the use of face brick.
Called face brick because these ornate bricks faced the street and regular red brick was used on the sides and back of the buildings.

Click to enlarge, these are killer gray bricks.

8/12/08

Astonishing Palette

Caldwell Arms Apartment Building

This is the best (and most endearing) original mortar I've found to date. The patience and pride of craftsmanship is obvious.

Pop Quiz: Why are some apartment buildings called Arms?

This stairwell isn't visible from the parking area.

8/11/08

Art Deco Apartment building

South Kingshighway and Kings Drive.

Glass cubes along the outside of the stairwells

This little side building is tucked away from the front view.

8/8/08

Astounding 3-D brick house

I was driving along south Kingshighway this afternoon when I spotted a massive Art Deco building (more on that later). I took a turn to view the back of it and landed on the corner of King's Drive and West Court where I nearly swooned from excitement.

I discovered these three outrageous brick homes:

The two to the right are certainly prizes but the first (with the silver car in the drive way) had me literally screaming (sotto voice) with glee on the street.

I heard some noise from the back yard and introduced myself to the owner who told me all three houses had been built by one stone mason. The owner had lived 75 feet away from this house and stalked it for years. Then, during an estate sale at the home, he made an offer.

The red wire cut bricks extend 1.5 inches and along with the cast shadows boost the diamond pattern.

7/27/08

Garages go better with Coke

Spotted while driving down an alley at twilight in TGS.

Is this the hoosier version of an outdoor refrigerator?

7/12/08

What's the fate of this building?

I've adored this little stone building in McDonald Park ever since I was a child. My grade school, Holy Family, had lunch recess in this park during nice weather. The concession stand and restrooms were open.

Now the paint is peeling along the top canopy and the front is partially covered with graffiti.

One of my neighbors suggested that this building be demolished.

I've suggested a different use: renting it to a student (or anyone) in exchange for being a presence and picking up litter. The cost of adding a shower to one of the bathrooms and turning the other bathroom into added living space would provide a small efficiency and cost less than a demo to the building.

Plumbing and electrical currently exist on site.
Can it be saved and put to use?

I'm going to FWD this post to my 10th ward alderman, Joe Vollmer who has been wonderfully supportive with Marti's Memorial garden which will be located 100 feet away.