St. Louis is often assumed to have only one major claim to architectural fame: the Arch. It’s a remarkable and defining structure, but have you ever wondered what else the city has to offer architecturally? If so, join ModernSTL this Saturday October 6 on a walking tour titled “Downtown Modern: St. Louis in the Shadow of Saarinen’s Arch.” The tour will explore the history and significance of notable midcentury modern buildings, and offer exclusive access to their interiors.
The tour is part of the Sixth Annual DOCOMOMO US Tour Day (DOCOMOMO is an international nonprofit “dedicated to the documentation and conservation of buildings, sites and neighborhoods of the modern movement"). Tour Day 2012 marks St. Louis’ second year as a participating city. The tour this Saturday will be one of 38 taking place in 22 states.
“ModernSTL is delighted to once again participate in this esteemed national architecture event,” says ModernSTL President Michael Allen. “We're excited to focus our attention this year on the many midcentury modern treasures downtown St. Louis has to offer.”
As its title suggests, the tour will look at midcentury modern architecture that exists in the shadow of the Arch. “People don’t understand what else is out there,” Allen says. In an effort to introduce St. Louisans to some of city's noteworthy yet lesser–known architecture, the tour will primarily look at commercial, office and residential buildings.
“St. Louis has a great number of modern and residential buildings downtown,” Allen says, “but the city doesn’t get much credit for having any good modern architecture beyond the Arch." This tour is a first step to dismantling that assumption.
"We’re in an age where the public is starting to realize that midcentury modern architecture is a part of history,” Allen explains. Taking the time to understand the diversity in its style, history and designers is a necessary step to painting a better and fuller picture of St. Louis’ fascinating past.
The tour will not disregard the arch, however; Allen calls it "the unifier and symbol of the city and the modern era.”
The tour “Downtown Modern: St. Louis in the Shadow of Saarinen’s Arch” will take place from 2 to 4 p.m.. The tour is free to ModernSTL members, $5 for non-members. Participants are asked to pay via cash or credit card at the event. Meet at the north end of the Arch grounds near the parking garage, across from the Laclede's Landing Metrolink station. The tour will conclude at 360 Bar at the top of the Ballpark Hilton. For more information, visit modern-stl.com.
