A pioneering mid-century home in Richmond Heights is marked for demise to make room for traditional townhomes
Story and photography by Toby Weiss
Where there’s a glimmer of hope, saving a noteworthy building from demolition is a wise decision. But sometimes the odds are stacked so high against it that the fight isn’t worth it. Such is the case for the home at 1751 Laclede Station Road.
The house was designed in 1941 by architect Harris Armstrong, a Modernist who inserted more than 100 forward-thinking commercial and residential buildings into the traditional architectural fabric of our desirable zip codes. For years, he was known only in select circles as St. Louis’ premiere 20th-century modern architect. A national audience is finally discovering Armstrong’s merits via Dwell magazine and the efforts of architect Andrew Raimist. Mr. Raimist shares the research for his forthcoming book on Armstrong on his blog, Architectural Ruminations (remiss63.blogspot.com).
The home’s historical background matches its architectural pedigree. Dr. Henry E. Hampton, a pioneering African American who was pivotal in several St. Louis civic enterprises, commissioned the house. The Hadley Township in Richmond Heights was one of the first black suburban settlements. Hampton made the bold move of erecting an overtly modern house next to the neighborhood’s small 1920s bungalows. The Hamptons lived in this home until it was sold to the couple that currently owns it.
But these black suburban areas eventually wound up in the path of a mid-county retail explosion. Richmond Heights was so successful at flexing its retail muscle that it weakened a large portion of its residential strength. The city commissioned a study to figure out how to fix this imbalance, only to conclude that commercial progress made it impossible to preserve existing housing or to pursue new housing developments.
So the city gave up its second-to-last historic black neighborhood for even more retail along Hanley Road and Highway 40. But the ironic twist is that the developer chosen to create the mixed-use Hadley Center will tear down 200 existing single-family homes in order to erect 153 new single-family and town house units.
Site plans and renderings on the developer’s website (www.hadleyheights.com) show that on the exact spot where this house stands, condominiums “inspired by many traditional home styles prevalent in the area” will be built. Oddly enough, the Hampton house is a modern statement, and the homes built around it in the 1960s and early ’70s continued the contemporary theme. But much like the way modern Busch Stadium has been usurped by a faux-retro ballpark, these modern homes will be demolished to create faux-traditional buildings.
The Richmond Heights City Hall included residents in every step of the Hadley Center negotiations, and all reports indicate that most homeowners will gladly accept the buyouts. With everyone in agreement, the well-reasoned efforts of architectural historians can’t persuade developers to preserve the sole significant home within the affected 50-acre area. Plus, Wal-Mart parking lots and hotel driveways don’t increase property value or desirability. Considering what the neighborhood may turn into, it may be best to just put the Hampton house out of its misery.
Design Particulars
Year Built: 1941
Specs: 2-story brick; 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths; central air, 2 fireplaces
Square Footage: 2,655 square feet
