Join host Veronica Theodoro as she sits down with Shelley Donaho, owner of the Magic Chef Mansion in the Compton Hill Reservoir Square neighborhood. Designed by architect Ernst Janssen in 1908, the house was originally built for Charles Stockstrom, the founder of the Quick Meal & Magic Chef Stove Company, and his family. For the past 34 years, Shelley’s life work has been the painstaking restoration and preservation of the home. Shelley shares insights about the history of the house, the renovation process, and what it’s like to live in the French Renaissance Revival mansion. Listen and follow House of Lou on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or most places podcasts are available.
VT: What has the house meant to you? What has it been like for you to restore it and really make it your life’s work?
SD: Well, it has become my life. It’s like, I’m a housewife–I’m married to the house, you know. But it’s a passion, because I love the house. And it’s crazy to be living there, but that’s what happened. So, still, I respect the house, you know. And how they built it, I just, I don’t get it.
This episode is sponsored by Karr Bick Kitchen & Bath and supported by Habitat for Humanity St. Louis ReStores.
From design and construction to interiors, Karr Bick Kitchen & Bath serves as a one-stop-shop for all the essentials needed to create spaces that are #NothingOrdinary. For those seeking to renovate or build, schedule a free design consultation today by visiting karrbick.com.
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Mentioned in this episode:
- Shelley Donaho
- Magic Chef Mansion
- Ernst Janssen
- Henry Kitchen and Bath
- Erin Joy
- Hoopla
- Soundtrack of My Life by Clive Davis
- Charles Stockstrom
- Vince Gray Slate & Tile Roofing
- Eric Ericson
- Westinghouse Refrigerators
- Central Library
- Art Mart
- City Museum
- Sustainable Backyard Tour
- Art and Imagination in Spanish America, 1500-1800
You may also enjoy these articles from SLM:
- Restoring the Magic Chef Mansion
- St. Louis garden and house tours
- 8 historic house tours in St. Louis
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