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Just as prospective homebuyers are attracted to St.
Louis Hills for its lovely parks and beautifully
landscaped yards so, too, are they drawn to it
architecture. From the gingerbread bungalows to the
stately 2-stores to the sprawling ranches, St. Louis
Hills residences are a study in contrasts and
choices. The clearest divisions in architectural
styles can be seen by examining the areas to the
north and to the south of Eichelberger Street, which
basically divides the area into St. Louis Hills and
St. Louis Hills Estates.
North of Eichelberger Street one finds houses,
duplexes and apartment buildings, many built in the
1930's and 1940's strongly influenced by the art
deco style. Hardwood floors, stained glass (often
with southwestern motifs), elegant stone work,
glass block trim, casement and circular windows,
and zigzag brick patterns characterize these
structures. Slate or tile roofs, once mandatory,
but prohibitively expensive to replace, have in a
few places been replaced by shingles.
In the 6300 block of Bancroft Avenue a row of
bungalows dubbed Hansel and Gretel houses faces
well-maintained four family apartment buildings.
All were built in the 1930's and share many of the
art deco features. On Nottingham Avenue, closer to
Francis Park, is one of the Hills' architectural
landmarks, the Vedder apartment building. Rich in
art deco details it boasts curved corners, casement
and circular windows, and complicated brick works.
What makes it particularly special is that all six
units have penthouses.
The homes and apartments surrounding Francis Park
typify much of the rest of the neighborhood. On
Nottingham Avenue, north of the park, it is easy to
find examples of the porthole windows, zigzag brick
and glass block trim in the two and multi-families
which have been lovingly maintained over the years.
East and west of the park stately 1.5 and 2 story
homes line Tamm and Donovan Avenues. No two are
alike. One Regency style home facing the park on
Tamm was featured in a 1936 edition of McCall's
magazine, as were several others in the Hills. Just
west of the park on Itaska Street stands one of the
neighborhood's most unusual art deco homes, an
eight-sided house, each whose sides differs in
length.
South of Francis Park, the architecture changes
dramatically. Here there are primarily brick ranch
homes, a style that became popular after World War
II. Developer Willmore designated the area as St.
Louis Hills Estates. The homes range from compact
2-bedroom homes to elegant, sprawling homes perfect
for executive entertaining.
For those who prefer the style of suburban homes,
but choose to live in the city, St. Louis Hills
Estates is the perfect location. Many of the larger
ranches and 1.5 story homes sit on huge lots that
afford ample room for in-ground pools, which
several of these homeowners have added. Nearly all
of them have attached one or two-car garages and
most have main floor family rooms. Since only
ornamental fences are permitted in the Estates, the
feeling there is one of wide-open spaces.
Although many prospective home owners come to St.
Louis Hills seeking its classic Tudors and
colonials with their abundant stained glass and
ornamental brick and stone work, this neighborhood
boasts such a wide variety of architecture that it
will appeal to nearly any preference and need. St.
Louis Hills is a community rich in architectural
history and detail.
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