St. Louis is a city with history. This includes some amazing buildings that are both world-class examples of architectural styles and important pieces of local and national history. We’re spotlighting some of the architects whose vision helped shape the StL.
George I. Barnett
Born in Nottingham, England, in 1815, George I. Barnett became known as the “The Dean of St. Louis Architecture” for his work in the region. He is credited with establishing Classicism as the dominant architectural influence in St. Louis, designing hundreds of buildings in the Greek Revival, Italianate and Gothic traditions. Some of Barnett’s best known work includes renovations to the Old Courthouse, structures of the Missouri Botanical Garden and Tower Grove Park.
Thomas P. Barnett
Born in St. Louis and a graduate of Saint Louis University, Thomas P. Barnett is the son of George I. Barnett. He trained under his father and later established the architectural firm Barnett, Haynes & Barnett alongside his brother George Dennis Barnett and brother-in-law John Ignatius Haynes. Thomas P. Barnett served on the Commission of Architects for the 1904 World’s Fair, designing the Palace of Liberal Arts. Like his father, his focus was on Classicism, and he is responsible for many iconic structures around St. Louis, notably including the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis.
Theodore Link
Originally from Germany, Theodore Link immigrated to the U.S. in the 1870s. He came to St. Louis to work for the Atlantic and Pacific Railroad Company. He served as the superintendent of public parks before opening his own private architectural practice. Like Thomas P. Barnett, he served as an architect for the St. Louis World’s Fair. The iconic landmark he is most known for is St. Louis Union Station, which he modeled after the fortifications of Carcassonne.
Harris Armstrong
Originally from Edwardsville, Illinois, Harris Armstrong is considered one of the most notable regional modernist architects. His contributions to St. Louis include the Shanley Building, the Grand Medical Clinic and the American Stove Company-Magic Chef Co. building, designed in collaboration with Isamu Noguchi. His most well-known local landmark is the headquarters for the Ethical Society of St. Louis.