History and architecture
The St. Louis Hotel, constructed in 1903-05, as part of the midtown hotel district was built at a time of great expansion and development in midtown Manhattan. Close to shopping and entertainment districts, this area was also well-served by a variety of transit lines. In the early 20th century, the neighborhood was being redeveloped from single-family homes to stores, institutions and lofts. Many hotels were built at this time, for transient guests as well as apartment hotels for residents of longer duration, all taking advantage of the convenience of this location.
The designer of the St. Louis Hotel was Frederick C. Browne, a New York architect with a prolific practice between the early 1890s and 1925. He designed numerous hotels and small apartment buildings in Manhattan, many in the Beaux-Arts style, as seen on this building. The facade of this distinctive building is faced in red brick and limestone, with projecting bay windows in a lively arrangement that creates a striking facade on this narrow street. Its exuberant carved ornament and high mansard roof, highlighted by bronze dormer window surrounds, are defining elements of the Beaux-Arts style, a style valued for its classical and European associations. This distinguished building has continued to be used as a hotel for more than 100 years and its ongoing existence speaks to the practicality and durability of its style and use.
Sources and further reading
This history comes from the Landmarks app’s historical catalog. Names and building uses may reflect the period described.