New and Old in Clayton

It's interesting to see a church, once probably the tallest building in downtown Clayton, dwarfed by a newer office building. Is it particularly aesthetically pleasing? No, but I've seen it all over the United States.

Cool Modernist Bank, Clayton

A Sad Statement on Automobile/Pedestrian Relations in America

I want to start by saying that I'm not complaining about Clayton putting this sign up, but rather that they felt the need to have to do it. It should go without saying that pedestrians have the right of way when they have the "walk sign" or at any time at a four-way stop. It's a sad commentary on the reckless disregard drivers and bicyclists have for pedestrians in today's society.

Old-School Buildings, Clayton

Old and New Clayton sit right next to each other, as these various low-rise buildings from the early Twentieth Century demonstrate.

County Police Headquarters, Clayton

One of the last government buildings left from the old era of Clayton, the police headquarters has yet to be replaced by a new, more modern building.It's a restrained building, though not without its merits.

Undulation, Clayton

I came across this cool wall facing an alley off in Clayton.

Clayton Colonial and Tudor Revival

Cool Modernist Building, Clayton

While much of the small stores and houses in Clayton's downtown have been demolished, this little gem still stands on its northern edge.

St. Louis County Government Center, Clayton

The county courthouse is massive, and its repeating pattern design makes it seem even more so. I liked the old one better, but obviously it was too small.The courthouse and nearby jail even have their own Bridge of Sighs, just like in Venice, Italy. I like the one in Venice better.The jail, whether you like it or not, is a great example of 1990's penal architecture. While in the past, jails and prisons were meant to stand out as fortification-like landmarks, nowadays governments attempt to make jails blend in with the landscape, as no one wants to live or work next to a jail.The county jail is a perfect example of the "kinder, gentler" prison.Then there's the county building, built in true Brutalist style, looking more like a fortress than a welcoming government building.The sparse, stripped down exterior is typical of many Clayton office buildings. Across the street is a parking lot.These first floor windows make me wonder if they were expecting an invasion or something. But actually, it was relatively common in the late 1960's and 70's to build government buildings that were "riot proof."

Clayton Skyscrapers

I remarked this weekend that I'm sort of not unhappy that these skyscrapers ended up in Clayton instead of downtown St. Louis. They're unremarkable, and St. Louis needs remarkable buildings.The juxtaposition between new and old in Clayton is fascinating, as it is still relatively new as an office center.I don't think Clayton would have happened without St. Louis withdrawing from the County; otherwise, there would have been no need for a county seat in Clayton.
Here is the Laclede Center, built by the Danforths, it began the exodus of offices from downtown to Clayton. Thanks guys!

Post-Modernist Condo Building, Clayton

I don't know if I should like this building or not; it's weird at the same time as being sort of cool. The dichotomy between the towering condo building with the Gothic Revival church is startling, and perhaps a symbol of the two Claytons: old and new.

St. Mary's Concordia Hall Facing the Wrecking Ball, Clayton

Having learned about the impending demolition of the historic Concordia Hall at Vanishing St. Louis, I rushed over on Friday to get some pictures. Demolition was well underway, and with an apparent gusto.I like this building; it's simple, but elegant, and even the damage caused already by Ahrens Demolition can't hide it simple, beautiful design.The little coat of arms, made out of colored brick, is a nice touch. Sadly, it will be gone soon.Ahrens men stand around admiring their colleagues' handiwork. One thing that is surprising about the demolition is the distance the wrecking ball was being swung out over Clayton Road. While demolishing the San Luis, they were much more conservative with their swings.Below are two videos of the destruction; the first one shows how quickly the poor building is coming down, and the second one show the headache ball stuck in the roof of the building.

Centene Project Moves Forward--in Clayton

Did we ever really get a good answer on why Centene didn't end up building in Ballpark Village? Read the article here about the anti-urban design that will go up in Clayton. A parking garage facing Forsyth? What a great idea! What better way to kill foot traffic on what was once the main shopping street of Clayton!