Updates to a Historic St. Louis Gem, & Brief History

🏛️ Discovering the Lafayette Park House: A Historic Gem in St. Louis' Lafayette Square

Nestled at the intersection of Lafayette and Mississippi Avenues, the Lafayette Park House stands as a testament to St. Louis' rich history and architectural grandeur. As the oldest building in Lafayette Park, this French Second Empire-style structure has witnessed the city's evolution since its construction in 1867.

🕰️ Origins: From Police Substation to Park Landmark

Originally built as a police substation in 1867, the Lafayette Park House served as a field office for the main Soulard Police Station. Its primary role was to manage the large crowds that gathered for events like Thursday concerts, which often attracted thousands of attendees. In 1870, the building underwent significant renovations, adding a second story, mansard roof, and cupola—embodying the elegant French Second Empire architectural style.

🌪️ Surviving the Great Cyclone of 1896

On May 27, 1896, St. Louis was struck by one of the deadliest tornadoes in U.S. history—the Great Cyclone. This F4 tornado carved a devastating path through the city, causing extensive damage in the Lafayette Square neighborhood. While Lafayette Park itself was transformed into "a wasteland of stripped trees and stumps," the Lafayette Park House remarkably withstood the storm's fury, standing as a resilient symbol amidst the destruction. Saint Louis Bank Blog+5Wikipedia+5NCEI+5cdm17210.contentdm.oclc.org

🔄 A Witness to Change: 20th Century Transformations

After serving as a police station until about 1919, the Park House was repurposed in 1943 to serve as a groundskeeper’s residence. Unfortunately, by the 1960s, it fell into disrepair and was boarded up, mirroring the decline of the Lafayette Square neighborhood during that era.

🛠️ Revival and Restoration: A Community Effort

The 1970s brought a renewed commitment to historic preservation. The Lafayette Square Restoration Committee, with support from the city, undertook a major restoration of the building in 1976. The revival coincided with the U.S. Bicentennial, during which the French government gifted a bust of the Marquis de Lafayette—now prominently displayed within the Park House. Additional enhancements were made between 2005 and 2008, including the addition of a gazebo and a restored horse watering trough.

🏡 Modern Touch Meets Historic Charm: Custom Address Kick Plates by Deck the Door Decor

In a unique blend of function and historical preservation, Deck the Door Decor, a family-owned manufacturer based in the USA, partnered with the Lafayette Square Restoration Committee to design custom engraved address kick plates for the Lafayette Park House.

These elegant plates feature:

• The Lafayette Square Restoration Committee logo

• The Seal of the City of St. Louis

• The address of the Park House

Crafted to both complement the building's historic aesthetic and serve a practical purpose, these kick plates help mail carriers and visitors easily locate the Park House. Additionally, they offer durable protection for the building’s antique doors—ensuring longevity while preserving its historic charm.

This collaboration is a shining example of how modern craftsmanship can honor and uphold the values of historic preservation.

🌟 Why the Lafayette Park House Matters

From its beginnings as a police station to its rebirth as a beloved community landmark, the Lafayette Park House represents resilience, heritage, and revitalization. With continued support from preservationists, artists, and small businesses like Deck the Door Decor, it remains a beacon of pride in St. Louis.

📍 Visiting the Lafayette Park House

Located at 2023 Lafayette Avenue, the Park House today serves as the headquarters for local organizations like the Lafayette Square Restoration Committee and the Lafayette Park Conservancy. It hosts events, meetings, and serves as a vital hub for community engagement, embodying both the history and future of Lafayette Square.

Be sure to take one of their Annual House Tours!

Planning a visit to Lafayette Square? Don’t miss the Park House—where the past and present meet in one beautifully preserved building.