- 1,282
I don't know about you guys but I miss the graffiti that was sprayed all over the top floor. 
- 125
I have a friend that just bought a condo there, he and his wife are really excited. What an amazing project and a great example of turning an eyesore to an asset.
- 1,054
It looks distinguished and reminds me of all the copulas in Clayton, Ladue, and Frontenac. Sweeter 
I'm still trying to figure out how some destructive dumb schmuck managed to rape this building by ripping off all the copper without anyone noticing!!!
I remember far more copper. I think all three copulas were entirely copper, as well as cornices and trim on the dormers.
Of course, it looks better than before (after the raping), but not nearly as nice as the original. I know real copper would be cost prohibitive, but can't they at least paint it in copper green?
I remember far more copper. I think all three copulas were entirely copper, as well as cornices and trim on the dormers.
Of course, it looks better than before (after the raping), but not nearly as nice as the original. I know real copper would be cost prohibitive, but can't they at least paint it in copper green?
I don't have any memories of the city hospital from before it was abandoned and stripped, so the building now having windows, real cupolas, and no grafitti is really a new experience for me. I'm still not quite used to it. It does really look great though. I true sign for all the suburban highway commuters and those passing through.
- 16
Marmar wrote:I'm still trying to figure out how some destructive dumb schmuck managed to rape this building by ripping off all the copper without anyone noticing!!!
I have spoken with Soulard residents who said they used to watch them stripping it. These are authentic reproductions from the original 1908 drawings. If there was more copper before it was probably because copper was weather resistant and easy to form so they used it as a base and painted it.
I can't wait until the building is full of people and bustiling with activity. I think the cupolas look great, but again, I hadn't seen the building when it looked nice originally. I can see the area to the south, Bohemian Hill, resembling Park St. Where squire's and the Chocolate Bar are. At least I hope that's what happens.
Framer wrote:You guys mentioning how this area is an entrance to downtown brings me back to a question I posted earlier in this thread...
Does anyone know anything about the sculpture that Gateway Foundation is planning for this area? Its supposed to be near the Lafayette Avenue/Interstate 44/55 intersection.
I did a quick trip to the Gateway Foundation Web Site and saw a photo of the sculpture called 2 Arcs x 4 proposed for that location with an installation date of September 2005.
Here is the link to the Gateway site:
http://www.gateway-foundation.org/launch.html
WOW!!! 
For as long as I can remember that building was just plain scary. What a symbol for the rebirth of the city.
For as long as I can remember that building was just plain scary. What a symbol for the rebirth of the city.
I can remember when that structure was the biggest eyesore in the entire city. It is great to see this one development get so much notice. This is a very symbolic redevelopment for the city. And yes, It looks like Hampton Village.
Rich by Lindenwood Park.
Thanks for the great up to date pics Urban.
Rich by Lindenwood Park.
Thanks for the great up to date pics Urban.
give it timemcarril wrote:urbanstlouis wrote:
Hampton Village?
Wouldn't Hampton Village look like the original City Hospital?
The building looks amazing. Beautiful.
- 1,054
It seems like the design originally came from New England, and from Sir Christopher Wren originally, which is almost like a tribute to him. My mind wondering, sorry.
Thanks for the link, Jambo. I never thought to look for Gateway's website. Pretty cool. These guys have done a lot to improve St. Louis' arts scene.
- 479
The original cupolas were clad entirely in copper, and were not painted. Instead, the copper was all exposed and by the 1980s each cupola had an even green patina.
As soon as I saw the original iron cupola frames removed, I knew what to expect. That was the heartbreak for me, not seeing the new cupolas. The buildings along Lafayette look better, but there are devils in the details.
I would be curious to know the plastic specs for the cupolas, as well as the specs for the internal frames. There are some durable architectural plastics available. While I am an advocate for the original materials whenever possible, and in this case wonder why the cupola framework was removed at all, it is possible that the new cladding will be a long-lasting and durable product.
As soon as I saw the original iron cupola frames removed, I knew what to expect. That was the heartbreak for me, not seeing the new cupolas. The buildings along Lafayette look better, but there are devils in the details.
I would be curious to know the plastic specs for the cupolas, as well as the specs for the internal frames. There are some durable architectural plastics available. While I am an advocate for the original materials whenever possible, and in this case wonder why the cupola framework was removed at all, it is possible that the new cladding will be a long-lasting and durable product.
- 1,610
But the new cupolas actually are made of copper, meaning they will age and turn green with time.
Hmmm...then why are they mostly white? Looks like they've been painted, and if that's the case, they're not made of copper...who would cover copper with paint...???
- 101
the bottom is vinyl or something. the top will turn green in time, but it might look weird against that bright white beneath it.
ToastedRavioli wrote:the bottom is vinyl or something. the top will turn green in time, but it might look weird against that bright white beneath it.
Weird? What colors are the old courthouse downtown? I don't think it looks all that weird, maybe that's just me.
