The Simon Complex

The Simon Complex. Cherokee-Lemp Historic District. , Courtyards, alley houses, shops on the first floors, second floor apartments , this combination and arrangement of residential and commercial uses were typical of mid-19th century neighborhoods crowded with immigrants., Gradually during the early and mid 19th century, builders adapted the design of contemporary houses for shops. On brick buildings that edged the streets and featured simple brick cornices, they enlarged the doors to accommodate patrons and deliveries and expanded windows for displays. This building, 1908-1914 Cherokee, reflects this early trend in local commercial architecture., Other traits of this complex provide a fascinating glimpse into 19th century lifestyles. The gated passageway or gangway pierces through the first floor, opening into the courtyard. As with this building, it was a common practice to build the second floor apartments with entrances, not from the street but by stairs from the courtyard., A three story alley house was constructed along the alley edge of the property enclosing the yard in 1890. The mansard roof and facade of this three story building actually face the alley. The entrances to the two-room apartments, however, were from porches, doors and stairs opening onto the courtyard., Compton and Dry's Pictorial St. Louis from 1875 shows that the building facing the street originally extended several more units to the west. That part of the structure was razed in 1977. Architect and owner Ray Simon converted that vacant lot into parking and garden when he renovated the complex 1988-90