Downtown in St. Louis, Missouri — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

American Zinc Building

Photographed By Jason Voigt, June 24, 2020

1. American Zinc Building Marker

Inscription. The first tenant here wanted offices signifying its metals business. Thus, this 1967 building is clad in stainless steel. Notice, it is the same material as the Gateway Arch!

As stainless steel moves dramatically in hot and cold weather, it is seldom used on buildings' exteriors, especially on rounded window corners as seen here.

Peek inside. You'll find no interior columns. Actually, this plaque rests on one of the only two exterior columns beneath a rectangular Vierendeel truss supporting the building.

Unlike most trusses, the rare Vierendeel truss has no diagonals. Used here, it ensures unobstructed windows, a striking design as well as the column-free interior.

Architect - Hellmuth, Obata & Kassabaum

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Architecture. A significant historical year for this entry is 1967.

Location. 38° 37.462′ N, 90° 11.336′ W. Marker is in St. Louis, Missouri. It is in Downtown. Marker is at the intersection of South 4th Street and Walnut Street, on the right when traveling north on South 4th Street. The marker is near the entrance of Carmine's Steak House. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 20 S 4th St, Saint Louis MO 63102, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Rue de la Tour (within shouting distance of this marker); Phelim O'Toole

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(within shouting distance of this marker); Battle of St. Louis (within shouting distance of this marker); International Fur Exchange (within shouting distance of this marker); Rue des Granges (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Abraham Lincoln Slept Here (about 300 feet away); KMOX (about 300 feet away); Sold on the Steps of Justice (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in St. Louis.

Regarding American Zinc Building. The American Zinc Building, also known as the American Zinc, Lead and Smelting Company Building, was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1998 (#98000363). The building was scheduled for demolition in the 1990's but was saved and now is part of the Drury Plaza Hotel with the first floor used as a restaurant (Carmine's Steak House). Drury Hotels also saved these nearby buildings: International Fur Exchange (which now houses Drury Plaza Hotel at the Arch) and the Thomas Jefferson Building.

Also see . . . HOK (firm) on Wikipedia. Formerly the Hellmuth, Obata and Kassabaum

Photographed By Jason Voigt, June 24, 2020

2. American Zinc Building Marker

The marker is mounted on one of the building's columns, as mentioned in the text.

architectural-engineering firm, this is the history of the St. Louis-based company that has built architectural marvels around the world. Founded in 1955, it is one of the largest U.S.-based architectural firms. There is a long list of works of projects from the company, including the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC and the Apple headquarters in California. (Submitted on June 26, 2020, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.)

Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 26, 2020, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 519 times since then and 92 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 26, 2020, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.