Downtown in St. Louis, Missouri — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Merchant Laclede Building
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, August 16, 2014
1. Merchant Laclede Building Marker
The eight-story Merchant Laclede Building named after the merger of two of its bank tenants, is an early example of St. Louis’ tall fireproof office buildings. Completed in 1889, some of its offices contain fireplaces.
The building was designed for the banks in the area during the 1880s when the St. Louis economy surged. By 1890, St. Louis’ population grew to fifth largest in the nation.
Notice the decorative terra cotta relief panels with varied designs accenting the building. Look closely at one of the panels high above Olive Street for particularly mischievous subject matter.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1889.
Location. 38° 37.645′ N, 90° 11.281′ W. Marker is in St. Louis, Missouri. It is in Downtown. Marker is at the intersection of North 4th Street and Olive Street, on the left when traveling north on North 4th Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 299 North 4th Street, 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. The Security Building (within shouting distance of this marker); The Mississippi Valley Trust Company (within shouting distance of this marker); Teenager Samuel Clemens (about 300 feet away,
this page online
Also see . . . Merchants Laclede Building - City Landmark #95. The building is of Greek Revival design, with beige granite on the first two floors and soft red sandstone and brick above. (Submitted on November 13, 2014, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.)
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, August 16, 2014
2. Merchant Laclede Building Marker
The marker is at the far corner of the building.
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, August 16, 2014
3. Merchant Laclede Building
Public Domain, n.d.
4. Merchant Laclede Building
Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 13, 2014, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 594 times since then and 34 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on November 13, 2014, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. • Al Wolf was the editor who published this page.
