Photo by Mike Matney
Dominated by its magnificent water tower Compton Heights is one of the earliest examples of a planned residential development of the 19th Century in the United States. The neighborhood was first visited by Photo Flood STL back on June 16th, 2016. The article for that visit can be found at http://www.photofloodstl.org/photo-flood-47-compton-heights/.
Photo by Caren Libby
There is a great article in St Louis Magazine by Photo Flooder Chris Naffziger that provides a great history of the area. It can be found at https://www.stlmag.com/history/compton-hill-compton-heights/.
Photo by Ann Yeoman
Photo by RJ Wilner
Photo by Xandi Barrett
In the years since the first visit the biggest event in the neighborhood was the fire and destruction of the Karpeles Manuscript Library. Located on Russell Boulevard across from the water tower park it opened on August 1, 2015. The Karpeles Manuscript Library Museums are the largest private collection of historic manuscripts and documents in the world. The St. Louis location was the largest metropolitan area to host one of the museums. The building was originally the Third Church of Christ, Scientist, and opened in 1911. In addition the building also housed the St. Louis Media History Foundation Archives Exhibit Room.
Photo by Caren Libby
Photo by Ann Yeoman
On March 26, 2019 a four alarm fire broke out in the building. There was significant damage to the roof and back of the building, but miraculously all the rare items were saved from destruction. Over 80 firefighters responded to the blaze, many who carried items out of the building while it was burning. While there was talk of rebuilding, at this time it does not look like that will happen. The outside structure still stands, but it is just an empty shell.
Photo by Xandi Barrett
Photo by RJ Wilner
Photo by Mike Matney
The neighborhood is also home to the Magic Chef mansion. The mansion was designed by Ernst Janssen for Charles Stockstrom, the founder of the Quick Meal & Magic Chef Stove Company. It was constructed in 1908. It is of the French Renaissance Revival Style and sits on a two acre lot. After the passing of Stockstroms’s daughter in 1990 the mansion was bought by Shelley Donaho. After many renovations it is available for private tours, though there are select public tour dates available throughout the year.
Photo by Ann Yeoman
Photo by Mike Matney
Photo by RJ Wilner
Photo by Caren Libby
Photo by Xandi Barrett
The neighborhood is one of those hidden gems in the city of St. Louis. While many people drive up and down Grand or along Russel Boulevard rarely do they venture into the other streets. Full of spectacular homes that rival much more well know areas Compton Heights is definitely worth the visit.
Photo by RJ Wilner
Photo by RJ Wilner
Photo by Mike Matney
Photo by Caren Libby
Photo by Ann Yeoman
