Lafayette Square Parlor Tour 2024

24 | Lafayette Square Parlor Tour | 2024 This house was built in 1878 for John Jackson. Jackson was president of the St. Louis Grain Elevator Company. Jackson was a veteran in the Civil War, where he fought on the side of the Union. Jackson was also head of the Pacific Railway in the early 1870s, although was not listed with them when he moved into this mansion. His fortunes ran into trouble in the late 1880s, and as a result, he was found dead in the office of the St. Louis Grain Elevator Company on April 13, 1889, having hung himself. At the time of his death, John was worth around $300,000, a considerable amount at the time. His widow, Jane, lived at the residence after his death from 1889 until 1896. The home is one of the largest examples of Second Empire architecture still standing in the city, with over 7000 square feet of living space. Due to the neighboring house having been constructed first, there is an idea that this house may have been built by either Maurice or George Barnett. But based on stylistic elements of the house which are similar to other Maurice designs, as well as an incorrect construction date for this home, it is highly probable that Barnett built the neighboring house at 2115 Park, and John H. Maurice built this house in 1878. The home became a rooming house from 1930 through 1970 and later served as a homeless shelter from 1970 to 1999. By the year 2000, the house had undergone a complete restoration to its former state of a single-family home. The exterior of this Italianate mansion features slate mansard roof and bay windows on all three floors of the limestone front facade as well as an additional bay window in the dining room. Peak through the massive outer doors into the beautifully restored opulence of this home.The entry hall is adorned with wainscoting, and functional pocket doors are accented with arched openings. Original plaster crown molding and ceiling medallions provide an architectural canopy. Note the marble fireplaces in the living room, dining room and parlor. Tour goers should not miss the nine - yes, nine! - Christmas trees and the piano parlor with a workingVictrola.This magnificent home is only part of the reason the current homeowners enjoy living in Lafayette Square.They feel that these historic homes are totally unique and attract a group of people who want to preserve and nurture them. In the owners’ experience, everyone in the neighborhood is dedicated to the community which creates a warm and inclusive atmosphere! 6 2107 Park Ave. Ian & Katherine Pearson