A two-block walk from the St. Louis Four Seasons Hotel stands the Union Electric Light and Power Company’s Ashley Street Powerhouse, a staggering emblem of industrial confidence and might. Built in 1902 in the Renaissance Revival style, the classical detailing of this preposterously large generating station stands in marked contrast to the rusting industrial appurtenances protruding beyond its false pediments, pilasters, and elaborate brickwork.
At first glance, you think this is a mistake. The sloppily maintained access road suggests as much. But St. Louis has left this marvel and other hulks just as they were when they were last used over fifty years ago. The result is a magical tour of industrial decay unparalleled across the country.
There are plans to redevelop the area south of the Arch, but this area north of it will remain untouched for now—a testament to St. Louis’ outstanding manufacturing heritage. The photos below are just a small sample of the St. Louis industrial footprint, which includes steel foundries, munitions manufacturing, oil refining, and various breweries. St. Louis’ skyline is pedestrian and boring. But it’s riverwalk is anything but.
Enjoy.
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