Marx Family Italianate Townhouse

This Italianate house at 13th and Warren Street in the Old North St. Louis neighborhood is one of the best preserved examples of cast iron ornamentation in the city. Built in the 1860s around the time of the Civil War, this two family house was designed at a time when cast iron ornamentation was popular on both commercial and residential structures. While the majority of residents of Old North were working class, the level of detail and craftsmanship in this particular house suggests that whoever lived here was likely middle class. Throughout most of its history, this house has been owned by the Marx family who own Marx Hardware on 14th Street. By the time this house was constructed, Old North was one of the most densely populated neighborhoods in the city. The area continued to thrive into the early 20th century, as it profited from the 14th Street business district. However, with a combination of redlining, suburban flight, and the construction of highway 70, the neighborhood fell into disrepair in the later half of the 20th century. While many buildings were demolished during the urban renewal period, and others falling too far into disrepair, and requiring demolition, many other houses including this one survived until the neighborhood began its revitalization in the mid 2000s. While parts of the neighborhood are still undergoing revitalization efforts, many other areas have been redeveloped, and many historic buildings have been saved in the neighborhood. This Italianate house is one of only a few in the city with its original cast iron balcony remaining, along with its window shutters. Not only has this house survived, but all of its neighbors except one are also still standing, and all were present on the 1875 Compton and Dry map.