Wainwright Building, Saint Louis
The Wainwright Building is an iconic early skyscraper, widely recognized as a masterpiece of architecture. Designed by Dankmar Adler and Louis Sullivan, the building was completed in 1891 and named after local businessman Ellis Wainwright. With ten floors and a height of 41 meters (or 135 feet), the Wainwright Building was one of the tallest structures in Saint Louis at the time of its construction.
One of the building鈥檚 most striking features is its tripartite composition, consisting of a base, a shaft, and an attic. This design, inspired by the classical column, emphasizes the building's height and presence. Sullivan, a leading figure in the Chicago School of architecture, believed that the skyscraper should be celebrated as a modern, functional structure rather than an imitation of classical styles.
The Wainwright Building is also notable for its use of terra cotta, a type of ceramic material commonly employed in late 19th-century architecture. Its intricate ornamentation, which includes geometric patterns and stylized plant motifs, reflects Sullivan鈥檚 belief that decoration should be integrated with the structure itself.
Today, the Wainwright Building is owned by the State of Missouri and serves as office space for state agencies. Despite its age, it continues to be celebrated as a landmark of American architecture and attracts tourists and architecture enthusiasts alike. In 2013, it was featured in an episode of the PBS series 10 That Changed America, which highlighted the most influential buildings in American history.
One of the building鈥檚 most striking features is its tripartite composition, consisting of a base, a shaft, and an attic. This design, inspired by the classical column, emphasizes the building's height and presence. Sullivan, a leading figure in the Chicago School of architecture, believed that the skyscraper should be celebrated as a modern, functional structure rather than an imitation of classical styles.
The Wainwright Building is also notable for its use of terra cotta, a type of ceramic material commonly employed in late 19th-century architecture. Its intricate ornamentation, which includes geometric patterns and stylized plant motifs, reflects Sullivan鈥檚 belief that decoration should be integrated with the structure itself.
Today, the Wainwright Building is owned by the State of Missouri and serves as office space for state agencies. Despite its age, it continues to be celebrated as a landmark of American architecture and attracts tourists and architecture enthusiasts alike. In 2013, it was featured in an episode of the PBS series 10 That Changed America, which highlighted the most influential buildings in American history.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Saint Louis. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "911爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Wainwright Building on Map
Sight Name: Wainwright Building
Sight Location: Saint Louis, USA (See walking tours in Saint Louis)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Saint Louis, USA (See walking tours in Saint Louis)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Saint Louis, Missouri
Create Your Own Walk in Saint Louis
Creating your own self-guided walk in Saint Louis is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Saint Louis Downtown Walking Tour
Missouri鈥檚 main city, Saint Louis, is a vibrant metropolis, alive with culture, music, and art. But before the French fur traders ever showed up, this land was home to the Mississippian tribes, who had already built thriving communities along the river.
Fast forward to 1764: two French fur traders plant their flag and name the place after King Louis IX of France. Ironically, that very year,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.5 Km or 2.2 Miles
Fast forward to 1764: two French fur traders plant their flag and name the place after King Louis IX of France. Ironically, that very year,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.5 Km or 2.2 Miles
Historical Religious Buildings Walking Tour
Saint Louis, Missouri, is a perfect destination for those with a taste for great architecture, especially if it is associated with an important spiritual value. Indeed, this city features some of the most famous and interesting churches in the USA.
One such landmark is the Saint Mary of Victories Catholic Church. A stunning example of Mannerism architecture, it has been a spiritual hub for the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.4 Km or 2.7 Miles
One such landmark is the Saint Mary of Victories Catholic Church. A stunning example of Mannerism architecture, it has been a spiritual hub for the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.4 Km or 2.7 Miles
Forest Park Walking Tour
Forest Park, a massive urban park in Saint Louis, offers a wide range of attractions and activities for visitors of all ages. Renowned for its multiple entertaining and educational facilities, such as museums, zoo, and green areas, it is often and quite deservedly regarded as one of the city's crown jewels 鈥� an ideal location for a great time out! Let's see what you can find on the... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 5.9 Km or 3.7 Miles
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 5.9 Km or 3.7 Miles