12 Hortense Place
Built: 1901
Style: Italian Renaissance
Architect: George W. Hellmuth
Neighborhood: Central West End
City Block: 3880 S
On 1875 Compton and Dry Map: no
On 1883 Hopkins Atlas: no
Historical significance: This house was built for George Herbert Walker, the son of David D. Walker, who founded Ely and Walker Dry Goods Company on Washington Avenue. He was head of an investment banking company, G. H. Walker & Co. and later became head of the W. H. Harriman Company as well. He also had interests in the railroad, and was a director of the Missouri Pacific Railroad and the New Orleans, Texas, and Mexico Railroad. He was also interested in politics, and was a powerful figure in the Democratic Party in St. Louis in the early 20th century. His grandson, George H. W. Bush, and his great grandson, George W. Bush later became 41st and 43rd president of the United States. George H. W. Bush visited this house as a child.
Architectural significance: This house was built in the Italian Renaissance style in 1901 by architect George W Hellmuth, who designed several houses on Hortense Place. This home and the home of Albert Bond Lambert are two of his most significant homes on the street.