Wright Street Italianate Row

This row of houses in Old North St. Louis on Wright Street are examples of a hybrid between Italianate and Second Empire styles of architecture. Built in the early 1880s, this row was among the later developments in the neighborhood. Most developments in Old North happened prior to 1875, and the neighborhood had already become one of the most densely populated areas in the city by that point. The cornice of this row is more associated with Italianate style architecture, while the mansard is more closely associated with the Second Empire style, although the third floor has no dormers, unlike most Second Empire houses. The area remained a popular shopping destination through the early 20th century, as many people flocked to storefronts on N 14th Street. However, the neighborhood experienced decline after the construction of highway 70 and the practice of redlining hurt the area North of Delmar, and the houses fell into disrepair. The anchor of the neighborhood, Crown Candy, kept the neighborhood afloat during this time, and eventually, Old North began to rebound. Photos from 1980, compared with those today, show the extent of the revitalization in the area. Today, Old North is in the process of a revitalization effort, and many of the historic houses in the area have been restored.

1980s photo from the National Register listing of the neighborhood