Built St. Louis > > Central Corridor > > Washington Avenue

1700 block south 1700 block north - King Bee Building 1600 block north - Business Products Center 1500 block south - Washington Square Building 1500 block north - International Shoe Company 1400 blocks - Monkey Building; Washington Building; ect. 1300 block south - Knickerbocker; Lesan-Gould; etc. 1300 block north - Fashion Square 1200 block south - Rudman on the Park, etc. 1200 block north - 1209, 1227 Washington 1100 block south - A.D. Brown, etc. 1100 block north - Hadley Square; Days Inn; Trendmasters 1000 block south - the Merchandise Mart 1000 block north - Bee Hat Co., etc. 900 block north - Lammert Building; Hotel Lennox 800 block south - the Gateway Hotel 500-600 blocks north - Dillards, etc. 400 blocks - Missouri Athletic Club, etc.

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1635 Washington Avenue

The Ventana
Originally: Central Shoe Company
Later: The Arts and Crafts Building
Architect: ? 1918

Clear influence of the Wainright Building is visible here: strong vertical piers capped with a flattened cornice. Large expanses of glass mark it as a modern building in its day.

In 2004, it underwent a loft conversion, and is presently known as the Ventana Lofts. The renovation cleaned the exterior brick, lightening it several shades. Unfortunately, it also removed ornamental cresting along the cornice.

  • The Ventana web site


    • Summer 2001


    November 2008


    Summer 2001


    November 2008 - cornice details have been removed and covered up with metal fascia.


    Summer 2001 - the faded "IDEAS" sign has long since vanished.


    November 2008