Wainwright Building

The Wainwright Building, a masterpiece of early skyscraper design, stands proudly at 709 Chestnut Street in downtown St. Louis, Missouri. This ten-story office building, completed in 1891, is a testament to the innovative spirit of its time and the genius of its architects, Dankmar Adler and Louis Sullivan. Named after the local brewer and entrepreneur Ellis Wainwright, this building is not just a structure of brick and mortar but a symbol of architectural evolution and aesthetic expression.

The Birth of a Skyscraper

Commissioned by Ellis Wainwright, who sought space to manage the St. Louis Brewers Association, the Wainwright Building was a groundbreaking project for the architectural firm of Adler & Sullivan. Fresh off their success with the Auditorium Building in Chicago, the duo embarked on creating a structure that would redefine the skyline of St. Louis. The building was designed with a steel frame and adorned with a terracotta facade, a combination that allowed for both height and ornamental detail.

The design of the Wainwright Building was revolutionary. Sullivan's vision was to create a building that celebrated its verticality. He famously stated, The skyscraper must be every inch a proud and soaring thing, rising in sheer exultation that from bottom to top it is a unit without a single dissenting line. This philosophy is evident in the building's composition, which follows a tripartite design reminiscent of a classical column: a solid base, a soaring shaft, and a decorated attic.

An Architectural Marvel

The Wainwright Building is often cited as the first skyscraper that truly looked the part. Its base, designed to house retail stores, features large glass windows that invite passersby to peer inside. The second floor, easily accessible and semi-public, was intended for office space. Above this, the honeycomb-like arrangement of offices extends upward, each window a cell in a honeycomb, as Sullivan described it. The top floor, originally housing water tanks and machinery, is crowned with a richly ornamented frieze.

Sullivan's use of ornamentation is both functional and symbolic. The frieze, adorned with formalized yet naturalistic foliage patterns, not only adds beauty but also serves to conceal the mechanical elements of the building. The terracotta panels between the windows vary in design, adding visual interest while maintaining a cohesive aesthetic. The overall effect is one of elegance and grandeur, a building that is both modern and timeless.

A Historical Landmark

Upon its completion, the Wainwright Building was met with acclaim from both the public and critics. It was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1968 and a city landmark in 1972. Despite facing the threat of demolition, it was saved by the efforts of the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the St. Louis Landmarks Association. Today, it stands as a proud example of early skyscraper design and a testament to the vision of its creators.

The building's significance extends beyond its architectural beauty. It played a crucial role in the development of modern office buildings, influencing the design of skyscrapers for decades to come. Frank Lloyd Wright, a protégé of Sullivan, praised the Wainwright Building as the first human expression of a tall steel office-building as architecture.

Exploring the Wainwright Building

Visitors to the Wainwright Building can marvel at its intricate details and appreciate its historical significance. The building's entrance is framed by elaborate terracotta designs, inviting guests into a space that is both functional and artistic. The interior, though modernized for contemporary use, still retains elements of its original design, offering glimpses into the past.

One of the most striking features of the Wainwright Building is its cornice, which projects outward and is decorated with intricate patterns. This element not only adds to the building's aesthetic appeal but also serves a practical purpose, shielding the windows below from rain. The combination of form and function is a hallmark of Sullivan's design philosophy.

A Living Legacy

Today, the Wainwright Building is owned by the state of Missouri and houses state offices. It continues to be a source of inspiration for architects and a point of pride for the city of St. Louis. The building's preservation is a testament to the enduring value of thoughtful design and the importance of maintaining our architectural heritage.

In conclusion, the Wainwright Building is more than just a historic structure; it is a symbol of architectural innovation and a beacon of the skyscraper era. Its walls tell the story of a time when architects dared to dream big and create buildings that reached for the sky. A visit to this iconic building is a journey through history, a chance to witness the birth of the modern skyscraper and to appreciate the artistry that makes it a true landmark.