hall street historic district

When you walk down Hall Street, it is so easy to imagine how the horse-drawn carriages must have looked as they traversed this street of great mansion houses. The Schuster mansion with its widows-walk, the ornate Robinson mansion, the castle-like Tootle mansion designed by Harvey Ellis, the antebellum Hosea and Colbert houses, and of course, the chateauesque beauty that was home to Nathan and Elmarine Ogden, now operating as the Shakespeare Chateau Bed & Breakfast. Treat yourself to a visit today!

It's great to hear from visitors to Hall Street, especially those who appreciate the uniqueness and historic character of this area. A diverse collection of architectural styles, these homes offer a glimpse of the past. Recently, an original herringbone-pattern brick sidewalk was uncovered and cleaned, thanks to the efforts of volunteers from the neighborhood and from the nearby Museum Hill Historic District. Also, within the last year, the beautiful mansion at 802 Hall Street, designed by famous American architect, Harvey Ellis, has been under renovation inside and out! Kudos to the owner, who has made fantastic progress in a short time!

Thank you for visiting the Hall Street Historic District, and for posting a review on TripAdvisor. As we come out of the economic downturn of the last few years, it is gratifying to see the progress that has been made on Hall Street as well as throughout Saint Joseph. As of mid-2014, the seven mansions on Hall Street are enjoying a renaissance. Of the seven, only two are in dilapidated condition. Two more are for sale, and the other three are occupied and in well-kept condition. The next time you visit, please stop by 809 Hall Street (The Shakespeare Chateau) for a tour of one of these fabulous mansions.

Hall Street is a favorite among visitors to St. Joseph who have an interest in architecture, history, and photography. It features outstanding examples of many styles of homes from the 'gilded age' - Richardson Romanesque, Italianate, Chateauesque, Second Empire, and more. Anchoring the Hall Street Historic District is the Shakespeare Chateau at 809 Hall Street, where guided tours of the mansion are offered by appointment for just $7.00 per person.

A visit to Hall Street offers a glimpse of the Victorian gilded age, when the wealthiest members of society built their mansion homes here on "Millionaire's Row." Italianate, Chateauesque, Richardson Romanesque - each house an architectural gem, most still flush with original interior features. Stained glass, lavishly carved and paneled woodwork, intricate mosaic floors, exquisite aesthetic ceramics, ornate gas-light chandeliers, French scenic wallpapers, and more grace the interiors. Hall Street, on the National Register of Historic Places since 1979, will not disappoint!

Thank you for visiting Hall Street! This area, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is a treasure trove for architecture, history, and photography buffs. Some of the finest examples of luxury homes built for the "Merchant Princes" of the gilded age are located on Hall Street.

Thank you for visiting the Hall Street Historic District. Your suggestions are good, indeed. We are currently working on better interpretive information about the grand mansions on Hall Street (see the description recently added to this TripAdvisor page) and signage. The City of Saint Joseph offers several grant and tax abatement programs for historic restoration/preservation work. Visit the Saint Joseph city website for more information about historic preservation in Saint Joseph.

”The Hall Street Historic District is significant for its concentration of imposing residential buildings which are excellent examples of Post Civil War 19th century and early 20th century architectural styles including Italianate, Second Empire, Chateauesque, Romanesque, Revival, Queen Anne, Neo-classical Revival and eclectic. These homes have additional significance as the residences of the "Merchant Princes" of St. Joseph's Golden Age. Located just to the south and east of the Hall Street Historic District stood the Market Square Historic District, its commercial counterpart. New prosperity flourished in the 1870's, 1880's and the 1890's; the great wholesale houses and associated banks supported the families that built and/or lived in the fine homes of Hall Street Historic District. With much of the Market Square area destroyed by Urban Renewal projects, the significance of this area increases as it serves as a reminder of the late 19th century wealth and culture of the city. During the first quarter of the 20th century, large homes continued to be built which created a greater density and cohesive quality to the neighborhood. Recognizing the significance of an area which reflects both commercial and cultural wealth, the structures of this prestigious area are now afforded protection under a city ordinance designating it as the St. Joseph Historic District Number One.” Excerpted from http://www.livingplaces.com/MO/Buchanan_County/St_Joseph_City/Hall_Street_Historic_District.html

Thanks for posting this mini-guide to the mansions on Hall Street, Derrill. The wealth of the "Merchant Princes" who once lived on Hall Street is legendary, and the architecture of their homes is without a doubt some of the finest in the MidWest, if not in America. These homes are still flush with beautiful carved and panelled interiors of cherry, oak, walnut, and mahogany; with incomparable museum-quality stained glass; and with ornate detailing of every imaginable type. Hall Street is a mecca for architectural historians and for photographers.