The Legacy of Brick and Tile in St. Louis. Preserve & Restore
St. Louis remains one of America’s most architecturally distinctive cities, largely due to its historic use of red brick and clay roof tile. These materials shaped not only the city’s skyline but also its cultural identity, influenced by local resources, skilled labor, and generational craftsmanship.
In the 19th century, St. Louis became a national hub for brickmaking, powered by fire clay deposits beneath Cheltenham (ZIP 63110). With over 60 brickyards at its peak, the city produced high-quality, kiln-fired bricks used to rebuild neighborhoods with fire-safe, enduring design.
Historic areas like Soulard, Lafayette Square, Tower Grove East, and Benton Park showcase brickwork still standing today. Churches, schools, municipal buildings, and civic landmarks throughout ZIP codes 63105, 63117, 63112, and 63110 continue to reflect that era’s craftsmanship.
According to the Missouri Historical Society, the city’s unique clay yielded bricks with remarkable strength and thermal stability. These hand-molded materials are a lasting symbol of architectural resilience.
In the early 20th century, St. Louis embraced Mediterranean Revival, Spanish Colonial, and Tudor Revival styles. Each featured clay roof tiles for their elegance, fire resistance, and longevity. You can still find them throughout the Central West End, Compton Heights, and ZIP codes 63105, 63117, and 63112, crowning both homes and historic civic structures.
When brick or tile is damaged by age, storms, or neglect, restoration must be handled carefully. Many structures fall under preservation codes or are eligible for federal or local incentives. Repairs must match original materials and techniques or risk losing eligibility, permits, or the building’s historic integrity.
From an insurance claims perspective, these properties require a tailored approach. Adjusters must understand what it takes to restore, not just replace, these materials in accordance with local code and preservation standards. Too often, claims are undervalued, resulting in inadequate scopes or repair plans that won’t pass inspection.
These aren’t just structures. They’re legacies. Let us help you safeguard them with precision, accuracy, and respect for what St. Louis was built on.
No recovery, No fee!
Mission Property Loss Consultants understands this.
