Nestled within the distinguished private street of Portland Place, 33 Portland Place is a stunning testament to early 20th-century architectural elegance. Designed in 1911 by the renowned St. Louis architectural firm Mauran, Russell & Crowell, this residence embodies the grandeur of an eighteenth-century French mansion.
The home’s imposing façade reflects classic European refinement, but it’s upon entering that one truly experiences its remarkable scale. Measuring eighty feet in length, the home is anchored by a sixty-five-foot-long hallway, an awe-inspiring space featuring marble floors, baseboards, and stately columns. This regal corridor enhances the home’s sense of grandeur and serves as an elegant spine, seamlessly connecting the formal living areas.
The first owners of 33 Portland Place, Claude and Dorothy Kilpatrick, were among the prominent St. Louis families who chose the exclusive, tree-lined streets of the Central West End as their home. Dorothy Kilpatrick, a member of the influential Liggett family, sincerely appreciated the arts, which would later contribute to St. Louis’s cultural heritage.
Mauran, Russell & Crowell’s Architectural Legacy in St. Louis
33 Portland Place is just one of the many landmark buildings designed by Mauran, Russell & Crowell, a firm that played a pivotal role in shaping St. Louis’s architectural identity. The firm’s influence can be seen in some of the city’s most iconic structures, including:
Railway Exchange Building (1913) – Once the headquarters of the Famous-Barr department store, this 21-story skyscraper was St. Louis’ tallest building at the time of its construction and remains one of the largest by interior space.
Southwestern Bell Building (1926) – A 28-story Art Deco skyscraper, this was one of the first buildings in the city designed with setbacks to comply with early zoning laws.
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis (1923) – Located at 411 Locust Street, this neoclassical building was designed to exude stability and permanence, reflecting its role in the country’s banking system.
Union Market (1924) – A grand indoor market structure featuring Gothic arches and terra cotta ornamentation, it was one of the most architecturally significant markets in the city.
Butler Brothers Warehouse (1906)—This massive reinforced concrete warehouse was one of the largest commercial structures of its time, spanning an entire city block.
A Legacy That Lives On
33 Portland Place stands as a residential masterpiece within this impressive portfolio of work by Mauran, Russell & Crowell. While their commercial and civic buildings contributed to St. Louis’s economic and architectural development, this home is a rare example of their talent in high-end residential design.
Like many of the historic homes on Portland Place, No. 33 has witnessed generations of St. Louis history. It remains a striking piece of architectural heritage, reflecting an era when homes were designed with an eye for detail, artistry, and grandeur. Whether admired from the street or explored within, 33 Portland Place continues to captivate as one of the city’s most refined residences.
I had the pleasure of selling 33 Portland Place off-market alongside my Dielmann Sotheby’s International Realty associates Erica Willert & Kim Adams. A true architectural gem, this historic home has found its next chapter!
