central business district cast iron
While the use of iron for commercial buildings began before the Civil War, it was not until afterward that its full impact in architecture was felt. Initially cast iron was used for decorative elements on residential buildings; soon it appeared in ground floor storefronts. During the 1870’s, the use of cast iron construction became widespread: it was believed that cast iron was more fire-resistant than masonry or heavy timber construction. The use of cast iron allowed for buildings larger in scale, with larger expanses of glass. Most commonly, cast iron was used on three and four-story buildings. 720 North 2nd Street is an excellent example of the changes this new construction technology made possible. The building’s front facade is primarily glass, with only a minimal amount of wall surface: the cast iron columns of the storefront are slender and delicate, with classically-inspired capitals. The large windows are two-over-two, and cast iron cornices are placed above storefront and parapet. (St. Louis, 1995)