from Frank Leslie’s Illustrated Newspaper, Supplement, February 8, 1890.
The Fagin Building.
THIS magnificent ten-story structure as illustrated in another portion of this issue, affords the best conception of the remarkable progress which has marked the building improvements in St. Louis during recent years. This mammoth edifice, which towers 152 feet high, represents without question one of the most novel and attractive office-buildings of this or any other country. It is the happiest conception of a combination of granite and glass, and a fitting monument to modern architectural talent.
The façade—composed almost wholly of granite and glass from pavement to top—displays thirty-eight highly polished circular granite columns of different dimensions. Over the central columns are granite globes, while the bases of the columns rest upon blocks of pyramidal form six feet in height, and polished like a mirror. A most effective contrast is formed by the variegated glass, displaying polished plate of unusual size and thickness, discs and panes of cathedral, ondoyant, and diamond star glass, the last three in tinted colors and endless in number.
The massive foundations of the building evince the care and attention exercised by the owners in making absolute safety and solidity the prime requisite, and the same scrupulous caution characterizes every detail of construction. The foundations are broad and deep, constructed of stone from the noted Grafton quarries. The bottom courses of piers, columns, and walls are of single stones eight feet wide, with their superstructure tapering down in accordance with the massiveness of the base, and all are laid in cement mortar. When it is stated that, despite the enormous weight of the mammoth superstructure, there has been no settlement, proved by the mark at the pavement line, the superior solidity of this peerless edifice becomes apparent. Another important factor is the extremely heavy anchorage, unequalled anywhere. A perfect network of steel holds the building in one solid mass, precluding the possibility of any portion being pulled apart.
The whole style of construction adopted by Mr. C. B. Clark, the ingenious architect, affords the maximum degree of utility coupled with maximum conveniences to the occupants and unlimited light, all the interior arrangements being on par with the exterior in beauty and attractiveness.
The building is absolutely fire-proof, with stairways constructed of iron, steel, and slate. It is equipped with two fine “Crane” elevators, and heated throughout by steam. The floors are of the modern “slow-burning” construction, the walls stuccoed, while all the ceilings are in beautiful wood, elaborately carved, finished in oil, and in thorough harmony with all other details. Splendid store rooms form the lower floor, while the upper ones are specially adapted for office rooms, “club” quarters, etc. A magnificent bird’s-eye view of the city is obtained from the top story, and St. Louis has every reason to be proud of this the greatest palace of commerce yet devised.
Mr. A. W. Fagin, the public-spirited owner, whose portrait is reproduced in connection with the building, represents the most progressive element of St. Louis. Having enjoyed the advantage of extensive travel, extending to every civilized place on the globe, it was his desire to furnish St. Louis with a building so unique in design and original in conception as to add materially to the lustre of her fame throughout the nation.
Mr. Fagin has succeeded well. He has given St. Louis the most magnificent and safest building in the country.
 |
 |
| The Fagin Building | A. W. Fagin |