Missouri Athletic Club Building

The Missouri Athletic Club Building is a nine-story structure featuring stone construction on lower floors and decorative brick patterns in the middle sections. The facade displays architectural details including rounded arched bays, distinctive window shapes, and deep overhanging cornices with supportive brackets.

The original club burned in 1913 with serious loss of life, prompting a complete rebuilding effort. Architect William B. Ittner designed the replacement structure completed in 1914, marking a fresh start for the institution.

The club served as a gathering place for St. Louis's wealthy residents, providing spaces for athletic pursuits and social connections. Members continue to use it today as a private meeting space, reflecting traditions of exclusive membership clubs found in major American cities.

The building sits in downtown St. Louis near Eads Bridge and is centrally located and easy to find. Visitors should be aware this is a private membership facility, so public access may be limited or restricted to specific areas.

The building features lozenge-shaped windows decorated with ceramic tiles, a distinctive embellishment that reflects careful attention to ornamental detail. Many visitors overlook these subtle yet carefully crafted window treatments when viewing the exterior.