Shelley House

Shelley House is a two-story brick residence on Labadie Avenue with typical architectural features found in St. Louis homes from the early 1900s. The building displays the straightforward, practical construction style common to neighborhoods of that era.

The house became the center of a landmark 1948 legal case when the Shelley family challenged housing restrictions in court. This case led to a Supreme Court decision that banned court enforcement of racial restrictions in property transactions across the nation.

The residence represents a turning point in African American housing rights that affected property ownership practices nationwide. The legal action tied to this home changed how people of any race could buy houses.

The house is located in a northern section of St. Louis near Natural Bridge Avenue and can be viewed from the outside. Since it remains a private residence, it is best visited during daylight hours and viewed from the street.

The house was named a National Historic Landmark specifically for its role in ending court-enforced racial restrictions in property transactions. This honor recognizes the nationwide importance of the case rather than just local history.