Orthwein Mansion, Colonial Revival mansion in Central West End, St. Louis, US.
The Orthwein Mansion at 15 Portland Place is a Neoclassical house built around 1900, designed by Frederick Widmann, Robert W. Walsh and Caspar D. Boisselier. It stands near the northeastern corner of Forest Park, and its listing as a National Register contributing property dates from February 12, 1974.
William D. Orthwein, a German immigrant, commissioned architects Widmann, Walsh, and Boisselier to build this residence in 1900. His grain trading business provided the wealth needed to construct such a substantial home during St. Louis's industrial boom.
The mansion shows how successful business owners in early 1900s St. Louis wanted to display their wealth through grand architecture. Walking through the Portland Place neighborhood, you can see how these homes reflected the ambitions of industrial-era entrepreneurs.
The residence sits near Forest Park in an established neighborhood filled with similar grand homes from the same period. Visiting during daylight hours is best for seeing the architectural details and appreciating the surrounding streetscape.
William R. Orthwein was living at 15 Portland Place when he competed at the 1904 Summer Olympics in St. Louis, taking bronze in the 4x50-yard freestyle relay and in water polo. The house stayed in the family for 27 years.
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