FOLLOW THE ARCHITECT

The Evolution of Ernst C. Janssen in Compton Heights

Woven throughout the winding boulevards of Compton Heights is a remarkable collection of homes by Ernst C. Janssen, architect of the famed Magic Chef Mansion. Janssen designed at least 14 residences here, helping shape the architectural character of the neighborhood.

From Victorian and Renaissance Revival to Tudor and Colonial influences, no two are quite alike. We’ve mapped seven of them for you. Follow the architect through Compton Heights and watch his work evolve.

TAKE THE DRIVING TOUR

7 Stops. One Architect. More Than a Decade of Design.

*These are private residences unless otherwise noted. Please enjoy the architecture from the public sidewalk or street and be respectful of the people who call these homes home.*

 

1 | 2935 Russell Boulevard

c. 1894 | Start Here

And we’re starting with one you can actually own.

Believed to be Janssen’s second Compton Heights commission, 2935 Russell was designed for businessman Otto F. Meister. More than 130 years later, an extraordinary amount of its original craftsmanship remains.

LOOK FOR: Stained glass, limestone and masonry detailing, extensive millwork and the grand staircase.

BONUS: This is the only stop on the tour currently offered for sale.

Explore 2935 Russell Boulevard →

2 | 3427 Longfellow Boulevard

c. 1909 | Dutch Colonial

Proof that Janssen wasn’t interested in repeating himself. This Dutch Colonial design feels remarkably restrained compared with some of the grand European influenced homes you’ll see next.

LOOK FOR: Its Colonial composition and dramatically different personality from 2935 Russell.

3 | 3463 Longfellow Boulevard

c. 1895 | An Early Janssen Mansion

Only about a year after 2935 Russell, Janssen was already working on a much grander scale. Historic descriptions even note a staircase guarded by carved oak lions.

LOOK FOR: The scale, masonry and imposing late 19th century presence.

4 | 3505 Longfellow Boulevard

c. 1897 | French Renaissance Influence

Now Janssen gets dramatic. This towering Renaissance Revival residence shows how quickly his work was becoming more monumental and European.

LOOK FOR: The turret, ornamental terra cotta and dramatic vertical proportions.

5 | 3263 Hawthorne Boulevard

c. 1903 | A New Century

Another Janssen commission and another change in personality. By now, his work was becoming part of the architectural fabric of Compton Heights.

LOOK FOR: The roofline, windows and details, then compare them with the Longfellow homes you just passed.

6 | 3036 Hawthorne Boulevard

c. 1906 | Tudor Influence

Janssen changes direction again with this substantial Tudor influenced brick and stone residence.

LOOK FOR: The brick, stone and roofline. Historic descriptions of the interior note stained glass, coffered ceilings, frescoes and extensive millwork.

7 | 3400 Russell Boulevard

The Stockstrom House | Magic Chef Mansion

c. 1907–1908 | The Grand Finale

And then there is 3400 Russell.

Designed for industrialist Charles Stockstrom, whose company would become Magic Chef, this approximately 12,000 square foot residence is now known as the Magic Chef Mansion.

Here we see Janssen working on an entirely different scale.

LOOK FOR: Pretty much everything.

Just over a decade separates Janssen’s early work at 2935 Russell from this extraordinary commission.

You just watched an architect evolve.

WANT TO OWN ONE?

Here’s where this tour gets especially interesting.

One of Janssen’s earliest Compton Heights commissions is on the market right now.

2935 Russell Blvd

 

Offered at $875,000

More than 130 years later, its original stained glass, millwork, pocket doors and architectural details remain remarkably preserved.

This isn’t simply an opportunity to purchase a historic St. Louis home. It’s a chance to become the next steward of one of Janssen’s earliest Compton Heights commissions.

Own a piece of the collection.

Schedule a private tour of 2935 Russell Boulevard →

Jeanette Bell, REALTOR® | eXp Realty
314.478.3240
@flippingSTLrealtor

Thinking about buying or selling a historic St. Louis home? I’d love to help you discover what makes these homes and their stories so special.

A Note About the Research

Historic records sometimes differ on exact construction dates, architectural classifications and attributions. This tour highlights seven documented or historically attributed examples selected from at least 14 Compton Heights residences associated with Ernst C. Janssen.