After living in a 110-year-old home in the heart of Kirkwood for 30 years, it was going to take a lot to tear designer Karen McNamee away from her beloved abode. She loved the old Craftsman, but the upkeep of an aging home began to become tiring, and her husband Bob wanted a home with a basement. After searching the area for two years, the McNamees finally found a lot with a small ranch home they could tear down and start fresh. “Building new, I knew I could do everything I wanted my way,” Karen says.

When the Missouri River is just a stone’s throw out your back windows, you make sure every room in the house takes advantage of the picturesque view. That is exactly what Washington natives Rich and Donna Speckhals did when designing their new home in downtown Washington.

Set on nearly two acres that were once part of the World’s Fair site, the majestic, all-brick multistory was built in 1925 and already had undergone several renovations before attracting the attention of Steve Katz six years ago.  

Steve is a St. Louis attorney, born and raised in Belleville. His wife Bonnie’s retail career brought her to St. Louis from Virginia in 1989, and their 22-year marriage has been characterized by extensive international travel, a zest for entertaining and a fascinating variety of mutual and individual interests.  

The Hill. Rich in history, it is as iconic as the Arch, Forest Park and Busch Stadium. Savory aromas waft from the popular restaurants and bakeries on nearly every corner. Pole banners, canopies, even fire hydrants are emblazoned with the red, white and green of the Italian flag, proclaiming the tight-knit neighborhood’s heritage. For David Grassi Construction Co., however, “green” has an equally meaningful interpretation; it’s the responsible way to build.

When maintaining his large contemporary home in Kirkwood took more time and effort than he was willing to spend any longer, the owner began looking for an alternative.