Lindell Hotel

In 1859, another act was approved by the Legislature to build an even larger structure than was previously planned, at a cost of five hundred thousand dollars.

Roberson renovated the hotel space at a cost of eighteen thousand dollars and hired thirty employees.

The barbershop was advertised in a creative way, as Roberson had a Turkish man in a turban drive through St. Louis city streets in a gig with a bathtub mounted on top.

Although the fire department arrived without delay, the height of the hotel prevented firemen from throwing water on the roof.

[2] Stones from the remains of the original Lindell Hotel eventually made their way to St. Louis' Tower Grove Park.

The hotel fire occurred shortly before Henry Shaw deeded the land that would become Tower Grove Park to the City of St. Louis.

The limestone was brought to the park and restacked to resemble ancient ruins, according to a plan drawn up by Shaw and horticulturist James Gurney.

This type of arrangement modeled on ancient ruins was common at the time, as European grand tours gained popularity.

George I. Barnett was selected as the architect for the new building and work began on September 1, 1872, with the clearing of rubble from the fire.

[2] The Lindell Hotel offered some unique amenities for the late 1870s, including steam heat, lace curtains, and an electric massage bath.

A crowd of people gather in front of the ruins of the Lindell Hotel after the fire on 30 March 1867. Two sections of the hotel rise above a pile of rubble. Two horses can be seen in the bottom-right corner. The building next to the hotel is labeled with two signs that read "Globe Exchange" and "Beer Saloon, Cigars".
Ruins of the Lindell Hotel after the fire of 30 March 1867. Men work amongst the rubble and a horse can be seen near a building off to the left. Portions of the building still stand in the background. A brick structure next door is labeled with a sign that reads "Lindell Livery Stables", and a man leans up against it.