RESTORATION & Preservation

Like many historic residential properties that have remained occupied across multiple generations, the Kennon House has experienced numerous alterations over time. Throughout the twentieth century, modifications were made to accommodate changing residential needs, modern utilities, and evolving building standards. While these changes allowed the building to remain in active use, some alterations obscured or altered original historic features.

The current restoration effort is focused on carefully returning the house to a condition that better reflects its historic character while ensuring that it remains a safe and functional residence for the future. This work is guided by established historic-preservation principles that emphasize the retention of original materials wherever possible and the careful removal of later alterations that compromise the building’s historic integrity.

Restoration Goals

The restoration program focuses on four primary objectives:

Preservation of Historic Fabric
Original materials and architectural details are being preserved and repaired wherever feasible. This includes maintaining historic wood siding, decorative trim, window openings, and other defining elements of the Carpenter Gothic style.

Removal of Non-Historic Alterations
Where previous modifications have significantly altered the building’s appearance or damaged historic elements, these changes are being evaluated and, when appropriate, reversed in order to restore the building’s historic character.

Structural Stabilization
As with many nineteenth-century structures, portions of the building require stabilization to ensure long-term structural integrity. Work includes reinforcement of framing systems, correction of settling conditions, and repair of deteriorated structural components.

Sensitive Modernization
In order for the house to remain viable for long-term occupancy, core infrastructure systems are being upgraded. Electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems are being modernized while minimizing impact on historic materials and architectural features.

Long-Term Preservation

The goal of the current project is not simply renovation but long-term stewardship. By addressing deferred maintenance, stabilizing historic materials, and carefully reversing incompatible alterations, the restoration work aims to ensure that the Kennon House remains a preserved example of St. Louis’ nineteenth-century architectural heritage.

As a contributing structure within the Central Carondelet Historic District, the preservation of the Kennon House supports broader neighborhood efforts to maintain the historic character of the area and to protect one of the city’s remaining examples of Carpenter Gothic residential architecture.

Ongoing Work

Restoration work is being conducted in phases to allow careful documentation and conservation of historic elements as they are uncovered. As restoration progresses, additional historic details are being documented and incorporated into the preservation plan.

The project represents an ongoing commitment to preserving the architectural heritage of Carondelet while ensuring that the Kennon House remains a living part of the neighborhood for generations to come.

Know of a grant or financing opportunity for historic strutures? Send an email to contact@kennonhouse.org