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Home Repair and Remodeling go hand in hand with older homes and historic buildings. Historic buildings need routine maintenance and some older homes may need remodeled to suit the lifestyle of today’s families. On our location specific pages we like to pick out a local landmark or historic home and do a little write up on it. Just a way to introduce it to our customers who may be unaware of its existence, or is otherwise unfamiliar with it. Although University City has its fair share of  historically significant homes they tend to be privately owned. We wish to respect the privacy of University City residents so we chose The U. City, City Hall building to do a piece on:

Edward Gardner Lewis was a notable American entrepreneur, publisher, and visionary who played a significant role in the publishing industry and urban development. Born on June 25, 1860, in Columbus, Ohio, Lewis founded the Lewis Publishing Company in 1891, which became one of the most successful publishing enterprises of its time. The company’s headquarters, known as the Magazine Building, served as a testament to Lewis’s innovative spirit and business acumen.

The Magazine Building, located in University City, Missouri, was a stunning architectural masterpiece that reflected Lewis’s grand vision. Completed in 1906, the building stood as a symbol of progress and innovation in the publishing industry. Designed by the prominent architect Eames and Young, the Magazine Building was an imposing structure that combined elements of Beaux-Arts and Renaissance Revival styles.

The building itself was a marvel of modern technology and design. It boasted state-of-the-art printing presses, typesetting machinery, and a vast array of other equipment necessary for producing Lewis’s publications. The Magazine Building also housed offices, editorial departments, and a grand central rotunda adorned with exquisite marble and intricate detailing.

Edward Gardner Lewis utilized the Magazine Building as the headquarters for his publishing empire, which included The Woman’s Magazine, a groundbreaking publication dedicated to women’s interests and rights. The magazine played a pivotal role in advocating for women’s suffrage, education, and empowerment during the early 20th century.

Lewis’s publishing endeavors extended beyond The Woman’s Magazine. His company produced a wide range of reference books, historical encyclopedias, and genealogical works. The Lewis Publishing Company gained recognition for its high-quality publications and its contributions to the dissemination of knowledge.

While Lewis achieved considerable success in his publishing ventures, financial challenges eventually befell him. By 1917, he faced mounting debts and lost control of both the Lewis Publishing Company and University City. Despite the loss of the Magazine Building and his publishing empire, Lewis’s impact on the publishing industry and urban development remains significant.

Today, the Magazine Building stands as a testament to Lewis’s entrepreneurial spirit and contributions to the publishing world. Though it no longer serves as the headquarters for his publishing empire, the building’s architectural beauty and historical significance have made it a cherished landmark in University City. It stands as a reminder of Edward Gardner Lewis’s vision, ambition, and lasting impact on the worlds of publishing and urban development