Landmarks invites researchers to use its collections focusing on St. Louis preservation and the built environment. The Library is open by appointment only between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday except for major holidays. Fill out this form to request an appointment:
The Brambila Architectural Library contains books, historic site survey data, photographs, and other visual documents, along with maps, renderings, blueprints, and additional materials related to Landmarks, urban history, architecture, historic preservation, urban planning, engineering and technological progress, interior design, and landscape architecture. Many of these resources are centered on St. Louis.
We wouldn’t be able to offer our collection as a research library without the tireless organization and cataloguing of its materials spearheaded by Backlog Architects in coordination with the following volunteers: Linda Holdinghaus, Phoebe Love, Elaine Miller, Thomas Poelker, Janice Weil, and Peter Wollenberg.
Collections
Library Collection – This contains books and pamphlets on St. Louis history, buildings, and preservation project. Available are city directories, inactive city building permits, and Sanborn Insurance Maps beginning in 1938. Also included are resources on Missouri and national preservation efforts and technology. Search the database for available material.
Building Permits
St. Louis city building permits before 1940 are on microfilm. A building permit is a legal authorization granted by a local authority to begin construction or alteration on a structure. It ensures that the project adheres to building codes and local ordinances, protecting public safety through plan review and inspections.
St. Louis Daily Record
The St. Louis Daily Record is a newspaper founded in 1890 and published by Missouri Lawyers Media. It reports on building permits, legal news, covering local courts, the legal and business communities. Years 1890-1930 on microfilm.
Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps
A bound collection of St. Louis maps published in 1938 and updated through the 1954. Unbound collection of St. Louis metropolitan area maps printed in 1962 but are not color-coded.
Photograph and Media Collection
The photograph collection includes images of St. Louis buildings, most taken since the 1950s. Search the photograph finding aid and also the research files for additional images. Local media programs focused on St. Louis preservation efforts. Search the database for available materials
Landmarks Archives
Preserves the organization’s history since 1958 including preservation efforts, board minutes, publicity, tour materials, and Most Enhanced winners. Search the finding aid for available materials
Architectural Records
This collection contains historical architectural designs before the 1940s, surveys and maps created by Landmarks, and reproductions of significant buildings. Search the database for available materials
Research Files
This extensive collection includes research, photographs, and published material on St. Louis neighborhoods and hundreds of buildings. It is comprised of research folders on National Register Nominations, St. Louis architectural surveys, and from past Landmarks projects. Search the finding aid for subject listings.
Heritage/St. Louis project
A city-wide survey of almost every structure in St. Louis conducted from 1970-1975 to provide a preliminary examination to identify buildings of special interest. Each survey form includes a photograph of the building.
Library Use Policies
Collection Use
The Brambila Architectural Library is open to both Landmarks Association members and the general public. Materials are for reference use only and must be used on-site.
Reproduction of Library Materials
Laptops, tablets, and cell phones are permitted in the library. We allow use of cell phone cameras and handheld scanners. Reproduction of photographs and other visual materials can be arranged for a fee.
Citation and Copyright
Materials reproduced from the Library’s collection must include a citation stating that the material is used with the permission of Landmarks Association of St. Louis. If appropriate, the names of specific library collections should also be cited. If the Library does not hold the literary rights to material in its collections, it is the responsibility of the user to secure these rights where required by law.