A Lasting Impression

What used to be the historic International Shoe Co. building in Saint Louis has now been transformed into The Last Hotel, a masterpiece that seamlessly blends raw industrial architecture with plush, playful interiors.

- Victoria Lim

At its peak, Saint Louis was known as the greatest shoe distributing center of the world; forty-eight million pairs of shoes were shipped out in 1906. Fast forward to today, the Missouri capital has transformed into a metropolitan city filled with skyscrapers, open malls and the world’s tallest man-made monument, The Gateway Arch. Located in the heart of Washington Avenue Garment District, The Last Hotel is a showcase of historic details and modern interiors; the building was originally a shoemaking company called International Shoe Company.

Built in 1909, the iconic building sports elaborate stone carvings, ornate metalwork and terrazzo floors all in the neoclassical and Art Deco styles. This architectural legacy comes alive at The Last Hotel. “Our hotel is stitching itself into the fabric of St. Louis by celebrating the history, culture, fashion and local characters and businesses that make St. Louis a welcoming city,” says owner and developer Tim Dixon. “I came to St. Louis a few years ago and fell in love with the buildings and city. I wanted this hotel to reflect my deep affection for St. Louis, its history and its bright future,” Dixon adds.

OLD MEETS NEW