Comments on: Most Enviable: The Clayton-Forsyth Bldg.

By: Brian Smith

Brian Smith — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 22:05:25 +0000

I have ALWAYS loved this building and it’s location. It reminds me of my childhood and how Clayton used to be very cool.

By: Emmett

Emmett — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 19:20:05 +0000

Mr. Kline’s Record Bar was on Brentwood, north of Forsyth, just south of Maryland, within the Clayton Triangle as is the Forsythe Building.

By: Keith

Keith — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 18:20:40 +0000

Thanks, Melinda; it could have been Music Village (memory is foggy regarding names).

By: Melinda

Melinda — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 02:37:02 +0000

Keith, are you thinking of Music Village? It was not in this building, but it was, I believe, just east of there. Parked on the roof?
This building IS inspiring! We wanted to have railings like these made for our house! Fab!

By: richard stupidhead

richard stupidhead — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 19:57:19 +0000

it’s buildings like this that make the Ritz-Carlton so egregious

By: Keith

Keith — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 17:14:54 +0000

Great post! Does anyone remember if there was a record store (circa 70′s-80′s) in this building? Danged if I can remember the name of it (if it wasn’t in this building, it was within a block or two of it) but if anyone can remember it would be much appreciated!

By: Brian S.

Brian S. — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 17:08:29 +0000

I’m not a fan of Clayton by any means, but I love this building.

By: Emmett

Emmett — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 16:33:29 +0000

P.S.:

Re: “All of these shops have a front, street-level entrance plus a back entrance accessed via a flight of stairs from the parking lot.” The “back-door option” hearkens back to the days of full-employment, bigger wait-staffs, less crime and a relaxed, “how’re you doin’?” informality. I love back door entrances. John Ellis will remember a few of those from Warson Village. What architect designing a strip mall today would design one? Closest thing I’ve seen is the elevator entrance to the Sports Authority on Eager which deposits you directly in the store. The area behind retail stores today is usually a no-man’s land cul-de-sac.

By: Emmett

Emmett — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 16:22:44 +0000

Great building. Thanks for showing us the insides Toby. And this is great writing: “still broadcasts a clear Beverly Hills/West Hollywood glamour signal.”

Somebody needs to do an article about the significance of Earl’s International* where all the “big shots” of the 1970s got their hair done (and relied on Earl Roach to keep them current and colored. Think George Jones and Charley Rich style hair).

Their reputation apparently has enough critical mass from the 60s and 70s to perdure through today where someone is paying Earl Roach a license fee (or maybe his son(?), Mike Roach). Though I wonder who goes in there now. The only reason to keep the name is to attract 80-year old fossils. They still have no website, e.g. Here is all I could find online about them:

(she must have been the “hot stuff” stylist for Mr. Roach. Claims she was Schoemehl’s personal stylist):
http://bit.ly/2iJ1wV

(This must be Earl’s son:)
http://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeroach02

Earl’s was on the north side of Maryland at Topton Way, where the Bettendorf’s/Schnucks/Wild Oats all used to be.

*perhaps you and Joe Finn, our local hair experts?

By: Spencer Marquart

Spencer Marquart — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 14:17:30 +0000

Great piece, Toby! I actually worked in that building back in the early 90′s when I moved here from the Washington (MO) area. A company called “Inkwell Printing”. I enjoyed working in Clayton as it was all new to me back then. I remember thinking it was a cool building and always drive by when I’m in Clayton (which is rare these days) and I would hate to see it go by the way of some ugly new office buildings. Let’s hope not! You do great work Toby!!