The Keyhole House Project
In the Soulard neighborhood of St. Louis, Missouri, there is no home quite like the Keyhole House. Built in 1890 by brick mason Michael Reinigel, this Victorian landmark was designed as a showcase of his craft, featuring 43 styles of brick and terracotta woven into its structure. Over the years, it served as a boarding school, apartments, and even a brothel before falling into disrepair. By the 1960s, the once-grand home sat abandoned. (YouTube Tour, stlouis.style).
When the new owners began restoring the property in 1997, they set out to preserve every detail, even adding a 23-carat gold leaf cornice to the façade. When it came time for exterior painting and protection, they wanted a St. Louis, Missouri painting company with expertise in historic preservation. They were referred to Kennedy Painting by Edele & Mertz Hardware, a trusted neighborhood resource in Soulard.
Preparation and Care
Our team of professional painters in St. Louis, Missouri approached this historic exterior painting project with the same dedication and attention to detail we bring to every job. The crew carefully scraped, sanded, caulked, and spot-primed each surface where bare wood was exposed. Even the small details mattered, our painters removed the metal grates on the side and rear doors, painted behind them, and then reinstalled them to ensure a complete, lasting finish.
Because of the home’s height and ornate features, safety was a top priority. A 60–65 foot lift allowed our painters to securely access the upper cornices and dormers without compromising the quality of the work. With every step, the goal remained the same: preserve the Keyhole House’s architectural character while providing a durable paint finish designed to withstand Missouri’s changing weather for years to come.
The Color Story
Every surface was finished with two coats of Sherwin-Williams Duration for lasting protection. The color placement matched the home’s existing layout, with slight refinements to the red entry door that now complements the palette even more beautifully.
The color palette for the Keyhole House was thoughtfully developed with the help of Maggie Ventura of Ventura Color, a designer and paint color consultant specializing in historic and Victorian homes. Maggie met with the homeowner to carefully craft a color schedule that honored the home’s history while bringing out its architectural beauty. She also provided the stunning after-photos that capture the finished project in its best light.
The homeowners chose a palette that both honors the past and refreshes the details with depth and richness. Each section of the house tells its own part of the story:
- Cascades SW 7623: Windows, transoms, window eyebrows, main entry door, basement windows and doors, garage man door, and garage windows.
- Palm Leaf SW 7735: Main window trim, entry paneling, downspouts, carriage house soffit and fascia, and main paneling on garage doors.
- Sheraton Sage SW 0014: Accent trim, window brackets, corbels, main entry trim, and outer garage door surrounds.
- Roycroft Copper Red SW 2839: Accents in the entry and the garage door color, with subtle adjustments made to the existing red on the front door for a more cohesive look.
Together, these shades highlight the home’s intricate architecture, from the soaring cornices to the carriage house, while ensuring every detail has a thoughtful finish.
The Finished Look
Once complete, the Keyhole House once again reflected its timeless elegance. Cascades provided crisp contrast at the windows, Palm Leaf enriched the trim with natural depth, Sheraton Sage highlighted brackets and corbels, and Roycroft Copper Red created a striking focal point at the entry.
For Kennedy Painting, this was more than an exterior painting project. It was an opportunity to contribute to the legacy of one of St. Louis, Missouri’s most historic homes. Our team of professional painters combined historic preservation techniques with modern protection, ensuring the Keyhole House continues to shine as an icon of Soulard for decades to come.
Looking for professional painters in St. Louis, Missouri who specialize in historic home painting, Victorian exterior painting, and detailed restoration work? Kennedy Painting has the expertise to protect and beautify your home with premium products and proven craftsmanship.
Proudly serving Soulard, St. Louis, Missouri, St. Louis County, and surrounding communities since 1998.
