The Arzt House Before Restoration
May 2015
When Joy and Ron Christensen purchased this iconic Soulard (St. Louis), Missouri landmark, the exterior was only a hint of the issues Joy would encounter in her complete restoration of this historic home.
Shown here, you can see the brick block structure on the right that was once Dr. Arzt's green house conservatory. And the marble siding near the front door was bowed out.
It would take Joy and her talented crew of craftsmen (and women) eight years to bring this home back to its original 1876 glory.
DINING ROOM Before Restoration
May 2015
Joy Christensen inspects the interior of the Arzt House in 2015 before beginning her extensive restoration. Although only a portion of the home's original interior survived over 140 years of history, through dedicated research and a lot of luck, she was able to restore the home to accurately reflect the work of Dr. Franz Arzt.
STAIRWAY Before Restoration
May 2015
Where others saw blight, Joy Christensen saw faded beauty that would be restored to its original glory.
"Can you collaborate artistically with someone who lived over 100 years before you? Can you create with another human being you’ve never met personally? Joy convinced me that you can, as she has with Dr. Franz Arzt. If she had stopped to consider the cost, financially, physically and spiritually … and believe me, I begged her to consider these costs … it would have surely silenced the voice of Dr. Arzt calling her from beyond my senses." - Ron Christensen
THE ARZT CONSERVATORY BEFORE & AFTER
May 2015 / MAY 2023
With the help of photos from 1924, Joy was able to duplicate every detail of the conservatory's exterior.
Restoration expert, Eric LaVelle researched the tools and methods used in 1876 to create the rope molds and various designs.