A St. Louis staple for more than 2 decades, SqWires is a handsome redesign of a 19th century brick structure, part of a Victorian-era factory complex. The former Western Wire manufacturing buildings, located on an entire city block in historic Lafayette Square originally housed the American Bed Factory. In 2001 the complex was totally renovated and converted to house SqWires Restaurant plus 80 business and residential lofts.
SqWires proprietor Bethany Budde-Cohen chose its name from its location in the Square and in the Western Wire factory.
Lafayette Square is St. Louis’ oldest historic district. Nearly 400 Victorian-era homes have been restored on the streets surrounding the stunning 30-acre Lafayette Park – the oldest park west of the Mississippi. In the late 19th century, Lafayette Square was St. Louis’ premier neighborhood; home to Lincoln’s Postmaster General, St. Louis Mayors, captains of industry and the city’s leading families.
Today Lafayette Square’s charm and vitality has once again caught the fancy of city dwellers and creative businesses and retailers. The neighborhood welcomes visitors and hosts a house tour in December, the Tour d’Lafayette bicycle races on Labor Day weekend and free concerts in the park throughout the summer.
