Kirby House - 1844 - Boonville, MO
Posted by: 
YoSam.
N 38° 58.561 W 092° 44.483
15S E 522401 N 4314146
This structure is # 75 on the NRHP List. The house was built as a residence, became a church, now a residence again.
Waymark Code: WM1590P
Location: Missouri, United States
Date Posted: 11/11/2021
Views: 0
County of house: Cooper County
Location of house: Spring St., E. of 6th St., N. side, Boonville
Built: 1844
Architect: William W, Adams
Architectural Style: Federal
Original Occupant: William W. Adams
Current Occupant: Gene and Dorothy Kirby
"75. Kirby Residence, 617 Spring Street, 1844. Built in the Federal style,
the two-story brick residence has a gable roof and several additions to
the rear. It sits close to the street and is in the process of being
restored." ~ NRHP Nomination Form
"Built: 1844
Style/Design: Federal
The primary facade (S) has an entrance with a 4 light transom and flanking pilasters and sidelights. It sits on a raised basement and is reached by a brick and concrete stoop with
steps to the E & W. The roof line is accented by a wide frame frieze, end chimneys, and gable end parapets. The original ell extends to the NW bay and has a large end chimney. Windows repeat the 6/6 and soldier course, flat arch lintels of the primary facade. To the E, steps lead up the embankment to an entrance of the hip roofed ell addition
extending to the NE bay, This 2 room brick wing was added c. 1920. In the 1950's
additions and alterations were made to accommodate the church. The 2 back ells were
connected by a flat roof and enclosed to form a large hall and bathrooms. The front
hall and stairway were removed and the upstairs rooms were sealed off. Fortunately
the stairway was saved. The interior features 7 original fireplaces, original doors
and hardware, and the restored central hall with original stair and walnut balustrade.
Structurally the building is sound and is in the process of being restored. The
structure which was once endangered from the neglect of its previous owners is now
being returned to its original elegance.
"Built by William W. Adams in 1844, the structure is both architecturally and historically significant. It is a fine example of Federal period architecture in the Boonslick area. It served as the home of the Christian Science Church for over 50 years. (1923-77)
"The structure faces S onto Main St. alleys are to the W & N. This house is located in a residential area, just 1½ blocks from the main intersection in Boonville. It was built next to the sidewalk, Two homes of the same period are across the street. Just across the alley at the rear of the residence is the old town jail (1878)." ~ Boonville Historic Survey PDF pages 2811-2815