University to Close Bannister House as Dining Operation

For the past several years, Bannister House has provided dining service to the administration, faculty, staff and alumni. The House has also been rented out for meetings, receptions and other social engagements.

As the University seeks to improve its operating efficiency, a decision was made to close Bannister House dining operation at 3824 Lindell Boulevard effective Aug. 22, 2016. Keeping the venue open for dining is no longer economically viable.

The Bannister House has an interesting history. It was built in 1889 as the private home of millionaire Edgar Ames and his wife Lucy V. Semple Ames, the daughter of U.S. Senator James Semple. After her husband’s death, Mrs. Ames, known as the “Queen of St. Louis Society,” took over management of the family’s business dealings. She became a successful businesswoman and outspoken suffragette, advocating for women’s education and women’s rights.

After Mrs. Ames’ death, the house was bought and sold several times. It was owned by Stock Florist and then Gerald Deppe, who had his advertising offices in the basement of the house. Eventually it was owned by Pi Delta Theta fraternity. The University purchased it in 1997 and transformed it into Bannister House.

At this time, there has been no decision on the future use of this building.