Storm Damage Roof Replacement in a St. Louis Historic District: Gillespie Village Apartments Case Study

St. Louis Residential Roofing recently completed a full roof, gutter, and vent replacement at Gillespie Village Apartments in The Ville, a designated Local Historic District in downtown St. Louis. The property sustained a combination of hail damage and significant wind damage from a tornado, resulting in a full roof system compromise. Because of The Ville’s historic district status, the project required strict adherence to city design guidelines, including an approved shingle color that preserved the visual character of the neighborhood.

About the Project

Gillespie Village Apartments is located in The Ville, one of St. Louis’s most historically significant neighborhoods and a designated Local Historic District. The area was heavily impacted by recent storms, and this property was among those that required urgent attention following a tornado event that caused both wind and hail damage across multiple building systems.

Storm Damage Assessment

The property sustained a combination of hail damage and significant wind damage from the tornado. Our inspection identified damage across multiple systems:

• Exposed roof decking
• Bent and broken vents
• Full roof system compromise
• Damage to the gutter system

Because of the extent and severity of the damage across all these systems, the project required a full replacement rather than spot repairs.

The Challenge: Roofing in a St. Louis Local Historic District

What made this project distinct from a standard storm damage roof replacement was The Ville’s status as a designated Local Historic District. In St. Louis, properties within a Local Historic District are subject to strict city design guidelines that govern exterior changes, including roofing. This means that not just any shingle color or style can be installed. The replacement had to preserve the visual character of the historic streetscape and receive approval under the district’s design standards.

The shingle color selection was critical. Rather than standing out against the surrounding historic buildings, the new roofing needed to blend into the neighborhood’s existing architecture and palette.

The Solution: CertainTeed Landmark Shingles in Burnt Sienna

To meet both the functional requirements of a full storm damage replacement and the aesthetic requirements of the historic district, we selected CertainTeed Landmark shingles in Burnt Sienna. This color was chosen specifically to complement the existing architectural character of The Ville and satisfy the city’s design guidelines for the Local Historic District. CertainTeed Landmark is a high-quality architectural shingle that provides long-term durability and a dimensional appearance appropriate for the building’s historic context.

Full Project Scope

This was a comprehensive storm restoration project, not a simple shingle swap. The full scope of work included:

• Full roof tear-off and replacement with CertainTeed Landmark shingles in Burnt Sienna
• Complete gutter system replacement
• Replacement of all bent and broken roof vents
• Repair of exposed roof decking
• Historic district design guideline compliance throughout

Why This Project Matters for St. Louis Homeowners

This project illustrates an important reality for St. Louis property owners in historic neighborhoods: storm damage roof replacement is not always a straightforward insurance and installation process. If your property is located in a Local Historic District, the city has design authority over your exterior materials and colors, even when the work is driven by storm damage and an insurance claim. Working with a contractor who understands both the technical scope of storm restoration and the compliance requirements of historic districts is essential.

St. Louis Residential Roofing is licensed in Missouri and Illinois and experienced in navigating local permitting and design requirements across the metro area, including historic districts. 

If your home or property has sustained storm or hail damage, contact us for a free roof inspection. Missouri: 314-248-3544. Illinois: 618-312-6677.