STE. GENEVIEVE – The Foundation for Restoration of Ste. Genevieve hosted its fourth annual Living in Ste. Genevieve House Tour, held annually on the third Saturday in March. This year’s tour was focused on transformation and adaptation. Homeowners discussed recent renovations of their homes with over 80 ticket holders. Some have undertaken major renovation projects, completely transforming the homes for their next chapters. Others have consisted of modernization and a focus on design.
Tour goers got a sneak peek at the new French Sisters Bistro, located in the rear of Two Rivers Gallery.
The tour check in was hosted by Two Rivers Gallery at 73 N. Main Street. The gallery has seen several different businesses in modern times but was originally built in 1848 as a German bakery. After touring the gallery, ticket holders were treated to an early glimpse of the French Sisters Bistro, a soon to be opened wine bar in the back half of the building.
The second stop was right next door. The Dr. Hertich House, which now operates as a heritage hotel, was used as a family residence and physician’s office when originally constructed. Owner Dr. Sandra Hoffmann conducted tours of the lovingly restored home.
Those who ventured into the basement of the Anton Klemmer building saw remnants of an old cistern, brick floors and a large fireplace among the relics.
Foundation board member Mark Buchheit showed off the upper floor and the unique basement of the Anton Klemmer building at 103 N. Main Street next. He also provided historical information on this circa 1849 I-house.
Homeowner Mandy Wright talks about the complete transformation of the second floor of her home, the historic Otte Cleaners Building.
The last stop on North Main Street was the historic “Otte Cleaners Building” owned by Josh and Mandy Wright. The Wrights renovated the first floor two years ago to house their businesses and then remodeled the second floor, turning three separate apartments into one cohesive living space.
Moving up Jefferson Street, Brad Fisher showed off recent major renovations to the 1930 home that was previously a rental house that had fallen into disrepair. He completed a 350 square foot addition, built a large wooden deck and restored and replaced flooring in addition to all new HVAC, plumbing and electrical.
The final stop on the tour, a 1915 Queen Anne home on Third Street, was built by Joseph and Jenny Vorst. The home stayed in the Vorst family for many years until it was purchased by Ann Coulson, who showed off her home and discussed the remodel.
The 2026 Living in Ste. Genevieve House Tour was generously sponsored