Stewart's Department Store, historic department store in Baltimore, Maryland
Stewart's Department Store is a retail building at the corner of Lexington and Howard Streets in Baltimore built in 1899. The structure displays Renaissance Revival style with elaborate details including fluted columns, carved lion heads, and terra cotta caryatids across its six stories.
The building was designed by architect Charles E. Cassell in 1899 and originally named the Posner Building. Louis Stewart acquired it in 1904 and expanded it into a major retail destination that became part of Associated Dry Goods Corporation before closing as a department store in 1979.
The name Stewart's remains visible in large block letters on the building today, reflecting its importance to Baltimore's shopping culture. The interior once drew shoppers who spent entire days exploring its various departments and enjoying amenities like the Georgian Tea Room and candy counter.
The building is located at 226-232 West Lexington Street and is easily accessible on foot to view its elaborate exterior details. The ground floor currently hosts small shops and an organization, while upper floors remain closed to visitors.
In 1931 the building received one of the first modern air conditioning systems, a novel technology that made shopping more comfortable during hot summer days. This innovation helped make Stewart's a preferred destination for shoppers seeking refuge from the heat.
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