H. W. Derby Building

The H. W. Derby Building is a bank building in Cincinnati featuring Italianate architectural elements, including decorative brackets beneath the cornice and tall, narrow windows with arched lintels. The structure displays the skilled craftsmanship and economic prosperity of the late 1800s.

The structure was designed by Samuel Hannaford in the late 1800s and later recognized for its historical value. Its addition to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980 acknowledged its architectural and local significance.

H. W. Derby & Co. operated one of the largest bookstores in the western United States, specializing in law books, medical texts, and general publications. The bookstore served as an important resource for professionals and students seeking specialized literature.

The building is located in downtown Cincinnati and can be easily reached on foot. For more detailed information, visitors can contact local historic preservation offices, which provide documentation and background information.

Derby advocated for the establishment of the Ohio School Library in 1853, which gave thousands of people access to books. This personal initiative by a bookseller had lasting effects on education and reading access across the state.

Location: Ohio

Architects: Samuel Hannaford

Architectural style: Italianate architecture

GPS coordinates: 39.09930,-84.51770

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:11