171-191 South High Street, Commercial building in Downtown Columbus, United States
171-191 South High Street comprises two connected structures with early twentieth-century facades of blond brick and expansive plate glass windows designed for retail display. The buildings show the commercial architecture typical of that era, with wide storefronts that once drew shoppers.
The 171-177 section was part of the historic Lazarus Block, with the original Lazarus department store operating there until relocating in 1909. The remaining structures later served various retail purposes, including an early supermarket format that operated during the 1930s.
These buildings once housed major retail operations that shaped how people shopped in the area. The site reflects a period when downtown was the natural gathering place for commerce and daily needs.
The buildings are currently not accessible to visitors as they require significant structural repairs and safety work. Those interested in their history can view the facades from the street and learn about their importance in downtown development.
During the 1930s, this site hosted the first Kroger supermarket in downtown Columbus, introducing a new shopping format that transformed how people bought groceries. This was a turning point that shifted traditional retail habits.
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