Alms and Doepke Dry Goods Company

The Alms and Doepke Dry Goods Company is a multi-story structure with brick walls, stone foundation, and a slate roof decorated with numerous dormers characteristic of Victorian commercial design. The building displays the sturdy, detailed craftsmanship typical of late 19th-century retail architecture in the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood.

Architect Samuel Hannaford designed this structure in 1878, and it underwent multiple expansion phases in 1886, 1890, and 1906 to accommodate the growing business. These repeated additions show how rapidly the retail operation expanded to meet rising demand.

The building takes its name from a major department store that once served as a shopping destination for the entire region. Today you can see in its architecture how central this place was to local commerce.

Access is limited because the building is currently used by Hamilton County government for its Job and Family Services office. Visitors should inquire beforehand whether tours are available or if only the exterior facade can be viewed from the street.

With about 800 workers by 1891, this company was one of the largest employers in the region and significantly shaped local economic life. This large workforce made the building a landmark for commerce and industry in Cincinnati.

Location: Cincinnati

Inception: 1878

Architects: Samuel Hannaford

Architectural style: Victorian architecture

Part of: Over-the-Rhine Historic District

Address: 222 East Central Parkway

GPS coordinates: 39.10806,-84.51028

Latest update: December 14, 2025 09:43