The large building at 602 Francis, St Joseph MO, was built in 1918 as a Department Store where Townsend Wyatt and Wall occupied the building until 1983.
Townsend Wyatt and Wall was the lead department store in Downtown St. Joseph, carrying up-scaled clothing, furniture, small appliances and more.
Residents recall the luncheon counter where shoppers and visitors came for a quick lunch and a fountain coke.
The 3rd floor was the mezzanine where shoppers could sit, rest and watch others shopping. The basement was called the bargain basement where shoppers could save money while still shopping at Townsend Wyatt and Wall.
After the doors closed the building remained empty for many years, occasionally being rented for storage.
In the late 1990's the building was purchased by Jeff Smith & Company.
This was the first residential rehab project that took place in the Downtown St. Joseph area. The Townsend building was converted into 46 residential apartments opening in 2003.
Today, Jeff Smith & Co. still owns and operates the residential apartment building along with additional properties in St. Joseph.
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If your looking for a home in the St Joseph Mo area, you can visit my
St Joseph Real Estate website at www.donareynolds.com
What a beautiful building Dona! I bet the owners did a great job rehabilitating the inside. And it is great to hear they still own the building as well.
Hi Terrie,
Great to see you! Have your kids started back to school yet in Nevada? The Townsend building has made great loft apartments! It sat vacant for so long, nice to know that life has been restored rather than deteriorate. How is your boxer puppy doing?