History
The heart of our DownTowne Living portfolio is The Lofts at Shillito Place.
The John Shillito Co. began as a dry-goods store in 1830. Shillito’s outgrew their building on Fourth Street, and in 1878 moved to a spacious emporium, “the dry goods palace of the world,” at Seventh and Race streets. The enormous store, designed by James W. McLaughlin, featured an atrium with a large octagonal skylight and a grand wrought-iron staircase. The building was renovated in an art deco style in 1937.
Shillito’s was purchased by the F. & R. Lazarus Co. in 1928, briefly merged with Dayton-based Rike’s in 1982, and then became Lazarus in 1986. The landmark Shillito’s building closed in 1997 when Lazarus moved to Fountain Place, and is now used as the Shillito Lofts. Shillito’s is fondly remembered for their Christmas window displays featuring the Shillito elves.
In 1998 Towne Properties stepped in to redevelop the historic building into luxury market rate apartments. Although we've updated the inside, many special historic features remain. The elevators display the original departments on each floor, and the magnificent skylight uncovered during our renovation was carefully restored and the ceiling painted by hand.
Now, the DownTowne Living collection includes 5 buildings, each with their own appeal and charm. Enjoy historic or modern living in studio to 3 bedroom units with an amazing amenity package.
