Awaken History: The Duane Block—Lorain, Ohio

The Duane Building sits at 401 Broadway Avenue in the heart of our downtown. It is on the National Register of Historic Places and is styled using Renaissance Revival architecture.

The Duane Building in 1907—401 Broadway, Lorain, Ohio

photo courtesy of Lorain Historical Society

Built in 1906 for both commercial and residential use by architect, Hamilton E. Ford, it received its name after Duane Avenue—better known by us today as West Fourth Street.

Its elaborate architectural design reflected the economic power and optimism of downtown Lorain and the general economy of the city just after the turn of the 20th century.

On the main level, the Metzger & Robinson Dry Goods & Clothing Store served the public from 1906 to 1929. Following them was Hageman Shoe Company and Bond Clothing. The top two floors served as an apartment complex.

In 2002, a major fire broke out, destroying parts of the second floor, but the sandstone block foundation and major structural components were mostly unharmed.

Thanks to a public-private partnership involving a $2 million renovation, the building was restored, and much of the original architectural features were brought back to life.

The building re-opened to the public in 2004, and now houses new businesses and apartments contributing to the renaissance happening in our downtown.

To learn more information, please visit the Lorain Historical Society online by visiting lorainhistory.org.

The Duane Building—401 Broadway, Lorain, Ohio

photo by Jen Navarro