Can you imagine what it would be like to step back in time and witness the bustling energy of a vibrant community? Right here, in front of us, stands the Ella Lewis Store and Rental Houses, a testament to the spirit of entrepreneurship and resilience that thrived in Independence Heights in the early 20th century. The Ella Lewis Store and Rental Houses, listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1997, is a collection of three buildings representing a time when this neighborhood was a thriving hub of African American businesses. Built around 1920, the Ella Lewis Store and Rental Houses, included a two-story General Store, which was the heart of Ms. Lewis’ business ventures. The store, with its imposing gable roof and horizontal siding, stood as a landmark in the neighborhood, offering a wide array of goods and services to the local community. To the south of the store, two one-story rental houses were added, representing just two of a row of four rental properties that Ms. Lewis owned along the street. These modest houses were a reflection of the housing needs of the neighborhood’s residents. Ella Lewis was not just a business owner, but a pillar of her community, and her story resonates through these structures, showing the importance of independent, Black-owned businesses in shaping the landscape of Independence Heights. The Ella Lewis Store and Rental Houses, once a vibrant corner of a thriving community, remind us that even seemingly simple structures can hold a rich history, providing a window into the past and inspiring generations to come.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to