408-410 E. Commercial St - Commercial St. Historic District - Springfield, MO - NRHP Historic Districts - Contributing Buildings on Waymarking.com

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62. 408-10 East Commercial Street; constructed between 1896 and 19fl2. in the Romanesque revival style, arcading frames 408-10 East Commercial's second-story openings, underscoring the decisive roof line treatment supplied by corbelling and half-columns; the storefront is sheathed in Vitrolite.

From Missouri State University:

Between 408 and 410 East Commercial Street stands an arched doorway to the building once known as the Ollis Building. This building was erected early in the 20th Century. The lower level had lately been used for a variety of purposes while the upper level has never been renovated. Richard Ollis, former owner of the Ollis Building and R.A. Ollis and Company, was a well-known businessman on Commercial Street. He was involved in real estate, insurance, and loans as well as a prominent member of the early St. John’s Episcopal Church. After his death in 1944, ownership of the company passed on to his sons. In 1920, customers enjoyed Shepard and Shupe Soft Drinks at this address. This building was home to Smith and Russel in 1925. Earl L. Smith Billiards was located here in 1930. In 1935, Morris and Jeffries Liquors was at this address. Ernest Liar Liquor was located here in 1940. Darden’s Tavern was at this address in 1946.

In 1950, Fred and Van Northside Record Store occupied the building. The building was often vacant in 1955-1959. In 1965, Springfield Washer Parts occupied the building. Goetze Niemer Company (hospital and physician supplies and equipment) occupied the building in 1970-1975. This business was owned by Marion A. Carroll. About 1980-1990, 410 and 410-1/2 were vacant. However, for a period surrounding 1985, the City Health Department used 412 for storage. At that time, the building was owned by Ronald A. Ollis. The Kitchen, Inc. acquired the building in 1988. Since that time until 1993, the building was used for The Kitchen Clinic, a GED classroom, and offices for Burrell Center and Lakes Country social workers. Funds for renovating this building according to historic guidelines were provided by Home Investment Partnership and the Community Development Block Grant through the City of Springfield, Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines along with Guaranty Federal Savings & Loan Association of Springfield, and generous contributions from Springfield citizens.

In 1993, the more historic red brick front of the second floor was still graced by arched windows with flat Corinthian-like capitals and decorative brickwork along the roofline. Inside and atop a tall staircase, the wood floor, doorways, and windows were still present. To the left remained eight small peculiar doorways about five-and-a-half feet tall with one half-doorway in the middle. In 1993, the upper-level apartments were exceptionally beautiful due to the restoration of all the original wood floors and trim. In 1994, renovation was made by the new owners, The Kitchen, Inc., who converted the interior into assisted home living facilities (transitional housing) as part of their Continuum of Care Program. The building now has eight apartments to be used as transitional housing. These apartments, like the K.I.N.D. Place, are dedicated to families needing an opportunity to rebuild their lives and regain hope.