531 S. Main St., Contributing 1911 Two-Part Commercial Block
Ths three-story building, located on a comer lot, has two primary elevations. The west elevation is three bays wide and the south elevation is seven bays wide. The bays are symmetrical and defined by the square brick columns and further underscored by the pendants that drop down from the pressed metal cornice above. The historic storefront and display window openings of the first story are intact with new storefront systems set within the original openings. The original large window openings are intact and contain EIFS panels over the historic wood window frames. Character defining features include the deep pressed metal cornice, the stone windowsills, and the dressed stone belt course between the first and second stories. Although the EIFS panels impact its integrity, the building continues to convey its fenestration and symmetrical rhythm. Though not currently individually eligible, it clearly communicates a sense of past time and place and contributes to the significance of the District.
Ramsey's Dry Goods Building. One of the three most popular department stores in Joplin (the others being Chnstman's and Newman's), Ramsay's Dry Goods Company opened in 1911. This building replaced two earlier, 1890s buildings (a bank and a wholesale grocery building). The 1954 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map shows the Ramsey Dry Goods Company at this location, and with passages cut between this building and its neighbor to the north (525-527 S. Main), the company occupied both buildings. The stucco panels within each window opening were added in the 1980s.
The building appears to be very good condition though it's current use is not apparent.