It is also a prominent building in the Historic Retail District Felix Street Corridor in the master plan for St. Joseph Designed by Walter Boschen the five-story building is now used for apartments.
The store was founded in 1866 by John Townsend, who was born in Illinois, started his career as a clerk in the store of John and Isaac Curd on Main street.
The first store was at 403 Felix street under the firm name of Townsend & Lowell.
After Lowell retired in 1868 the store under the new name Townsend & Wood moved to 319 Felix street.
In 1890 it joined with Emery Dry Goods Co. under the name of Townsend, Wyatt & Emery Dry Goods Co. and was at Sixth and Edmond before being destroyed by fire in September, 1893.