Bank Block Shopping Center

The Bank Block Shopping Center opened in 1928. It was built by Don Monroe Casto at a time when shopping habits were changing. It had been traditional to do most of your shopping at a single grocery or general store, but this cutting edge structure would allow people to go to a single center to shop multiple stores at one time. Some of the early shops included Kroger, Piggly Wiggly, and, of course, the early bank that anchored it and gave it its name as the Bank Block: First Citizens Trust. Because of its history, the Bank Block has both an Ohio Historical Marker and a placement on the National Register of Historic Places, which it joined in 1998. An additional informational window is available inside the tunnel that connects to the back parking lot.Over the years, the tenants, of course, have changed. It currently has a nice variety of shops and restaurants, and it's quite enjoyable to stroll along and check it out. Many of the businesses have small patio areas for customers to relax on too. Some favorite places to check out include: Cub Shrub (great for gifts for kids!), Lion Cub's Cookies (giant, delicious cookies with a menu that rotates weekly), and Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams (yum)! There are a lot more places to check out both within the Bank Block, as well as along the street, Grandview Ave. Well worth a visit!