Mott Drug Store
Also known as: Lee and Son Drug Store; Lee and Mott Drug Store
Why it's listed
Located on a prominent corner lot in the center of Garrettsville, this two-story commercial building has a simple rectangular plan, a low front-gable roof with a pediment, clapboard siding and a cut sandstone foundation. Its timber frame includes original log beams with the bark still on in the basement. The corner entry has sidelights and a transom, and the multi-light double-hung windows reflect Greek Revival design. It began as a dry goods store in 1844 and later sold clothing and pharmaceuticals. Dr. Eben B. Lee opened a drug store there in 1862, and Frank F. Mott joined him as partner in 1878 and took sole ownership in 1896. Mott owned it until his death in 1932. He served on the village council, as mayor from 1890 to 1891, and in Republican party roles. The building is one of two Greek Revival commercial buildings downtown and the only one left largely unaltered. Today it houses a local historical society.
Significance in brief: The nomination argues it is architecturally significant as one of only two Greek Revival commercial buildings in downtown Garrettsville, and the only one not seriously altered. It is also tied to Frank F. Mott, a prominent local figure who owned the drug store from 1896 until his death in 1932.
Machine-generated summary. This summary was generated by a language model from the official nomination document and has not been reviewed line by line by an editor. It may contain errors. Check the source document before relying on any detail. Source: nomination document (PDF) · National Archives catalog entry. NRHP reference 96000221, listed February 29, 1996. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence high).
Key facts
| Address | 8107 Main St., Garrattsville |
|---|---|
| County | Portage County |
| Listed | February 29, 1996 |
| Reference number | 96000221 |
| Resource type | Building |
| Period of significance | 1844-1932 |
| Architectural style | Mid 19th Century/Greek Revival |
| Criteria |
|
| Areas of significance | Architecture, Commerce |
| Level of significance | Local |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Described as in excellent condition. The first floor is now used as a meeting hall and the second floor as a gallery, office, exhibit room and library for a historical society. |
| Acreage | 0.9 |
| Coordinates | 41.28517, -81.09786 (NPS GIS) |
What listing means for this property
For an income-producing building, listing (individually or as a contributing building in a district) is the gateway to the 20% federal rehabilitation tax credit on qualified rehabilitation costs, often stackable with state credits. Work claiming the credit must follow the Secretary of the Interior's Standards and be approved in advance.
Listing does not restrict a private owner acting without federal money or permits; where federal funding or licensing is involved, Section 106 review applies.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm with your State Historic Preservation Office or a qualified adviser.
Sources and further reading
- National Park Service, National Register of Historic Places database (snapshot May 2026), reference 96000221.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikidata Q138648797
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.