Constructed circa 1870, Efird’s Department Store occupied the building in 1915. Efird’s renovated and expanded the store, and remodeled the exterior in 1919, establishing the appearance it would have for the rest of its time in the space. During its tenure, Efird’s was one of the most significant stores in downtown Columbia, notable for its introduction of the one-price cash store concept to the city. As one of the earliest and most successful departments stores on Main Street, Efird’s set the tone for the downtown shopping experience that generations of Columbia shoppers experienced from the early to mid-twentieth century.