30-36 West Broughton Street is part of the “Lyons Block” constructed by, John Lyons, a popular grocer, in 1878. In 1882 it became the first building in Savannah that was illuminated by the steam force bulb. From 1878-1930’s, The Lyons Block was the mixed-use commercial center of Broughton Street. It served as a grocery, investments and dentist’s offices, as well as Lyons Hall, on the third floor, a meeting place for social organizations.
Drastically altered and modernized in the 1950’s, underneath the storefront façade this building retained a majority of its original fabric. Now returned to its original Italianate elegance, it has helped to restore the visual link between Broughton Street and other nearby commercial areas.
After Marley Management purchased the building, demolition of stucco and brick revealed its cast-iron columns, metal cornice, decorative cast window headers and sills. The original storefront was reinstated based on historic photographs, original windows, and an original door used as a proto-type for other doors. On the interior, faux grained wainscoting, tin ceilings, hexagonal tiles, wood floors, and original stencil work at the cornice line, plasterwork both flat and ornamental, iron fireplace surrounds, light well between buildings opened were exposed and restored.