Dating from the mid-1890s, this two-story commercial building was, for 25 years, the address of Townes Funeral Home and Crematory. Townes is Danville’s oldest such establishment, dating from 1892 when it began next door—at 533-35 Main—before relocating to 531 Main. In 1922, the business moved to 622 Main Street and in the 1960s to the current location at 215 West Main Street.

Following the departure of Townes, the storefront was leased to Barker’s Shoe Store. Through the Depression and World War II, the Budget Dress Shop was located here. Thereafter for the next 50 years, jewelry shops operated here, most recently the Jewel Box.

From the time of its construction at the end of the 19th century until 1980, the property was owned and administered by heirs of one of Danville’s early physicians, Thomas D. Stokes. In 2006, Fredericksburg-resident Alice Parvin purchased this modest storefront with an eye to bringing back its potential. Following a thorough rehab using historic tax credits, the space first attracted a bicycle shop. After that successful enterprise moved nearer the Riverwalk in the Tobacco Warehouse District, the space attracted artist Jeffrey Seiden and his business partner and brother-in-law, Jason Liepe. They opened Dan River Art Works (DRAW). The lively DRAW fulfills their vision of a cooperative studio gallery where artist can work and sell their art.