A business card from the firm of Friedman & Loveman of Atlanta, Georgia, ca. 1870.

In 1879, the company moved into a two-story store on the west side of Market Street. In 1884 they purchased property at the southeast corner of Eighth and Market Streets, in what was described as “the most important single real estate transaction that had taken place” in Chattanooga up until that time.  Building commenced in 1885, and the city's first department store was constructed. It would become Chattanooga's largest department store, and remain so for just over a hundred years.

In December, 1890 the building was destroyed by fire, and the business suffered accordingly. David even declared bankruptcy, but business did not cease. Eventually the company regained its footing and prospered, and by 1917, it employed 300 people.

Market Street, Chattanooga, ca. 1909. Loveman's is visible on the right side of the street, in the foreground. Click to enlarge.

Loveman’s served the city of Chattanooga for most of the 20th century. It expanded and eventually became a five-store chain, including  Loveman's at the Eastgate Mall, which was established in 1965. In 1986, however, the chain, which had acquired considerable debt, was bought by Proffit's. By 1995, it had closed. Most recently, the building has been converted to luxury condominiums.