The locally landmarked Downtown Batavia Historic District preserves the architectural and cultural heritage of the city, reflecting Batavia’s evolution from a river town into a center of industry, energy, and transportation. Within downtown, several original commercial structures have been preserved, including George Burton's Grocery Store (141 S. Batavia Avenue), Johnson’s Drug Store (117 S. Batavia Avenue), and the Oscar and John Anderson Building (4 N. Batavia Avenue). Alongside these early storefronts, the downtown also tells the story of Batavia's industrial legacy as a regional center for transportation, energy, and industry. In addition to the district's rich history, one of the most defining characteristics is the extensive use of Batavia limestone. First quarried in 1834 by Colonel Joseph Lyon, the limestone industry grew significantly when Zerez Reynolds opened the first commercial quarry in 1842. By 1860, at least ten quarries were in operation, providing stone for use in Batavia and the surrounding region.