Ravenna's Riddle Block 9 renovation project gets historic preservation tax credits

Riddle Block 9, the historic landmark in downtown Ravenna being restored to its former splendor, has received another source of funding, this one from the state.

The building at 200 W. Main St. will receive $250,000 in Ohio Historic Preservation Tax Credits. Melissa Shelton, who owns the building along with her husband, Doug, said the credits, which will be issued over 5 years, can apply toward the entire $1.586 million renovation project.

More: Historic Riddle Block 9 in Ravenna to see new life with help of new owners, grant funding

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Riddle Block 9 is only the second project in Ravenna to be awarded historic tax credits. The first project was the nearby Phoenix Building.

The Sheltons purchased the 50,000-square-foot building in 2020, and set about renovating the 20 apartments and retail spaces. One of the apartments was turned into an Airbnb, which opened last year. A second larger unit, which overlooks downtown Ravenna, is expected to be complete and ready for Airbnb by fall, Shelton said.

Last year, the Ravenna project, along with projects in three other counties, was selected to share $446,327 in grant funding through the Paul Bruhn Historic Revitalization Grant, issued by the National Park Service through Main Street organizations.

The latest tax credit, Shelton said, covers the entire project, including parts of the renovation that are not covered by the Paul Bruhn grant.

Henry W. Riddle built 11 Riddle Blocks in Ravenna, 10 of which are still standing. Riddle Block 9 was built after a fire destroyed the previous structure, the Empire-Mertz Block, in March 1911.

In 2017, historian Jack Schafer led a tour of Riddle buildings in the downtown. Schafer called Riddle Block 9 “Henry’s crowning achievement,” and said it is the largest commercial building in downtown Ravenna. The building is one of four Riddle Blocks on the National Register of Historic Places. It is also listed on the national register as part of the downtown district

Riddle used some of his buildings for his carriage and hearse business, but many were used for retail and housing, including providing his employees with a place to live. Riddle Block 9 apparently housed apartments throughout its history. Historic wooden signs that bear Riddle's name are still posted on the third and fourth floors, telling tenants that they must pay their water and rent, and may not own cats or dogs.

Both upper floors in Riddle Block 9 host 10 apartments each, a mixture of two-bedroom units and efficiencies.

Shelton said the bulkhead above and below the retail storefronts is being removed to expand the windows. The tin ceiling tiles and the wooden floors have been exposed during the renovation.

An annex at the back of the structure, where restrooms were planned, will need to be rebuilt.

"It's kind of like when you're cooking a big meal," she said. "You might be making a big mess along the way, but in the end, it's beautiful."

Last month, the Sheltons were recognized with a Raven Award from the Ravenna Area Chamber of Commerce for the project.

Ryann Kuchenbecker, executive director of the Ravenna chamber, said she was glad to see that Riddle Block 9 was getting the tax credits.

"That is one of the key buildings in our downtown," she said. "Every little bit helps."

Reporter Diane Smith can be reached at 330-298-1139 or dsmith@recordpub.com. 

This article originally appeared on Record-Courier: Riddle Block 9 gets historic preservation tax credits