Riddle Block 11
Welcome to Riddle Block 11!
This block is located on the corner of E Main and S Prospect at 135 E Main St in Ravenna, Ohio. This building is home to Ravenna Nutrition, the Ravenna Chamber of Commerce, The Pioneer Group, Vince's Barber Shop, Beautiful You by Denise, and ten apartment units.
Background
Riddle Block 11 was built in 1914 by P.L. Frank, a prominent local builder. Frank was married into the Riddle family. Riddle and Frank used European architecture to help construct this building. Block 11 was the last to be constructed by Riddle. Block 11 features a central pediment and a giant skylight in the center of the structure.
Original Use and Tenants
Immigrant laborers lived in the apartments until they could afford houses. The C. M. Waller Hardware Company, Leona Whisler Dance Studio, several attorney offices, Caris Grocery, and a few optometrists all filled the block. The Riddles made the upper floors residential to ensure that buildings would not be left vacant in the event of an economic downturn.
Current Owner
Eric Hummel bought this Riddle Block around 1997. There has been no big changes to the building structure, but Hummel has fixed up the commercial spaces and remodeled some apartments in 2014.
Sources
https://www.emporis.com/buildings/1479002/riddle-block-no-11-ravenna-oh-usa
https://npgallery.nps.gov/GetAsset/899e24bf-8f6c-4381-a36b-5e7cc0d6618f
1927 - 1928 Portage County Directory
1936 - 1937 Ravenna - Kent Directory
Special thank you to Eric Hummel for meeting with us personally!