Metropolitan Block (Lima, Ohio) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
|
|
Metropolitan Block
|
|
Front and side of the block
|
|
 Location in Ohio
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | 300 N. Main St., Lima, Ohio |
|---|---|
| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1890 |
| Architectural style | Romanesque Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 79001780 |
| Added to NRHP | November 29, 1979 |
The Metropolitan Block is an old and important building located on North Main Street in downtown Lima, Ohio, United States. It was built in 1890, right when Lima was experiencing a big "oil boom." This building is special because it's a great example of a style called Romanesque Revival architecture, and it has been kept in very good condition.
Cool Building Design: The Metropolitan Block
The Metropolitan Block is a tall building, with five floors. It was built in a style known as Romanesque Revival architecture, but with a Victorian twist. The building is mostly made of brick. It also has many stone decorations on the outside.
On the first floor, you can see strong cast iron parts that help support the building. The original glass windows are still there in the storefronts. Some cool details include special transom windows made of lavender-colored glass above the doors. There are also awnings made of canvas that cover the sidewalks. At the very top, you can spot small tower-like structures called turrets.
Other Buildings from Lima's Past
During the 1880s and 1890s, Lima had an "oil boom." This meant a lot of money came into the city. Because of this, many fancy buildings were built in downtown Lima. One of these was the Renz Block, which is right next to the Metropolitan Block. Many other buildings on South Main Street were also built then.
What makes the Metropolitan Block special is that it's one of the only big buildings from that time that hasn't been changed much. Other buildings, like the Elks Lodge and the Ohio Theatre, were built later. These buildings are also in downtown Lima, not far from the Metropolitan Block.
Why the Metropolitan Block is Important
In 1979, the Metropolitan Block was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This is a special list of buildings, places, and objects in the United States that are important to history. The Metropolitan Block was added because its architecture was so well-preserved.
Before the Metropolitan Block, a part of the Miami and Erie Canal and four other buildings in Lima were already on this list. One of these was the Allen County Courthouse, which is across Main Street from the Metropolitan Block.
Later, in 1982, almost twenty more buildings in Lima were added to the National Register. These buildings were part of a group called the "Lima Multiple Resource Area." This group included other important buildings like the Renz Block, the Ohio Theatre, and the Elks Lodge.
