Renz Block facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Renz Block
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Site of the block
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 Location in Ohio
Location in the United States
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| Location | 320 N. Main St., Lima, Ohio |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1900 |
| Architect | Charles W. Dawson |
| Architectural style | Late Victorian |
| MPS | Lima MRA |
| NRHP reference No. | 82001354 |
| Added to NRHP | October 7, 1982 |
The Renz Block was a historic commercial building. It was located in downtown Lima, Ohio, United States. This building stood on North Main Street. It was built in 1900. The style was a late version of Victorian architecture. The Renz Block had three stories. It was mostly made of brick. It also had stone details. The roof was flat and made of asphalt. The building had a fancy top part called a parapet. Its front, or facade, was also highly decorated. The windows had special double-sashed transom lights.
The Renz Bakery Story
The Renz Block got its name from baker Jacob Renz. He was the building's second owner. Jacob Renz started his bakery on North Main Street in 1887. By 1903, his business was growing fast. He needed a bigger space. So, he bought this building, which was only three years old at the time. He then moved his bakery there.
For many years, the Renz bakery was a big part of Lima's economy. It was very successful. When the company was sold in 1958, it was the largest bakery in Allen County.
Lima's Building Boom
When the Renz Block was built, Lima was experiencing a huge economic boom. This was because petroleum (oil) had just been found nearby. The city's population grew by 300% in just fifteen years. Many large buildings were being built downtown.
The Renz Block's design was very good for its time. It was even better than many other buildings from that period. In 1980, a survey called it one of the best examples of late 1800s architecture left in Lima.
Historic Recognition
Because of its important architecture, the Renz Block was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. Seventeen other downtown buildings were also listed at that time. One of these was the nearby Metropolitan Block. It was considered an even better example of late 1800s architecture.
Sadly, the Renz Block has since been torn down. Even though it is still on the National Register, a parking lot now sits where the building once stood.
