Henry Riddle began building Downtown Ravenna in 1850 using his 11 iconic “Riddle Blocks," four of which are locally designated on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Durable Restoration Company worked diligently to restore the most notable of these landmarks, Riddle Block #1, to its original 1889 glory, focusing on the meticulous removal and replacement of the structure’s slate roof using original-matching materials. We replaced the roof using 16” x 9” Grayson slate sourced from Virginia. Additionally, most of the flashings were restored using painted galvanized steel to match the original materials. However, the flashings in areas prone to high ice and water exposure were upgraded to copper per the architect’s instructions.
Durable Restoration's high standards of craftsmanship and precise technique will ensure that this architectural gem of Ravenna stands for generations to come.
