Introduction to Cleveland’s Historic Homes
Cleveland, Ohio, is a city with a rich architectural heritage, featuring a wide range of styles, including Beaux-Arts, Victorian Italianate, and midcentury modern. For those looking to explore and invest in these historic homes, a budget of $500,000 can offer a plethora of options, especially when coupled with an eye for character and a willingness to renovate.
The Appeal of Historic Homes
Growing up in Paris, Ohio, Will Riddle dreamed of fashion and design. But he knew that in order to break into the industry, he’d have to leave home for a distant big city. That’s because his hometown was not Paris, France, but Paris, Ohio, population 5,600. Mr. Riddle got his first taste of urban life when he studied fashion design at Kent State University, about 20 minutes from the midsized Ohio city of Akron. After graduation, he moved straight to New York, landing in a series of cramped Brooklyn rental apartments and high-wattage fashion jobs at 3.1 Phillip Lim, Oscar de la Renta, and the streetwear brand Kith.
Returning Home
“New York was obviously where I had to go,” said Mr. Riddle, 37. “There’s no other place.” So he was surprised when he started to feel pulled back to home. The stress of the rat race didn’t help. Ten years after moving to New York City, he began researching what kinds of fashion and design jobs might exist in Ohio, closer to his family and the comforts of home. An answer came in the form of Arhaus, the high-end furniture retailer that was not only headquartered just outside of Akron but also recruiting in New York City. In July 2022, Mr. Riddle moved back home, living first at his parents’ house, which was an hour from Arhaus’s headquarters. That October, he bought a 1923 Tudor house in Akron and began dating an old acquaintance, Ed Stockhausen.
Combining Forces
Mr. Stockhausen, a Cleveland native, had spent eight years in Columbus, Ohio, as a lobbyist and public policy advocate. But as his parents got older, he too had felt compelled to return home. “I wanted to have more good years with them as they were aging,” said Mr. Stockhausen, 40. Now he owned his own piece of historic real estate — an American Foursquare house in Cleveland’s Detroit Shoreway neighborhood, near downtown. In 2024, after two years of commuting between their two houses, the couple were ready to move in together. If they both sold their homes, they could pay up to about $500,000 for a new house, with more left over for renovations.
Choosing Cleveland
They chose Cleveland over Akron both for the proximity to Mr. Stockhausen’s family and for the community they’d already cultivated. “We have a lot of friends here,” Mr. Stockhausen said. “There was something very appealing about staying close to that.” They wanted a home that represented the rich architectural heritage of Cleveland, which spans Beaux-Arts, Victorian Italianate, and midcentury modern, among other styles. “I felt very strongly about not living in a new build, or a Ryan home, or some cul-de-sac cookie-cutter kind of thing,” Mr. Riddle said. The home they chose would have history and character. Both men had done significant renovations on their own houses and were not afraid of buying a property that needed work. Ample room to entertain and host overnight guests, as well as a yard for their two dogs, Franklin and Rockefeller, were also essential.
Conclusion
For Will Riddle and Ed Stockhausen, finding the perfect historic home in Cleveland within their budget of $500,000 was a journey that required patience, an eye for character, and a willingness to take on renovation projects. Their story highlights the appeal of Cleveland’s historic homes and the potential for finding unique, character-filled properties in the city. With careful consideration and the right budget, individuals can uncover hidden gems that not only reflect the city’s rich architectural heritage but also meet their needs for space, community, and a connection to the past.
FAQs
- Q: What is the architectural style of the homes in Cleveland?
A: Cleveland features a wide range of architectural styles, including Beaux-Arts, Victorian Italianate, and midcentury modern. - Q: What was the budget for the home purchase?
A: The couple had a budget of up to $500,000 for the new house, with additional funds available for renovations. - Q: Why did the couple choose Cleveland over Akron?
A: They chose Cleveland for its proximity to Mr. Stockhausen’s family and the community they had already cultivated in the city. - Q: What were the couple’s requirements for their new home?
A: They sought a home with history and character, ample room to entertain, space for overnight guests, and a yard for their dogs. - Q: Did the couple have experience with renovations?
A: Yes, both Mr. Riddle and Mr. Stockhausen had previously done significant renovations on their own homes and were not deterred by the prospect of buying a property that needed work.
