Renovations are complete on one Airbnb unit in the historic Riddle Block 9 building, the largest commercial building in downtown Ravenna.
Owners Doug and Melissa Shelton began restoring the building just a few months ago with the help of state history organizations and Main Street Ravenna. The building houses a mix of apartments, offices and commercial spaces.
The apartment now available to rent on Airbnb is a two bedroom facing downtown Ravenna.
The Sheltons only knew of one Airbnb in Ravenna when they bought the building, and they saw a need for short-term rental spaces in the area, they told The Portager in September. At that time, the Sheltons also announced plans to renovate a large unit on the top floor of the building for the same purpose. Construction on that unit is still underway.
The new Airbnb listing shows off the freshly furnished apartment in the context of downtown Ravenna views, as well as interior shots of the building’s impressive historic atrium and staircase.
The Sheltons hope freshening up the building will bring foot traffic to the downtown area, and serve the community.
Natalie Wolford is managing editor at The Portager. A native of Randolph, she studied film in New York City and is producing a feature-length documentary about her aunt, a small-town journalist.