Lima in Allen County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

The Met Block

Arts & Culture • Lima, OH

— Lima's Local History Hunt —

The Met Block Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Doda, April 25, 2026

1. The Met Block Marker

Inscription. Set to be one of Lima's most ambitious buildings at the time, the Metropolitan (Met) Block was built in 1890, standing at a striking five stories. Its Romanesque Revival style highlights the era's emphasis on grandeur and craftsmanship. Its detailed facade featuring lavender- tinted transom windows, cast-iron elements, and rich stone detailing all contribute to its legendary architectural heritage. As one of the few downtown buildings of its period to remain largely unchanged, it offers both residents and visitors a vivid window into the city's vibrant past and its aspirations for the future.

Erected 2026 by America 250-Ohio Commission. (Marker Number 8.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the America 250: Ohio Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1890.

Location. 40° 44.569′ N, 84° 6.294′ W. Marker is in Lima, Ohio, in Allen County. It is at the intersection of North Main Street and East North Street (Ohio Route 81), on the right when traveling north on North Main Street.

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Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 300 N Main St, Lima OH 45801, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Ohio’s Till Plains.

It is also in the American Midwest

and in the Corn Belt.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

and the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Allen County, Ohio (within shouting distance of this marker); The Old Bell (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named The Old Bell (within shouting distance of this marker); Allen County Courthouse (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Allen County Courthouse (within shouting distance of this marker); Allen County Veterans Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Ohio Theater (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Faurot Opera House (about 500 feet

Photographed by Craig Doda, April 25, 2026

2. The Met Block Marker

away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lima.

Also see . . .
1. Lima's Local History Hunt. (Submitted on April 26, 2026, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio.)
2. Lima's Local History Hunt. (Submitted on April 26, 2026, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio.)

The Met Block image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Doda, April 25, 2026

3. The Met Block

America 250-Ohio Commission image. Click for full size.

Photographed by America 250-Ohio Commission

4. America 250-Ohio Commission

Credits. This page was last revised on May 4, 2026. It was originally submitted on April 26, 2026, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. This page has been viewed 12 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 26, 2026, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. 4. submitted on April 30, 2026, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.