W
ill Riddle grew up in Paris, Ohio, not Paris, France, and dreamed of fashion. He studied design at Kent State, then moved to New York, living in cramped Brooklyn apartments while working for 3.1 Phillip Lim, Oscar de la Renta, and Kith. After a decade in the city, the relentless pace pushed him to look for opportunities closer to home. He found a role at Arhaus, a high‑end furniture retailer headquartered near Akron, and in July 2022 he returned to Ohio, first staying with his parents and then buying a 1923 Tudor house in Akron. There he met Ed Stockhausen, a Cleveland native who had spent eight years lobbying in Columbus but also wanted to be near aging parents.
Stockhausen owned an American Foursquare in Cleveland’s Detroit Shoreway and, after two years of commuting, the couple decided to settle together. They could afford up to $500,000 for a new home, with extra for renovations. Cleveland offered proximity to Stockhausen’s family and a community they already loved. Both men had renovated their own houses and preferred a property with history over a new build. They also needed space for their dogs, Franklin and Rockefeller.
They toured three historic options:
1. A 1893 Victorian in Ohio City: four bedrooms, two baths, 2,900 sq ft, $450,000, taxes $11,233. The house had been split into rental units, original wood floors were warped, and single‑pane windows were cracked. It was within budget but required extensive work.
2. An 1874 Victorian next door: three bedrooms, two baths, 3,265 sq ft, $539,000, taxes $9,700. It featured stained‑glass windows, a wood‑paneled library, a grand staircase, and salvaged cabinetry. Better condition than the first, but over budget.
3. A 1920 Glenville home: four bedrooms, three baths, 4,000 sq ft, $389,900, taxes $1,685. The house had a modern renovation with clean lines, open‑air porch, and a spacious backyard that needed new grass. It offered the historic charm Riddle desired and the space for entertaining.
They chose the Glenville house, combining affordability, historic character, and ample room for their lifestyle.
