Historic Hankey Block in Bowling Green Reflects Diverse Commercial and Insurance Heritage

The Hankey Block, also known as the Case Block and currently housing Beckett's Burger Bar, is a historic three-story building at 163 S. Main Street in Bowling Green, Ohio, built between 1892 and 1893. Throughout its history, this building has been utilized for various commercial and professional purposes including insurance agencies, law firms, retail stores, fraternal organizations, and restaurants. It was originally constructed with cream-colored pressed brick and cut stone, reflecting architectural styles of the late 19th century and was a notable development during Bowling Green's oil-boom era. John R. Hankey, a notable community figure and entrepreneur, commissioned the building. His investments expanded beyond real estate into lumber, natural gas, glass, oil, and banking sectors. The building's third floor was utilized by the Knights of Pythias, a fraternal organization, for 64 years, highlighting its role as a social as well as business hub. At street level, the building housed various retailers including Sam Riess’s clothing and shoe store, marking the presence of one of Bowling Green’s first Jewish families in the commercial sector. Other tenants over the decades included architects, insurance agencies, physicians, and hardware stores, demonstrating the building’s diverse commercial significance. The building changed ownership to Myron L. Case in 1901 and subsequently hosted a Studebaker car dealership and the Ohio Fuel Gas Company, reflecting the building’s continuous adaptation to evolving business needs. The gas company later became Columbia Gas of Ohio and moved to new premises in 1971. From the mid-1930s onwards, the building increasingly became a focal point for the restaurant industry in Bowling Green. Edward J. Unkart opened a modern restaurant there, initiating a long tradition of dining establishments occupying the premises. Stanley Kaufman later acquired the restaurant, expanding it significantly with themed dining rooms and catering services, which made it a local landmark. In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, the location continued to evolve with new ownership and restaurant concepts, including Kaufman’s Steak House and SamB’s, eventually becoming Beckett’s Burger Bar. These changes illustrate how historic Indiana buildings adapt and remain relevant through business reinvention while maintaining heritage value. The building’s history encompasses significant commercial activities, community engagement through dining and social organizations, and progressive adaptation reflecting broader economic and social trends in Bowling Green. It stands as a testament to urban development and local enterprise over more than a century. The Hankey Block’s legacy is preserved and celebrated by the Bowling Green Historic Preservation Commission, emphasizing the building’s architectural and historical importance. Its enduring utility highlights the intersection of historic preservation and commercial viability within a community context. Historic use of the building by insurance agencies and fraternal orders connects it to longstanding traditions of business and social networking vital to regional economic development. The continuing presence of hospitality enterprises in the building aligns with trends of commercial diversification in heritage properties. The commission encourages community engagement through nominations of other historic buildings and invites participation in preservation activities, promoting awareness of architectural heritage as a key component of urban planning and cultural identity in Bowling Green. This detailed history provides insights into real estate investment patterns, the evolution of local commerce, and the role of historic buildings in modern urban economies. Insurance professionals can glean understanding of property use diversification, risk implications, and the importance of heritage considerations in underwriting and claims related to historic commercial properties.