Patterson Block
| Dates: | 1876 or 1881? /c.2002/2004-2005 |
| Location: | southeast corner of Walnut & Main Streets, Muncie, Indiana |
The Patterson Block in Downtown Muncie is one of the largest pre-Gas Boom landmarks of the city. Minus Turner had built a brick building on the site in 1838. This building burned and was succeeded by the Patterson Block. Some sources give the date of construction as 1876 and some as 1881. At present I am not sure which is correct. The building was renovated around 2002 and a more extensive renovation is just now being completed. The corner storefront is home to the Mezza Luna Ristorante, which features Mediterranean food and is one of the finest dining establishments in the area. I definitely recommend it to anyone visiting Muncie. The Mezza Luna and another downtown restaurant, Vera Mae's Bistro, both utilize local organically-grown produce which benefits the local economy and environment.
Sadly, the Mezza Luna closed at the end of December, 2005.
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| The Patterson Block (1876) in 2003, after the first phase of its renovation | The Patterson Block in 2004 with its bright new Mediterranean color scheme |
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| The Mezza Luna Restaurant, corner Walnut and Main Streets, Downtown Muncie | 2-1-05 Progress on the renovation of the building's storefronts along Walnut Street |
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| Wonderful patterns across the facade | Evening view into the entrance of the Mezza Luna from the main dining room |
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| Glowing lanterns in the entrance | The renovated exterior nearing completion |