By Jean Hardiman
HQ 134 | SUMMER 2026
Dr. Bill Ratcliff, a Huntington optometrist and well-known Marshall University fan, has a saying that he lives by — and if you’ve ever seen him at a ballgame or around town in a crazy get-up, laughing and giving high fives, it makes perfect sense.
“Through the years, I have learned that all of us have to work and deal with issues, but along the way, if you’re not having fun with it, you’re not doing it right,” he said. “So, I started having fun with it.”
He enjoys life in Huntington and brings that sense of joy into the home that he and Carrie Justice share in downtown Huntington. In their 5,000-square-foot, custom-designed condo, they entertain friends, family and Marshall staff, coaches and athletes.
That’s one of the reasons it was built — to create a convenient space for living and gathering that was close to the eye care practice that Ratcliff runs with his brother, Dr. Chris Ratcliff, Tri-State Eyecare Center.
Ratcliff and Justice live in the largest of three condominiums that Ratcliff designed and built 16 years ago at 530 10th St., in the building now known as CHabella Condominiums. He and his brother bought the entire building, with Ratcliff leading the design and completing much of the renovation work himself. Their unit is located on the second floor, while the ground level houses two-car garages for each residence, allowing guests to pull in and take either the stairs or the elevator to their front door.
Two of the condos are currently available and were previously leased to Marshall coaches and athletic directors. Ratcliff has been a fixture around Marshall athletics for decades, serving as a team physician for more than 25 years and earning induction into the university’s Sports Medicine Hall of Fame in 2010.
“We really enjoy living here,” Ratcliff said. “Whether we’re going to the Keith-Albee or civic arena or meeting people for dinner, it’s nice just to walk there.”
Carrie agreed, adding, “It’s exciting to see more people choosing downtown living. We love being here, and it’s refreshing to witness so many positive changes happening throughout Huntington.”
The couple often play host in their condo, giving others a chance to enjoy their entertainment room with a luxury spin — featuring a pool table, a shuffleboard table and Marshall memorabilia — and their beautifully crafted bar underneath a classic brass ceiling. There’s also a spacious, covered outdoor patio with a fountain and wood fireplace.
“It’s amazing how many people we have over who enjoy just coming out here and sitting around the fire in the early spring and fall — even in the winter,” Ratcliff said.
TVs are outside and in nearly every room inside, so no one misses a moment of whatever game happens to be playing.
“We really enjoy entertaining, especially with friends in Marshall athletics,” Ratcliff said. “You learn quickly how competitive they are — whether they’re playing pool or shuffleboard, it’s cutthroat. They have to win.”
The kitchen, bar area and dining room function as one continuous gathering place.
“You can be working in the kitchen and still see what’s going on,” Ratcliff said. “We’ll have a dozen people around here talking and telling stories.”
It’s a well-planned layout, Justice said.
“I like the open concept,” she said. “It’s one of the reasons I love to throw a party. As soon as we’re done cleaning up from one, I’m thinking about the next one.”
Ratcliff and his brother are committed to downtown Huntington. Together they purchased and completely renovated the former Stevens Drugstore building at the corner of Fifth Avenue and 10th Street to house their eye care practice. Unfortunately, it burned down in 2006. Today, they are in the process of renovating a new space for their offices on Third Avenue.
“One of the things I’ve enjoyed is renovating and design. We’ve done different projects around town that we thought were an uplift,” Ratcliff said.
A Charleston native, Ratcliff has long since made Huntington his home. And over the years, he’s immersed himself in the life of the city — both its people and its Marshall pride. Whether he’s designing a home, restoring a building or hosting a room full of friends, Ratcliff’s goal is to leave downtown Huntington a little better than he found it.
