A Dayton Vistas reader recently wrote in with a question about the history of the building at 2200 East Fifth St located across Columbus St from the old Carnegie Library which is currently the home of St. Mary Development Corporation. I've covered a few other corner … [Read more...] about History of 2200 East Fifth St
History of the Reibold Building (3 Phases and a Retail Past)
The Reibold Building has been a major landmark in downtown Dayton for more than a century, evolving through three distinct construction phases between 1896 and 1914. Considered one of Dayton’s earliest skyscrapers, it reflects the city’s rapid commercial growth, ornate … [Read more...] about History of the Reibold Building (3 Phases and a Retail Past)
History of the Conover Building
Image credit The Conover Building can be found at the SE corner of Third and Main Streets right in the middle of downtown. An eclectic Renaissance Revival style structure, it was designed by architect Frank Mills Andrews, who gave himself an office under an art glass … [Read more...] about History of the Conover Building
History of the Dayton Turngemeinde (Turners, Liederkranz-Turner) German Club
When I write a history article like this, I typically start by choosing the subject because I have some reason for wanting to delve into a particular organization or company. For this one, however, I simply stumbled upon the following image and was so intrigued by the … [Read more...] about History of the Dayton Turngemeinde (Turners, Liederkranz-Turner) German Club
Then and Now of 5th and Main, Downtown Dayton
Today we'll be looking at some Then and Now images of the intersection of East Fifth and Main St downtown. These views have been changed greatly by urban renewal in the years since (as has been the case for most of our previous Then and Now articles like 3rd and … [Read more...] about Then and Now of 5th and Main, Downtown Dayton
Architecture Walking Tour and a Revamped Courthouse Square
I previously wrote about the history of Courthouse Square downtown as well as its challenges and prospects for revitalization moving forward. On May 11 I was excited to participate in a downtown event that centered on the square: the Downtown Housing Tour. As part of the … [Read more...] about Architecture Walking Tour and a Revamped Courthouse Square
History of The Ark Restaurant on West 3rd St
Featuring Research By Sue Montesano I've previously written about the commercial district on West Third Street in Wright-Dunbar, and one of the most interesting structures there is the 3-story Enterprise Building built in 1890 and originally home to the Pekin … [Read more...] about History of The Ark Restaurant on West 3rd St
History of Frigidaire (and GM) in Dayton: Downtown, Moraine, and More
Among Dayton's major industrial powers of the late 19th and early 20th century, there are many interconnections. Delco, for one, has strong ties to NCR due to its formation by Edward Deeds and Charles Kettering who tinkered in their spare time while working at the cash … [Read more...] about History of Frigidaire (and GM) in Dayton: Downtown, Moraine, and More
The Todd Art (Sigma) Theater and a Lost Brown Street Business District
The old firehouse currently home to Jimmy's Ladder 11 restaurant on Brown Street is a beautiful but isolated survivor of what was once a thriving neighborhood business district. One of its most significant neighbors was an old theater located at 924 Brown Street. Built … [Read more...] about The Todd Art (Sigma) Theater and a Lost Brown Street Business District
The Diner on St. Clair: a History and an Uncertain Future
Downtown Dayton is in the midst of a renaissance, and it's easy to become passionate about the redevelopment of architectural gems like the Arcade or sites with major historical significance like the Delco buildings near the ballpark. But sometimes it's the smaller, more … [Read more...] about The Diner on St. Clair: a History and an Uncertain Future