Today it’s a senior living community known as the Biltmore Towers, but for decades the magnificent building at the northeast corner of Main and 1st Streets was a prominent hotel that once welcomed Elvis Presley and John F. Kennedy as guests. The hotel was constructed in … [Read more...] about History of the Dayton Biltmore Hotel
Dayton’s Lost Architecture: Demolitions from 2007-2017 (Streetview)
Dayton has lost an almost unfathomable amount of its historic architecture over the years, ranging from once-grand downtown office buildings, stores, and hotels to neighborhood business districts and homes all over the city. Many people rightly think of the 1950s and 60s as … [Read more...] about Dayton’s Lost Architecture: Demolitions from 2007-2017 (Streetview)
The Historic Roundhouse at the Fairgrounds
The recently announced preliminary development plan for the former Montgomery County Fairgrounds site has excited many due to its walkable design, sustainability, and potential to connect to adjacent areas. Granted, the plans are still in the very early stages, but one … [Read more...] about The Historic Roundhouse at the Fairgrounds
Levitt Pavilion Construction Continues
Project Aims to Bring Free Concerts, Community to Downtown There's major construction underway right in the heart of downtown Dayton, but this particular project isn't an office building, condos, apartments, or anything similar. Still, advocates believe it will have a major … [Read more...] about Levitt Pavilion Construction Continues
What Can You Find at the Aviation Museum in Wright Dunbar?
Dayton has quite a few historic sites connected to the Wright Brothers and their early experiments with aviation. Today several of them are linked together under the name of the Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park, which also commemorates the Wrights' earlier … [Read more...] about What Can You Find at the Aviation Museum in Wright Dunbar?
Then and Now: Fifth and Huffman (Pics)
On this date in 1900, the above picture was taken looking north from the corner of Fifth and Huffman Streets. The surrounding neighborhood is among the oldest in Dayton, and it picked up in development in the late 1800s largely due to its location on the streetcar line. For … [Read more...] about Then and Now: Fifth and Huffman (Pics)
A Trip from Dayton to Cincinnati (in 1818)
The section of the Miami and Erie canal connecting Dayton and Cincinnati opened in 1829 and the railroads started to arrive in the 1850s. But before then you could still travel between the Gem and Queen cities. The details are described by Dayton biographer Charlotte … [Read more...] about A Trip from Dayton to Cincinnati (in 1818)
McCrory’s: The Dayton Arcade Building That’s Already Been Redeveloped
Update: Since this article was written in 2018, the McCrory's Building is fully renovated and occupied and is being used by the Hub while the ground floor houses the UD-run coffee shop Startup Grounds. Read on for the history of this interesting building. With all the … [Read more...] about McCrory’s: The Dayton Arcade Building That’s Already Been Redeveloped
Schnitzel, Pierogi, and Ghosts? The Amber Rose in Old North Dayton
Old North Dayton was traditionally the most densely concentrated neighborhood of Eastern European immigrants in Dayton, and it was a self-sufficient, walkable area with schools, churches, shopping, and entertainment all in close proximity. The intersection of Troy and … [Read more...] about Schnitzel, Pierogi, and Ghosts? The Amber Rose in Old North Dayton
Dayton Arcade Redevelopment: Will It Happen? (With Pics)
No development project has gotten Daytonians more excited recently than the proposed restoration of the Dayton Arcade. The seven building complex*, with its rich history, architectural flourishes, and central downtown location, has no match in the region. But at the same … [Read more...] about Dayton Arcade Redevelopment: Will It Happen? (With Pics)