I recently wrote about the former Oddfellows Hall downtown, but there's another fraternal organization in the area with a much larger membership, the Freemasons. And compared to Oddfellows temple that is unrecognizable from what it once was, Dayton's Masonic Temple (now … [Read more...] about Masonic Temple (Dayton Masonic Center) History
The Commercial Building: Before and During Construction
In my posts on the Dayton Arcade I've written about the Commercial Building, the 10-story structure designed by Albert Pretzinger for Adam Schantz Jr. which anchors the southern edge of the complex at the NE corner of 4th and Ludlow. It connects to the adjacent Ludlow … [Read more...] about The Commercial Building: Before and During Construction
The Deneau Tower: History and Redevelopment
The Deneau Tower is a major fixture in Dayton's skyline and also holds a special significance in the story of downtown's progress during the suburban exodus of the mid-20th century. It was built in 1969, and because of its era the building has not been admired in quite … [Read more...] about The Deneau Tower: History and Redevelopment
Historic Buildings on the University of Dayton Campus
Originally published 4/29/2020; updated 3/27/2025 with info on demolition of Chaminade Hall (at bottom of article) Our last article looked at the history of the University of Dayton. Today we'll explore some of the old buildings on campus that are still standing. Zehler Hall … [Read more...] about Historic Buildings on the University of Dayton Campus
Lost Commercial Buildings at Main and Franklin (Genuine Auto Parts)
In a recent article I showed a Then and Now of South Main and Franklin where a 1920s auto building has been transformed into a medical facility. On the other side of Franklin at the SW corner of the intersection, unfortunately, we have a different story with a great block … [Read more...] about Lost Commercial Buildings at Main and Franklin (Genuine Auto Parts)
Odd Fellows (IOOF) Building History in Dayton
The building at the SW corner of Third and Jefferson Streets looks very ordinary today but is actually an old landmark that is unrecognizable from what it once was. It was originally a 4-story Gothic Revival stone structure built circa 1870 as a temple for the … [Read more...] about Odd Fellows (IOOF) Building History in Dayton
1989 in Dayton: A Lost Historic District and Two Office Towers
A little while back I covered Dayton's oldest commercial buildings that survive downtown. There I wrote about how the classic 19th century business block, most often Italianate or other Victorian style architecture, is all but extinct in Dayton's central business … [Read more...] about 1989 in Dayton: A Lost Historic District and Two Office Towers
Building Substitution and Conversion on South Main (Barlow Motor Car, Davis Buick)
I've published several articles that take a Then and Now look at particular intersections in Dayton. Today is an interesting case in that it features the same corner at three different moments in time. And for a part of town (the southern edge of downtown) that has very … [Read more...] about Building Substitution and Conversion on South Main (Barlow Motor Car, Davis Buick)
Dayton Arcade Hotel, Retail Nearing Completion: Some Reflections
The second phase of the Dayton Arcade (the North half of the complex) is looking closer to completion. These photos were taken in late February, 2025. Pictured above are the Third Street Building (in the middle) with its iconic Flemish-style façade and the Gibbons Annex … [Read more...] about Dayton Arcade Hotel, Retail Nearing Completion: Some Reflections
Wright Company Factory History
I've written a couple of articles and recorded a video about the Wright Brothers including where in Dayton they lived and where they had their print and bike shops. Sadly there are very few locations that still stand in their original location. But there is another … [Read more...] about Wright Company Factory History