Update: the renovation was completed in 2020 and machine tool manufacturer Gosiger Industries moved into two of the six floors. The building's other tenant is coworking space Genuine Work which opened in 2021. According to its leasing website, three spaces are still … [Read more...] about The History of the Dayton Motor Car Building at 15 McDonough Street
Historical Dayton
The History of 1141 Brown Street
The nondescript but interesting building was originally part of Dayton's early transit network, the streetcar running between Dayton and Oakwood. The Oakwood Street Railway was incorporated on July 20 1870 by John H. Patterson, John W. Stoddard and others to join the two … [Read more...] about The History of 1141 Brown Street
The Loneliest Historic Home in Dayton?
If you've ever wondered about the loneliest historic home in Dayton, we've found a candidate for your consideration: The house at 2201 East First Street (the NE corner of First and Sachs near Findlay Ave) is a sole survivor in an area that has turned almost exclusively … [Read more...] about The Loneliest Historic Home in Dayton?
NCR: A Then and Now History in Dayton
In our previous article, we looked at the few surviving National Cash Register buildings in Dayton and what they are being used for today. Beyond these few isolated structures that were all built in 1950 or later, the rest of the company's physical footprint is gone. In … [Read more...] about NCR: A Then and Now History in Dayton
The Last of NCR in Dayton: Repurposed Buildings That Still Stand
In my book Lost Dayton Ohio I have a detailed chapter outlining the early history of National Cash Register (NCR): its early years taking James Ritty's invention to incredible heights; its physical footprint in Dayton and longstanding impact on the community; and ultimately … [Read more...] about The Last of NCR in Dayton: Repurposed Buildings That Still Stand
The History of 1922 and 1918 Brown Street
A pair of interesting buildings on Brown Street form part of one of the more intact blocks of neighborhood commercial structures in Dayton, and also help tell the story of the surrounding area. 1922 Brown Street is a two story structure built in 1928. It was originally … [Read more...] about The History of 1922 and 1918 Brown Street
Dayton’s Centre City as Multi-Building Complex
With the success of the Dayton Arcade redevelopment and phase two well underway, the project partners have turned their attention to a prominent building across the street, the Centre City Building. Model Group and Cross Street Partners plan to buy the massive downtown … [Read more...] about Dayton’s Centre City as Multi-Building Complex
The Last Old Buildings on the West Side of Downtown
Many areas in Dayton were radically transformed by urban renewal. In my book Lost Dayton, I talk about the former Haymarket neighborhood between Oregon and St. Anne's Hill. Then there is the multi-block area downtown that was leveled for the Convention Center, hotel, and … [Read more...] about The Last Old Buildings on the West Side of Downtown
History of H. Gerstner & Sons, World-Renowned Tool Chest Maker
When thinking about business in downtown Dayton, you may picture legal and financial services, upstart tech firms, and perhaps all the jobs at the big players in healthcare and education. But there are a wide variety of companies both large and small that have been … [Read more...] about History of H. Gerstner & Sons, World-Renowned Tool Chest Maker
Dayton and Its Apotheosis: The Making and Re-Making of an American City
Editor's note: The following article by James Steeber is the first installment in a series of reflections about downtown Dayton Recently, a posting to Facebook of a 1974 color photograph of the new Homestead Federal Building in Downtown Dayton (2nd & Jefferson), … [Read more...] about Dayton and Its Apotheosis: The Making and Re-Making of an American City