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 … [Read More...] about The Commercial Building: Before and During Construction
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Urban Renewal and Lost Buildings at Main and 3rd
Recently I wrote about the lost East Second Street historic district (today the Premier Health Tower). For today's post we'll shift south one block … [Read More...]
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 … [Read More...]
Where Was the Wright Brothers Bike Shop in Dayton?
My last article covered where the Wright Brothers lived in Dayton. This one will highlight the places in town where they worked to turn their … [Read More...]
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The Commercial Building: Before and During Construction
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 … [Read More...] about Historic Buildings on the University of Dayton Campus
Lost Commercial Buildings at Main and Franklin
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 … [Read More...] about Lost Commercial Buildings at Main and Franklin
The Historic Roundhouse at the Fairgrounds and the OnMain Development
Original article posted March 9, 2018 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 … [Read More...] about The Historic Roundhouse at the Fairgrounds and the OnMain Development
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 … [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 … [Read More...] about 1989 in Dayton: A Lost Historic District and Two Office Towers
Building Substitution and Conversion on South Main
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) … [Read More...] about Building Substitution and Conversion on South Main
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 … [Read More...] about Wright Company Factory History
The Federation Block and Redevelopment on Xenia Ave
A recent article describes a current project to "renovate and restore" the Twin Towers neighborhood, focusing on the 500 block of Xenia Ave which CityWide Development has identified as the "best location for economic development along the corridor." New … [Read More...] about The Federation Block and Redevelopment on Xenia Ave
The Decline of Downtown Retail post-1950: Suburbanization, Urban Renewal, and More
Recently I reflected on the golden age of retail in downtown Dayton, tracing the history of Rike's, Elder-Beerman, and other popular downtown department and specialty stores. Today the environment is much different, with many local businesses struggling to … [Read More...] about The Decline of Downtown Retail post-1950: Suburbanization, Urban Renewal, and More
Bommy’s Bar, Dayton’s First Apartments, and Riverview Park
The image above depicts a popular saloon known as "Bommy's Place" that once stood off of Salem Ave just across the Great Miami River in Dayton View. It was owned by Fred Bomhard who opened it in 1896. The establishment was known as "one of the best-known … [Read More...] about Bommy’s Bar, Dayton’s First Apartments, and Riverview Park
West First Street – Dayton’s Old Park Avenue
The story of Downtown Dayton from the 19th century through the first half of the 20th largely involves the transition from homes to office buildings and other larger structures. Then in the 1950s and 60s still more were removed for parking and some whole areas … [Read More...] about West First Street – Dayton’s Old Park Avenue
What’s the Story Behind Downtown’s Pretzinger Lane?
One of the shortest streets downtown can be found just across from the south side of the Dayton Arcade. Pretzinger Lane is a mid-block street that runs only from Fourth to Fifth, and it offers nice vistas as one walks down it but overall is a bit of a … [Read More...] about What’s the Story Behind Downtown’s Pretzinger Lane?
Historic Warehouse For Sale at Auction – 620 Geyer
A former industrial building in the Riverdale neighborhood of Dayton is currently listed at auction online. The minimum bid is $123,334 and it has a Buy It Now price of $525,000. The auction page also cites a Zestimate for the building of $338,100 and a … [Read More...] about Historic Warehouse For Sale at Auction – 620 Geyer