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
Albert Pretzinger
Albert Pretzinger was a prominent Dayton architect who designed many of the city's most prominent buildings, including the Dayton Daily News, Arcade Commercial Building, a section of the Reibold, the Elks Building in the Fire Blocks, the Colonial Theatre, several luxury homes, and much more.
He was born on February 28, 1863 in Dayton. His older brother Rudolph had previously emigrated with their parents in 1854, and Albert later designed his well-known home in 1889 which still stands on the grounds of Miami Valley Hospital.
Albert's firm changed several times over the years. In 1892 it was Peters, Burns & Pretzinger; in 1906 he established the solo practice of Albert Pretzinger Architect; by 1913 he was with Pretzinger and Musselman, and by 1928 he worked with his son Freeman A. under the name of Pretzinger and Pretzinger.
He died on Sunday, June 9, 1940.
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 curious case. … [Read more...] about What’s the Story Behind Downtown’s Pretzinger Lane?
History of the Reibold Building (in 3 Phases)
The title of Dayton's first skyscraper is not universally agreed upon (many give the nod to the 1892 7-story Callahan Building, since demolished) but the Reibold Building is definitely in the conversation. This structure was built in 3 sections, with the first opening in … [Read more...] about History of the Reibold Building (in 3 Phases)
Lost and Found Buildings on Jefferson Street
In this article we'll take a "Then and Now"-style look at the the east side of Jefferson Street between 4th and 3rd Streets. This view of the corner of 4th and Jefferson looks north. Compared to other parts of downtown which were completely cleared out for urban … [Read more...] about Lost and Found Buildings on Jefferson Street
Old Dayton Daily News Building: History, Preservation and Development
The Dayton Arcade has successfully reopened after a massive redevelopment effort, but right across the street another historic landmark may be in jeopardy. The old Dayton Daily News building dates back to 1910 and was designed by prominent architect Albert Pretzinger. … [Read more...] about Old Dayton Daily News Building: History, Preservation and Development