I always enjoy a good then and now view of the same corner, and it's even more interesting when we can compare three different scenes as the spot has changed over time. Today we will do that with the northwest corner of Second and Main Streets in Downtown Dayton, which … [Read more...] about Rike’s Department Store and a Then and Now Look at 2nd and Main
Commercial Buildings
Vacant Building on East Third in the Fire Blocks Waiting for Its Next Chapter
The Fire Blocks district of Downtown Dayton has seen a lot of revitalization in the last few years. But a couple of interesting commercial buildings remain vacant, and will hopefully see some new life soon. The small commercial building pictured above is the structure at … [Read more...] about Vacant Building on East Third in the Fire Blocks Waiting for Its Next Chapter
Why Historic Buildings Had Grand Entrances (And Why We Stopped Building Them)
The Grand Entrances of Ludlow Street in Downtown Dayton Ludlow Street in Downtown Dayton doesn't have the tallest buildings in the city, but it's one of the best places to see a particular architectural feature that has mostly disappeared from American downtowns: the … [Read more...] about Why Historic Buildings Had Grand Entrances (And Why We Stopped Building Them)
Joui Wine and History of the Huffman Block Building
Another stop on our Holi-Dayton Vacation last week was Joui Wine on East Third Street in the Fire Blocks for drinks and small plates. That district's name dates back to the Great Flood of 1913, but as the name indicates, the most destructive force on this block was fire, … [Read more...] about Joui Wine and History of the Huffman Block Building
Lily’s Dayton: A Site with a Wild Historical Chapter
Last weekend I was excited to participate in an experience called Holi-Dayton vacation, where I joined a group of local social media creators to tour local businesses and participate in some fun holiday activities around the downtown area. As part of it we got to enjoy a … [Read more...] about Lily’s Dayton: A Site with a Wild Historical Chapter
The History and Architecture of 1922 and 1918 Brown Street
A pair of interesting buildings on Brown Street forms part of one of the more intact blocks of neighborhood commercial structures in Dayton, and also help tell the story of the surrounding area. Recently these buildings were sold, and online posts have advertised the … [Read more...] about The History and Architecture of 1922 and 1918 Brown Street
History of the Ware Block (Bonnett’s Books and More)
One of the most beautiful historic commercial buildings in Dayton can be found right in the heart of the Oregon District neighborhood on East Fifth Street. The Ware Block at 502-510 E Fifth was built in 1891 in the Romanesque Revival style. The impressive facade is … [Read more...] about History of the Ware Block (Bonnett’s Books and More)
Howard’s Pharmacy, a Valley St Then and Now
I enjoy covering the history of Dayton's built environment, but I don't only focus on the buildings like the Dayton Arcade that would normally be considered "historically significant." Instead, I'm also fascinated by the everyday, more humble structures that make up the … [Read more...] about Howard’s Pharmacy, a Valley St Then and Now
The Grocery that Never Slept: Frank Hale, the Wright Brothers, and Dayton’s First Store Chain
The Wright-Dunbar neighborhood has multiple sites connected to the Wright Brothers' exploits in bicycles and then airplanes, but the Hoover Block at the SE corner of West Third and Williams is where Wilbur and Orville worked on their first business venture: printing. The … [Read more...] about The Grocery that Never Slept: Frank Hale, the Wright Brothers, and Dayton’s First Store Chain
The Young Building, From Bowling Alley to Longtime Downtown Grocery
Today it's not one of the 9 interconnected buildings in the Dayton Arcade redevelopment, but the 3-story structure immediately to the west of the Third Street Building has an interesting history of its own as well as a long association with the complex. And today it also … [Read more...] about The Young Building, From Bowling Alley to Longtime Downtown Grocery