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
Commercial Buildings
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)
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 Hope Project, Inc. … [Read more...] about The Federation Block and Redevelopment on Xenia Ave
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 revolutionary ideas into the invention of powered flight. Because the brothers made and repaired bicycles before focusing on … [Read more...] about Where Was the Wright Brothers Bike Shop in Dayton?
Commercial Space for Lease at 735 Wayne Ave
The building at 735 Wayne Ave (located in between Buckeye and Hickory Streets) has been undergoing renovations as it awaits new commercial tenants. The property listing states that the "flexible, open floorplan may be customized to suit single or multiple tenants" and … [Read more...] about Commercial Space for Lease at 735 Wayne Ave
The Historic Orleans House at Hickory and Morton in South Park
South Park is the best neighborhood in Dayton for corner stores. Nearly all have been converted to residential use, but many of them retain some beautiful architectural details. One of the best examples is the building at the NE corner of Hickory and Morton. It was built … [Read more...] about The Historic Orleans House at Hickory and Morton in South Park
3rd and Irwin and Intact Urban Intersections in Dayton
At first glance this appears to be a rather unremarkable photo: a 1950s neighborhood street scene which turns out to be located at East Third and Irwin Streets. But given the fate of most neighborhood business districts like this in Dayton, it is surprising that all of … [Read more...] about 3rd and Irwin and Intact Urban Intersections in Dayton
The Point in Old North Dayton: History and Future
Most of Dayton's 19th century neighborhoods feature one or two historically prominent commercial streets. To the east and west of downtown, it's primarily Third and Fifth, through neighborhoods like the Oregon District, St. Anne's Hill/Huffman, and Wright Dunbar. To the … [Read more...] about The Point in Old North Dayton: History and Future
The Todd Art (Sigma) Theater and a Lost Brown Street Business District
The old firehouse currently home to Jimmy's Ladder 11 restaurant on Brown Street is a beautiful but isolated survivor of what was once a thriving neighborhood business district. One of its most significant neighbors was an old theater located at 924 Brown Street. Built … [Read more...] about The Todd Art (Sigma) Theater and a Lost Brown Street Business District
Congress Lanes, a Relic of Dayton Bowling History, Is Razed
A former bowling alley on Troy Street in Old North Dayton was recently demolished. Congress Lanes, built in 1946, was a small, old-school neighborhood alley. It was built out to the street instead of set back in a sea of parking lots like most of the larger, modern alleys … [Read more...] about Congress Lanes, a Relic of Dayton Bowling History, Is Razed