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 were cleared … [Read more...] about West First Street – Dayton’s Old Park Avenue
Downtown
History of Talbott Tower (Talbott Building)
Dayton's tallest buildings were built in the 1970s and 80s, but the stories of the earlier "modern" office towers in the late 50s and 60s, when the city was steadily growing but also beginning to decentralize significantly, are interesting as well. The history of the … [Read more...] about History of Talbott Tower (Talbott Building)
History of Rike’s, Elder-Beerman, and Downtown Dayton Department Stores
The Golden Age of Main Street Shopping The last few years have been a difficult time for many downtown small businesses. Retail stores especially face a combination of challenges ranging from lingering pandemic effects and economic struggles to competition from … [Read more...] about History of Rike’s, Elder-Beerman, and Downtown Dayton Department Stores
Fidelity Building and Paru Tower: History and What’s Happening Now?
It's been over five years since I wrote an article about what major downtown site could be next after the Dayton Arcade redevelopment had officially gotten underway. Today, of course, the Arcade's first phase has been a success and the second phase is nearing completion, … [Read more...] about Fidelity Building and Paru Tower: History and What’s Happening Now?
The Oldest Commercial Buildings Downtown (Which Survived Flood and Flames)
The Fire Blocks in downtown Dayton has seen a major transformation in recent years spearheaded by The Windsor Companies, as several buildings on Third Street, including the Elks Building, Huffman Block Building, and Dickey Building, have been redeveloped into apartments, and … [Read more...] about The Oldest Commercial Buildings Downtown (Which Survived Flood and Flames)
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)
History of the Conover Building
Image credit The Conover Building can be found at the SE corner of Third and Main Streets right in the middle of downtown. An eclectic Renaissance Revival style structure, it was designed by architect Frank Mills Andrews, who gave himself an office under an art glass … [Read more...] about History of the Conover Building
History of the Kuhns Building and the Office Mail Chute, a Dayton Invention?
The Kuhn's Building is one of Dayton's most beautiful 19th century structures downtown. It predated the Dayton Arcade by about two decades, but today it is connected to the complex and considered a part of it. The building is notable not just for its architecture … [Read more...] about History of the Kuhns Building and the Office Mail Chute, a Dayton Invention?
K-12 Tejas Gallery Aims to Rehab Historic Carriage House
According to a Dayton Regional Priority Development and Advocacy Committee (PDAC) funding request, the K-12 Tejas Gallery is looking to purchase and rehab a building adjacent to its current home. A Dayton Business Journal article stated that the group "looks to purchase … [Read more...] about K-12 Tejas Gallery Aims to Rehab Historic Carriage House
The Longworth Steam Plant: Dayton’s Lost Medieval Castle
Our recent article on the soon to be demolished Ice House Building near Chaminade-Julienne High School reflected on the area's past identify as a thriving industrial hub. Perhaps the most important building in the area, and certainly the most noticeable, was the Longworth … [Read more...] about The Longworth Steam Plant: Dayton’s Lost Medieval Castle