Rabbit Hole Books reopened on Thursday, April 23, after more than two months of closure following a fire in the garage building where the bookstore is located on West First Street in downtown Dayton. The closure became a major local story and featured disputes between the … [Read more...] about Rabbit Hole Books Reopens in Downtown Dayton After Two-Month Closure
Downtown Dayton, Ohio: History and Redevelopment Projects
New Retail Shops Now Open in the Dayton Arcade’s North Arcade
Last Friday I attended the reveal of the new retail spaces inside the Dayton Arcade’s restored North Arcade. It was striking to see such a large crowd gathered inside a landmark that sat vacant for decades. I have been covering the Arcade’s story for years, from … [Read more...] about New Retail Shops Now Open in the Dayton Arcade’s North Arcade
Centre City Building (The Mainline) Redevelopment Overview
With the Dayton Arcade’s major construction largely complete, attention is shifting just across Main Street to another huge structure that has sat vacant for years. Few buildings have generated as much long-running curiosity, or frustration, as the Centre City Building, … [Read more...] about Centre City Building (The Mainline) Redevelopment Overview
The Dayton Arcade’s Flemish-Style Grand Entrance Through Time
On this site I've written a variety of articles about the Dayton Arcade as it has worked its way through an inspiring redevelopment, including a new Arcade history guide that breaks down its past and current status in detail. But today I will look at just one particular … [Read more...] about The Dayton Arcade’s Flemish-Style Grand Entrance Through Time
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
Fidelity Building and Paru Tower: History and What’s Happening Now?
Original article posted 11/27/2024 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 … [Read more...] about Fidelity Building and Paru Tower: History and What’s Happening Now?
From NCR and James Cox to the Hotel Ardent: a History of the Barclay (Harries) Building
In February 2025, a new boutique hotel became part of the renaissance of Downtown Dayton. The 118-room Hotel Ardent is located in the historic Barclay Building at Main and First Streets, a site that has a fascinating story involving some big names from Dayton's past, and … [Read more...] about From NCR and James Cox to the Hotel Ardent: a History of the Barclay (Harries) Building
Historic Homes of Dayton’s 1800s Prominent Citizens: Then and Now
Many of the most prominent Daytonians of the 19th century, from pioneer settlers to the founders of some of Dayton's most important businesses, were clustered in one particular area just west of the central business district at that time. The neighborhood centered on West … [Read more...] about Historic Homes of Dayton’s 1800s Prominent Citizens: Then and Now
The Fowler-Parrott House: Last Standing Home on Old West First Street
In the 19th century, Downtown Dayton, especially west of Main Street, was primarily a residential area. One of the most luxurious streets was Robert Boulevard on the western edge near the river. But another was West First Street, where the largest concentration of … [Read more...] about The Fowler-Parrott House: Last Standing Home on Old West First Street
History of the Hotel Holden (Holden House Apartments)
Recently there has been a flurry of new hotels opening in Downtown Dayton, from the Fairfield Inn and Suites and AC Marriott in Water Street/Webster Station to the Hotel Ardent and the Hilton Garden Inn at the Dayton Arcade. Historically there were many different hotel … [Read more...] about History of the Hotel Holden (Holden House Apartments)