In my last article on the Bowers Building on West Third Street, I mentioned how James H McGee Boulevard was originally created as a widening of what had been Western Ave. As it turns out, that is an interesting story in its own right which I'll dig into today. James H. … [Read more...] about James H McGee Boulevard History: Road Widenings, 35 West, and Neighborhoods
Features
Courthouse Square’s Resilience: Challenges and Possibilities for Tomorrow
In my last article, I retraced the history of Dayton's Courthouse Square. Now I'll take us from its opening in 1974 to the present day, as well as reflect on possibilities for the future. The Square: From the 1970s to Today Courthouse Square has had a rocky 50 years of … [Read more...] about Courthouse Square’s Resilience: Challenges and Possibilities for Tomorrow
Oregon District Buildings to See New Investment, One Is Razed: Some History
A major developer in Downtown Dayton's renaissance recently acquired several buildings in and near the Oregon District. Woodard Development, which has completed major projects throughout downtown and Webster Station including both adaptive reuse and new construction, will … [Read more...] about Oregon District Buildings to See New Investment, One Is Razed: Some History
NCR: A Then and Now History in Dayton
In our previous article, we looked at the few surviving National Cash Register buildings in Dayton and what they are being used for today. Beyond these few isolated structures that were all built in 1950 or later, the rest of the company's physical footprint is gone. In … [Read more...] about NCR: A Then and Now History in Dayton
Proposed Brown Street Development Would Raze Historic Church
Update: In July 2021 the project partners announced they would preserve the old church and incorporate it into the new medical building (as reported by the Dayton Daily News). The new rendering is below. Original Article: The University of Dayton played a major role in … [Read more...] about Proposed Brown Street Development Would Raze Historic Church
Historic Building Rehab, Larger Project In Progress on Xenia Ave
For Steven Dillhoff, the Xenia Avenue corridor holds a special significance. His mother grew up on Xenia Ave and his father a couple blocks away on Church Street, and they told him stories about how vibrant and bustling the neighborhood once was. "Everything you needed … [Read more...] about Historic Building Rehab, Larger Project In Progress on Xenia Ave
Selecting Dayton’s Most Endangered Buildings
Preservation Dayton, a longstanding organization which already has a track record of success for local historic preservation, is stepping up its efforts with a new initiative, the Endangered Properties Fund. Each year, a committee selects a list of the city's ten most … [Read more...] about Selecting Dayton’s Most Endangered Buildings
Virtual Downtown Tour Shows Arcade, Other Development Progress
Like nearly all in-person events during the COVID-19 pandemic, the fifth annual Downtown Development Tour hosted by the Downtown Dayton Partnership was forced to pivot for its 2020 iteration. Instead of a bus tour, the event went virtual. Audience members, primarily real … [Read more...] about Virtual Downtown Tour Shows Arcade, Other Development Progress
The Arcade is a Go; What Pending Downtown Development Could Be Next?
The Dayton Arcade redevelopment is now officially underway, and it's been called a "catalytic" project for the downtown core with the potential to "spur further economic growth" in nearby areas. So what could be the next domino to fall? This article will take a look at some … [Read more...] about The Arcade is a Go; What Pending Downtown Development Could Be Next?
Dayton Arcade: A Historical Timeline (New Photos)
Last week, Daytonians nervously awaited good news on the Arcade project as the development team and city faced a critical deadline. If the financial closing wasn’t completed by April 25th, vital tax credits would be lost and according to Mayor Nan Whaley “this won’t … [Read more...] about Dayton Arcade: A Historical Timeline (New Photos)