In my last article about the history of the Deeds Barn, the site of the invention of the electric self-starter, I traced its somewhat convoluted path over the decades: a replica was built in Carillon Park in 1949 but the original barn remained in Grafton Hill until 1962 when … [Read more...] about The Deeds Barn and Reconstruction as Preservation with Dan Barton
Historic Preservation in Dayton, Ohio
Dayton has lost a staggering portion of its historic built environment through a variety of circumstances from large-scale urban renewal to "demolition by neglect."
Nevertheless, a number of exciting adaptive reuse and restoration projects in recent years, from historic homes to the massive Dayton Arcade, are helping to revive many previously vacant and endangered properties.
To see all of the articles we've published that relate to the preservation of historic Dayton buildings, click the links below.
History of the Deeds Barn, Site of the Invention of the Electric Self-Starter
We might not normally think of barns as hotbeds for innovation, but in Dayton we have one with major significance to the world of manufacturing. Built in 1904, the Deeds Barn was originally located at 319 Central Ave in Dayton View behind the house of Edward and Edith … [Read more...] about History of the Deeds Barn, Site of the Invention of the Electric Self-Starter
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
The Diner on St. Clair: a History and an Uncertain Future
Downtown Dayton is in the midst of a renaissance, and it's easy to become passionate about the redevelopment of architectural gems like the Arcade or sites with major historical significance like the Delco buildings near the ballpark. But sometimes it's the smaller, more … [Read more...] about The Diner on St. Clair: a History and an Uncertain Future
The History of Dayton’s Old Post Office Buildings
Dayton's Old Post Office is a beautiful building that still stands downtown, although it hasn't served as a post office since the urban renewal era. We can thank a dedicated preservation effort in the 1970s for why it is still here instead of having been turned into … [Read more...] about The History of Dayton’s Old Post Office Buildings
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
“Ice House” Building Downtown to Be Demolished
An industrial building complex dating to the 1920s near the edge of downtown is set to be demolished to support the future expansion of Chaminade Julienne Catholic High School's campus. The school calls it a "reimagining" of its campus meant to center around Emmanuel … [Read more...] about “Ice House” Building Downtown to Be Demolished
Dayton’s Courthouse Square: Its History and Future
It houses one of the Dayton region's greatest architectural treasures. It's a vital public space in the center of downtown, linking key hubs like the Dayton Arcade and Schuster Center. But it's said to be a shell of what it once was and what it could be again, sparking … [Read more...] about Dayton’s Courthouse Square: Its History and Future
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
The Lost Calvert Apartments on Wilkinson St
Downtown Dayton west of Wilkinson Street is an area that's lost many beautiful buildings over the years. In fact, its transformation from dense residential neighborhood to large complexes for government and educational institutions was so complete that I wrote an article … [Read more...] about The Lost Calvert Apartments on Wilkinson St