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
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.
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
Renovation Will Add Commercial Space to Historic Salem and Grand
The Salem Ave Corridor has seen some activity in recent years, with the Gem City Market opening in 2021 and the upcoming redevelopment of the Longfellow School site. Now a new $14 million project will upgrade housing at Salem and Grand Avenues and also reestablish 6,300 … [Read more...] about Renovation Will Add Commercial Space to Historic Salem and Grand
Major Development Could Revive Historic Downtown “Power House”
Photos for this article were taken by Alex Parks, professional photographer/videographer and drone pilot. See more of Alex's work at parkspromedia.com. According to recent reports and funding requests, Infinity Labs, a "fast-growing defense contractor" is planning a … [Read more...] about Major Development Could Revive Historic Downtown “Power House”
Redevelopment of Longfellow School Site Makes Progress
Salem Ave is an important Dayton thoroughfare that declined over the latter decades of the 20th century due to suburban flight and disinvestment in the surrounding neighborhoods. Recently, however, there has been better news. The Gem City Market has been open since 2021 and … [Read more...] about Redevelopment of Longfellow School Site Makes Progress
New Fund Can Boost Historic Business Districts
In late September, the City of Dayton announced a new program to help activate vacant and underutilized commercial spaces impacted by the pandemic. The First Floor Fund, administered by CityWide Development, aims to provide low-interest and forgivable loans to small … [Read more...] about New Fund Can Boost Historic Business Districts
Dayton Looking for Developers for Gem City Ice Cream Property
With the new Third Street Bridge once again connecting downtown to innerwest Dayton, several projects are underway on West Third in Wright Dunbar, most notably a food hall. But one historic property associated with the Wright Brothers is still languishing in limbo with … [Read more...] about Dayton Looking for Developers for Gem City Ice Cream Property
Gem City Ice Cream Building at Risk of Demolition
A historic building in the Wright-Dunbar neighborhood is at risk of demolition after the City of Dayton asked the Landmarks Commission for permission to remove it. The Gem City Ice Cream Building, constructed in the late 1800s, has been listed on the National Register of … [Read more...] about Gem City Ice Cream Building at Risk of Demolition
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