Dayton Vistas

Dayton history, architecture and urban redevelopment by Andrew Walsh, author of Lost Dayton, Ohio.

Find my book, YouTube history videos, podcast, and my Dayton history newsletter in the links below 👇 Dayton Vistas is a Dayton history and urban development blog by Andrew Walsh, author of Lost Dayton, OH and local librarian. The word vista means a pleasing view, but it can also mean a “comprehensive mental view of a series of remembered or anticipated events.” Dayton Vistas features quite a few i

mages shot in Dayton (both historic and contemporary), but also longer reflections about the city’s history as well as what it is doing today to reinvent itself. This can include histories of individual buildings, either lost or saved; glimpses at industries and businesses of Dayton’s past; updates on new developments in the city core and their implications; and profiles of popular cultural destinations in Dayton today, often with a look at their sites’ past.

08/22/2026

Some recent shots of the progress of the Centre City Building redevelopment.

08/20/2026

Today, three photos of the same spot to show how the NW corner of Main and Second has changed over time.

It is a prominent downtown site having been the location of the beloved Rike's Department Store for many decades, and today is the home of the Schuster Center for Performing Arts.

Less known is the building that stood there before Rike's, a 4-story structure that apparently dated to 1836. It was Miller’s Grocery and Meat Market, and at the top of this photo you can see a sign for the James G. Steely & Co. annex.

And for a more in-depth look at the history of Rike's and other downtown department stores, you can read my full article (link in the comments).

08/18/2026

Taking you inside the Deneau Tower for a look at its history and its transformation.

Dayton’s tallest building when it opened in 1969, The Deneau Tower helped define the downtown skyline. Today, its historic character has been reimagined into modern apartments in the heart of downtown, across from the Dayton Arcade and a quick walk from restaurants, coffee shops, theaters, live music, Dragons games, and more.

Current Leasing Specials

1-Bedrooms
* 1 month free on a 13-month lease
* Admin fee returned upon approval
* 3 months free parking

2-Bedrooms
* $375/month off all floor plans
* 13-month lease: 1 month free + 3 months free parking
* 15-month lease: 1 month free + 6 months free parking

To get more info on the apartments you can click on the link in the comments.

08/12/2026

When I started sharing Dayton history here on Facebook I didn't think I'd ever reach this many people. Thank you all so much for following along!

Let me know in the comments if there is a building or current project you're wondering about.

And if you're enjoying my content here, I also have a Dayton history newsletter where I first share all my writing, videos, and local events like talks and walking tours. Link to subscribe is in the comments.

08/11/2026

This illustration of the Fifth Third Center (Arcade Centre/One Dayton Centre) at Third and Main hangs in the building's lobby.

I was struck by all of the street trees around it; the glimpse of the Arcade rotunda (after the office tower was built in 1989, the whole Arcade complex would shutter just two years later); and the Third/Ludlow hotel (Doubletree/Dayton Grand) in the background which was still fully covered in a modern aluminum facade at that point.

08/07/2026

A corner at the edge of Sinclair Community College's campus has seen radical changes over time, from a mansion belonging to a little-known inventor to a large apartment building that featured a popular restaurant and local brand of candy, before it and the whole area around it was demolished in the 1960s.

08/06/2026

I've always liked this building on West Fifth just beyond Ludlow (where we recently saw the Christian Publishing Association building/Grist).

I haven't done a full history on this one yet but it's exactly the type of smaller commercial structure that has become an endangered species in Dayton due to so much demolition over the years.

It's also home to two businesses, the Vintage barbershop and the Rad Vintage store (clothing, jewelry, and music) which are a short walk from all the activity happening at the Dayton Arcade, Deneau Tower, etc.

08/04/2026

A little while back I posted pictures of Grist when grabbing lunch there. The same owners also recently opened a more fine dining, upscale restaurant on East Fifth Street in the Oregon District. It's called Resonant and it opened in the middle of June in the old Roost Italian space. I enjoyed some great meals at Roost in the past but haven't had a chance to check out Resonant yet.

08/03/2026

I've scheduled 5 new August and September dates for my downtown lunchtime walking tours at Courthouse Square. Hit the link in the comments to sign up for one for free!

07/31/2026

In my continuing effort to show how Downtown Dayton is becoming more walkable, I walked to all the main stops for this Saturday's Art in the City festival (and some craft beer tastings and celebrations that will be happening) and even timed how long it took!

Art in the City Kickoff Festival: https://downtowndayton.org/things-to-do/summer-in-the-city/art-in-the-city/

DAI Collab Fest: https://www.daytonartinstitute.org/do-see/calendar/2026/08/01/collab-fest

Dragons Great American Beer Tasting: https://www.milb.com/dayton/events/greatamericanbeertasting

Toxic 13 Year Celebration: https://downtowndayton.org/event/toxic-brew-company-celebrates-13-years-of-beer-in-the-city/

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