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.

08/28/2026

Earlier this summer I gave a talk about Dayton's rail history for the local chapter of All Aboard Ohio at the Hub at the Dayton Arcade.

I covered our beautiful lost Union Station as well as other sites connected to Dayton's early train history as well as our old interurban and streetcar networks.

I'm just now working on a video for my Dayton Vistas YouTube channel based on the information in my talk.

And if you're interested, check out the All Aboard Ohio group; they're advocating for more and better passenger rail and local public transportation across the state.

08/27/2026

Newcom Tavern is the oldest surviving building in Dayton, having been moved twice and now residing at Carillon Park.

I'm working on an article about it right now, as I realized I've touched on its history in a couple other pieces but never have done a full dive into it. There are a lot of really interesting parts of its story!

Here are a couple pictures of it after it was moved to Van Cleve Park on Monument Ave, today Riverscape MetroPark.

08/26/2026

Some say Downtown Dayton has a parking problem. Others have argued it actually has too much parking, and that's what's holding downtown back.

Some great comments on my post a few weeks back about downtown parking inspired me to dig a little deeper in a new episode of the Dayton Vistas Podcast.

I think it's a fascinating topic because it isn't just about parking. It's about vibrancy, past urban planning choices, and what we want Dayton to look like in the future.

You can watch the full episode here: https://daytonvistas.com/why-parking-is-the-key-to-downtown-daytons-rebirth/

08/25/2026

Took some photos of the last remaining section of the Ohmer Garage Building while demolition work continued yesterday.

The final 5 photos capture some of the earlier stages of the process and were sent to me by friends who work nearby.

Preservation Dayton, Inc recently wrote that "we had hoped the facade or portions of it would be salvaged, but we were told it would be cost prohibitive."

08/24/2026

If you are still interested in going on a lunchtime history walking tour at CURIO at Courthouse Square, there are 4 more chances this year!

The next one is this Wednesday, 8/26.

And then I'll be doing September 2, 16, and 23 too.

Tours are free to join but please register using the signup form linked in the comments.

08/23/2026

Another three-part look at the same corner. Today we'll see Third and Perry, today at the edge of Sinclair Community College.

As I shared in a recent video, in the late 1800s it featured the luxurious home of I. L. Baker, an inventor of machines for making popcorn balls who was once known as "the Exposition popcorn king" for selling his candy and popcorn treats at exhibitions and expositions around the country.

In the 1920s the home was razed and the 6-story Maud Muller apartment building was built on the site. That was demolished in the mid 1960s.

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.

Address

Kettering, OH
45409-2023

Website

http://daytonvistas.com/, http://daytonvistas.com/newsletter

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Dayton Vistas posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Want your school to be the top-listed School/college in Kettering?