For the first time in 25 years, a Dayton stylistic and cultural icon has opened its doors again as the hub of the city. This historic building is not only stylistic and reimagined, but also at the forefront of community and economic redevelopment in Dayton.
The Dayton Arcade—the landmark of Dayton’s central business district and the city in general—is being redeveloped, with a mix of retail, offices, event space, and housing. This redevelopment plan recasts the Arcade in much the same way it was initially developed in the beginning of the 20th century; but the vision is clearly rooted in the future, as an iconic, stylistic space for innovation, arts, and education.
The South Arcade, the first phase of the project, opens to students at the University of Dayton in 95,000 square feet of academic and innovative space known as The Hub Powered by PNC. The South Arcade also includes 110 residential low-income housing tax credit and market rate development spaces designed for artists and creative entrepreneurs; a shared commercial kitchen program; multiple event spaces; and food and beverage focused retail.
The second phase, the North Arcade, will include a marketplace retail and restaurant environment, as well as a boutique hotel.
“The Dayton Arcade is a powerful draw, the centerpiece of the city. So many Daytonians have a personal connection to and story about the Dayton Arcade,” explained Megan Dunn Peters, Arcade community manager. “It could be where they worked in the city, had lunch, visited with family, or went to the Christmas Market. The transformation of the Arcade celebrates Dayton’s past, but looks to its future as a cultural destination city and a hub for arts and innovation.”
Stylistically the Dayton Arcade was cutting edge when it was built between 1902 and 1904. Standing 70 feet tall, the Rotunda embraced Daytonians with its iconic and beautiful glass roof. The Arcade had the latest innovations of the day, including elevators and power plants.
Dayton is known as “The Gem City.” Peters believes the Rotunda was the gem of the city, standing tall in the landscape. The space had distinctive style from the beginning. All nine buildings have a unique and different style, including Italian Renaissance Revival and Dutch style design. At almost a full city block, the Dayton Arcade was designed as a city within a city.
With $96 million raised for renovation, there is an attention to detail and a commitment for adaptive reuse, where possible. For example, the original marketplace floor is being repurposed for the in-the-round theater in the Arcade. The windows are being redone by hand, to allow this historic stylistic vision to come to life. This style renovation is designed to fit today’s purpose of innovation, arts, and economic community development.
The classic and historic feel provides inspiration for the city that is aesthetically beautiful and harmonious with its vision and the city’s landscape. “Daytonians appreciate that the Dayton Arcade has been saved and preserved for future generations,” said Peters.“The Dayton Arcade is integral to the collective memories of the city. As it was redesigned, we kept the city’s expectations for design and purpose in mind.
“With the unique space, we are looking to treat Dayton as a destination city and help drive the business ecosystem. We want people to go to dinner, see a show, and have a drink at a bar in the evening, all the while taking in the Dayton Arcade, a cultural and city landmark,” explained Peters.
“There are a renewed desire and responsibility to support the local business and arts community and see the area thrive because of spending our time and money locally. The reopening of the Dayton Arcade gives all Daytonians a little bit of hope for the future,” said Peters.
Cultural and community events will be intertwined with private events, to celebrate the rich artistic community of Dayton. And with The Hub, there is a commitment to celebrating the talent of the younger generation and integrating them into the fabric of Dayton’s future.
The early feedback on the reimagination of the Dayton Arcade has been positive. With such a beautiful event and community space, there is hope and anticipation of celebrations and events for the city in the years to come.
With the resurgence of the space, it’s important to plan ahead. When you are preparing your visit to the Dayton Arcade, visit www.DaytonArcade.com. You’ll find more details on when the iconic Rotunda is open to the public, the latest information on community and social events, and details on where to park.
Sidebar: Inside the Dayton Arcade
Play
Destination dining will be featured in the Arcade. Visit Crafted and Cured, a retail shop for wines, beers, artisanal cheeses, and meats. Explore The Contemporary Dayton for gallery talks and tours. Don’t forget to stay in touch with the latest community events being scheduled inside the Rotunda.
Work
Entrepreneurship is at the heart of the Dayton Arcade, including the innovative space of The Hub Powered by PNC, where students and businesses can come together to craft Dayton’s future. Culture Works is the service organization dedicated to sustaining the arts community in Dayton. Stay tuned for more businesses opening as the Arcade reemerges.
Live
The Arts Lofts at the Arcade is designed for (but not limited to) creative and artistic personalities to take advantage of downtown living in the beautiful city of Dayton.