Exploring Dayton Ohio

09/10/2025

Guided walking tour of Downtown Dayton

09/05/2025

RiverScape MetroPark offers some of the best views of downtown Dayton. The Five Rivers Fountain of Lights stretches 800 feet, with jets shooting over 200 feet high. Since opening in 2001, it has become a striking centerpiece at the confluence of the city’s rivers. The fountain’s lights at night create a beautiful highlight along the downtown riverfront.

09/03/2025

Before cars filled our streets, this place kept Dayton moving.

This building, on James H. McGee Boulevard (formerly Western Avenue) on Dayton’s west side, was once at the heart of the city’s electric transit system. Built in the late 1800s, it originally served as a car barn, a place where the city’s streetcars were stored, repaired, and sent out on their routes. When Dayton introduced electric trolleybuses in 1933, the building took on a new role, keeping the longest-running trolleybus system in the United States moving for decades. In recent weeks, the building was demolished, marking the end of an era. I’m glad I was able to get a few aerials before it came down.

08/06/2025

Not Dayton, but not far.

If you’ve ever driven down I-75 south into Cincinnati, you’ve probably seen this giant building looming on the right-hand side of the highway. Built in 1929, it was the headquarters of Crosley Radio Corporation — once the largest radio manufacturer in the world.

Crosley wasn’t just building radios here. They also produced refrigerators, cars, and even owned WLW, one of the most powerful radio stations in the country.

The building’s been empty for decades now, but it still stands as a reminder of Cincinnati’s industrial past.

08/01/2025

Terminal Cold Storage, built in 1909, is currently being demolished.
This massive brick structure once stored ice and perishable goods brought in by train, back when “cold storage” meant rail access and walls thick enough to keep things frozen.

It’s one of the last of its kind in Dayton, and I’m glad I was able to document it before it’s gone.

07/28/2025

07/28/2025

You’ve probably seen this one. Built in 1904, it’s gone by a few names over the years — Center City, United Brethren, and more. For a time, it was the tallest building in Dayton, and even one of the tallest reinforced concrete buildings in the world.

I’ve noticed a little bustle around it lately, and I’m excited to see what’s next for this downtown icon.

07/23/2025

Another look at the Leigh Building at 100 W 2nd St, this time from above.
Built in 1977, it’s housed a mix of offices and commercial space over the years, though much of it now sits vacant. It was recently listed for auction, with bidding closing back on July 15th.

07/20/2025

A long-vacant historic building in the heart of downtown could see new life as local leaders explore its potential transformation into a hotel property.

07/18/2025

Fidelity Building eyed for acquisition, potential for another hotel >> See the full article below ⬇️

07/02/2025

The Leigh Building at 100 West 2nd St. was built in 1977 and has housed a mix of offices and commercial space over the years, though much of it now sits vacant. It’s tucked into a central spot downtown, right across from City Hall and the Schuster Center, and includes a parking garage behind the main structure. It’s currently listed for auction. I took some aerials and thought it was worth sharing a closer look at a building many of us pass without really noticing.

06/27/2025

The Leigh Building at 100 West 2nd Street is currently up for auction on LoopNet.
I photographed the listing recently for work and wanted to share it here.

Built in 1977, the nine-story mixed-use building features office and retail space, plus a large attached parking garage. It sits across from City Hall and the Schuster Center, right in the heart of downtown Dayton.

100 W 2nd St, Dayton, OH 45402. This Specialty property is available for sale. Absolute Auction. Situated on a prime corner in the heart of