The Dayton Arcade has, for many years, lain empty. Located in the heart of downtown Dayton near Courthouse Square, it's something that's always interested me. Look at the pictures -- even in disrepair, it's absolutely gorgeous. I'm not often one to gush over this kind of thing (or, indeed, over a great many things) but I've been constantly impressed with the photography both on-site and off that's offered glimpses into the plaza's interior.
Quite recently -- this year, in fact -- the Dayton Daily News reported on a surprising turn of events: the complex had been purchased by two men from out of state, backed in part by German investors. The men -- Gunther Berg and Wendell Strutz -- intend to renovate the 250,000 square foot complex, which dominates a whole city block. This is slated to begin in 2010. Though they admit that this is the largest project they've worked on thus far, they state that their affiliates have worked bigger, and their expertise will be vital in the process.
For me, this is an interesting turn of events, although I'm not sure if I'm quite as optimistic as the Arcade's new owners. According to Photowoody, the plaza is comprised of office space, retail space, and appartments. Conceptually, if you build it then they'll come, but as I've heard it put, there's a reason why you don't see many restaurants (or, at least, nice ones) in that part of the city. Although the idea of the Arcade re-opening in full glory is certainly a nice one -- and one which would provide a much-needed boost to the Dayton economy -- I have to wonder if it would really fly. Dayton isn't New York and it isn't Chicago: a number of people see it as a dead town, or one on its way there. Sinclair does much to help and lend credit to the city, but...well, I could hem and haw for quite a while, but (as it usually is) the only thing that'll decide it one way or the other is time.
For now, though, take a look through those pictures and try and imagine it without the water damage and dust. If they can make it work -- IF -- I think the Arcade (and all the economic stimulus that goes hand in hand with such a place, both in the construction and in the completion) will be a boon.
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It sounds like it could be promising, but I too have my cynical feelings about the prospect of revitalizing Dayton. I suppose things have seemed better after construction, such as the Dayton Dragons Ball Park, but there are still so many dead, decrepit, depressing buildings with broken windows and the like which litter the streets of Dayton. It feels like a whole comprehensive effort to renovate or perhaps even eliminate and destroy such eye sores might be a necessary move as well.
ReplyDeleteI'd have to agree with you and Kevin about not jumping the gun too quickly on seeing this as step one of bringing life back to Dayton. Perhaps it will take some people from outside and the city and fresh energy to help bring about positive change though. At least someone is actually doing something to try to turn things around here.
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