Historical Importance Architectural Cultural Landscape
1. Building 26 1. The Arcade 1. VA 1. VA
1. Wright Co. Factory Bldgs. 2. Shawen Acres 2. W. Third Street
2. Dayton Project Bldgs. 3. Duncarrick Mansion 3. Roosevelt High
3. T-Bldg, The Mound 4. Mallory House
4. YWCA House
The 1938 facade of Building 26, now owned by the University of Dayton, but vacant, is intact and usable, nestled within 1960’s additions. This original NCR Building 26 is a direct link to an internationally important component of Dayton’s and the Nation’s contributions to the Allied cause during the Second World War. It is the only site in the United States where from 1942 to 1946 scores of workers, soldiers, and engineers developed the U.S. Bombe, an electromechanical device that helped crack Germany’s Enigma code and potentially hastened the end of fighting in Europe.
The University of Dayton could use Building 26, the place where Joseph Desch, a UD graduate, and his team helped to change the course of history, to achieve its own goals: to inspire and teach, “linking learning and scholarship with leadership and service.”
To achieve this critical connection with our past, it is not necessary to create a museum. Adaptive rehabilitation, with preservation limited to the exterior facade, using the interior for any of a broad number of reuse options (commercial offices, retail, lofts, mixed use, etc.) could be accomplished in a way complementary to UD’s overall development, while enhancing and adding richness to the campus and community.
The University of Dayton’s consultants, and well as the Ohio Historic Preservation Office, have stated that Building 26 “doesn’t appear to be eligible for the National Register” in its present state, because of the additions.
The Wright Company Factory Buildings, currently owned by Delphi Corporation, have been used as a manufacturing facility since 1910. The buildings are nationally significant because of their intimate association with The Wright Company and the beginnings of the American aviation industry. The planes build in the factory were tested at Huffman Flying field. With Delphi Corporation now in bankruptcy, the buildings are endangered. The Aviation Heritage Foundation is exploring options concerning these buildings, as Delphi is trying to sell the business, not the property. The challenge is that it will be quite expensive to restore ($8-13 million). Inclusion on the US World Heritage Tentative Listing (in late 2007 or early 2008) would be a plus. Also, the Aviation Heritage Foundation is drafting legislation to add the Wright Company Factory Buildings (as well as Hawthorn Hill) to the Dayton Aviation Heritage NHP. Sinclair Community College Aviation Department is interested in using the buildings.
The Dayton Project, Dayton’s contribution to the Manhattan Project, was conducted in four separate, high-security sites, two of which exist today and have a significant degree of integrity. In Unit III (1601 W. First Street), all scientific breakthroughs regarding the chemical, physical, and metallurgical properties of polonium production occurred. The Warehouse (601 E. Third Street) was the location of the Manhattan Project Biology Program. Dayton Project research proved so successful in creating a reliable and stable trigger-initiator that it would become the template for subsequent American atomic weapons. Unit III is being nominated for National Register status. It is owned by the Dayton Board of Education.
Roosevelt High School’s tie to thousands of Daytonians is an emotional one. It was the largest black school and the first integrated school in Dayton. It is empty. The Dayton school board has determined that expenses prohibit restoration and even adaptation. The building will be torn down using funds from the Ohio School Facilities Commission, meaning the State will pay 2/3 of the $900,000 cost of demolition.
A new school will be built on the grounds. The Roosevelt pre-kindergarten – eighth grade facility will be the future home of Dayton Boy’s Preparatory Academy, the district’s all-boys school.
The Arcade, owned by Tony Staub of Brownfield Charities Inc., is now being offered for sale as a potential casino on E-Bay. Its tax bill exceeds $235,000. Built in 1902, the Arcade consists of five interconnecting buildings including its glass-domed rotunda. It was designed by Frank Mills Andrews, recognized as one of the outstanding architects of the 20th century. It was placed on the National Register in 1975. It has been vacant for 15 years, but is in surprisingly good shape. It was recently open for Dayton’s “Urban Nights”. A public-private venture would be ideal.
The National Homes for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers were established by President Abraham Lincoln on March 3, 1865 to care for disabled veterans of the Civil War. The Dayton campus was one of the first three such properties established by the Federal government. The Home was a precursor to the Department of Veterans Affairs.
The site is now being studied by the NPS which is conducting a National Historic Landmark Assessment. Two of the eleven sites will be chosen. The study commenced October 20, 2005, and is projected to require 13 months to complete. Concurrent with the NPS study, CityWide Development Corporation (Dayton community development organization) is initiating the preparation of a Master Plan for the preservation and reutilization of the historic district within the Dayton VA campus. The NPS is a participant in this endeavor.
There is a proposal to expand the VA cemetery, transferring property from the medical
center to the cemetery, which would result in the demolition of five structures. Arlington Courts is being closed; that property could be shifted to VA for cemetery, saving the buildings. Dayton History has requested the State Historic Preservation Office that DH be a consulting Party in Section 106 process concerning the five structures and has been accepted. Preservation Dayton, Inc. funds are to be used to modify the five National Register houses, removing the lead-based paint and asbestos shingles. The houses are structurally in good condition.
Shawen Acres, located on North Main Street at Merrimac Street and owned by Montgomery County, was last used as the headquarters for Children’s Services. It was originally designed as an orphan’s home. Dr. Charles Shawen donated 19 acres to the county March 21, 1926 for “wayward and homeless children”. The complex was built in 1926-27 and was used as an orphan’s home until the late 1970’s. It consisted of a main building, annex, gym, and ten quaint, English-style cottages in a park-like setting. It was placed on the National Register in 1991. Montgomery County has completed a new parking lot that flanks the eight historic, English-style cottages that have now been boarded up for several years. The County seems unwilling to discuss adaptive reuse, but ideas include use as a senior care facility.
T-Building at The Mound, completed about 1948, was built to continue the work of the Manhattan Project after the war. Its walls are 14-feet thick concrete, and the ceiling is 12-feet concrete. It descends four stories into the ground. At this facility were developed isotope batteries that produce heat and energy with a half-life of 78 years. All satellites use these batteries. Miamisburg’s mayor wishes to use the T-Building for Manhattan Project displays.
Duncarrick Mansion and property are now owned by the Salvation Army. The SA plans to restore the mansion to be used for administrative offices. Preservation Dayton, Inc. is working with the Salvation Army concerning applicable tax credits. It was placed on the National Register in 1983.
Mallory House, located in Wright-Dunbar Village, at 803 W. Fifth Street, is owned by the City of Dayton. It was the residence of Captain Robert H. Mallory, known for his tireless efforts on behalf of Dayton’s African-American community. It is vacant.
The Historic West Third Street Business Corridor between Edwin C. Moses Blvd. and Broadway is now stable, but many structures are in need of restoration. Wright-Dunbar, Inc. is actively approaching potential tenants, and a major tenant would be a great help in this endeavor.
The YWCA House, 800 West Fifth Street and owned by Crawford Convalescent Center, is on the National Register. A group of local black women, including Louise Troy, organized the Women’s Christian Association #2 in 1893. Initially meeting in Eaker Street A.M.E. Church, the organization purchased this building in 1909. The WCA #2 became affiliated with the national YWCA organization in 1918. Now located on Dayton-Liberty Road, the west side YWCA holds the distinction of being the oldest operating black YWCA in the country. The Fifth Street structure is in disrepair, and the City of Dayton considers it a safety hazard. It has been vacant for 30 years. The Landmarks Commission has given 30 days for a group to prepare a proposal, and then 60 days to show there are funds to restore.