The City of Dayton is undergoing an evolution, taking something old and giving it new meaning. This reflected in two major projects set on historical sites in the Dayton community. The first is the development of the onMain innovation district located on the old Montgomery County Fairgrounds. onMain is a 501(c)(3) joint venture that was formed between Premier Health and the University of Dayton to create a community that fosters imagination, innovation, and inclusivity. TUFF and onMain have signed a definitive term sheet for TUFF to develop the Think Dayton Building, which is phase 1 of the development on the site. The building will be approximately 120,000 square feet of high-bay research space with wet lab capability, simulators, and collaborative workspaces. The Think Dayton Building will be the catalyst that ensures the build-out of the rest of this historical 36-acre site. As an innovation community it will consist of residential, retail, bike trails, and riverfront views with access to fresh foods and public gathering spaces.
Earlier this year, the city also announced the redevelopment of an historic downtown site. Cross Street Partners joined with McCormack Baron and the Model Group on the first phase: a $90 million mixed-used project that includes housing, offices, restaurants, and retail. The project, known as the “Arcade”, was originally built in the early twentieth century. The Arcade’s anchor tenant will be an Innovation Hub, sponsored by the University of Dayton and the Entrepreneurs Center. The city and the University of Dayton have served as the spearhead for the evolution taking place and will lead to the transformation of the entire region. The following article by Bruce Katz reflects on the transformative potential of the Arcade. Read more here.