Historic Dayton, Ohio Arcade in Jeopardy

One of a Kind Architecture to Be Demolished

The "Arcade" as it is known in downtown Dayton, Ohio is a historical landmark located in the heart of downtown and is surrounded by Ludlow, Main, Third and Fourth Street. It was constructed in 1902 and its unique design of five interconnecting buildings topped by a glass domed rotunda was conceived by Eugene Barney of the Barney and Smith Car Company. Two balconies encircle the entire enclave. The architect for this project was Frank Andrews who is also known for his designs for the NCR buildings in Dayton and the American Building in downtown Dayton. A forward thinking Barney not only conceived this unique design but also made sure to include, what was at this time, recent innovations available such as elevators, which go to the second floor balcony inside the rotunda, a power plant and a cold storage plant.

Of the five interconnecting buildings, the most notable one is Flemish in design and fronts Third Street. Rumor has it that the building was designed to reflect a historical guild hall in Amsterdam. Two of the other buildings, along Ludlow and Fourth Street are of Italian Renaissance Revival design. Although the Arcade has such unusual architecture, its most noteworthy attribute is the great dome. It is 70 feet high and 90 feet in diameter. The glass of the rotunda was originally glazed similar to a coke bottle with wire mesh reinforcements. The detailing within the rotunda is of items representative of Ohio. There are festoons of oak leaves with acorns, garlands of grain, and rams heads. The cornucopias are filled with fruits and vegetables produced in Ohio. At each frame of the dome are colorful wild turkeys.