![Benjamin F. Kuhns Building, Dayton](/img/gd_attr/49645.jpg)
Benjamin F. Kuhns Building, Dayton
The Benjamin F. Kuhns Building stands out for its well-preserved late nineteenth-century architecture, which led to its designation as a historic site. This Romanesque Revival building, constructed of brick with a slate roof, incorporates elements of stone and terracotta. Its distinctive facade is divided into five bays, each featuring a large arch, and the street-facing southern side mirrors this design on a larger scale. Designed by the Dayton-based architectural firm Peters and Burns, and constructed by local contractors Beaver and Butt, the building is an architectural gem of its era.
Throughout its early years, the Benjamin F. Kuhns Building housed various commercial enterprises. The Manhattan Clothing Store and Oleman's Department Store were notable tenants during the 1890s and 1910s, respectively. Interestingly, the building also served educational purposes, hosting an arts school during the 1888-1889 school year. Among its interior features is a historically significant mail chute, reputed to be one of the earliest installed in any building nationwide, adding a unique element to its rich history.
The building's namesake, Benjamin Kuhns, moved from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, to Dayton in 1855 at the age of thirty. By his fiftieth birthday, Kuhns had become a prominent industrialist, transforming a small Dayton firm into a leading manufacturer of agricultural equipment. Besides his business acumen, Kuhns was a noted philanthropist, playing a crucial role in founding Miami Valley Hospital, a testament to his commitment to community welfare.
In recognition of its historical and architectural significance, the Benjamin F. Kuhns Building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in April 1978.
Throughout its early years, the Benjamin F. Kuhns Building housed various commercial enterprises. The Manhattan Clothing Store and Oleman's Department Store were notable tenants during the 1890s and 1910s, respectively. Interestingly, the building also served educational purposes, hosting an arts school during the 1888-1889 school year. Among its interior features is a historically significant mail chute, reputed to be one of the earliest installed in any building nationwide, adding a unique element to its rich history.
The building's namesake, Benjamin Kuhns, moved from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, to Dayton in 1855 at the age of thirty. By his fiftieth birthday, Kuhns had become a prominent industrialist, transforming a small Dayton firm into a leading manufacturer of agricultural equipment. Besides his business acumen, Kuhns was a noted philanthropist, playing a crucial role in founding Miami Valley Hospital, a testament to his commitment to community welfare.
In recognition of its historical and architectural significance, the Benjamin F. Kuhns Building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in April 1978.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Dayton. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Benjamin F. Kuhns Building on Map
Sight Name: Benjamin F. Kuhns Building
Sight Location: Dayton, USA (See walking tours in Dayton)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Dayton, USA (See walking tours in Dayton)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Dayton, Ohio
Create Your Own Walk in Dayton
Creating your own self-guided walk in Dayton is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Wright Brothers Walking Tour
Renowned as the cradle of innovation for the Wright brothers, Orville and Wilbur, Dayton, Ohio is rich with aviation history. The pioneers of powered flight transformed Dayton into a hub of technological advancement and ingenuity. Today, visitors to the city can explore several sites that commemorate their groundbreaking achievements.
The Aviation Trail Visitor Center and Museum is a perfect... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 7.8 Km or 4.8 Miles
The Aviation Trail Visitor Center and Museum is a perfect... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 7.8 Km or 4.8 Miles
Dayton Historical Buildings Tour
Dayton, Ohio, is home to a number of impressive historical buildings designed in a variety of styles, many of which are listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
One such is the Montgomery County Courthouse. Constructed in 1847, it exemplifies the Greek Revival style with its imposing columns and classical facades. Nearby, the Conover Building, dating back to 1900, showcases Eclectic... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
One such is the Montgomery County Courthouse. Constructed in 1847, it exemplifies the Greek Revival style with its imposing columns and classical facades. Nearby, the Conover Building, dating back to 1900, showcases Eclectic... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Dayton Introduction Walking Tour
Dayton, Ohio, often called the "Gem City" (for no apparent reason), is also known as the "Birthplace of Aviation" for being the hometown of the Wright brothers, inventors and builders of the first practical airplane. Additionally, Dayton is colloquially referred to as "Little Detroit" for its significant role as a Midwestern manufacturing center.
The original... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
The original... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles