Dayton Arcade, Dayton

The Dayton Arcade is a historic and architecturally significant complex situated in the heart of Dayton. Comprising nine interconnected buildings, the Arcade was constructed between 1902 and 1904. The visionary behind this project was Eugene J. Barney of the Barney & Smith Car Company, who aimed to create a state-of-the-art facility equipped with the latest innovations of the time, such as elevators, a power plant, and a cold-storage plant. The design of the Arcade was entrusted to architect Frank M. Andrews, who also designed many of NCR's factory buildings and the American Building at Third and Main Streets in Dayton.

A standout feature of the Dayton Arcade is its glass-domed rotunda, which measures 70 feet in height and 90 feet in diameter. This impressive structure is adorned with detailed carvings that celebrate Ohio's natural and agricultural heritage, including oak leaves, acorns, grains, ram heads, wild turkeys, and cornucopias filled with local produce. The rotunda is encircled by two balconied upper floors that overlook the central enclave, creating a grand and open interior space.

The great dome is perhaps the most intriguing architectural feature of the Dayton Arcade. Unlike traditional rotundas with classical detailing, this dome incorporates elements that reflect Ohio's identity. The decorative elements include colorful turkeys, festoons of oak leaves and acorns, and garlands of grain, all emphasizing the state's rich natural and agricultural resources.

The Arcade's architectural style varies across its different facades. The most notable building fronts are on Third Street, designed in the Flemish façade style, reportedly inspired by a guildhall in Amsterdam, Netherlands, and featuring old Dutch architectural elements. In contrast, the facades on Fourth Street and Ludlow Street are rendered in the Italian Renaissance Revival style, with the Commercial Building prominently anchoring the corner of the lot. This blend of architectural styles contributes to the complex's unique and historically rich character.