James Brooks House, Dayton

The James Brooks House is a notable historic residence located in downtown Dayton, Ohio. Originally constructed in the 1830s, this building underwent significant modifications later in the 19th century. Recognized for its historical importance, it was designated a historic site in the 1970s, preserving its unique architectural blend and storied past.

This stone building rests on a brick foundation and features an asphalt roof, with additional elements of stone and iron. Architecturally, it presents a simple rectangular plan, standing two stories tall with an exposed basement. The house's layout is enhanced by a rear extension formed by enclosing a two-story veranda, adding extra rooms. The facade is three bays wide, with windows in the central and eastern bays on all three floors, while the western bay contains a window on the second story and the main entrance on the first.

The basement's western bay is blocked by a small staircase. Pilasters with Ionic capitals frame the second-story windows, contrasting with the simpler lower floors. A shallow hip roof, interrupted by chimneys on either side, overhangs to create space for a cornice with large brackets. The sides of the house are plain, with the western side notably featuring a simple fire escape.

The early history of the James Brooks House is somewhat enigmatic. It was constructed for Thomas Clegg, an English immigrant and small-scale industrialist who owned Dayton’s first iron and brass foundries. However, the precise date of construction is uncertain. While a stone building was erected on the site in 1831, which may be the current house, some sources suggest it could have been built the following year. Montgomery County tax records add to the confusion, as they show that Clegg never owned the property nor paid taxes on it, leaving the original ownership unclear. The house initially featured a Greek Revival design, but mid-19th-century renovations, including changes to the cornice and other elements, imparted a Victorian-era appearance.

In 1975, the James Brooks House was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.