![Liberty Tower, Dayton](/img/gd_attr/64202.jpg)
Liberty Tower, Dayton
Liberty Tower has been a prominent fixture for local businesses, entrepreneurs, and community leaders since its construction in the 1930s. Originally known as the Mutual Home Savings Association Building, it was the tallest building in Dayton from its completion in 1931 until 1969.
The tower has undergone several name changes, becoming the Hulman Building in 1949 after being acquired by the Hulman family, owners of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and later renamed Liberty Tower in 1998 after Liberty Savings Bank. Currently, it hosts a branch of First Financial Bank, following the acquisition of numerous Liberty Savings Bank locations. In 1982, Liberty Tower was listed on the National Register of Historic Places, cementing its status as a historic landmark.
The Mutual Home Savings Building was an architectural marvel at the time of its construction, boasting an impressive 20 floors and becoming Dayton’s first skyscraper. It remains Dayton’s sole example of Art Deco architecture, a style celebrated for its bold geometric forms and lavish ornamentation, reminiscent of iconic structures like the Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building.
The interior of Liberty Tower is a testament to this aesthetic, featuring intricate Art Deco designs. The newly renovated events space on the first floor, The Grande Hall at Liberty Tower, showcases breathtaking Italian marble walls and Tennessee marble floors, exemplifying the symmetrical beauty characteristic of the Art Deco movement.
During World War II, Liberty Tower served a crucial role as the headquarters for the Army Signal Corps. The building's roof was utilized as an observation deck, with two watchmen stationed 24/7 to patrol the airspace and monitor Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, which is still visible from the roof on clear days. This wartime use added to the building's historical significance, highlighting its strategic importance during a critical period in American history.
The tower has undergone several name changes, becoming the Hulman Building in 1949 after being acquired by the Hulman family, owners of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and later renamed Liberty Tower in 1998 after Liberty Savings Bank. Currently, it hosts a branch of First Financial Bank, following the acquisition of numerous Liberty Savings Bank locations. In 1982, Liberty Tower was listed on the National Register of Historic Places, cementing its status as a historic landmark.
The Mutual Home Savings Building was an architectural marvel at the time of its construction, boasting an impressive 20 floors and becoming Dayton’s first skyscraper. It remains Dayton’s sole example of Art Deco architecture, a style celebrated for its bold geometric forms and lavish ornamentation, reminiscent of iconic structures like the Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building.
The interior of Liberty Tower is a testament to this aesthetic, featuring intricate Art Deco designs. The newly renovated events space on the first floor, The Grande Hall at Liberty Tower, showcases breathtaking Italian marble walls and Tennessee marble floors, exemplifying the symmetrical beauty characteristic of the Art Deco movement.
During World War II, Liberty Tower served a crucial role as the headquarters for the Army Signal Corps. The building's roof was utilized as an observation deck, with two watchmen stationed 24/7 to patrol the airspace and monitor Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, which is still visible from the roof on clear days. This wartime use added to the building's historical significance, highlighting its strategic importance during a critical period in American history.
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.
Liberty Tower on Map
Sight Name: Liberty Tower
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 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
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