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.