In April 2017, Premier Health and the University of Dayton came together to purchase and redevelop the 38-acre former Montgomery County Fairgrounds site. As anchor institutions, the partners are committed to a plan that authentically builds on their institutional missions and values, promotes economic development, and fosters a unique sense of place that serves broad community interests.
For 160 years, the fairgrounds site and the intersection of Stewart and Main Streets served as a community destination. There were also decades where this area was the economic and innovation engine for the city and region. The partners are now working to redevelop this important part of Dayton into a place that advances the missions of Premier Health and UD, boosts the economic vitality of the city and adds to the stability and health of the surrounding neighborhoods. As the former fairgrounds site redevelops into a vibrant place it will serve as an amenity for the adjacent neighborhoods. The site will be well connected to the existing neighborhood fabric and offer a variety of public spaces significantly improving this part of Dayton. The improvements to the adjacent public realm (i.e. Stewart Street and Main Street) will be felt by residents and businesses alike.
It was important to the community, as well as to onMain, that the history of the site be preserved and celebrated. As part of a historic preservation strategy, Dayton History relocated horse barn No. 17 to Carillon Historical Park. The relocation of this barn presents an opportunity to aid in Carillon Park’s fulfillment of its master plan, and will bridge three themes; early Dayton, transportation and agriculture.
Development of the Site
This first step in preparing the site for redevelopment was to remove the existing structures and regrade the site. Full demolition of the other structures on the site began in the summer of 2019 and was complete by end of November 2019.
The drone footage shows a transition of the former fairgrounds before and after site preparation. The drone travels west along Stewart Street showing the site before preparation. As it approaches the intersection at Stewart and Main Streets, the video switches to show a view of the site after preparation, traveling north towards the Roundhouse and ends with a view of the site looking towards the south.
The Roundhouse dates from 1874 and was reconstructed in the 1950s (shown today in the photos above). The Roundhouse has the potential to serve as an important community gathering space within the site where all people feel welcome to enjoy this historic landmark.
Progress has been made to prepare the site for Dayton’s new imagination district. Some notable updates include: 19 buildings removed from the site, 340 tons of scrap metal recycled and 170 tons of barn foundation rescued.
The historical horse barn No. 17 is a stable built in the late 19th century and thought to be the oldest remaining structure at the former fairgrounds other than the Roundhouse. Barn 17 was dismantled as part of the onMain site preparation and has been reassembled at Carillon Historical Park by Dayton History where it tells the story of the Montgomery County Fairgrounds and the significant events that occurred on that site.
