What was once the former Delco plant in downtown Dayton has been reimagined as a beacon of economic growth and innovation. Through the collaborative efforts of The Columbus Architectural Studio, Crawford Hoying, and the City of Dayton, this historic building was transformed into a vibrant mixed-use facility tailored to meet the needs of the evolving community.

With a history spanning over 100 years, the Delco building has served many purposes. Constructed in 1915, it operated as the second plant built by Dayton Engineering Laboratories Company (Delco), supporting the community until its abandonment in the 1980s. Later purchased by a local entrepreneur, it became Mendelson Liquidation Outlet—a destination for unique and antique items. By 2019, developers saw its potential, and with guidance from The Studio, the building began its transformation into the dynamic space it is today.

Repurposing this historic factory for modern mixed-use posed unique challenges. The sheer scale of the building and its original infrastructure required creative solutions to accommodate modern amenities while preserving its historic character. One area of complex geometry was the parking garage. From the original pillars and bays, there was much to work around. The final solution was to remove the middle bay so that a ramp could be constructed to connect four levels of parking. We approached the project with a focus on careful space planning to balance apartments, parking, and retail spaces seamlessly. 

Preserving the building’s integrity was a priority. The original brick facade was given new life and restored to serve as a defining feature of the design. On the first floor, we introduced a modern touch by installing an accordion glass wall in the leasing office and incorporating black metal windows, enhancing the industrial aesthetic while allowing natural light to flood the space. Within the apartments, there are several types of flooring found such as polished concrete, or bits of stone mixed in. One can piece together the history of the unit based on the flooring that’s within the space. Materiality and finishes continue to sport the industrial feel with vaulted ceilings, exposed pipes, and in some cases pillars in the units. 

With thoughtful updates like a double-sided fireplace and a dog park, the Delco project exemplifies The Studio’s commitment to preserving history while shaping the future. Throughout the entirety of the project, The Studio combed over all fine details to ensure the building’s materiality was respected and ensured its historical character remained intact. The Delco project exemplifies The Studio’s dedication to honoring the past while designing for the future. As one of many historical preservation projects The Studio has undertaken, it stands out for its rich history and the challenges it presented. The result is a space that bridges Dayton’s industrial heritage with its vibrant modern community.