Thanks to the work of the DCDA, in 2010, Dayton’s downtown was selected for a free design ‘makeover’, courtesy of the State Historic Preservation Office. Design professionals from that Office created (at no cost to our community) inspiring recommendations for restoring and beautifying the facades of some of Dayton’s historic storefronts.

The design team met with downtown Dayton property owners in May 2010, then returned in July 2010 and presented their recommendations to more than 30 property owners, business people, city officials and other interested members of the community. The presentation detailed design modifications and upgrades proposed for the facades of nine buildings surrounding Courthouse Square. It also sketched out historically compatible design treatments for buildings that could be put up on two vacant properties. Suggestions included door and window treatments, canopies, new paint schemes, new signage, transom restorations, new entries and higher rooflines.

A number of property owners have begun implementing some of the recommendations. The city of Dayton offered support for storefront facade improvements for historic property owners through matching grants via the Oregon State Historic Preservation Office, Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, funded by the National Park Service through the National Historic Preservation Act. The DCDA also offered a matching grant for non-historic property owners.

Examples of recommendations (see presentation for all recommendations):

     

Some changes implemented so far: