High-quality businesses are opening in the district that give it a feeling of a bustling village and provide a unique mix of goods, services and drink and cuisine, said Mike Martin, president of the Oregon District Business Association.
“The business district has matured nicely and in a very methodical, very planned kind of way,” he said.
Clive and Geeta Wilson are renovating the three-story building at 424 E. Fifth St., which has been empty for more than 40 years. The building is squeezed between Blind Bob’s and Newcom’s Tavern.
The Wilsons have worked to stabilize and restore the structure. They have made roof repairs and replaced rotting floor joists. But much work remains, including installing new mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems.
The couple hope to open a gift boutique and pastry shop called Be Niice by June. The shop will occupy the west side of the building.
The couple also plan to open a restaurant called Kivan — meaning life — on the building’s east side about six to eight months after the bakery is up and operational.
“We believe Dayton is very much in a resurgence, and we very much want to be a part of that,” Clive Wilson said.
The addition of Wilson’s shop and fusion restaurant will represent another step toward the Oregon District’s transformation into a village-like area, said Martin, with the business association.
The business district is maturing and today is flush with a distinct collection of stores that cater to people looking to shop, dine and recreate, he said.
Last month, the business strip was recognized by the American Planning Association as one of five “Great Streets” in the country.
The organization said the designation represents “the gold standard in terms of having a true sense of place, cultural and historical interest, community involvement, and a vision for the future.”
Wilson’s boutique will take up the front of the store and the pastry shop space will be behind it. The shop will sell “niceties,” including candies from around the globe.
The pastry shop will sell macaroons, cupcakes, cookies and ice cream. The store is expected to have outdoor seating.
Design drawings of the store’s interior highlight the Italian marble floor and exposed brick walls. The drawings show industrial lighting, and the store blends rustic and modern elements.
Clive Wilson said the layout of his business may differ from the renderings, but the drawings underscore the caliber of establishment he will be opening.
“We want it to be absolutely gorgeous, because a building of that kind of history and caliber demands and cries for it,” he said.
The Wilsons envision renovating and renting out the building’s second and third floors for weddings, parties and other events. The third floor once operated as a roller rink.
The cultural composition of the Oregon District has evolved as new businesses moved in.
Since 2012, the business district has welcomed interesting restaurants (Salar, Lily’s Bistro, Corner Kitchen, Wheat Penny), useful services (Hicks’ Barber Shop & Shave Parlor, Oregon Tails Pet Salon), funky retailers (Clash Dayton, Brim) and breweries and taverns (Lucky’s Taproom and Toxic Brew Company).
Martin said the Oregon District’s success is a testament to years of good planning and investment.
And, he said, the investment continues today.
In October, the business association started a free shuttle service to address the parking shortage in the area.
Now, people who work in the Oregon District can park for free at the Transportation Center Garage and catch a ride to work. Visitors can pay park in the garage and hop on the shuttle.
Also, new parking spaces have been added on the curbside lanes of Wayne Avenue, south of Fifth Street. The district has seen a wave of new investment along Wayne.
And the business association is working to lease about 126 parking spaces near the Dublin Pub from Greater Dayton Premier Management.
Wilson’s restaurant will have no dedicated parking. But Wilson’s not worried.
He said the Oregon District is a walkable, history-rich area that people will find a way to visit, if even they cannot park right in front of their destination.
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