The $100M question: What’s next for downtown’s Water Street District?

The investment in the Water Street District has already surpassed $100 million, and the developers have their sights set on adding even more housing, offices and destinations to the fastest-growing part of the urban center.

Water Street has transformed a strip of waterfront along the Mad River with 215 new apartments and townhomes and a four-story office building at Monument Avenue and Patterson Boulevard, which is home to Basil’s on Market restaurant, a gym, PNC Bank and other tenants.

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The district then expanded with the opening of 133 new Delco Lofts apartments and the new Lock 27 Brewing next to Fifth Third Field. Fifty-four additional Water Street apartments are being built along the river, and a new Fairfield Inn and Suites is under construction next to the office building.

On Tuesday, developers Woodard Development and Crawford Hoying shared a map of their mixed-use development that identifies the district’s current projects and several that are on the drawing board.

The map provided a sneak peak at what could be the district’s next wave of projects.


Water Street District developers plan

Green: Openers
Blue: Underway
Orange: Expected
Red: Developers hope to pursur


The developers have purchased the property at 507 E. First St., which was the home of Dayton Supply and Tool Co.

They plan to demolish the industrial facility and are considering constructing a four-story building, featuring 110 apartments and 10,000 square feet of retail space, according to the map.

The developers also have a purchase option for the grassy lot at East First Street and North Patterson Boulevard, very close to the Delco Lofts. The property, adjacent to Lincoln Storage, is owned by the city of Dayton.

Crawford Hoying and Woodard Development are looking at potentially developing a six-story building, offering 60 apartments and street-level retail and a parking garage.

The developers also have a purchase option for property located across the Mad River, north of the Water Street Apartments, in the Deeds Park area, which also belongs to the city of Dayton.

The developers are looking at building four dozen condominiums to purchase, featuring a mix of townhomes and flats.

The Deeds Park area has been described by a variety of city and development leaders as having some of the best and most spectacular views of downtown.

“We have a lot of opportunity to grow the district,” said Jason Woodard, principal of Woodard Development.

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