Preservation Dayton, Inc. (PDI) accepts nominations for outstanding individuals businesses, or organizations that have contributed to PDI’s mission to promote, protect, and enhance greater Dayton’s architectural heritage, its setting, and its contributions to the region’s quality of life.

These awards recognize and celebrate historic preservation leaders in the following categories: 

• Dayton historic neighborhoods—Each neighborhood board recognizes an outstanding preservationist in each of their officially designated historic neighborhoods
• At-large—Outstanding preservationist(s) for the greater Dayton region
• Lifetime achievement—A major contributor to preservation causes over multiple decades

​Criteria: Each award recognizes creative, inspirational leaders whose efforts have contributed to the protection, renovation, and revitalization of historic neighborhoods, individual structures, or strengthened the historic preservation movement or the quality of life in Dayton’s historic communities. Awards may celebrate neighborhood and community leaders, business owners and businesses, nonprofit organizations, government leaders, journalists and other dedicated individuals who have succeeded in protecting Dayton’s historic architecture and built environment.

Special thanks to our sponsors, with support from @DaytonArchitecture, Dayton Art Solutions, and funding from the City of Dayton's Community Engagement Grant.

2026 AWARD WINNERS

Dayton View Historic District

Jefferson Alcott and Danny Magelsdorf
​102 Yale Avenue

Jefferson Alcott and Danny Mangelsdorf are highly deserving of recognition for their exceptional rehabilitation of the historic home at 102 Yale Ave. in Dayton, Ohio—affectionately known as “Bear House.” Originally built in 1908 by engineer Norman Bear, the property reflects the craftsmanship of a bygone era. Through vision, perseverance, and a deep respect for history, Jefferson and Danny have transformed this residence into a stunning example of how historic preservation and modern living can coexist. The exterior transformation alone required significant effort and dedication. Overgrown trees and a backyard dense with honeysuckle were cleared to reclaim the property and reveal its full potential. In their place, a beautifully designed two-story rear porch now enhances both the home’s functionality and architectural appeal. A new roof, cedar fence, and carefully selected finishes—black and mahogany trim paired with striking copper-colored gutters and downspouts—give Bear House a distinctive and elegant presence within the neighborhood. Inside, the home has been thoughtfully reimagined while preserving its original character. Danny played a pivotal role in overseeing the physical rehabilitation, working closely with Elevated Construction to ensure high-quality craftsmanship throughout. The renovations include two newly constructed bathrooms, featuring a spa-like retreat on the second floor and a full bath on the first. The kitchen was completely remodeled with new stainless steel appliances, while additional upgrades include a second-floor laundry, a reimagined study, and a tray ceiling and added crystal chandler that adds dimension and sophistication to the dining room. What truly distinguishes this project is the careful preservation of the home’s historic elements. Jefferson and Danny retained the rich natural woodwork, including three sets of fully functioning pocket doors, original crown molding, and intricate door and window trim. Danny’s creativity is evident throughout the home, where he applied his talents in repurposing furniture, faux painting, and reconstructing missing decorative elements to seamlessly blend old and new. The success of this rehabilitation was also made possible through strategic planning and collaboration. Jefferson and Danny worked with a 203(k) consultant to secure financing and ensure that all construction met federal requirements. Their experience has extended beyond their own project; in partnership with PDI, they developed a video to educate others about the 203(k) loan and construction process, outlining its benefits and important considerations for future homeowners. Beyond the home itself, Jefferson’s leadership and community involvement further exemplify the spirit of this nomination. He serves as Community Relations Chair for the Dayton View Historic Neighborhood, is the founding president of the Dayton Neighborhood Leadership Forum, and sits on the boards of Family Services Association, Rainbow Elder Care, and Preservation Dayton, Inc. Following his retirement as Human Resources Director of Catholic Social Services of the Miami Valley, Jefferson continues to invest his time in meaningful ways—tending to the home’s gardens and stained glass windows, traveling, and participating in lifelong learning through UDOLLI. Together, Jefferson and Danny have not only restored Bear House but have also strengthened the fabric of their community. Their combined talents, leadership, and dedication to preservation make them truly deserving of recognition.

Five Oaks Historic Districts

Kettering Health Network
2nd Church of Christ, Scientist

The Five Oaks Neighborhood Improvement Association nominates Kettering Health Dayton for a Preservation Dayton Preservation Award in recognition of its community-minded response and thoughtful rehabilitation of the historic former Second Church of Christ Scientist at 720 Belmonte Park North. Constructed in 1923, this nearly 13,000-square-foot structure is an impressive and significant architectural landmark within the Five Oaks neighborhood, helping to define the Grand Ave streetscape for both Five Oaks and Grafton Hill. Designed in the Greek Doric order, the building is distinguished by its tall, classically inspired columns and restrained elegance—the church stands as a testament to early 20th-century craftsmanship and design. The cornerstone was laid on April 25, 1923, with the first service held later that year on December 2, and the building formally dedicated in 1944. For many years, the future of this historic structure was uncertain. In 2013, the property was sold to Grandview Hospital (now Kettering Health Dayton). Although demolition of the unused church had been a concern for years, in early 2023, neighborhood leaders received news of demolition plans for the church to provide additional off-street parking for the hospital. This possibility raised deep concern among neighborhood residents, who recognized the building’s architectural significance and its importance to our neighborhoods’ sense of place. FONIA, alongside the Grafton Hill Neighborhood Association and Preservation Dayton, engaged in meaningful dialogue with hospital leadership to advocate for the building’s preservation. Kettering Health Dayton’s decision to preserve and reinvest in this historic structure represents a powerful statement—one that reflects responsiveness to community voices and a commitment to stewardship of Dayton’s built heritage. KHD secured a long-term lease with a local church congregation and the building has undergone a comprehensive renovation that carefully balances modernization with preservation. Planned updates included mechanical, HVAC, and electrical systems and extensive landscaping by Siebenthaler's Garden Center. Once completed in early 2026, the restored building will serve as the largest gathering space on the Kettering Health Dayton campus. Importantly, it will continue its legacy as a place of worship as the home of Dayton’s Seventh-day Adventist African Church, ensuring continuity of its spiritual and cultural role in the community. Kettering Health Dayton has not only saved a significant architectural resource but has also reinforced the importance of place, history, and community identity in the Five Oaks and Grafton Hill neighborhoods. Their work demonstrates how institutions can serve as responsible stewards of historic assets while meeting contemporary needs.

​Huffman Historic District

Andy Turrentine
Multiple Properties

Andy Turrentine is being honored for his extraordinary preservation work across multiple historic properties throughout Huffman, St. Anne’s Hill, and Dayton’s Historic Inner East. From ongoing rehabilitations on Dutoit Street to completed restorations on Henry, June, La Belle, Drummer, and Fifth Street, Andy’s craftsmanship consistently reflects respect for historic standards and architectural integrity. In addition to his private restoration work, Andy has generously contributed countless volunteer hours to neighborhood cleanups, garden improvements, and community construction projects. His dedication has strengthened not just individual properties, but the fabric of entire historic neighborhoods.

PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR HISTORIC DISTRICT

National Park Service and Ohio History Connection
Paul Laurence Dunbar House

The restoration of the Paul Laurence Dunbar House Historic Site represents an extraordinary commitment to preserving one of Dayton’s most significant cultural and architectural treasures. Funded through State of Ohio capital funds and a Saving America’s Treasures grant administered by the National Park Service, with the National Aviation Heritage Alliance serving as grant recipient and Ohio History Connection providing matching funds and project oversight, this effort addressed critical preservation needs across the site while honoring the historic integrity of the district connected to the life and legacy of Paul Laurence Dunbar. The project included extensive masonry restoration involving the removal, replacement, and repointing of deteriorated brick surfaces, with salvaged brick from the former Dayton Transit Trolley Garage secured through collaboration with the City of Dayton to provide an exceptional historic match for repairs throughout the site, including the chimneys; installation of a new drainage system between the houses to direct water away from the foundations and protect these historic structures from moisture damage; restoration, repair, and painting of exterior wood elements on the Dunbar House; replacement of the kitchen roof; and rehabilitation work on neighboring contributing structures, including siding repair and painting at the Cole House at 223 North Paul Laurence Dunbar Street and the Mundhee House at 227 North Paul Laurence Dunbar Street, as well as chimney flashing replacement and plaster repair at the Cole House. Beyond the physical improvements, this project stands as a model of successful collaboration among federal, state, and local partners and demonstrates a commitment not only to preserving a single historic home, but to safeguarding an entire cultural landscape for future generations. Special recognition is due to Mackensie Wittmer of the National Aviation Heritage Area, whose leadership from project inception through completion helped secure funding, coordinate partners, and ensure the successful execution of this nationally significant preservation effort, along with the contributions of Sarah Vandenbark and Chris Buchanan of Ohio History Connection, whose stewardship helped preserve an irreplaceable chapter of Dayton’s history.

MCPHERSON TOWN HISTORIC DISTRICT

Chris Stewart and Lisa Powell
41 W. McPherson Street

Chris Stewart and Lisa Powell purchased their home at 41 W McPherson St. soon after the turn of the century (2001). This home, built in 1895 is known as one of the best examples of the Eastlake style of Victorian architecture in McPherson Town. Elements of that style include ornamental panels, elaborately carved porch posts and railings, decorative spindles, and incised lines of flat trim. These details have been carefully restored and painstakingly painted to highlight the decorative elements. Most recently, they have repainted a wrought iron gate and fence that surrounds their yard. Several years ago, this yard was updated with a fountain, deck, and a stunning pergola, creating an outdoor refuge in our urban setting. These projects speak to Chris and Lisa’s dedication to preserving the historic character of their property, and the investment required for that preservation. Their home is truly a gem of the neighborhood. Chris and Lisa’s contributions to life in McPherson Town extend beyond their own property. For many years, they hosted neighbors for a Chili Cookoff, in which gold, silver, bronze, and green (vegetarian category) ladles were awarded by popular vote. Chris has been a long-time member of the Neighborhood Development Corporation and currently serves as Treasurer. This community non-profit corporation recently purchased the property at 202/204 Babbitt Street. This building retains elements of its original design as a neighborhood store. NDC is in the process of renovating the first floor as a neighborhood gathering space while emphasizing details of its original function. Chris has been a leader in this and other recent projects by NDC. Although they have recently retired, Chris and Lisa worked for years as photographers and reporters for the Dayton Daily News. In those roles, they have highlighted life in all the historic districts of Dayton, but especially their own McPherson Town neighborhood. With DDN no longer an outlet for their creativity, they have begun posting to the McPherson Town Facebook. A recent example, following the record-breaking snow in January begins: “By the powers vested in me as a retired person able to putter away a morning, I hereby declare the northeast corner of McDaniel Street and West McPherson Street a sculptural ice display zone.” Attached photos show highlights. I can do no better than to quote their post about the impact of this days-long “event” that Chris and Lisa started: “What we made as a community is amazing! Kids from the neighborhood brought colored ice to brighten the display …. Every day brings a new creation or twist on what’s existing….Winter is often a time of year when we have less interaction with our neighbors. Great to keep those connections alive with this project.” On behalf of the officers of the McPherson Town Historical Society, I submit this nomination of Chris Stewart and Lisa Powell. They truly exemplify the qualities this award seeks to honor.

South Park Historic District

Jamie Howard
220 Perrine Street

Historic South Park, Inc. is proud to recognize Jamie Howard for the exterior restoration of 220 Perrine St. Jamie purchased the home at the beginning of the pandemic and has transformed the former double and neighborhood eyesore into an eye-catching gem. The previous owner had converted the interior of the double into a single-family home. Jamie continued the conversion by removing the entire non-original porch and the double set of concrete stairs and walkways. She built a beautiful, inviting front porch that is an example of what was likely in place originally. Jamie designed the porch herself, with the help of Oregon District resident and friend Levi Hill and daughter Zona Uzhca. Power Up Construction built the porch and turned Jamie’s vision into reality with a grand central staircase and expanded seating area. She added decorative lighting, new landscaping, new gutters and downspouts, and striking new exterior paint using Sherwin Williams Historic Collection “Rookwood Shutter Green”. A software designer, Jamie grew up in Beavercreek and lived in Centerville before moving to South Park. She purchased a second home in South Park in 2021 to contribute to the revitalization of the neighborhood and has completed significant renovations to it. Jamie, new to historic home ownership and city life, enjoys working remotely on her new porch and values South Park's atmosphere. “I love the strong community feel of South Park. It's the primary reason I moved to the neighborhood. I'm happy to be one small part of creating a connected, vibrant community where people want to live and open businesses, while caring for Dayton's rich history”.

WRIGHT DUNBAR HISTORIC DISTRICT

Stephanie and Kyle Goens
803 W. 5th Street

For many years, the Mallory House stood as a visible reminder of both Dayton’s rich heritage and the challenges of preservation. Following the period captured during the 1995 Wright-Dunbar urban renewal effort, the structure remained boarded and vacant, its condition steadily declining while its historical significance endured. Today, that trajectory has been decisively reversed. Through the commitment and vision of Kyle and Stephanie Goens, the Mallory House is undergoing a comprehensive restoration that respects both the architectural integrity of the building and its cultural importance to the Wright-Dunbar neighborhood. The current phase of work has included the complete reconstruction of the roof structure—an essential step in stabilizing and preserving the building for future generations. This effort is not simply a repair project; it is a thoughtful rehabilitation. Care is being taken to maintain the defining characteristics of the Queen Anne style, including the massing, proportions, and exterior detailing that give the structure its historic presence. As the renovation progresses, the house is being returned to a condition that reflects its original stature within the community. The anticipated completion of the project reveals more than a restored residence—it represents the reestablishment of a landmark. The Mallory House will once again contribute to the architectural continuity and historical narrative of the Wright-Dunbar district, standing as a testament to what dedicated preservation can achieve. In honoring this work, we recognize not only the restoration of a building, but the reaffirmation of a community’s history, identity, and future.

At-Large Award

First Baptist Church
111 W. Monument Avenue

The First Baptist Church stands as one of the city’s oldest and most architecturally significant religious institutions, with roots dating to its founding in 1824—just nineteen years after the incorporation of Dayton. From its earliest days, the congregation has played a vital role in shaping the civic, spiritual, and social fabric of the community, consistently demonstrating a commitment to both tradition and progress. Originally located on Fourth and Jefferson Streets, the growing congregation grew out of several locations before necessitating the construction of the current church on Monument Avenue in the early twentieth century. The current church building, constructed between 1913 and 1915 and designed by the architectural firm Schenck and Williams, is an exceptional example of late Gothic Revival architecture and a contributing structure within the National Registry of Historic Places- Downtown Dayton Historic District overlay. Construction began in early 1913 but was interrupted by the devastating Great Flood of 1913, delaying completion until June 1915. Built of brick and limestone, the church features a striking front-gabled façade with a projecting entrance bay defined by three pointed-arch doorways set within a limestone arcade, flanked by turret-like elements with narrow arched openings. Above, a stepped pediment is richly detailed with stone inlay, finials, and a large tripartite pointed-arch stained glass window with ornate tracery. The side elevations are composed of evenly spaced arched stained glass windows separated by brick buttresses, terminating in a cross-gabled end. A secondary entrance is provided by a side portico on the east façade. The cross-gabled roof is crowned by a distinctive hexagonal metal-sheathed spire, a defining feature of the building’s silhouette. In recent years, the congregation undertook a significant preservation effort to restore and safeguard this historic structure for future generations. Central to this work was the reconstruction and stabilization of the church’s iconic spire, which had suffered damage from severe weather, including the loss of copper cladding. This project not only reinstated a defining architectural element of Dayton’s skyline but also ensured the structural integrity of the building’s roof and tower system. Equally important has been the careful restoration of the church’s historic stained glass windows. These windows—integral to the building’s Gothic character—required specialized conservation to address aging materials and deterioration while preserving their artistic and historical value. Through this work, the congregation has retained the original craftsmanship and visual storytelling embedded in the glass, allowing the sanctuary to continue inspiring visitors and worshippers alike. This preservation initiative reflects a broader commitment by First Baptist Church to honor its past while actively engaging with the present. As the congregation celebrated its bicentennial in 2024, these restoration efforts served as both a tribute to nearly two centuries of continuous ministry and a reaffirmation of its place within the community. The church has long been recognized as a center of civic leadership and inclusive outreach, hosting significant historical events and fostering connections across Dayton’s diverse population. By investing in this restoration, First Baptist Church of Dayton not only preserved a landmark but also reinforced the importance of stewardship in sustaining Dayton’s built heritage.

At-Large Award

onMain
​The Roundhouse 998 S. Main Street

Thanks to the vision and stewardship of onMain leaders, the historic Roundhouse building has been preserved and will be an integral part of the 38-acre redevelopment of the former Montgomery County Fairgrounds. This long-term partnership between the University of Dayton and Premier Health aims to create a place that “embodies the best of Dayton…that sparks innovation and echoes Dayton’s can-do, creative spirit.” onMain also aims to create “a place of distinctive identity and personality.” Bringing the irreplaceable Roundhouse back to life definitely supports this goal. Built in 1874, the Roundhouse is one of Ohio's and the nation’s most remarkable examples of Octagon architecture, a rare American architectural style which was briefly popular from 1850-1870. onMain has invested approximately $1.2 million in the renovation of this National Register structure (NR Reference Number 3001287) including $900,000 in federal appropriations secured by U.S. Representative, Mike Turner. New windows, doors and louvers were fabricated to precisely match the original configuration. The exterior facade was repaired and painted including restoring sheathing, battens, and trim to match the historic aesthetic and the historical accuracy of the Roundhouse. The Roundhouse could have ended up in a landfill or been moved offsite. Instead, it continues to grace onMain and is poised to be a focal point and gathering place for public and private events. The Roundhouse, also referred to as the Octagon Building and the Exhibition Building, dates back to 1874, the same year the Fair Association was officially formed. The roundhouse building was designed that year as an exhibition hall where manufacturers and merchants displayed products of all types. Its first exhibition featured “household appliances, including heating and cooking stoves and grates, furniture, pianos and organs, sewing machines and jewelry.” The Roundhouse also hosted a variety of parties and events, sales and merchandising expos, and was also the longtime home of the A.B. Hallum furniture store when it wasn’t fair season.

At-Large Award

Windsor Companies
Multiple Properties

Windsor Companies, led by Alex Dorsey, Founder, Partner and CEO, saw the unrealized value of Dayton’s historic architecture long before many others. Windsor’s first renovation was the historic 1024 Graphic Arts Building on Ludlow Street, now stunning loft style apartments. Windsor next revitalized the historic Fire Blocks District along East Third Street with more than 140 apartments and a vibrant mix of walkable storefronts where you can visit your optometrist, throw an axe, create a terrarium, enjoy unique eateries, and check out the latest trends in wine and women’s fashion. The Windsor Companies also transformed the Home Telephone Company, the former home of the Price Stores, at the corner of Jefferson and East Fourth Street, into 21 market-rate apartments. In summer 2025, Windsor began leasing The Deneau, a 147-unit luxury apartment, office, and mixed-use renovation. Dayton’s first modern skyscraper was built in 1969 and listed on the National Register in 2016. Windsor also made history by completing the largest vacuum-insulating glass retrofit in North America at that time. Over 51,000 square feet of vacuum-insulating glass was installed throughout the building. This process is 10 times more effective at preventing heat loss than traditional single-pane glass. In addition to these highly successful renovation projects in downtown Dayton, Windsor Companies have revitalized a 17-unit apartment on Grafton Avenue and similar-scale apartments on West Parkwood and Sandalwood Aves. In Fourth Quarter 2026, Windsor will unveil their transformation of the historic Commodore Apartments in Dayton’s Historic Grafton Hill. This ten-story apartment building was built in 1920 in the Neoclassical style. The Commodore is typical of the stylish urban apartments that graced neighborhoods in many large cities during the early Twentieth Century. The luxury apartments, many complete with fireplaces, had stood vacant since 2018. That is until Windsor saw its remarkable potential. Windsor Companies are truly innovative developers who leverage the value of historic preservation and economic revitalization to improve the vibrancy and quality of life in our city.

Nominations were not submitted for the St. Anne's Hill Historic District or Grafton Hill Historic District.