THE ARMORY

Located on the western edge of the Oregon Historic District, the Armory Building possesses a history that is unique to this predominantly 19th century residential district. The building was constructed in 1893 by John A. Schenk, who purchased the property in September of 1892. The structure was completed quickly enough to be featured in the 1893 publication, "New Dayton Illustrated: The Gem City Through A Camera". As its historical name indicates, the building was primarily constructed to house the exercises of Dayton's Ohio National Gaurd regiments. But from it's earliest days, the building also had industrial tenants, not surprising given its proximity to the canal and other industrial interests.

Although the building is linked to the military and industrial history of Dayton, rather than to the Oregon district's dominant character of middle-class houses dating from the second half of the nineteenth century, it is an important architectual landmark in the district and provides an added dimension to the district's history.

Gottschlich & Portune has been fortunate to receive many awards for their work in restoring the Historic Armory building. The Montgomery County Historical Society presented their 2001 Ionic Coulmns Heritage Award to Gottschlich & Portune for the Preservation and Adaptive Reuse of the Armory. Preservation Dayton Incorporated presented Gottschlich & Portune with their Community Preservation Award in 2001 for Outstanding Contributions, Efforts and Achievements toward Preserving, Improving and Enhancing the Historic Architecture, Historic Fabric and Quality of Urban Life in the Community and Historic Districts of Dayton.

OTHER AWARDS

The Society of Professional Journalists presented its 2001 "Best Defense of First Amendment" award to Gottschlich & Portune for its representation of WHIO-TV-7.