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$19M plan proposed for Arcade
Proposal for downtown Dayton landmark includes shopping, eateries and a variety of attractions.
Thursday, December 07, 2006
DAYTON — A local special effects designer and amusement industry consultant is proposing to transform Dayton's downtown Arcade into a multi-faceted entertainment and attraction center.
Terry Collins of the Kettering-based, Themed Environments and Special Effects, met with city officials Wednesday to discuss the proposal, a $19 million plan called New Arcade Square.
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A local businessman has proposed a $19 million plan for the Arcade in downtown Dayton, shown here at its Third Street entrance. 
Terry Collins at the Third St. entrance of the Arcade building. His company,Themed Environments and Special Effects, would like to develop the property. "We're trying to preserve a national landmark built in 1902," Collins said.
The proposal combines a variety of attractions — restaurants, amusements, museums, an art gallery, shops — to draw people of all ages. As envisioned, most of the activities would have themes related to Dayton.
Shelley Dickstein, a special projects administrator for Dayton, said the city is learning details of the project and that a feasibility study must be done.
"Clearly, we know the Arcade is an important asset in the community, but there have been a lot of proposals that haven't worked," she said. "It's an exciting concept; we just need to make sure it will work."
Collins said he and several partners have brokers working on funding. He hopes the city will provide assistance with preliminary engineering, interior alterations and environmental work. He also plans to seek tax credits.
Collins said the development would create about 260 jobs and draw a million visitors a year.
"This project is so unique for the area. That aspect alone, the publicity that it will generate, will do wonders for the city," he said.
Collins said he has 20 years experience serving the amusement and leisure industries, providing consulting and design work for resorts, zoos, family entertainment centers and amusement parks.
His projects have ranged from very small to large including animation at EXHILARAMA Edison Brothers Mall Entertainment in North Carolina and an underground ride at Adventureland Amusement Park in Iowa.
Collins was hired by Arcade owner Tony Staub, president of Brownfield Charities Inc., about a year ago to come up with a redevelopment concept for the turn-of-the-century, historic Arcade.
Staub said he's not sure if Brownfield Charities would continue to be a partner in the venture.
"Whether I'm in or out, I just want someone to bring the building alive again," he said.
Collins said most of the Arcade could reopen in as little as 12 to 14 months.
Staub took title to the Arcade in 2004 through a donation to the charity he formed. The property, appraised at $2.3 million, has stood vacant since 1991.
Staub fell behind on the Arcade's property taxes and in November, the Montgomery County treasurer sold $250,000 in tax liens to American Tax Funding Servicing. Property owners have a year to pay overdue bills or get on a payment plan. After that, the company can foreclose.
"I think everybody is hanging around hoping I'll lose the place," Staub said. "I'm not going to just give it away."
