DAYTON — The two-story building seems to emerge naturally from the banks of the Great Miami River.

The Dayton Canoe Club building, part of the city's riverscape for nearly 100 years, gained protective status as a local landmark from the Dayton City Commission on Wednesday.

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"I can see the Canoe Club from my house. It's a wonderful thing for my Riverdale neighborhood," Clyde Collins said.

The designation means that any exterior changes to the building, or a request for demolition, must be approved by the Dayton Landmark Commission.

Completed in 1913, the Dayton Canoe Club building reflects the Progressive Era interest in social and health benefits of outdoor recreation and exercise, according to the Ohio Historical Society.

Architecturally, the Dayton Canoe Club building reflects the influence of the Arts and Craft Movement in the early 20th century with an emphasis on simplicity and natural materials.

The two-story building with stone lower story and overhanging veranda above appears to be one story from Riverside Drive, gently extending above the horizon.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2362 or josmith@DaytonDailyNews.com.