RELATED: Why “The Roundhouse” is an octagon and other facts about the cherished fairgrounds building
“As part of the purchase agreement with Montgomery County, Premier Health and UD made a commitment to include the Roundhouse as part of the overall development plans for the property or arrange for the building’s relocation and rehabilitation,” the University of Dayton and Premier Health said in a joint statement.
The two organizations have picked Columbus-based Planning NEXT to help involve the community in looking for reuse opportunities for the Roundhouse as well ideas for developing the remainder of the site. The first public meeting is from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Thursday at the fairgrounds site. About 240 people had registered to attend by Monday afternoon.
PHOTOS: The Roundhouse at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds
From a preservationist’s perspective, it’s best to keep structures where they were originally erected, said Brady Kress, president and CEO of Dayton History who is also serving on an advisory committee for the fairgrounds site.
“Our hope is if it’s historic and significant, it’s preserved in place on its original foundation,” he said. “That’s always the goal in historic preservation.”
Kress, though, is first to admit that Carillon Historical Park, operated by Dayton History, is home to a number of historic buildings — including Dayton’s first cabin — that might otherwise have fallen to neglect or the wrecking ball had they not been moved to the Park.
“With any project things come up that change,” Kress said. “Obviously Carillon is filled with those.”
The Montgomery County Agricultural Society, which sold the site, could not afford to move the Roundhouse to the new fairgrounds in Jefferson Twp., said John Yancik the fair board president. The board did, however, call for Fairgrounds Redevelopment, LTD, the joint venture between the University of Dayton and Premier Health’s Miami Valley Hospital, to preserve the building, he said.
“It’s not up to us because we didn’t have the funding for relocation,” Yancik said. “But we’re happy and hopeful that it can be incorporated into whatever new venue occurs on the former site.”
MORE: Ground broken at site for year-round Montgomery County Fairgrounds & Event Center
Fairgrounds to Future public workshop
Thursday, Nov. 2
6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Old Montgomery County Fairgrounds, Coliseum
1043 S. Main St., Dayton
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