Aaron Sorrell, city director of planning and community development, said, “From an architectural standpoint it’s probably one of the most iconic buildings downtown and is really sort of the center of our downtown Main Street spine.”
He said, “It’s imperative that this building be given a new life.”
The next step is to find and sign a developer. Early ideas include retail on the ground floor, offices on the second.
“The building has a very large light well that really runs from floors three through fourteen and really lends itself to a housing conversion,” Sorrell told News Center 7’s Natalie Jovonovich on Wednesday night. “The downtown housing market is really booming at this moment.”
EARLIER REPORT (May 17)
The city of Dayton is considering a $500,000 purchase to buy the Paru Tower building at 34 N. Main St.
Dayton commissioners Wednesday will decide whether to authorize the city to purchase a prominent downtown building that’s been vacant since 2012.
In August, a Montgomery County Common Pleas Court magistrate issued a ruling allowing a court-appointed receiver to accept the city’s $500,000 offer for the property.
City officials have said gaining control of the office tower is important for future redevelopment efforts.
For the full story, visit MyDaytonDailyNews.com.