Dayton, Ohio – The City of Dayton has declared an emergency to address critical structural concerns at 34 N. Main Street, a vacant 14-story building that sustained damage during severe storms over the weekend. Officials determined that the building’s parapet wall is at risk of further collapse, presenting a serious hazard to the public and nearby properties.
Severe Weather Causes Structural Damage
Originally built in 1926, the building became city property in 2016 through receivership, preventing negligent ownership and ensuring future redevelopment efforts aligned with community interests. The property was later transferred to the Montgomery County Landbank to facilitate those plans.
Over the weekend, strong winds caused a partial collapse of the building’s parapet wall. Falling debris also caused nonstructural damage to the adjacent Stratacache Tower at 40 N. Main Street. Fortunately, no injuries were reported in the incident.
Engineers Assess Risk and Plan for Stabilization
Following the collapse, structural engineers and a commercial roofing specialist inspected the remaining parapet and surrounding walls. Their preliminary assessment concluded that further removal and stabilization work is essential to maintaining the building’s short-term safety. This work is set to begin on Wednesday, March 19, and will continue through the rest of the week.
Safety Measures and Parking Closures
To accommodate the heavy equipment needed for stabilization efforts, the surface parking lot at E. 3rd Street and N. Jefferson Street will be temporarily closed. The City of Dayton is working closely with adjacent property owners to provide updates and ensure safety throughout the process.
As the city takes swift action to prevent further damage, officials remain committed to ensuring public safety while continuing efforts to repurpose and revitalize the historic structure.
