Second Annual Luminara Lighting

Please join the residents of Historic Oregon as we host our Second Annual Lighting of Luminaras on Saturday evening, December 22 at 6:00pm - midnight.  The candles signify the lighting of the path for Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem for the birth of Jesus for some...it signifies comradery and friendship to some...and can have many meanings to others.  We will be lighting some nearly 1,000 candles this year along our neighborhood streets, primarily at the major intersections and in our community park, Newcom-Founders Park at the corners of Green / Brown / Hess Streets.  The weather is expect to cooperate...somewhat!

So, plan to check out Oregon's candles and drive or walk the streets of Dayton's oldest residential neighborhood...then stop in at one of Oregon's fine/casual dining restaurants for a warm meal...or at a pub for a snack and holiday drink. 

Merry Christmas, Mike Martin

Oregon "Arts" District

Details are still sketchy, but DMM has learned that there are plans in the works to transform 5th Street in the OD into a true Arts District.  We will be talking to those who are behind this venture very soon and will hopefully be able to fill you all in on the details.  You heard it here first...

Historic Oregon - Candlelight Christmas Tour

Dayton's longest-running holiday candlelight home tour is being presented again this year by the Oregon Historic District Society, Inc.  The annual tour of Oregon homes is being presented on Dec 2, 3 and 4.  There are two options again this year, 1) the tour of homes, or 2) the home tour with dinner at one of Historic Oregon's restaurants.  Oregon will be decorated for the holidays as the Henkel Gazebo in Newcom-Founders Park will be festooned with live greenery as well as all of Oregon's light posts will have live greenery accenting them.  Please visit www.oregondistrict.org for details.

Oregon Stories - Tonight on ThinkTV

If you haven't had a chance to see the local documentary "Oregon Stories", you'll have a chance to see it at home tonight (8/2/2007) on ThinkTV Channel 16 at 8pm.  This inspirational story about the history of Dayton's first historic district shows what it looked like in the late 1800's when it was first built, the steady decline in the first half of the 1900's, and finally the revival of this unique neighborhood from a desolate no-man's land (that came close to being bulldozed) to a charming and eclectic urban neighborhood that stands today.  Even if you have heard stories about the enormous work that was put into saving this neighborhood by the city's first "urban pioneers", you will still be shocked when you see exactly how enormous the challenge was. 
As a new "urban pioneer" (will they still be calling us that 30 years from now?), I was reminded by this film of the value that a true community brings.  And at least for me, it is that feeling of community that I find the most appealing about living in an urban neighborhood.  Check out the film tonight if you can, and if not then be sure to visit Gem City Records and pick up the DVD.

Downtown Dayton & Oregon District - One and the same?

Many if not most people in the Dayton region consider the Oregon District as part of Downtown Dayton.  Those of us that live downtown know that the OD and CBD (Central Business District) are actually two separate districts.  Not to mention that if you are at a Dragons game, Canal Street Tavern show or Cannery Art Gallery event - you are in yet another district - Webster Station.  While I believe these three distinct neighborhoods deserve their own identities, I along with many others have often wondered why these three downtown districts (along with Wright Dunbar, Grafton Hill and McPherson Town) aren't marketed together.  One main reason:  the downtown S.I.D., or Special Improvement District, and the boundaries that have dictated who pays the S.I.D. tax and gets included in the overall marketing that is provided by the Downtown Dayton Partnership.  This organization was formed in the early 90's and is responsible for the bi-annual Urban Nights event, Holiday Festival, Street Ambassador program, First Bloom downtown beautification program (along with Wegerzyn Gardens), and various business retention programs, etc. 

The following article indicates a major shift in thinking, as the DDP appears to have convinced the OD to join forces.  I agree that this new partnership can be mutually beneficial (as long as they play nice together), and the potential for a longer-term consolidation means more bang for the marketing buck.  And as the region struggles to consolidate even the simplest things like emergency dispatch, the urban core of Dayton is coming together to build the synergies necessary for growth - all while maintaining the individual neighborhood identities that define our city.

Link: Partnership to provide services in Oregon District - Dayton Business Journal:.

The Downtown Dayton Partnership will start providing services to the Oregon District Aug. 6.

Members of the Oregon District Business Association ­-- composed of businesses on Fifth Street and within the historic neighborhood -- entered into a one-year contract to receive services from the partnership, according to a release issued by the partnership Tuesday.

Coco's Owners to open South Park Eatery

Ok, I know South Park has been hogging the DMM Spotlight lately... but for good reason - this neighborhood has A LOT going on!  So it came as almost no surprise when news came out in the Dayton Business Journal yesterday that the owners of Coco's Bistro are planning their next restaurant (already?) in the Blommel Sign Co. building they recently purchased at 735 Wayne Avenue.  This is great news for both South Park as well as those of us who enjoy Coco's and the many other fantastic independent restaurants we have here in Dayton.  But this new restaurant's location could mean much more than just another independent restaurant opening...

Urban Residents vs Urban Clubs - Oregon District Is Not Alone

The residents of the Oregon District have always had a strained relationship with the Fifth Street businesses, I've been told. While they enjoy living in a historic urban neighborhood where one can walk to many different restaurants, bars and local shops, they do not enjoy the problems that come with living within walking distance to those same bars and restaurants. There are parking issues, vandalism, loud bar-goers and even crime that sometimes occurs when residents and bars are so close to each other.

Is OregonDistrict.com fading away already?

   

Back when I met the guys who created www.OregonDistrict.com in September 2006, there was a ton of buzz (at least locally within the O.D.) about the new website that was going to help people connect with one another and with businesses in their community.  In other words, a localized version of MySpace.com.  How are they doing now? 

Fifth Street Deli may get permit after all

   

    The O.D. is a step closer to having its liquor license limit lifted, starting with the possible granting of a liquor license to the Fifth Street Wine & Deli, which has been sans wine since opening.

New place to fix your ice cream craving...

    ...except it isn't ice cream.  Dolcessa is the O.D.'s newest business, and their specialty is Gelato (or Italian frozen dessert).  It is every bit as good as ice cream, but it is made with milk instead of cream.  Don't get too excited if you're watching your calories - I don't think these would be called fat-free by any stretch.
    There are a number of flavors to choose from and they all looked delicious.  I tried the Oreo Mint and it definitely hit the spot.  In addition to gelato, they also serve expresso and will soon be offering Panini sandwiches.  The owners moved here last year from New York and are fellow urbanites.  We wish them the best, and we urge you to try this great new independent business.  You will not be disappointed.

Also, what used to be the Blue Moon (who just recently closed up shop in the Oregon District) is about to become a new steak restaurant.  The concept is being developed by the owners of the Trolley Stop and will be called John Henry's.  We're excited to see that space won't be empty for long.