Dayton Arcade’s Kuhns Building Architecture Revealed During A Power Washing

January 6, 2023

As one of the official Dayton Arcade photographers, I have been granted access that almost no one has. One experience I had this summer was getting in a bucket truck to photograph the Kuhns Building architecture. The Kuhns Building, the most ornate of the 9-building arcade complex, was undergoing a massive power washing for the first time in decades. The power washing brought out lost details of this architecturally beautiful building in downtown Dayton Ohio.

Powerwashing The Kuhns Building Architecture

This is the first time I have ever commercially photographed power washing or photographed from a bucket truck. As a kid, I always thought “cherry pickers” (bucket trucks) were so cool. I will tell you that being in one, shaking in the wind was not as cool as I had envisioned. I could have gone up four floors but decided I’d be too scared. Still, I love the detailed photos I was able to capture from up high.

Dayton Ohio’s Historic Red Gem

In the heart of Dayton, Ohio at 4th Street and Main Street, the Kuhn’s Building stands tall as a treasured piece of the city’s history. With its stately architectural charm and enduring presence, this venerable structure has witnessed the ebb and flow of the city’s growth for over a century. It has seen a resurgence since Cross Street Partner bought the Arcade in 2018.

Originally constructed in 1894, Kuhn’s Building has evolved with grace to capture the essence of the eras it has seen. Its historic brick facade, adorned with intricate detailing, serves as a testament to the craftsmanship of a bygone era. Until you are up close, you don’t realize how many bricks this building has.

The grand lobby, with its lofty ceilings and ornate fixtures, creates a captivating ambiance that envelopes visitors in a sense of refined opulence. The building’s storied past and the generations who have walked its halls whisper tales of celebration, innovation, and community.

Its beautifully restored spaces have recently become a sought-after destination for weddings, events, and celebrations of all kinds. Although events don’t happen in the Kuhns, it is part of the 9 building Dayton Arcade Complex.

More than just an architecturally remarkable structure, Kuhn’s Building stands as a symbol of community, resilience, and beauty. It continues to capture the hearts of all who enter its doors, preserving the legacy of Dayton’s past while offering endless possibilities for future memories to be created.