Wright-Dunbar Grows with New Life and Expectations in Dayton

The mere existence today of the Wright-Dunbar neighborhood of West Dayton is a story of beating the odds. The neighborhood was flooded in 1913, ripped apart during the race riots of the 1960s, and almost torn down. But like the men the neighborhood is named after, the sprit and determination of the people and community would not die. Today, the Wright-Dunbar District is going through a remarkable revival.

The Wright Dunbar Neighborhood, also known as the Historic West Third Street, is on the National Register of Historic Places. It is the birthplace and long-time residence of the major African-American literary figure, Paul Laurence Dunbar. It is also the home of flight pioneers, the Wright brothers.  Despite having such rich history, it took the combined effort of community leaders, government officials, and concerned citizens to bring the neighborhood back to life.

With many new businesses and over $18 million invested in preserving the historic architecture, the Wright-Dunbar District will undoubtedly become one of the nicest and historically rich neighborhoods in Ohio. An internationally renowned artist’s studio that is open to the public, an African art and fabric store owned by an ex-professional football player, and a barbeque restaurant/catering company are just a few of the unique local establishments that have grown in this district.

Another key part of this striking recovery is the growth of the residential population. Over a hundred houses have been rebuilt or renovated through a partnership between the Dayton Home Builders Association and local minority workers. Housing prices that were very low in the mid-1990s have skyrocketed during the past decade.

WestThird Street still keeps its sense of history despite the fast-flourishing businesses. The Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park just opened the Wright-Dunbar Interpretive Center. This center is devoted to preserving the historical legacy of the Wright brothers and Paul Laurence Dunbar. The center contains the Wright brothers’ printing press that was used to print Dunbar’s newspaper, The Tattler. In addition, one of the Wright Cycle Company shops still exists on West Third Street next to the Wright-Dunbar Interpretive Center and nearby the Paul Laurence Dunbar State Historic Site.

The momentum of the economic recovery of this neighborhood will continue to push it forward. By drawing on the cleverness of the Wright Brothers and the imagination of Paul Laurence Dunbar, today’s residents of the Wright-Dunbar District can look at themselves as the heirs to a proud legacy.