By: Josh Chenault, Staff Writer
Dayton Arcade, photo from Wikipedia
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A historic Dayton establishment could become a gathering place for innovative minds.
Announced on Tuesday, Apr. 4, the University of Dayton and the Entrepreneurs Center will partner to become the anchor tenants at the Dayton Arcade. Additionally, the pair will create an innovation hub, which Entrepreneurs Center president Scott Koorndyk, said is a nexus between UD academic programs and the community. “It’s bringing together businesses, startup companies, and student programming for the university into a common innovation space.” said Koorndyk. “[It’s] a space that allows for really creative collision between students and industry.” |
Dayton Arcade Rotunda, photo from Robin Feld Photography
Koorndyk also said enterprising students will have high visibility in the new hub.
“It’s in the vision to have students very actively involved whether that’s through academic programming or participation through experiential learning opportunities with companies.” said Koorndyk.
Koorndyk also mentioned that the forces behind the creative space will eventually seek involvement from other Dayton area colleges such as Wright State University and Sinclair Community College.
UD and the Entrepreneur Center will inhabit 80,000 square feet of the Dayton Arcade’s iconic rotunda. Developers Cross Street Partners and the Miller-Valentine Group have proposed a $75 million plan to revive the Arcade, according to Dayton Daily News. It is to encompass housing, restaurants, and more.
The Dayton Arcade closed to the public in 1992. The new attempt at revitalizing the five-building complex follows a string of failed efforts over the past decade, including one that planned to demolish the historic site.
The partnership between UD and the Entrepreneurs Center partnership, which was revealed during the inaugural speech of the university’s new president, Eric Spinna, looks to break this cycle and also stimulate the economy.
“We envision partnering in an ideation center intended to fuel economic growth and promote entrepreneurship.” said Spinna.
Although there has been no date announced as to when the innovation hub will begin, Spinna desires a ribbon-cutting on the venture within a few years.
“It’s in the vision to have students very actively involved whether that’s through academic programming or participation through experiential learning opportunities with companies.” said Koorndyk.
Koorndyk also mentioned that the forces behind the creative space will eventually seek involvement from other Dayton area colleges such as Wright State University and Sinclair Community College.
UD and the Entrepreneur Center will inhabit 80,000 square feet of the Dayton Arcade’s iconic rotunda. Developers Cross Street Partners and the Miller-Valentine Group have proposed a $75 million plan to revive the Arcade, according to Dayton Daily News. It is to encompass housing, restaurants, and more.
The Dayton Arcade closed to the public in 1992. The new attempt at revitalizing the five-building complex follows a string of failed efforts over the past decade, including one that planned to demolish the historic site.
The partnership between UD and the Entrepreneurs Center partnership, which was revealed during the inaugural speech of the university’s new president, Eric Spinna, looks to break this cycle and also stimulate the economy.
“We envision partnering in an ideation center intended to fuel economic growth and promote entrepreneurship.” said Spinna.
Although there has been no date announced as to when the innovation hub will begin, Spinna desires a ribbon-cutting on the venture within a few years.
General Assignment Editor: Julian Anguiano