Grafton Hill Historic District

06/10/2026

What do taxicabs, parking meters, and trolley fareboxes have in common?

John F. Ohmer.

In 1920, inventor John F. Ohmer purchased 227 Belmonte Park E., a beautiful Prairie-style home originally built in 1910 by Oliver Whallon on land purchased from John Stoddard.

Ohmer was a prolific inventor whose innovations helped shape modern transportation. He is credited with inventing the taxicab meter, the parking meter, and the farebox used on trolley cars—devices that became part of everyday life across America.

Step inside the home of one of Dayton's lesser-known inventors and discover why Dayton earned its reputation as a city of innovation.

See 227 Belmonte Park E. and seven other remarkable properties during the Grafton Hill Home, Garden & Historic Auto Show on June 20.

Tickets available at: https://graftonhilltourtickets.eventbrite.com

06/09/2026

Dogs + historic homes + gorgeous gardens + classic cars = 🎉

06/09/2026

A wedding gift unlike any other.

Built in 1907 by John Stoddard as a wedding gift for his daughter, 607 Belmonte Park N. is a stunning shingle-style home inspired by the grand summer residences of Newport and Long Island.

The house has lived many lives. During World War II, as many as 16 officers from Wright Field were housed here. Later, the Dayton Theatre Guild used portions of the home and carriage house for performances.

Step inside this remarkable piece of Dayton history during the Grafton Hill Home, Garden & Historic Auto Show on June 20.

Tickets:

Check out cool vintage cars, beautiful urban gardens, and charming homes all in one fun day in Grafton Hill Historic District!

06/08/2026

Grafton Hill has some of the greatest places to relax and enjoy nature. Whether it's sitting atop the river levy, walking the neighborhood's tree lined streets or maintaining bird feeders at home, Grafton Hill is home to a variety of restorative activities.

06/04/2026

Gem City Groundlings is delighted to be showcasing our two opening shows in repertory at the Dayton Masonic Center June 14-19.

We will be showing William Shakespeare’s As You Like It on June 14,16,18 and William Shakespeare’s Titus Andronicus on June 15,17,19.

For more information, and to purchase tickets go to

"Gem City Groundlings – Dayton Ohio's Shakespeare theater company, bringing bold performances, community outreach, and workshops to the Gem City. Experience live theater that inspires, educates, and entertains!"

06/03/2026

One of our favorite stories about Grafton Hill is how it got started.

In the late 1800s, the Steele brothers looked across the Great Miami River from downtown Dayton and saw something different. Instead of building in the city, they envisioned a prestigious residential community on the bluffs overlooking the river valley. Back then, crossing the river felt like leaving the city behind.

Their development became known as Steele's Hill and attracted many of Dayton's business leaders and prominent families who wanted larger homes, beautiful views, and a little distance from the bustle of downtown. Over time, Steele's Hill, Belmonte Park, and the surrounding neighborhoods developed their own identity and became what we know today as Grafton Hill.

In many ways, Grafton Hill wasn't created to be part of Dayton—it was created to compete with it.

John Steele's original 1835 Greek Revival farmhouse still exists today on Central Avenue.

06/01/2026

Did you know apartment living was once considered the height of modern city life?

Step inside the Commodore Apartments, originally opened in 1924, and imagine when elegant multi-story buildings represented a whole new way of living in the city. After sitting vacant since 2018, this Grafton Hill landmark is now getting a new life through a $7.4 million renovation by Windsor Company that will create 43 one bedroom market rate apartments opening in 2026.

Historic Grafton Hill Home, Garden & Historic Auto Show guests will get a chance to step inside and see this historic building during its transformation — before many people ever do. It’s a chance to see a piece of Dayton history meeting its next chapter.

Thank you to Windsor Company for sponsoring the tour and helping bring new life to this historic Dayton landmark.

05/29/2026

Living in the Grafton Hill neighborhood means history, art, culture, and recreation at your doorstep. Located along the Great Miami River, kayakers and surfers ride the waves at RiverScape MetroPark’s River Run Play Feature. Locals call the feature “Arty” because of its proximity to the Dayton Art Institute.

Learn more about Grafton Hill at graftonhill.org.

05/29/2026

05/28/2026

221 Belmonte Park East. The most dramatic transformation in Grafton Hill, over 10 years in the making - BUT still working on projects. You won't believe the before/after of the inside! Come visit during the Historic Home, Garden and Auto Show on June 20 and hear more from the owner.

Tickets available now!