Dayton Reporter

Congressman Mike Turner (OH-10) announced today that he has secured $3 million in federal funding for the Dayton Arcade’s Innovation Hub. The funds, which come from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), were allocated in Fiscal Year 2022.

During a press conference held at the University of Dayton’s Arcade Innovation Hub, Congressman Turner expressed his pride in being able to secure the funding. He highlighted the significance of the Dayton Arcade as a historic building that inspires people to look towards the future. He said, "This building has had a number of components come together and has been a great accomplishment of local, county, state, and federal financing. Our institutions have come together to make the saving of this building in this area possible, and I’m glad to be a part of that."

The funds secured by Congressman Turner will be used to complete the south portion of the arcade complex. Scott Koorndyk, President of the Entrepreneurs’ Center, emphasized the importance of this funding in enabling the completion of the Arcade Innovation Hub. He said, "Congressman Turner delivered critically needed federal resources that enabled our team to complete construction on the third floor of this facility, which allowed us to fully complete the Arcade Innovation Hub and gives us the ability to serve dozens of additional companies each year."

Shelley Dickstein, City Manager of Dayton, expressed her gratitude to Congressman Turner for his assistance in making the project a reality. She said, "Congressman Turner, without your help and your assistance, this would have never happened. As Scott Koorndyk said, this space initially was dark. And by working with Congressman Turner, we were able to secure the earmark funding to actually make this space happen; most importantly, to help it generate the revenue necessary for this space to continue and be sustainable."

Trevor Collier, Dean of the School of Business Administration at the University of Dayton, also thanked Congressman Turner for his support. He highlighted the benefits that the Arcade Innovation Hub brings to students and entrepreneurs in the community. He said, "The Hub, in general, and this third floor in particular, generate numerous benefits for UD students. The vision for this space was to create a multidisciplinary space where students from UD and entrepreneurs from the community can come together, collide, collaborate, and create an immersive space at the center of our region’s startup ecosystem."

The Dayton Arcade, originally constructed between 1902 and 1904, is a historically significant building in downtown Dayton. The completion of the Arcade Innovation Hub is a major milestone in the revitalization of downtown Dayton. It will provide office space, a fully equipped kitchen for food entrepreneurs, an art studio, business spaces, and event spaces open to the community.

The project is a priority for the City of Dayton, and Congressman Turner's efforts in securing the federal funding have played a crucial role in its success. The Arcade also partners with the University of Dayton, offering lecture space for classes and additional experiential learning opportunities for students.

With the $3 million in federal funds secured by Congressman Turner, the Dayton Arcade's Innovation Hub is set to further contribute to the economic growth and entrepreneurial spirit of the Dayton community.

To learn more, click on this link: https://turner.house.gov/2023/11/turner-celebrates-securing-3-million-in-federal-funds-for-dayton-arcade-s-innovation-hub