Historic Fifth Street Branch YMCA Building Listed on National Register of Historic Places Dayton, Ohio

MVHO CEO Debbie Watts Robinson and TOC Asst. Bldg. Dir.  Mark Davis

June 4, 2026

Dayton, Ohio — Miami Valley Housing Opportunities, Inc. (MVHO) and The Opportunity Center are proud to announce that the historic Fifth Street Branch YMCA building, located at 907 W. Fifth Street in Dayton’s Wright-Dunbar Village, has been officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places—the nation’s premier program for recognizing sites of historical, architectural, and cultural significance.

The designation, granted by the National Park Service, recognizes the Fifth Street Branch YMCA for its significance as a center of recreation, entertainment, and civic life for Black Daytonians throughout the twentieth century.

Today, it stands as the last remaining landmark along West Fifth Street—once known as “The Nickel,” a thriving African American commercial corridor—and a rare physical link to that legacy. “The Fifth Street YMCA has long stood as a symbol of hope, dignity, and opportunity in Dayton’s African American community, strengthening generations through fellowship, leadership, and service,” said Dale Brunner, President & CEO of the YMCA of Greater Dayton. “Today, through the stewardship of Miami Valley Housing Opportunities, this historic landmark continues its legacy as The Opportunity Center—serving as a place where individuals and families can access support, stability, and pathways to a brighter future.”

“This designation highlights the significance of preserving the community’s shared history,” said Leah Konicki, who prepared the nomination. “As the only remaining structure connected to ‘The Nickel,’ the Fifth Street Branch YMCA represents an essential chapter in Dayton’s story. This recognition helps ensure that its legacy is honored and protected for generations to come.”

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Constructed in 1928, the Fifth Street Branch YMCA is a notable example of Classical Revival architecture, distinguished by exterior stonework honoring prominent African American leaders. It served as Dayton’s Black YMCA until 1977, providing housing, recreation, and a vital social and civic hub for the community. The building hosted events, meetings, and lodging for Black men relocating to Dayton and was listed in The Green Book, a guide for African American travelers in the mid-twentieth century.

After standing vacant and deteriorating for years, the building was rehabilitated in the 1990s and became home to the Dayton Urban League in 2005. In 2012, MVHO purchased the property and established The Opportunity Center, which now houses its headquarters along with offices for community-serving organizations—continuing the building’s long tradition of service.

Listing on the National Register:

• Recognizes the building’s historical and architectural significance

• Raises awareness of the importance of preserving culturally significant places

• Makes it eligible for preservation incentives, including federal and state historic tax credits.

“We are grateful to everyone who helped make this designation possible,” said Debbie Watts Robinson, CEO of MVHO. “What makes this recognition so meaningful is that the building is not just preserved—it’s still serving its purpose. From providing lodging and connection decades ago to supporting individuals and families today, it remains a place of opportunity, stability, and hope.”

Robinson added her appreciation for those who contributed to preserving the building’s legacy. “We extend special thanks to David Pigford and William Gillespie. Pigford has been instrumental in efforts to recognize and preserve the Fifth Street Branch YMCA, as well as other sites significant to Dayton’s Black community. Gillespie, a local historian, has worked tirelessly to ensure the history of this building is documented, shared, and preserved.”

The Opportunity Center is headquarters for Miami Valley Housing Opportunities, Inc. and is home to many community serving organizations.

For more information about The Opportunity Center and ongoing preservation efforts, please contact: Leah Konicki Technical Advisor Miami Valley Housing Opportunities, Inc. lkonicki@mvho.org 937-430-0836

“This material was produced with assistance from the Historic Preservation Fund, administered by the National Park Service, Department of the Interior. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Department of the Interior."