The historic, geographic, and growing nerve center of the city
Life starts with a heartbeat, and the heartbeat of every city is the downtown area–Hamilton is no different. In a city that was built, flooded, rebuilt and slowly migrated from– the City of Sculpture has made a comeback that would have any Hamiltonian grinning ear-to-ear. In the center of that rebirth is the Central Business District.
Drive someone through downtown that hasn’t been to Hamilton in over a decade, see their reaction. Walk them around on a sunny summer day and see their reaction. That’s because Hamilton has drastically changed– for the better. For us that were born here and grew up here, we’ve noticed the change but it has always felt like Hamilton.
Take Joan Stidham, who has lived in Hamilton for her entire married life. Decided two years ago to open a business and move to the Central Business District.
“We were ready for a change. We thought living downtown in a more urban setting would be something we really wanted to do,” said Stidham. “We looked for a while, but when we saw this building we knew it was the right one.”
The Stidhams own the Blank Space, which sits on the corner of 3rd Street and Ludlow. The event venue has been repurposed from a former furniture store. Joan and her husband also live above the business, as well as rent out an apartment to tenants.
Just a few blocks away from the historic buildings of High St. the Blank Space joins a tradition of repurposing the structures of downtown to preserve the history of Hamilton. Though, some buildings still hold their original purpose to this day.
The Soldiers, Sailors & Pioneers Monument overlooks the Great Miami River and is jewelled by a 17-foot 3,500 pound statue of a Civil War private “Billy Yank.” The landmark has graced the skyline of Hamilton since 1902 and is meant to honor the pioneers and veterans of Butler County.
Sitting adjacent to the monument is a small, two story log cabin which dates back to 1804. Making the cabin just under a decade younger than Hamilton itself, as Fort Hamilton was established in 1791. The fort was utilized to supply frontier troops about 100 yards in size both wide and length. Even though the fort didn’t last long, the area soon became a town. In 1803 when Ohio was granted statehood, Hamilton became the seat of Butler County.
The Butler County Courthouse, which is registered on the National Register of Historic Places, was built during the 1880s. It’s stone bones and beauty have withstood time and nature. Over a two year span from 1912-1913 the courthouse was damaged by both a large fire and a flood, as if Hamilton ripped out of the Old Testament. The Flood of 1913 claimed the lives of over 200 Hamiltonians, and left over 10,000 homeless. You can see watermarks on several buildings throughout the city that show the flood line. In response to the flood, the Miami Conservancy District was formed to prevent that kind of destruction from happening again.
The Anthony Wayne Hotel, built in 1916 during the roaring twenties, sits at 10. S. Monument Avenue. The tall structure was designed by local architect Fredrick G. Mueller, he was aided George B. Post and Sons of New York– Post notably helped design the Vanderbilt house and New York Stock Exchange.
There are several other historic buildings that you can learn about and visit on the Walking Tours of Historic Hamilton. You can view the brochure online or visit the visitors center which sits at the bottom of the old Anthony Wayne Hotel. Such structures you learn and see on the walk include: the Fitton Center, the United State Post Office, the Rentschler Building, the Municipal Building, the Palace Theatre and others.
Hamilton has a knack of making those from the outside feel at home, and the downtown area further develops that notion.
Stidham, who grew up in Fairfield has long felt like Hamilton has been her true home. Since moving to downtown that has been enhanced.
“I love the convenience of living downtown. I love being able to walk to restaurants, the Fitton Center, shops and Marcum Park,” said Stidham. “I also love being really close to the history of Hamilton. I’ve grown to really appreciate that.”
And there is plenty of history, as residents of the Central Business District live just blocks away from where Abraham Lincoln once gave a speech.
“I’ve alway liked history, but I feel very connected to the history of downtown,” said Stidham. “I think being in the city where Hamilton started, in the area by the river, makes you feel really connected to being a Hamiltonian.”
The downtown area is where it all started, and it’s where it’s beginning again.
Renovations like Marcum Park. Businesses like Basil 1791, Municipal Brew Works and the Casual Pint have brought citizens and visitors alike back to the downtown.
“I remember as a really small child coming downtown and shopping with my mom. People were hustling and bustling, and the streets were busy,” said Stidham. “It’s really exciting to see that again. For years, you just drove through downtown Hamilton, you didn’t stop. Now, people are coming to downtown Hamilton. It just gives my heart a warm feeling that there is a hustle and bustle again.”