Dayton Masonic Center Launches $20 Million Centennial Cornerstone Campaign to Preserve Historic Landmark

The Dayton Masonic Center has launched the Centennial Cornerstone Campaign, a three-year, $20 million initiative to preserve the historic building and secure its future as a community hub. The campaign begins with an online virtual fundraising auction running through November 19th, marking the start of comprehensive preservation efforts for this architectural landmark that has served Dayton since 1926.

Located in the Grafton Hill historic district, the Dayton Masonic Center stands as a commanding structure on the bank of the Great Miami River with stunning views of downtown Dayton. Constructed from Bedford stone, Vermont marble, Alabama limestone, and Tennessee marble, the 265-foot by 190-foot building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1986. The facility features a 1,700-seat auditorium, a 600-seat banquet hall, Masonic lodges, and the Dayton Dyslexia Center, serving as a multifunctional space for civic, cultural, and fraternal events.

The fundraising campaign aims to establish a $20 million endowment that will generate approximately $1 million annually for operations and improvements. This financial foundation will ensure the Center remains an active, accessible venue while supporting renovations and new programs that maintain its relevance in Dayton's cultural landscape. Doug Sorrell, a 33rd Degree Mason and Past Potentate of Antioch Shrine, emphasized the building's significance, stating, "I am proud to be a part of this initiative to ensure the future of this historic and iconic home of the fraternity I have loved for decades. The Dayton Masonic Center is more than a building. It's where memories are made and service begins."

The preservation initiative represents a critical investment in Dayton's architectural heritage and community infrastructure. Historic buildings like the Dayton Masonic Center serve as physical anchors to the past while providing functional spaces for contemporary community needs. The campaign's success would ensure the continued availability of the Center's substantial event spaces for civic gatherings, cultural celebrations, and community programs that have characterized its nearly century-long service to the region.

For those interested in supporting this preservation effort, additional information is available through their Fundraising Auction Event Page. The Centennial Cornerstone Campaign represents not just the preservation of a building but the safeguarding of community memory and the continuation of service that has defined the Dayton Masonic Center's legacy since its construction nearly a century ago.