The City of Dayton announced Thursday that the former downtown diner on South St. Clair Street has been placed on GovDeals.com for public auction. The stainless‑steel building, long a fixture of the downtown streetscape, will be sold to the highest qualified bidder who agrees to remove the structure under the terms set by the city.
Purpose of the sale
Dayton officials purchased the diner and the adjoining parcel in 2025 with a clear plan: to replace the aging property with a modern Central District Police Station. The new facility will serve as the headquarters for the Dayton Police Department’s central district, consolidating operations that are currently spread across multiple aging locations.
Timeline and expectations
City leaders say the station’s construction will begin after the successful auction and removal of the diner, with an anticipated completion date in 2029. The timeline allows for design finalization, permitting, and the procurement of a licensed, insured transportation company to handle the demolition and relocation of the existing structure.
Community impact
Local residents and business owners have expressed support for the project, noting that a dedicated police station in the heart of downtown will improve public safety visibility and response times. The city’s planning department expects the new station to create construction jobs in the short term and to bolster downtown revitalization efforts once operational.
Details of the auction
Interested parties can view the listing on GovDeals.com, where the city has outlined the required terms for the buyer. The successful bidder must contract a licensed and insured transportation firm to remove the diner safely, ensuring compliance with local demolition and environmental regulations.
Next steps
City officials will monitor the auction process closely and will work with the winning bidder to coordinate the removal schedule. Following demolition, the city will move forward with site preparation, including utility upgrades and groundwork for the new police station building.
While the exact design of the station has not been released, city planners have indicated that the facility will feature modern law‑enforcement technology, community meeting spaces, and enhanced accessibility for residents. The project aligns with Dayton’s broader strategic plan to strengthen public safety infrastructure and promote downtown economic growth.
Residents can stay informed about the auction and upcoming construction milestones by visiting the City of Dayton’s official website or following local news outlets for updates.
Original reporting: WHIO-TV Dayton (local) — read the source article.
