Historic Huffman Neighborhood Association

Description

The feel of a small town with all the excitement of downtown, plus the security and friendship of a close-knit community. If that is the kind of neighborhood you are looking for, then come home to Huffman.

Housing prices in the Huffman Historic Area are still among the most affordable in Dayton. You will discover homes in nearly every stage of restoration -- from completely refinished homes that blend Victorian charm with modern convenience to homes waiting for the attention and imagination of the adventurous renovator.

In Huffman, you will find good neighbors and friends. You will find a place that feels like home.

Having suffered a decline during the mid-twentieth century, the district was designated the city's sixth historic district in 1981. The City Commission enacted tough zoning laws that laid the groundwork for restoring the neighborhood to its original beauty. Successful preservation by active residents has earned Dayton praise for its progressive protection of its urban neighborhoods.

Yet residents of the Huffman Historic Area know that restoring a neighborhood takes more than a few coats of paint or a new roof. It also requires the longer and more personal process of building bonds between neighbors to create a community where everyone trusts each other and lends a helping hand.

The Huffman neighborhood was built from the 1860s to the 1890s, largely under the guidance of William P. Huffman, banker, real estate developer and founder of the Huffy Bicycle Company. The original Huffy factory is located on Linden Avenue, two blocks south of the Huffman Historic Area. It is this link to Huffy that inspired the use of a bicycle in our logo.

Further facilitating the development of the city's East Side was the establishment of the Third Street Railway Company in 1869.

The homes of the district present one of the strongest samplings of nineteenth century architecture, including Queen Anne, Victorian Italianate, Italian Villa and Victorian Gothic. Residences were constructed for a cross-section of citizens, such as blue-collar workers, artisans, merchants and managers.

The Huffman Historic Society, the neighborhood association for the Huffman Historic Area, fosters neighbor-to-neighbor relationships by sponsoring activities such as an annual Victorian tea, Christmas trolley tours and informal open house gatherings. The neighborhood association also works closely with the city to continually improve the quality of life for Huffman residents.

If you are looking for a place to put down roots, make friends and become part of a community, then come home to Huffman.