A Block Transformed

A Block Transformed. . During the mid-nineteenth century, the Fifth Street block between Main and Jefferson Streets was occupied by modest dwellings and was known as the "Arnold Row." Transformation of this block began in about 1877, when the Gebhart Opera House opened. Later, the block included the theatre as well as the Pruden Block, which contained retail and commercial establishments. With the advent of cinema, the theater was converted to a movie hall. Until the mid-twentieth century, the block included two movie halls, shops, and even a bowling alley. Mid-twentieth century urban renewal projects led to the demolition of much of the block for vehicle parking. Construction of the Dayton Convention Center and hotel began in earnest during the 1970s., The theaters had been converted into movie halls, as seen in the Sanborn Fire Insurance Map from 1918., The Park Theater, and other retail establishments occupied the block as seen in this 1897 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map., By 1950, only one movie hall remained on the block, with parking lots replacing old buildings, as seen in the Sanborn Fire Insurance Map from that year.