Happy Tuesday Daytonians!

Thanks for spending another week with The Gem, where good times aren’t hard to find. Let’s take a look at what we’ll be covering in this edition…

• Did You Know: Centre City’s $110M Comeback

• Hidden Gems: Nelly’s, SushiNero, Sunrise Café

• Local Events: 9/9 – 9/16

• Computer Love: How Dayton Metro Library is Closing the Digital Gap

• Money: $250 Million Bet on Dayton’s Future

• Sports: Bengals Edge Browns In Opener, Buckeyes Blank Grambling, Four-Star Recruit Visits UD Friday

— Tom

Did you know?

From Empty Giant to Downtown Jewel: Centre City’s $110M Comeback 🏢

Downtown Dayton’s Centre City Building, once the tallest in the city and empty for over a decade, is finally set for a major comeback. Built in 1904, the 21-story tower will undergo a $110 million renovation that brings more than 200 new apartments, 11,000 square feet of retail space, and a 400-car garage.

The City of Dayton has committed $6 million to prepare the site, while the Montgomery County Port Authority added financing support, including a $750,000 loan. Construction is already underway, with completion expected by June 2027. This project not only revives a historic landmark but also fuels downtown’s ongoing revitalization, adding fresh housing, shops, and energy to the city’s core.

Hidden Gems

Smoky Bolivian Rotisserie—Nelly’s Centerville 🥩

Walk into 79 S Main St in Uptown Centerville and you’ll feel the heat first charcoal snapping beneath a slow-turning rotisserie as ribbons of smoke drift through a color-splashed room. Welcome to Nelly’s—A Taste of Bolivia. Laughter threads through the music while the Santillan family sends out rotisserie chicken they’ve marinated and roasted over coals to a gentle, smoky finish, alongside hearty Bolivian staples.

Their menu highlights include Pique Macho, a feast of steak, sausage, fries, and egg brightened with vinaigrette, and Silpancho, breaded beef layered over rice and fries with a soft egg on top. Music hums, platters crowd the table, and the grill turns like a metronome for memory.

Check them out on Facebook

Japanese + Spanish, One Kitchen 🍱

Happy hour swells into a late evening buzz at SushiNero, the Japanese-and-Spanish kitchen opened in 2024 where sashimi meets tapas under soft glow. At 20 S 1st St in historic Miamisburg, the team mixes precision and play: Japanese Fried Chicken with shiso bright ponzu, Korean Fried Chicken lacquered in gochujang, and Hamachi crudo laced with citrus and heat.

The sushi bar rolls faithful classics alongside house riffs, while Sapporo on draft, approachable wines, and a rotating sake forward cocktail list keep things easy. Date night slides into group gatherings without missing a beat an easy, lively mashup. Miamisburg’s cross cultural spark, well-plated.

Check them out on Facebook

All-Day, From-Scratch In Yellow Springs 🍣

At 259 Xenia Ave in downtown Yellow Springs, Sunrise Café is the village’s day-to-night gathering spot bright, friendly, and proudly from-scratch. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner run all day, seven days a week (7:30am–9pm). Menu highlights span a Kimchi & pepperjack omelet, a Wagyu sirloin crowned with caramelized onion–gorgonzola butter, and salmon seared and finished with a lavender–honey drizzle.

The ethos is simple: “Local. From scratch. With love.” Coffee hums, chatter drifts from the front windows to the back booths, and the welcome feels as steady as the griddle a village table where good food and good mood meet.

Check them out on Facebook

THE BULLETIN 📌

Want to spread the good word about your business, a project you’re working on, a hire, or just want to say hi to 3500+ Daytonians?

Local Events

LAUNCH DAYTON STARTUP WEEK

• What: Free founder conference at The Hub with workshops, mentors, and networking. Celebrating 10 years of Dayton entrepreneurs.

• When: September 9–10, 8 AM – 5 PM

• Where: The Hub at Dayton Arcade, 31 S Main St, Dayton

• How Much: Free

CLOUD PARK FOOD TRUCK FINALE

• What: Last summer rally of 10–15 local trucks, lawn games, and neighbors under the trees. Family- and dog-friendly vibes.

• When: September 9, 4–8 PM

• Where: Thomas A. Cloud Park, 4707 Brandt Pike, Dayton

• How Much: Free

FAIRBORN FARMERS MARKET

• What: Midweek market with produce, baked goods, flowers, and neighborly energy at Main Street Commons.

• When: September 10, 10 AM – 1 PM

• Where: Main Street Commons, 103 W Main St, Fairborn

• How Much: Free

HOW TO START A BUSINESS IN OHIO

• What: Dayton Metro Library workshop on LLC filings and startup steps. Registration required.

• When: September 10, 3–4:30 PM

• Where: DML Northmont Branch, 333 W National Rd, Englewood

• How Much: Free

9/11 REMEMBRANCE CEREMONY (BEAVERCREEK)

• What: Honor and reflect at Beavercreek’s 9/11 Memorial with colors, bagpipes, and bells of remembrance.

• When: September 11, 8:30–9:30 AM

• Where: Beavercreek 9/11 Memorial, 1153 N. Fairfield Rd, Beavercreek

• How Much: Free

STAGEWRIGHT UNDER THE STARS

• What: A multi-arts showcase celebrating American creativity on the Levitt lawn.

• When: September 11, 7–9 PM

• Where: Levitt Pavilion Dayton, 134 S Main St, Dayton

• How Much: Free

THE CO: JURIED MEMBERS’ EXHIBITION—OPENING RECEPTION

• What: Season kickoff with member artists across The Co’s galleries; meet makers, enjoy refreshments.

• When: September 12, 5–8 PM

• Where: The Contemporary Dayton, 25 W 4th St, Dayton

• How Much: Free

SUBTERRANEAN + BOMB SHELTER LIVE

• What: Homegrown jam-funk and Columbus friends bring a Friday-night throwdown.

• When: September 12, 8:30–11:55 PM

• Where: Yellow Cab Tavern, 700 E 4th St, Dayton

• How Much: $10 cover

LEVITT JAZZ FEST: GROOVE DOWNTOWN

• What: An evening of jazz heavyweights and dance-in-the-grass moments.

• When: September 13, 5:30–9 PM

• Where: Levitt Pavilion Dayton, 134 S Main St, Dayton

• How Much: Free

HUBER HEIGHTS: MULTICULTURAL FESTIVAL

• What: A free, family-friendly festival with live cultural performances, global eats, vendors, kids activities, and community resource booths.

• When: Saturday, September 13, 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM

• Where: Eichelberger Amphitheater, 8625 Brandt Pike, Huber Heights

• How Much: Free

DAYTON CONCOURS D’ELEGANCE

• What: 150+ stunning classic cars on museum grounds—our region’s auto art day.

• When: September 14, 10:30 AM – 4 PM

• Where: Carillon Historical Park, 1000 Carillon Blvd, Dayton

• How Much: $10–$25 (members & under-3 free)

OHIO BRIDAL & WEDDING EXPO

• What: Meet vendors, sample ideas, and score giveaways at the region’s largest bridal showcase.

• When: September 14, 1 PM – 4 PM

• Where: Dayton Convention Center, 22 E 5th St, Dayton

• How Much: Free with online pass; $10 door

GENEALOGY BASICS: START YOUR FAMILY TREE

• What: Join a library genealogist for a friendly intro to records, organizing, and DML resources—begin mapping your family history.

• When: September 15, 3 PM – 4 PM

• Where: West Carrollton Branch, 300 E. Central Ave, West Carrollton

• How Much: Free

RIVERSCAPE COMMUNITY BOOTCAMP

• What: High-energy outdoor workout with The Unit—stairs, levee sprints, camaraderie. All levels welcome.

• When: September 15, 6 PM – 7:30 PM

• Where: RiverScape MetroPark, 237 E Monument Ave, Dayton

• How Much: Free

MINI RESOURCE FAIR: CONNECT TO SUPPORT & STABILITY

• What: Connect with community organizations for housing, employment, crisis recovery, mental health, legal aid, child care, and more. Drop-in; no registration.

• When: September 16, 12 PM – 2 PM

• Where: Dayton Metro Library – Main, 215 E Third St, Dayton

• How Much: Free

THE BEACH BOYS: SOUNDS OF SUMMER AT FRAZE

• What: America’s Band brings sunny harmonies and hit-after-hit singalongs in Kettering’s alfresco amphitheater.

• When: September 16, 7:30 PM

• Where: Fraze Pavilion, 695 Lincoln Park Blvd, Kettering

• How Much: $40–$75 (prices increase $5 day-of)

Computer Love

How Dayton Metro Library is Closing the Digital Gap for Older Adults 💻

Dayton Metro Library is helping older adults stay connected with free computer classes, drop-in sessions, and one-on-one tech support. Seniors can learn practical skills like navigating MyChart, using search engines, or getting comfortable with smartphones and tablets.

For those who can’t visit in person, the library delivers books and resources to homes and senior living centers, while cardholders also enjoy access to Wi-Fi hotspots, streaming devices, and passes to the Dayton Art Institute.

These programs are designed to make technology less intimidating and help seniors stay active, informed, and engaged in the community.

Visit daytonmetrolibrary.org to see a list of all classes available!

Money

$250 Million Bet on Dayton’s Future: Convergence Center Rises💰

A $250 million project is taking shape next to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. Synergy and Mills Development have secured access to begin work on the Convergence Research Center, an eight-building office park rising on nearly 44 acres of leased federal land.

Construction will roll out over the next few years, with the first building set to open by 2027. Once complete, the site is expected to bring 2,500 jobs and billions in economic impact, positioning Beavercreek as a hub where industry, universities, and government come together to drive defense research and innovation.

Real Estate 🏠

Sports

BENGALS EDGE BROWNS 17–16 IN OPENER 🏈

Cincinnati opened 2025 with a 17–16 road win in Cleveland, the 104th Battle of Ohio.

Chase Brown’s 5-yard run marked the Bengals’ first opening-drive touchdown since 2015, and Joe Burrow later hit Noah Fant. Jordan Battle and DJ Turner II snagged second-half interceptions, with Turner’s late pick sealing Cincinnati’s first Week 1 win since 2021.

BUCKEYES BLANK GRAMBLING, 70–0

Top-ranked Ohio State crushed Grambling State 70–0 on Saturday, Sept. 6 at Ohio Stadium.

Quarterback Julian Sayin went 18-of-19 for 306 yards and four first-half touchdowns, setting an Ohio State record for completions to start a game. Sophomore receiver Jeremiah Smith caught two scores as the Buckeyes moved to 2–0 with a balanced, crowd-pleasing rout.

FOUR-STAR DERKACK VISITS DAYTON FRIDAY

Four-star 2026 guard Aiden Derkack (6–6, SPIRE Academy, Geneva, Ohio) will take an official visit to Dayton on Friday, Sept. 12, per 247Sports’ Dushawn London.

The younger brother of Flyers guard Jordan Derkack, Aiden earned a UD offer in May and is ranked No. 53 nationally by 247Sports. The family connection gives Flyer Nation another reason to buzz this weekend.