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West Dayton Gets a Skyline Transformation with New Housing

  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2026/02/1 .. s-a-skyline-transformation-with-new-housing.html
  Published in House and Home on Saturday, February 14th 2026 at 6:16 GMT by Dayton Daily News
      Locales: Ohio, UNITED STATES

DAYTON, OH - February 14th, 2026 - The skyline of West Dayton is set for a dramatic transformation as the Dayton Development Public Metropolitan Housing Authority (GDPM) embarks on the final stages of a significant redevelopment project. The demolition of the long-standing Desoto Bass public housing complex, located at 345 Bass Ave., is imminent, paving the way for Desoto Heights, a planned mixed-income community promising modern, safe, and affordable housing options.

The decision to tear down the existing complex, originally built in 1965, wasn't taken lightly. Years of deferred maintenance had taken a heavy toll, resulting in pervasive issues like mold, structural deficiencies, and a constant struggle to keep the buildings habitable. According to GDPM Director of Real Estate Development Ashley Kennedy, "It's an outdated project that simply needed to be redeveloped. The priority is to provide residents with a safe, modern, and affordable place to live."

The 6.3-acre site will be completely reimagined with 75 new housing units, deliberately designed to foster a diverse and inclusive community. This isn't just about replacing outdated buildings; it's about creating a vibrant neighborhood where residents of all income levels can thrive. The plan calls for a blend of affordable housing, market-rate rentals, and dedicated senior housing, a move designed to break down traditional barriers and promote social cohesion.

GDPM is not undertaking this ambitious project alone. They've forged partnerships with experienced developers Sinclair Hille Cos. and Auction Properties Group, combining their expertise to bring the vision of Desoto Heights to life. Funding for the project is a complex tapestry woven from Low-Income Housing Tax Credits, private investment, and GDPM's own capital resources. This diversified funding approach underscores the commitment to making the project a sustainable reality.

A Resident-Focused Approach

What sets this redevelopment apart is the significant emphasis on community involvement. Over the past several years, GDPM has hosted numerous community meetings, actively soliciting input from current Desoto Bass residents. These meetings weren't simply perfunctory; they were genuine opportunities for residents to voice their needs and desires for the new community. The feedback was clear: residents wanted a variety of unit sizes to accommodate diverse family structures, modern amenities to enhance their quality of life, increased safety measures to ensure a secure environment, and thoughtfully designed landscaping to create an appealing and welcoming neighborhood.

GDPM listened. The plans for Desoto Heights directly reflect these desires, aiming to address the shortcomings of the previous complex and create a truly resident-centric living space. This participatory approach is crucial, ensuring that the new development isn't just for the community, but by the community.

Timeline and Transition The demolition phase, scheduled to begin in the coming weeks, is expected to take approximately three months. This will be followed by intensive construction, with the overall project slated for completion in 2026 - a timeline that is currently on track.

Recognizing the disruption caused by the demolition, GDPM is providing comprehensive relocation assistance to all residents of Desoto Bass. This assistance is designed to ensure a smooth transition to new housing, offering support with finding suitable alternatives and navigating the relocation process. The authority has been working closely with residents to minimize hardship and ensure they are well-informed throughout the process.

Beyond Bricks and Mortar: A Catalyst for West Dayton

The redevelopment of Desoto Bass represents more than just the construction of new housing units. It's a vital investment in the West Dayton community, with the potential to act as a catalyst for further revitalization. By providing modern, affordable housing and fostering a mixed-income environment, Desoto Heights aims to attract new residents, businesses, and opportunities to the area.

Kennedy expressed her enthusiasm for the project's potential, stating, "We're excited to bring this new development to the West Dayton community and provide our residents with a better quality of life." The hope is that Desoto Heights will serve as a model for future affordable housing developments in Dayton, demonstrating the power of thoughtful planning, community engagement, and strategic partnerships to create thriving neighborhoods.