Masonry Magazine June 1975 Page. 9
Miamisburg Civic Center
The new Miamisburg, Ohio, Civic Center is a striking example of contemporary architecture that blends seamlessly with its surroundings. Designed to be both aesthetically pleasing and functionally efficient, the building has garnered praise from both architectural critics and the local community.
The building's design incorporates simple brick forms to express its unique function. The concourse features 40-ft., clear-span bays, providing flexibility, interchangeability, and direct accessibility to various areas toward the city square.
Columnist Walt McCaslin of Dayton's Journal Herald commented on the project, stating, "The challenge of architecture goes well beyond designing a structure that's esthetic and in surface harmony with its surroundings. The building also should perform its intended functions well and relate to its environment organically, not just visually. Miamisburg's new Civic Center seems a first-rate solution to the problem. It's not only striking to contemplate as an entity, but is also a skillfully integrated module of the community immediately around it."
McCaslin further noted, "Contemporary, yes, but not obtrusively so. The building might be described as a contemporary expression of traditional modes a fitting together of forms which, though boldly angular, are built in venerable brick. The result is impressive enough to be a government building but not overpowering enough to be monumental, haughty or officially distant."
The interiors were designed by Design Collective of Columbus, Ohio, and the landscaping was created by Oasis Landscapers of Dayton. Landscape architect Ken Cunningham of Cincinnati designed a fountain at the main entrance, featuring a concrete cone down which water flows in rivulets, symbolizing the Miamisburg Mound.
The masonry industry in the Dayton-Miamisburg area was also recognized when Clifford Millum of BM&PIU Local 22 received the Craftsmanship Award from the Builders Exchange of Dayton for his work on the loadbearing-masonry walls of the Miamisburg Civic Center.
Photos by: James Rutledge/Dayton Journal Herald
Below: A skylighted concourse with exposed brick walls and beams. Note the clean, crisp feeling captured by Architect Levin. Above: East Entrance to the new Civic Center.