Jane Reece

Tucked along the curves of the Great Miami River in Northwest Dayton, the Jane Reece Neighborhood is a small but vibrant community with a big heart and an even bigger story.

Founded in 1984, the Jane Reece Neighborhood Association (JRNA) is a no-dues, all-heart organization that runs entirely on community spirit and good neighbors. Once considered part of Lower Dayton View, this pocket of Dayton stretches from Berm Street down to Wolf Creek, and from Salem Avenue to Middle Street — a cozy spot where history, creativity, and inclusivity meet.

You’ll find an eclectic mix of homes here: from charming postwar single-story houses to roomy two-story dwellings and a few apartment complexes that add a bit of urban flair. The neighborhood is proudly diverse, home to a majority-minority population and a strong LGBTQ+ community, with an energetic average age of 35. Zoned as mature residential and multi-family residential, it’s the kind of place where everyone can find their fit.

And while JRNA itself isn’t on the historic registry, it’s named after someone who is — the pioneering photographer Jane Reece, who turned a former firehouse at 834 Riverview Terrace into her home and studio. The area’s creative roots run deep: the legendary Schwartz Sisters (Josephine and Hermene) started the dance school that became the Dayton Ballet, and their first Black student, Jeraldine Blunden, went on to found the world-renowned Dayton Contemporary Dance Company (DCDC). The arts still thrive here, thanks in part to the Human Race house on Riverview Terrace, which continues to host visiting artists.

JRNA also celebrates its trailblazers — like John Rodriguez and Dan Hageman, two artist landlords who helped make the neighborhood a welcoming refuge for Dayton’s LGBTQ+ community long before it was common elsewhere. Today, that spirit of openness remains strong, with residents who embrace all walks of life.

From McIntosh Park and the House of Bread, to Catholic Social Services and Omega CDC’s this neighborhood is a lively mix of compassion, culture, and connection — just minutes from downtown, with great access to arts, transit, and community resources.

Come visit the Jane Reece Neighborhood — where creativity, community, and inclusion call home!