The Huffman Black
Where History, Culture, and Experience Come Together
Some spaces don’t start as venues — they start as ideas.
The Huffman Black is one of those ideas brought to life. What began as a historic home with deep roots in Dayton has evolved into a place designed for intentional gathering, elevated experiences, and meaningful connection.
Multi-coursed Intimate Dinner Club event (2026)
Hosted by Fei Dayton
Photography : Sheldon James Photography
How It Started
In 2023, the home was purchased and thoughtfully renovated by Detective Terry D. Perdue of the Dayton Police Department. The goal wasn’t simply restoration — it was reimagining what a historic space could become when it’s treated with care, creativity, and purpose.
Upper level at the Huffman Black
The transformation was shaped by a strong creative team.
Designer: Amy Carroll of AC Design
Director of Estate Operations: Jessica Johnson
Every decision honored the home’s character while preparing it to host something entirely new.
Why The Huffman Black Exists
The Huffman Black was created to curate and host upscale experiences — the kind that feel personal, refined, and intentional from start to finish. This isn’t a space for rushed schedules or generic gatherings. It’s a place where elegance is expected, dress codes are encouraged, and presence matters.
Guests can expect valet service, professional bartending, private chef and culinary experiences, and thoughtful hosting with full-service coordination. Everything is designed to allow guests to relax, engage, and truly enjoy the moment.
Guest conversing during City Commissioner Fundraiser Reception (2026)
Experiences We’re Bringing to Life
Programming at The Huffman Black blends culture, entertainment, and sophistication. Upcoming and ongoing experiences include date night bartending classes, Shakespeare’s Birthday celebrations and theatrical evenings, murder mystery dinners hosted by local officials, rehearsal dinners and intimate private events, wine sommelier–led tastings, and curated cigar experiences.
Cake and Sip Experience (2026)
Each moment is intentionally crafted to feel immersive rather than transactional.
A Look at What’s Coming Next
One of the most exciting concepts in development expands beyond the walls of the estate and into the city itself.
This future experience will guide guests through Dayton’s history in motion. Guests will meet a local historian and experience a a guided city tour by bus, and arrive in the Huffman Historic Neighborhood for a private dinner, music, and closing experience at The Huffman Black.
It’s part tour, part cultural immersion, and entirely intentional.
The Future
The Huffman Black is built with long-term vision in mind. Beyond hosting events, the goals are to increase tourism in Dayton, elevate the city’s food and cultural scene, offer unmatched, personal, story-driven experiences, and build meaningful social capital through community engagement.
These efforts also lay the groundwork for broader civic leadership, with future aspirations extending toward political involvement in 2028.
More Than a Venue
The Huffman Black isn’t just about where people gather — it’s about why they gather. It’s about creating moments that feel considered, connected, and memorable.
This is a space shaped by history, powered by intention, and designed for experiences that stay with you.