Award highlights preservation, adaptive reuse, and economic vitality in Oregon wine country
October 28, 2025 (Dayton, OR) — The Merchant Block Development by Twin Towers LLC, a division of The Stoller Group, has been honored with Restore Oregon’s prestigious DeMuro Award for Preservation Impact. The recognition highlights its transformative role in preserving Dayton’s historic downtown core while creating a vibrant destination for the region. This award celebrates projects that conserve Oregon’s architectural heritage and serve as a catalyst for revitalization, economic vitality, and cultural pride.
The Merchant Block project transformed three adjacent historic masonry buildings dating back to 1911 on Dayton’s Courthouse Square. The restoration overcame significant seismic and structural challenges with innovative engineering, ensuring the buildings remain both safe and true to their historic character. Designed by preservation architect Paul Falsetto and constructed by R&H Construction in partnership with Twin Towers LLC, the team restored or replicated original features such as decorative brickwork, façade details, window openings, and interior finishes, while new mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems were integrated with minimal impact to the buildings’ historic fabric.
At the heart of the project is the Inn at Dayton, a luxury 12-room boutique hotel operated by Oregon-based hospitality company, Escape Lodging. With its welcoming lounge and serene courtyard, the Inn anchors the development and offers guests an intimate stay in Oregon wine country. Four additional commercial spaces for retail and dining now serve both visitors and residents, re-establishing the Merchant Block as a cornerstone of Dayton’s revitalization. The Inn at Dayton also received the SEDCOR Dynamic Development Award, following a nomination by City of Dayton Tourism and Economic Development Director Dave Rucklos, recognizing its lasting impact on the region.
“Bill Stoller always said the strength of a community comes from investing in both its people and its places,” said Stoller Group CEO Wayne Marschall. “The Merchant Block Development embodies his belief, and receiving the DeMuro Award is meaningful recognition of how his vision for Dayton is coming to life in a way that will benefit future generations.”
First established in 2011, the DeMuro Awards celebrate exceptional historic rehabilitation projects across Oregon that preserve architectural integrity while ensuring relevance for years to come. The Preservation Impact distinction honors projects and organizations whose work strengthens community identity, tourism, and long-term stewardship.
To learn more about the project, its legacy, and to plan your stay at the Inn at Dayton, visit theinnatdayton.com.
About the Downtown Dayton Revitalization Project
The Downtown Dayton Revitalization Project aims to transform the historic downtown into a premier Oregon wine country destination while preserving Dayton’s unique character and heritage. Anchored by the Merchant Block Development, which transformed three historic Dayton buildings dating back to 1911 into a mixed-use destination, the project will continue to enhance public spaces, expand visitor amenities and create jobs and new opportunities for local businesses in the heart of Oregon wine country. For more information visit, theinnatdayton.com.
About Restore Oregon
Founded in 1977, Restore Oregon works on the front lines and behind the scenes to empower Oregonians to reimagine and transform their communities through the preservation and reuse of historic and cultural places. We believe in a vibrant and equitable Oregon where historic preservation and reuse are crucial to solving the problems we face locally, statewide, and globally. As a statewide, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, Restore Oregon represents thousands of homeowners and renters, community activists, environmentalists, preservation-minded businesses, and supporters and users of historic places across Oregon. We advocate for effective preservation policies and incentives, deliver preservation-focused education programs, and directly intervene to save endangered places. Learn more at restoreoregon.org.
About the Inn at Dayton
The Inn at Dayton is a boutique 12-room hotel housed in a restored historic brick building listed on the National Register of Historic Places in the heart of Oregon’s wine country. Operated by Escape Lodging, an Oregon-based hotel management company, the property features thoughtfully designed guest rooms, each uniquely appointed with meticulously crafted furnishings and modern amenities while preserving the building’s timeless charm. Located in downtown Dayton, The Inn offers guests convenient access to local tasting rooms, wine-country attractions and culinary experiences, providing a refined yet unpretentious escape that celebrates the region’s rich heritage. The Inn at Dayton serves as a connector for diverse experiences, encouraging exploration and discovery in one of Oregon’s premier wine regions. For reservations and more information, visit theinnatdayton.com.
About The Stoller Group
The Stoller Group is a diversified enterprise guided by Bill Stoller’s 200-year vision of legacy, stewardship, and sustainable growth. Headquartered in Oregon’s Willamette Valley, the company invests across staffing, wine, agriculture, hospitality, human resources, and real estate to strengthen communities and create lasting value. Its portfolio includes McMinnville Properties and Twin Towers, developer of landmark hospitality projects such as the Marriott AC Retreat at the Evergreen Campus and The Inn at Dayton, part of the Merchant Block Development; Stoller Wine Group, one of Oregon’s most dynamic multi-brand wine companies; and Xenium HR, a human resources outsourcing firm offering expertise in HR consulting, payroll and benefits administration serving businesses nationally.
For more than 40 years, Express Employment Professionals has been at the core of The Stoller Group’s mission to connect people and opportunity. As the co-founder and co-owner, Bill Stoller helped grow Express into one of the world’s largest staffing companies, with nearly 900 locally owned offices across the United States, Canada, South Africa, and Australia. Express combines the scale and expertise of a global network with the care and responsiveness of community-based service, helping thousands of people find jobs and businesses find the talent and human resource support they need every year.
The Stoller Group is committed to building enduring enterprises that enrich lives, sustain communities, and honor the legacy of its founder, Bill Stoller.
