Denny Zimmer made his mark as a community partner with his expert management of many demolitions carried out through Land Bank programs.
We are beyond fortunate to enjoy the support and dedication of community partners who embrace the Land Bank’s vision and don’t mind rolling up their sleeves to get the job done. Here we spotlight one of these partners.
A December 2024 retiree, Denny Zimmer came face to face with thrills, excitement, and danger every day of a career that saw him supervise 4,500 building demolitions for the city of Dayton.
“It was fun,” he said. “And it never got old.”
Denny worked in the city’s Nuisance Abatement Department for 20 years, the last 13 as supervisor. In this role he became an indispensable partner to the Land Bank. With the city of Dayton as contractor, Denny expertly oversaw the hundreds of demolitions initiated through Land Bank programs.
“Sometimes I come back a year after a demo and see someone has put up a fence or planted a garden,” he said. “Getting rid of the blight they’ve been living with can spur people to make improvements on their property. It’s a satisfying feeling.”
