Weedrose

This district should be called sub hub.

Good article in the Enquirer about Outside. I think it pains a good picture of the struggles of a small business owner, pretty much living day to day. I hope Outside doesn't fold but the sheer amount of days that he's faced without consecutive sales is a real issue. Have any of you shopped at his store? Are there issues with his merchandise? Or is it just that people don't need/want what he's selling?

^My thoughts exactly.

Great news - respect for the pas and inclusion of a black entrepreneurial base is good news for the city and the community. This area is definitely cementing it's place as a strong medical/medical office area. Investment grade products with minority involvement has historically been weak in the city - I like Laura's take on this and commitment to greater inclusion. While senior housing would also be good, adding office to this area creates something much more significant for that area - a dramatic sign of progress.

Love the North End

Hey, quick question - what's going to happen to the old SCPA? Otherwise great pictures!

No most of these cities aren't goingto breat again unless something dramatic happens. However, there are projects that can be undertaken, and some which have already - to slow the decline and possibly reverse the trend. But to be honest, most cities have their time in the sun and then go through their up and down periods. Alot of these cities were important at one time but just don't have the same heft now.

My complex has more people than this town but you know what I respect these people for still holding on. Different way of life than I'm used to but definitely interesting. Thanks for the pics.

Okay, I couldn't tell from the website but does 21c have a lot of experience doing this type of work or was their 21museum project in Louisville their first go. Also, have they officially announced that they're doing this or is this still speculative?

H&M is one of those retailers that if they do a third shop - a downtown/otr one would be great. Globally H&M, Zara, Mango have a lot of cache. Fantastic to see that they're doing something in the Cincinnati area. Now if we could just get some of those DAAP design students to begin opening up shop...

I don't know why they keep on insisting that there needs to be hotel there. This spot would be great for housing. Boutique Hotels, if they mean classy "nice" hotels should stick to the eastern edge or new construction on some of the existing lots. Boutique Hotels are a term too often thrown around. If 21c does have an intent to do something in that space, great but if not turn more attention to housing. If people really want to see downtown develop into this 24 hour/ grocery store / great shopping environment then Cincinnati needs to have more housing space and more diverse housing at that. Housing would additionally offer support to the retail/restaurants that are in that area. I would think rent's in the $650 - $900 range would work but I'm just throwing out a number.

^Most people who I know that came back from Chicago or New York weren't really movers and shakers in those cities and came back because they had to. It's tough becausse if you're a city person and are willing to play the game - Chicago and New York are prime examples of great packages. I think it's okay to say if you're a YP that while the Chi and NY have a lot of stuff going on, that the nati is doing okay as well.

^Anyone looking to casinos as a panacea are pinning their hopes on a fantasy. The good thing about this plan is that it brings other elements with it.

If you want cheap you could name about a dozen cities in the midwest/south which could qualify; Cincinnati's assets are arts and civic involvement in my eyes. If you're active and a little aggressive you can do some things in this city that aren't available in other places, we've got some great civic associations.

^^^that shot was in Shanghai (building collapse) or at least it looks similar to one that I saw on TV a few months ago. I am sure the contractors working on this project are a little better.

I think we're all envisioning multiple districts within downtown with 20 or so late night places. But to be honest, nightlife doesn't just have to be bars and clubs, it can be spoken word places, it can be pool halls and late night restaurants. I would love to see more variety out there and some pedestrian only nighttime festivals etc.

On other news, how are the businesses in that area doing? Are they in general doing okay? Would love to hear that business is stable to good.

No, the economic impact of this is only worth it f it draws in others and shifts money from one locality to another but if state after state get this - it's benefits will be limited.

Are any of you apart of efforts to spread the truth in Cincinnati regarding this? If you're not, you probably should sign up.

If this thing passes, everyone should think about moving. Just kidding.

I would love to see a show on the connections that Cincinnati is putting in place to connect businesses located in this area with suppliers and markets in China and other countries. Cincinnati has a dynamic small business community that is really global but it's not talked up much.

There aren't easy policy solutions to this problem. Badly mismanaged properties across this nation and very few cases of additional policy measures coupled with the housing programs have caused this cynicism. You say Section 8 and you instantly get a reaction, it's gutteral. Simply put, housing is only one of a litany of issues tied to financial distress.

If this is the case then my jets have officially been cooled but they wont be retired until I　see a plan.

Section 8 is a problem. I'm from Avondale and my family has worked for HUD and to be honest the sheer amount of section 8 housing in that area is ridiculous. Your point about adequate management, screening, and security is fair; however, I will bet that won't be the case. You may ask what I have to go off and experience would be my rejoinder (or at least I hope). This facility in my eyes should be turned into nothing less than market rate.

This is a low blow to the city. Big time blow.