The Last Don

That's something I've been wondering...The largest earthquake in the history of the United States was at the New Madrid fault in Kentucky. You have to wonder how many local structures will be able to withstand The Big One.

Scale helps, but even a small space can be well-designed. That 4th and Sycamore space could be much better executed. Perhaps the Urban Design Review Board or 3CDC should get involved with creating livable outdoor spaces.

Yes, Ink...as for $$$$ being the big issue....we are the wealthiest country in the world-- in the history of the world. If we had the right people in government I think that the $$$$ would be there for public improvement projects, in my opinion.

^ I am still unconvinced that any "improvement" has been made, if one considers more than the utilitarian aspects of the space. Quality of life, aesthetics, environmental concerns, and spatial patterns should also be factored into the equation, in my opinion. If developers cannot handle the costs of providing greenspace, then I think the government should purchase some of the parking lots downtown, and convert them to public squares and parks. (With underground parking provided beneath, and increased mass transit systems).

Excellent points, gentlemen. Longterm, the city could eliminate its surface parking lots downtown by building more underground garages topped by greenspace, in addition to some above ground facilities. Miami Beach has found some innovative ways of integrating above-ground garages into the cityscape. Another great alleviator of surface parking would be the development of an extensive mass transit system.

So any building is better than "leftover" greenspace? I'm not convinced that it wasn't usable. Many people keep lawns around their homes for aesthetic purposes, rather than to utilize for an active purpose. Didn't the greenspace add to the beauty of that block? Did it not provide a spatial counterpoint to the tower at 5th and Main? I would go a step further and say that we should build more unusable greenspaces downtown! I say get rid of all of the surface parking lots, and lets create more greenspace.

^ I would have to disagree with you 100%. The previous use of land was as greenspace, with a lawn and several trees. I'll take nature over parking garages and asphalt lots any day.

That's all water under the bridge. I'm really excited by what's going to be happening in the near future: - the reopening of Fountain Square on October 14 - the new Central Riverfront Park between the stadiums + The Banks - new condo highrises such as The Edge - and best of all, significant investment in OTR

The good thing about the practice fields is that they open up the view from I-75. Paul Brown Stadium looks amazing when you're driving into the city.

Here's some old-time Cincinnati riverfront shots: You can see that warehouse in the lower left: Many of the buildings weren't distinguished architecturally, but as a group they created a true urban aesthetic: Photos via cincinnativiews.net.

^ LOL, I think that AIG/Carter will almost certainly do this better than Corporex would have.

^ I was looking at Cooper Carry's site, too. Hopefully they closely follow the renderings that the Port Authority developed several years ago. Their urban spaces look pretty good: http://www.coopercarry.com/_images/portfolio/22/Underground01.jpg Underground Atlanta http://www.coopercarry.com/_images/portfolio/90/mercato01.jpg Naples, Florida: Mercato http://www.coopercarry.com/_images/portfolio/23/Mizner01.jpg Boca Raton, Florida: Mizner Park

^ That's because Mariemont uses traditional town planning methods that were thrown out after World War II. What's ironic about the whole thing is that most architects and planners would say that Mariemont "breaks all the rules." Mariemont is all about creating a special place, rather than following zoning and architectural norms.

^ Yes! Very nice photo.

^West Fourth Street...a wonderful rehab. What Cincinnati suburb features this fountain?

^ Yeah, it's a really nice view. Here's a shot from the parking lot:

John and ColDay got it: Celestial Street. This street is also home to the Highland Towers: And the former home of Rookwood Pottery, now the Porkopolis Tavern and Grill:

Here's a photograph of the street:

Not Tusculum...though it would certainly fit right in on that street. Like Tusculum, this street climbs towards the sky-- you could even say "to the heavens."

Let's see if anyone can get this one. Name the street and the neighborhood of this wonderful home:

Sedamsville EDIT: John beat me to it! :-)

^ Now you're talking!

Bingo, RiverViewer... You're Up!

This Cincinnati street runs perpendicular to Clifton Avenue and is within walking distance of the University of Cincinnati. Most of its properties have undergone significant renovation, and combined with the view makes this a desirable area. The shaded street has many delightful touches, such as wrought iron fencing:

Six more "no's." All of your choices are good...I'm going to post some shots of the street to give you more of a hint.