kjbrill

Perhaps it should be deisgned by the College of Architecture at UC. Then you could really get design by committee plus design by muff-ears who probably have never actually had one of their designs built.

But the area where the former Milacron and other businesses like Williamson Furnace has had virtually nothing of what I wold call urban development occur. Other than Rookwood Commons, which was rather crammed on the former LeBlond Company property, tell me what has been urbanized in that area. From what I can see driving down I-71 or one of the infrequent times I get off in the local area, all that has been developed are several big box stores with their parking lots, virtually nothing as an integrated development. Looks exactly the same to me as where I live in Mason and West Chester. So why does this happen? The same reason as everywhere, money or the lack of it.

Its this and the "need" for a large event lawn in front of the casino that is really telling of the massive suburban oriented bias of Cincinnati. Its incredible how people can be so unappreciative of the intense urbanity Cincinnati once had and are so willing to just toss it away. But you hit the nail on the head - Once Had. But it not does have now. What do you expect the Casino developers to do. Place an If-Come-Maybe on redevelopment of certain areas of Cincinnati which have not yet happened or put their money on a more sure bet? Apparently you have never been presented with a Win-It-Or-Lose-It financial proposition.

I just thought I would come over for the benefit of the great intellects on this forum, though I will admit to being concerned about matching ideas with the distinguished legions you mention, as my 45 years plus as an engineer might not stand up. I believe I understand a little about urban living, but just exactly what is an urban ideal?

I thought more of it had been demoed since I am always reading about what a horrible idea it is. I did go to another site and found a good set of recent pictures. Some sections appear to be in good condition and others very rundown. You are right about my not being current on what much of downtown looks like. The Aronoff Center and Music Hall have been the only reasons for our going downtown for some years now, and since they both have parking lots nearby that is about all we see. Since my wife now requires a power wheelchair to get around, even these are becoming few and far between as their handicap facilities leave a lot to be desired. I have a 45 year old daughter who is a shopping dynamo, her favorite hobby. She has not been downtown in over 10 years, says no reason to go there. She likes Rookwood Commons and Kenwood Towne Center because they have her favorite store Nordstrom.

The probem is the former Milacron fled the neighborhood first. They were one of the largest companies in Cincinnati and they just threw in the towel, and moved out of town. I would like to see the area be redeveloped as a shining example of Cincinnati. But other than the original development around Rookwood, located where I first started working at LeBlond, it seems there have been nothing but arguments. But what else is new in Cincinnati, bickerings and arguments with little gained.

So I assume the Cincinnati Skywalk is now history. I remember when it was built and used it to some degree when I made my forays into the City. Never thought it was that great, but also recognized I did not use it much. So now it is gone any many seem to be rejoicing. But explain to me why the downtown is now any different from the time before the skywalk was constrtucted? At least with the skywalk there were options as to how to get around between businesses downtown. The only difference I see is there are fewer businesses anyone wants to go to in the first place.

I remember this location very well, since I grew up nearby. The talk about the Harley Hotel, before it became a Best Western. Does anyone remember the original when it was part of a Hotel chaim owned by Sohio up and down the brand new I-71/I-75. My brother-in-law was manager at this location for awhile. At that time it was an upscale Hotel, with a very nice restaurant and a killer lounge which exploded on New Years and other holidays. This is a proposal to cram something on a piece of property in an area which does not need it. Has everyone not seen the rusting hulk of a development right across I-71 since that developer basically folded. Look again at the location, it is a sliver of land in a township. There is a recurring theme here, townships will agree to anything which brings them revenue. Never mind that the already existing traffic causes problems on Montgomery Rd, the feeders in/out of Madeira, etc. That just doesn't count.

Do you expect architectural excellence and first class construction quality in a development next to a university?

I recently read where Butler Co. has approved some of the initial funding for this project. I was frankly hoping they would vote No. There is just no need for this project at this time. It is just going to add a lot of traffic congestion as already indicated by the increased lanes to be added to the surrounding roads. I don't know about Tri-County, since I have been there exactly twice in the last 10 years, both times to go to the Time Warner store and exchange a faulty cable box. Other than that there is absolutely nothing I cannot get closer to home. As I live in Mason, the Fields-Ertel I-71 area, Deerfield Towne Center, the Tylersville I-75 interchange area, and Union Center offer me about everything I need. The only reason to even go to Kenwood would be for some more upscale clothing stores, which at my age I don't need. Most of what we buy from Kohls we order off of the internet, even though we have two stores close by. Why go to the stores when you can leisurely browse and compare products on the internet? Most businesses who know how to maintain their business have a liberal return policy if you select the wrong size, etc. I hardly ever have a problem with that. This Liberty Towne Square just sounds like another developer's plan to make money off of cheaper land no longer in a position for productive farming.