wholtone

I agree. I was very disappointed with the way that looks. Seems kind of a waste if it's just a red square. I wonder if they're something like what the Moerlein Lagerhouse has on its building, but UC related?

^Is this what you're looking for?

Some construction photos from today. Not a whole lot to look at, just the foundation and beginnings of the parking garage.

Some updated shots of the Yard House construction. It's been moving along quite quickly..

Some photos taken around U Square today.

^ There's nothing wrong with calories or carbs. Your body craves them for a reason. The problem is lethargic lifestyles. The human body did not evolve to eat big meals every night, and then lay on the couch. The human body evolved to milk as much energy out of as little food as possible. Until relatively recently humans mostly knew only famine, and lived very physically demanding lifestyles (hunting, farming, constant warfare, etc). Because Americans don't do real physical labor anymore we do fake physical labor and call it "exercise." :wink:

Perhaps it's just me, but I hate this building. It's so ugly. So drab. Bricks. So many bricks. The hotel portion? No one can see it from the street, so it doesn't really matter if it's there or not. All you see are bricks. You'll never be walking around this building and see some visitors or suburbanites point to it and say, "Isn't that a great building?" No, the only love this building gets is from urban wonks, for good reason.

Smale Riverfront Park Early Winter 2012 Update Smale Riverfront Park Early Winter 2012 Update

I personally wouldn't want to see Constantino's in downtown Cincinnati. Rather, I'd like to see millions pumped into an expansion of Findlay Market.

True, although Johnny Rockets is not a destination restaurant. I can't imagine suburbanites driving downtown just to eat there. Rather, there needs to be something going on, and then they eat at JR because it's convenient. During Reds games JR is packed. On the other hand, people will drive downtown for the fancier restaurants, like your Ruth Chris or Crave.

Interesting yellow building included in the P&G Playscapes sketches. That building is not included in any of the plans that I've seen thus far. All other plans/renderings have the waterfall extending down to the Vine Street steps. Very curious. I didn't catch any reference to this new building in the Courier article.

Johnny Rockets won't last. Not because it's of any indication of The Banks, but because their food is sub-mediocre and overpriced. If Terry's Turf Club moved into that spot, I'm sure it would be well supported. The problem with JR is they cater to the tastes of suburbanites, not urbanites. I don't eat there. Not because I don't love The Banks, but because I can eat a lot better for cheaper downtown.

Finally, they properly fixed Wielert's (green building) doorway! I've been waiting years for someone to do that. I hope they use some brick and/or a wrought iron fence to separate the outdoor bier garten/patio space. In my head I imagine that looking nice.

For groceries Cincinnati has Findlay Market and a Kroger on Vine.

No one is getting worked up.

That's ironic. When I saw the black marble, I thought if the facade was all black marble it would look better than the grey marble. I just didn't like how it was so blatantly a patch job. I would rather see the outside marble restored to black so reflect the original intent of the architect.

I see they finally patched the broken piece of this building's marble facade. But why in the hell did they use a black piece of marble with white and orange streaks? The rest of the facade is grey marble with lighter and darker streaks. Surely someone could've put a little more effort into getting a better matching piece of marble. I hope this isn't foreshadowing the quality of work that will take place.

Yes, the Metropole is nice. I still can't get over how nice the outside looks. It's like they completely erased 100 years of grime. I imagine it is how the building originally looked right after it was first built. Great work from 3CDC, as usual.

I don't mind the outdoor chandelier. I think most people will like it. I do think it would look better though if the styling of the pole reflected the styling of the chandelier itself. Oh well.

Here's some "Context through contrast" for your viewing pleasure. In a modern downtown environment I think contrast is OK. In a historic district, too much contrast can take away from the experience of the historic district.

It was lit up last night.

A little something for the rumor mill: I live downtown and walk passed the Enquirer building all the time. The other night was the first time I ever seen inside lights on at night. Apparently something is going on there. Can't say whether it's the start of construction or whatever. Just an FYI.

I think Philadelphia's approach is much more interesting than Horseshoe. I'd guess the architecture on top will probably look cheesy up close, like Disney World or Vegas, but it may look fine from a distance. I think the park could be better. I'm not sure why a park that small needs two large, looped concrete roads going through it. For me cars are the antithesis of green space.