ragerunner

I think Simon will redevelop the site (but I would not want to guess their timeline). I really believe there is to much retail in that area and the only way to make a go of this site is to turn it into a entertainment/retail/tourist destination or do something no retail there. The water park hotel has been axed from that site, although the developer may still build a hotel, but no water park. Side note: Wouldn't it be nice to see a real mixed use development go up on the Mills sight? All though its surrounding area is not even close to being a place for a pedestrian.

Moving the mall towards a more entertainment type facilities makes a lot of sense. A large indoor amusement and water park with a resort hotel and tourist type attractions and restaurants might work. I thought they might go with more of an outlet type mall but Simon is about to build the new outlet center in Monroe. I would prefer to see them make the Mills mall a major outlet mall and not build the other one in Monroe. Redevelop vs new development.

And that what makes planning and the development of regulations during a downturn in the economy a very difficult issue. Many towns and communities become 'just happy to get anything' no matter how it looks or what the longterm issues may be.

Reactive planning. I know Greensburg very well, its a shame they didn't decide good planning was something they should have been doing for years now. Something tells me most of the new development will be the same old same old. I hope not, this is one of those once in a life time chances for this small town to really make a change in how it looks and builds its community. I am not sure from their current developments that they even require someone to plant a tree.

Call me out on what? That I have an opinion that doesn't agree with yours on somethings, and that some of the things I have mentioned about the economy and downturn in the RE industry is starting to happen. I am just as big of a supporter in urban development as anyone else (its my job), I just try to look at trends and stats to make judgements on were things may be headed over the next few years. Apparently we have different opinions on were things are headed over the next few years. That what makes these types of boards have some value, people with different opinions and backgrounds discussing topics.

Glad to see they are going forward with the rental apartments as part of the project. This should help the project move forward even with condo sales in the US being down. I have notice recently that many projects throughout the US are turning their condo plans into upscale apartment plans to get the financing going. This will also help diversify its residential base.

Glad to see you are still such a professional in your posts.

Most of them have not bought, they have place a deposit on a unit, but not closed on it yet.

One River Plaza Developers want time to sell more units Business Courier of Cincinnati "Miller-Valentine Group and the Gregory family have requested a 1-year extension to submit a final development plan for their $143 million One River Plaza condominium project, pending the expiration of a preliminary agreement Jan. 11, 2008. Click on link for article. http://cincinnati.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/stories/2007/12/03/daily51.html?jst=b_ln_hl

Really nice photos. I have to say you definately get around.

Actually those pics just made me mad. To see a place that has embraced mass transit, mixed use, density, bicycle and pedestrian travel and then think how much effort we go through in this region (and most of the US) just to get developers and communities to build sidewalk/bike paths and plant some trees in the walmart parking lot. We sure have a long ways to go in most of the US.

What good about that is it appears to be a B&M hyer. Its about time!!! A major quality coaster coming to KI. Side note: Has anyone had a chance to go to the Columbus Zoo and take pics of the new water park and amusement park under construction?

Ohio's coaster count is on the decline. That sucks!!!

I just didn't know if the City and County will want the developer to prove that they have the financial capacity to finish the project or if they will just let it go phase by phase and hope the developer will continue to have the financials to finish all phases. I have been involved in multi phase mixed use projects and the developers have always had to show the ability to complete all phases financially, before they were awarded the development rights. Either way, it looking more and more like phase one will get off the ground by late winter or early spring.

Glad to see them finally spell out the money situation. Hopefully the private developer will find new backers since AIG back out. Does anyone know if the developer must find financial backing for the entire project within 60 days or just find funding for phase one only?

Nice article. Lets hope the right people listen and donate the funds needed.

Don't let the 'city' people in. Lets hope that oil get high enough that the urban areas will be able to do the reverse. Don't let the 'suburban' people in.

Good point, usually you have to spend money to make money.

At this point it is an example of NIMBYism downtown...grow up and realize that the world just doesn't work that way. In short, no. This really does seem to be getting ridiculous, and it is now coming across as a desperate attempt at these same stakeholders trying to prevent new competition from coming into the market. I wonder why these people didn't express these concerns oh...10 YEARS AGO!?!? They have seen this plan for many, many years and only a few things have changed...and they are mostly aesthetics (aside from density issue). But all in all, it is the same proposal and would have had these same issues 10 years ago (when it first started rolling along) as it does now. This is why you should get involved in the planning process for projects. At this point it is an example of NIMBYism downtown...grow up and realize that the world just doesn't work that way. Sad, but true. NIMBYism for downtown by many of the companies and people that should be cheerleading this project as a boom for all. This is very short sighted by them.

Cheryl you are right. A streetcar system will not solve all of downtown's challenges, nor have I ever seen any statements in the streetcar presentation's that state that. But, a mass transit system (streetcars) is clearly one of the major pieces of a puzzle that will allow downtown Cincinnati and its surroundings to achieve its goals. If a community never builds any 'pieces of the puzzle' then how will it every see the final picture. The streetcar system and the Banks are two big pieces of that picture. There comes a point when a community must stop talking about something and take the 'risk' and build it. The time has come for both the Banks and the streetcar system to be built. I truely believe that failure on either one of these two projects will have significant negative impacts on downtown and Cincy for several years to come.

Group: Banks will steal our parking BY JESSICA BROWN | [email protected] "Representatives from eight downtown business interests sent yet another letter over the weekend to Cincinnati City Council and Hamilton County Commissioners expressing their concern about certain aspects of the propose Banks riverfront development. Specifically the businesses fear plan won’t include enough parking for the people who work downtown... http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071008/NEWS01/310080049 STUPID!!!! The time has come for the politicans to lower their heads and plow forward on this project.

I like the backside (east) of Mizner Park with the townhomes and how they are integrated into the adjacent neighborhood. Do you have any pics of that part of the development. I also like that Mizner Park is part of downtown Boca and not a stand alone development like the Greene. I would also call this a mixed use project.

That final Banks agreement? Approval meeting is canceled "A Banks Working Group meeting scheduled for today has been canceled. The Group gave no explanation in the e-mailed announcement sent at 5 p.m. Monday. Although the Working Group had not confirmed the purpose of the meeting, it was expected to announce the finalization of an agreement with Atlanta developers Carter Real Estate and Harold Dawson Co. to build the Banks, an 18-acre neighborhood district on Cincinnati's central riverfront... http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071002/NEWS01/710020312 While it appears there are several issue still not finished, I think the one about financing is the biggest. Ever since AIG pulled out with the money no one has said who is going to 'pony up the money' to get this built. Sure, government has promised X amount but, the private side has never released their part of the financing. Hopeful a new deadline will be set and an agreement will be signed very soon. Cincy needs the Banks to happen.

Looks like a great project with high tech jobs.

If we made every city in Ohio the 'urbanist dream' that would be an economic engine in and of its self.