The Nati Life

That office building has been there for quite awhile now.

1) I'm sorry, but when I see this, all I can think of is: http://www.dukerealty.com/Properties/DynamicHTML.aspx?EntityTypeID=10&EntityID=12013&DevPark=LAK And that's not what I was looking for in the Banks. 2) Couldn't agree more. I'm not suggesting putting an absurd erector set building on that spot. But something that when you look at it makes someone think, "Wow. Ya sure don't see that out in Mason/West Chester/Tri-County!" 3) And likewise, I wouldn't want to see anything like the Ascent there. But IMO, they could have put something there that doesn't harken back to 1990's suburban office park. Not an unreasonable request of a developer. Take a look at QCS II. It's not some POS glass block, and it's not something that the layperson would consider art. But it's attractive, classy, and looks like it belongs. And this whole thing about the whole goal of "reflecting the Freedom Center" is BS... it's an afterthought at best. All that said, I think Carter-Dawson is the right team, and I'm excited. They're experienced, have skin in the game, and have proven thus far that they can get it done. But I'm dissappointed in their architecture, especially with this.

Still pulling for the dark horse, "Roeblingville"

If it is remeniscent of the CareSource building, we should all gouge our eyes out. I think it's an awful waste of an opportunity to throw out vanilla architecture like they have thus far. Across the river (and I really hate when people do this, so sorry in advance) they took a chance and put a skyline-definer (even without a real skyline). As an urban enthusiast, this has come to piss me off. What is supposed to be the prime piece of real estate in this city is all the sudden reduced to "let's just put up what works and what we can lease up." I can understand this from a developer's standpoint - I really can - but the UDRB should be more worried about what the building looks like as a whole rather than freakin' setbacks/build-to's, etc.

Any more reaction or coverage from the rally? Can anyone fill us in on what happened?

^ PR move at best. If Vegas was taking bets, I'd put the mortgage up on "The Banks."

Still no renderings on the website as of 9:32 AM. The website is terrible, by the way. I would have whomever is in charge of it :whip:'d

There aren't more renderings than just the one? They talk about all these renderings of apartments facing GABP and then don't include them in the article? They should be releasing these things left and right for publicity. They aren't on the Carter-Dawson website (which is piss poor IMO).

Or a beer bottle off the roof...

This is a great shot. I love the modern flair they've given the rooftop terrace railing. When people are having parties up there it will really spill out onto the street and liven things up. The railing angles outward, so I'm concerned that it literally will spill out (over the top) and onto the street!!! Otherwise, I like the design. Is it out of proportion? Maybe. But I think it's an appropriate transition between the building adjacent to it and the one across the street in that photo. Sometimes there's something to be said for being overtly modern (not necessarily architecturally "modern," but age-wise) when you're revitalizing a neighborhood. The passer-bys will note that it is obviously new construction amongst revitalized historic buildings. I think this alone will help add a sense of vibrancy, as well as give buyers options. Think about it - the more options you provide buyers, the more likely you are to bring a wide cross-section in. Plus, with new construction that far north, you could be more likely to get people up that way.

I'm curious - did Seattle's streetcar see as much opposition as Cincinnati's is currently seeing? I'm wondering if it's a local phenomenon and should perpetuate notion of the Cincinnati borderline pride in hindering progress, or if the same level of naysayer-ness that are coming out here came out in Seattle.

Streetcars, neighborhoods in Memphis pretty emptyPosted by LettersEditor at 3/15/2009 10:11 AM EDT on Cincinnati.com We went to Memphis; my wife and our friends rode that renowned city’s historic streetcar system between 4 and 5 p.m., on a Tuesday, which happened to be Mardi Gras in the blues capital of the world. The two cars that we sat in were old but functional, and the interiors were made of a beautiful light-colored wood that had been kept in remarkable shape. The fare was $1. The car was a bit loud and bumpy when moving but pleasantly silent when stopped. The drivers employed a bell reminiscent of San Francisco’s cable cars, which added to the nostalgic feel of the experience. As we traveled along the rails I noticed block after block of buildings for lease, for sale or just vacant. At several intersections along the streetcar route I observed that the buildings on all four corners were empty. I counted 23 passengers on the 14 streetcars that ours passed, less than a 5 percent capacity rate at rush hour. Not once did I see more than three people on any one streetcar other than our own. Mayor Mallory’s exact words: “The facts are clear. Streetcars must be a part of Cincinnati’s future and we will fight to make it happen.” Here’s hoping that he fights as diligently as he researches facts. Jim Knecht Springfield Township http://news.cincinnati.com/apps/pbcs.dll/section?Category=edit0202&plckController=Blog&plckScript=blogScript&plckElementId=blogDest&plckBlogPage=BlogViewPost&plckPostId=Blog%3ae8ab9c9c-3e4b-46b9-a08d-a17c4ecdcdc7Post%3ab76f1dab-db71-410c-9fd9-720235a9d657&sid=sitelife.cincinnati.com Sorry, I've never been to Memphis, so I can't speak to the anecdote above. Anyone have any insight?

Streetcar operating costs will dwarf capital outlay Posted by LettersEditor at 3/15/2009 2:25 PM EDT on Cincinnati.com Assistant Editorial Page Editor Ray Cooklis’ perceptions on the fantasy world of stimulus are on the mark (“Welcome to federal stimulus ‘fantasy land,’” March 12). In the blog by Malia Rulon “Mallory in DC asking for $$” (March 12), the mayor’s budgeting of $83 million of one-time capital for streetcar spending (including stimulus). But that’s only the beginning. Operating costs will dwarf the capital costs, and that will compete with basic necessaries in the city budget. I hope the citizens are getting a balanced picture of this luxury we are about to be saddled with. Tom Luken College Hill http://news.cincinnati.com/apps/pbcs.dll/section?Category=edit0202&plckController=Blog&plckScript=blogScript&plckElementId=blogDest&plckBlogPage=BlogViewPost&plckPostId=Blog%3ae8ab9c9c-3e4b-46b9-a08d-a17c4ecdcdc7Post%3ac1a95bbf-8bdd-4981-a865-724f85ea912b&sid=sitelife.cincinnati.com I love how there is no statistics/numbers/facts/even conjecture used to back up his statement. :lol:

I wasn't saying the development is like the Flats. I was making poing regarding that it would not be weird to refer to the area as The Banks in casual conversation as some posters previously had mentioned. I used The Flats as an example b/c the names obviously are similar and therefore would also be similarly used in a sentence. My point was that if it works to call something "The..." in Cleveland than it can work in Cincinnati. I know, I just hate to use the Flats and the Banks in the same sentence - like a jinx or something! And I personally don't like the Flats. It sounds like purely an entertainment district rather than a living area. Purely entertainment districts come and go. True neighborhoods with a strong entertainment-oriented business base (Mt. Adams) experience much more long-term success. I think the Banks (Roeblingville!) needs to achieve a true neighborhood status in order for long-term viability. Just because it's adjacent to a stadium doesn't mean that it's due for longtime success (see Baltimore, Jacobs Field, etc.)

I dunno, I'd much rather have it sound like an actual name of a neighborhood or if it's to be viewed as a Downtown district have "district" in it. And let's PLEASE not compare it to the Flats... have you seen it lately?

^I REALLY like Roeblingsville (although I think "Roeblingville" sans the "s" sounds better-sorry Jimmy). It actually sounds like a neighborhood. I just can't see "the Banks" coming up in conversation, it sounds awkward. Like, "hey guys, let's go down to that new bar in the Banks tonight," or "Johnny called and wants us to meet up at his apartment in the Banks." I dunno, maybe it's just me, but I think it should sound like an actual neighborhood. Plus, does "the Banks" have real staying power? In 50 years, when the neighborhood changes (as all do), will "the Banks" still be a wise choice? Plus, Roeblingsville harkens to Wrigleyville, and that alone could spur more development activity geared toward the ballpark.

Totally agree... I think it could go a long way. Any time frame on this? I didn't see anything in the articles.

^Very cool, thanks for putting that together!

From Mayor Mallory's Newsletter - February 2009:

I'm sure it's brick, right? I can't see that design incorporating dryvit.

More inarticulate babble from Smitherman. The use of "Please explain to me..." and "Drawing a line in the sand..." have no place in a formal press release. How the NAACP continues to let this guy embarrass himself and that organization is beyond me. If I'm Mallory, I say that I won't address the NAACP, as it would make them look like fools if he did. I'd insist that they replace Smitherman with someone dedicated to their mission. And I wasn't aware that the Mayor answered to the local chapter of the NAACP. I guess since he does, he'd better watch out for his job! :roll:

The trolley idea would doom the streetcar from the get-go. Should it fail, then everyone will say "I told you so" and it would lead to no streetcar. If it succeeded, then Winburn and his cohorts would come out and say "I told you so" and continue to run that service as opposed to running rails and a real streetcar. The trial would become the reality, except with no development around it. It's astounding that Winburn doesn't understand the concept of permanence.

^ I think we'd all agree that we need streetcars asap to bring the girls in that first picture back to Cincy ;)

If we all throw in $10, we can get Haap a plane ticket to Portland to see it for himself (one way! Just kidding). It would be great to have such a raving opponent be converted!

Imagine the following scenario between an out-of-town businessman visitor walking up to the Downtown Westin hotel concierge: Visitor: Ma'am, where could I go to catch a nice performance this evening? Concierge: Well, sir, we have a world-class symphony here, and they happen to be playing this evening at Music Hall, one of the most stunning cultural jewels in the country! Visitor: That sounds excellent! Please get me a pair of tickets. What is the best way to get there? Concierge: Well, if you go outside, you'll see a painted red line on the street. Just wait on the curb by that line and a bus that looks like an old trolley will come pick you up. It will follow that red line all the way to Music Hall, and you'll be there. Visitor: HAHAHAHA! Sounds like a world class urban experience to me! Can you imagine what he/she would tell other people about Cincinnati's brilliant culture and nightlife? Or would he talk about the extensive investment the city has put into its transit, and how welcome he felt and how easy it was to get to and from attractions, meetings, conventions, etc.?