CincyIntheKnow

Completely disagree. By that standard the only acceptable "style" today follows modernistic rules such as: - minimalism - no ornament - no sloped roofs - no strong corners These rules were implemented by modernists 80 years ago, but for some reason architects today still believe that any building with a gable roof is an anachronism and any building with ornament is a crime. This is BS. A good building is timeless .. .. not modern. There are a few architects doing new buildings in a classic manner, see the Ireland example above, or Stern or Krier etc.. I notice that such a polarizing neighborhood is bound to make polarized emotions and stances. Rather than resorting to extremes let's focus on what I said... An anachronism is something of a different time, not a reflection of the present. I did not and do not advocate "modernism", I just said of the two choices presented by Civik I prefer the contemporary one. Like I said before, architecture is a practice of enabling, you can accommodate any taste you wish. However, building in the Italianate style would absolutely be an anachronism. Contemporary design can be timeless as well. The Banks was directed to go in this direction, but a result of poor design, communication and even poorer comprehension resulted in what we have now.

^^ Anachronism comes into play in the fine line between replicating and complementing. Building Italianate style buildings, or neo-classical, or tudor style, or Gothic revival... all are anachronisms, even if under the pretense or justification of context. In the end it is a matter of taste, Architecture enables you to achieve anything from any period. Some prefer new, some prefer the old.

I prefer the proposal. If the board wants an anachronism, tell them you will provide hollographic technology as soon as it is available. The design offers a cornice, a strong differentiation between base and top, and the varried roof line breaks down the scale of the building mass. While the scale of fenestration is a little larger than the neighborhood norm and the materiality is obviously different, I would not call this building an unacceptable infill. MAYBE, change the material between the storefront to brick and see if they would be more willing to oblige. (Even if the only reason buildings were built in brick back then is because it was cheap, as concrete is now.)

Count your lucky stars the master plan at the time didn't go through... 11 of those same buildings were planned around the campus.

What a confusing poll. I am against the ballot measure, for the streetcar, and would vote no on Issue 48.

From the looks of it TWO buildings will lose their back sides for a more efficient parking garage. Non-factor as far as I am concerned. Facade is much more important.

Very good question. It seems that this particular debate is about the role of infill. For me, at least, the discussion is not about Mercer commons specifically, but what the rules of infill can and should be. As far as the existing buildings that are destined to be removed, if 3CDC does not develop them, who does?

JJ, I don't get the "look at me" iconic architecture vibe from Mercer Commons. If this is a discussion on the Bilbao Guggenheim or the Getty, I totally agree. Society is a reflection of education and inertia. For the most part we do and think what we are told to do, or travel down the path set before us. You want people to appreciate modern architecture, educate them and expose them to better examples. Watch the "societal" reaction to the streetcar project for example. Those for it are educated as to the benefits, those against are not, and are for maintaining the status quo. And as for your counter regarding Brueges, yes to an architecturally educated society it is all those things. Europeans for the most part are a better educated society and appreciate those points I previously mentioned. You are projecting your own bias on what you feel "societal" opinion would be. To appreciate what glass is you need to understand the history of glass. Throughout history windows represented a means for lighting and ventilation. The size was dictated by construction techniques, i.e. abilities to build with bearing construction and span over open spaces. As modern construction techniques were improved and the price of glass fell, windows became larger. What was once about the structure dictating size of glass has now become structure dictating the void of glass. So yes, it is in fact a juxtaposition in the same framework of rules. Materiality is not necessarily about sitting on it, but you definitely notice the contrast in texture and color between the modern example and its surroundings. While to you that is a slap in the face to the historic context, I think through contrast allows for appreciation of both. More importantly about materiality you see the warmth and verticality of the wood at the entrance in contrast with the smoothness and horizontality of the rest of the building. So yes, it does honor the entrance. As far as void, you have to realize the arguement for pattern and void, positive and negative space. With proper use and appreciation of one come appreciation of the other. Regarding your last paragraph we agree. There is room for proper architecture everywhere, as long as it is done correctly. Doesn't happen too often in this city though, unless commissioned specifically.

JJ, Your own arguement can be turned against you. Are architects and clients not members of society? Is not society in essence an expression of a collection of people and ideas? Of all people not just a majority? By dismissing those who prefer modernity are you not writing off a segment of society as well? I agree that good architecture has a certain morality or set of ideals no matter the style, but is the arguement really for homogenuity and monotony versus contrast and discussion? While I agree for the most part contemporary architecture has failed contemporary society (Contemporary architects are not all good, and therefore contemporary architecture is not all good.) It is hardly wise to say there is no room for modernity in historic fabric. Regarding Breuges, it gives the passerby pause, a respect for contrast and juxtaposition, an appreciation for modern materials and style, a celebration of entry, and a realization of modern building capabilities.

Hands down my favorite is "Needmore Rd." in Dayton. No other name is so explicit. Except for maybe Sprawl Blvd.

Any updated picks from yesterdays presentation to the Urban Design Review Board?

Anyone else notice the partially built KTP tower has been removed in that rendering? It is an eyesore, so that could be a reason, but I wonder if they know something.

Don't forget to add the #1 grossing Skyline Chili right across the street as well.

I haven't heard anything, but I'd love to see them open another (hopefully more urban) location. I refuse to go there currently because Kenwood is too far away and traffic near their store is a pain. There's an old Thriftway location in downtown Newport that I've always hoped they'd look at. It's close to tons of residential housing, so they'd have people walking to the store, there is a large parking lot to accomodate drivers, and it's very close to downtown Cincy. I just think it's a little bigger than what they'd want. Oh well. They wouldn't do that location, too far from highway access, and too difficult to navigate Newport's 1-way streets.

Some interesting comments from another message board I visit: http://www.redszone.com/forums/showthread.php?p=2352544#post2352544

That should be his re-election campaign slogan... "I am way better now than I used to be." You shouldn't go around saying you are about bringing jobs to Ohio, then work to pass legislation against those already employed and that would stimulate more jobs, and claim it is part of the agenda you were elected for. The sad thing is the economy will improve enough in the next two years regardless of Kasich or his policies, and he can lay claim to following the wave of inertia. But I digress, in the back of my mind I hope dearly that he totes the party line as long as he can get away with it and to prove to his base he did what he could, and then when he meets adversity he will back down. (re: Cincinnati Streetcar)

My guess is the $3 billion payout would be a lump sum amount at a discount to the leasee (think 15 to 20 year lease) to offset the $8 billion deficit in Ohio's current budget.

http://news.cincinnati.com/article/20110314/NEWS0108/303140054 Ohio Poll: Kasich approval at 40 percent A new Ohio Poll finds 40 percent of Ohio adults approve of John Kasich’s performance as governor. According to the poll, released Monday, 47 percent disapprove of his performance as governor and 13 percent neither approve nor disapprove. • Politics Extra blog The poll was released the day before Kasich is scheduled to release details of his two-year budget plan. The state faces an $8 billion deficit. The poll also asked Ohioans how they would fix the budget problems. Fifty-three percent say they would like to see Ohio's budget balanced through “a combination of tax increases and state spending reductions,” 35 percent would like to see the budget balanced through “reductions in state spending on programs and services,” 6 percent would like to see “state tax increases” and 6 percent “don’t know.” The Ohio Poll was conducted by the Institute for Policy Research at the University of Cincinnati between March 1 and March 9. A random sample of 908 adults was interviewed by telephone. The margin of error is plus or minus 3.3 percentage points. This story will be updated.

Clarification please... Opposition to the Streetcar? Support for the Streetcar? Action/ Eminent construction?

Not opposed, just of all the options, the one whose name recalls the desert and wild west hardly seems the most appropriate for Cincinnati.

Anyone willing to guess what the brand will be? I am going for the "River City" Connection that is alrady being fostered by the banks, and guess it will be Harrah's. I think the owners have more to gain from multiple destination casinos of different names that can possibly encourage visits from other Ohio cities, than a consistent brand throughout the state. Not to mention that Cincinnati is as "southern" as Ohio gets. All that, and I REALLY don't want a Horseshoe.

Actually, one of the reasons to IMPROVE LEED. While far from perfect, it has a multitude of benefits, most importantly raising green awareness and accessibility. Think of it like 3C passenger rail serice. It had to start at 79MPH speed before it gets to high speed rail. Future iterations planned for LEED will be more stringent, and more environmentally friendly. (Except for all the green paper required to file)

Find out a budget, and a size, then check out theknot.com http://www.theknot.com/Vendors/Cincinnati-Dayton-Wedding-Venues/Profiles/CAR/035 The Pheonix is great on a budget. The Cincinnati Club is GORGEOUS. The Hilton Netherland Hall of Mirrors is what you do if money is no object. If they are more into the burbs, there is the Manor House in ChestWesterMasonville. Taft Museum and the Art Museum are very nice, the Underground Railroad Museum is a nice modern space, but the setting may not be appropriate. We did ours at the Millenium downtown, which worked well for our size. If you have any questions, shoot me a message, I can try to help.

CPK has good soup. How is that for on topic?

Ever since Vandercar pulled the bait and switch with Center of Cincinnati, I have little faith and much doubt as too the final product.