CincyIntheKnow

I think the most obvious name is being overlooked... "Finally"

I know I said I would not pick nits due to the massive improvement from the first go around. But the more I think about it, just because it is so much better than it was doesn't mean it can't be even better when it is built. So yes, materiality and mass of base leave a lot to be desired, the brick angle seems like a failed attempt at contemporary (unless you plan on varying roof heights/shapes elsewhere), it doesn't "relate" to the ballpark entrance (would love it to indent and create a public plaza for those entering the ball park to interact with), and true differentiation in surfaces (they are still too close in depth). Fenestration could vary within the building masses themselves, and some bay windows could add some nice depth and additive elements to the massing to counteract all the subtractive elements. It would be great to add some interesting brick details, and some sculptural elements even in the form of precast to add some visual interest. The angled contemporary cornice supports (mid block 26 south) do not work up I-71, and they don't work here either. That being said, it is still a marked improvement.

I will not pick nits... this looks very good and has come a long way from where it was. Kudos, Cole + Russell. Now lets hope the elevations do not lie, and with any luck the real thing looks even better.

If I recall correctly, the "towers" have 4 floors of above ground parking and all non-tower residential parking is below grade. I have a feeling, especially with conservative Cincinnati and on a project of this magnitude, any and all developers are taking a wait and see regarding whether the Streetcar happens, and the affect it has on people's demands and living habits. That being said, adding a few thousand parking spaces below deck would have a far greater effect than the few hundred added above. Also keep in mind that the devlopers will try to make as much money off this as possible, which probably means Chicago prices until enough people refuse to pay it.

Humana is where it is because it is adjacent to Humana's existing center, which it likes. The architecture, per Humana's request, was to be similar in style and hue to the Baldwin buildings, but more contemporary and cheaper. That is why you have what you have. Is it great, heck no. But there is always another side to the story that influences decisions. Corporex wanted to do more high end design, in Covington adjacent to Rivercenter and the Ascent, but the market dropped out. Note that it was not office though. Based on the success of QCS (new class A space), I wonder why no developer has tried to build a starchitect spec office building. My guess would be either to much to lose for an unknown, or ugly spec buildings are far too profitable to depart from. That being said, you have what Carter Dawson is trying to pass for the Banks.

I have been looking into opening a whirlyball arena in Cincinnati for some time now. I talked to the guy who runs it in Cleveland, and he estimates it would be an approx 1 million dollar investment. Too much for me... Still an amazingly incredible game.

According to the master plan, the hotel is on the block south of the office building, facing the river. It was the last phase 1 rfq to go out, so there should be renderings within a couple months.

The architectural meaning is the one I was getting at, sorry for the confusion. The "proportional mess" comment comes from spending countless hours of my lifetime working on building elevations. I am not neccessarily an authority, just aware. But like I said before, I am reserving final judgement for completion.

You are more than welcome to take what I said as an insult. But if you want to take it as I intended, then reread what I typed with the understanding that I find it interesting how people of different backgrounds view the same thing. In this case, I was noting the difference between those with planning backgrounds vs. those with architectural backgrounds. If it isn't obvious... I wouldn't be here if I thought it was "lowly."

It does relate well to its context, but that is not what I am referring to. Mention proportion to those trained in neighborhood design, it takes on a whole different meaning than it does to those trained architecturally. I can tell Ram and I have similar training... The elements other than fenestration do not relate well to eachother. Most obviously, the turret is what makes this design less successful. The inset curve appears as arbitrary decoration and I would prefer it eliminated, and I am curious what happens just below the glass railing, but I will reserve final judgement until completion. The design has potential, but, so far, I would have made a few different decisions.

Hmmm. You say awesome, I say a proportion travesty. It is a nice contemporary addition to a histroic neighborhood, with nice features, but far from awesome.

I don't think that's true. They took down the crane. Cranes are used to transport heavy items, not to apply cladding.

$1.3 million under bid is a huge chunk of change. Wow.

I thought there are 2 hookah bars on Calhoun, the Gypsy Cafe and another. The existing stair from the parking lot should be moved adjacent to the ramp so all people go through the plaza to get to Ludlow. Not much to the plaza itself, hopefully some good suggestions at the meeting will give it more character.

The problem seems, to me, that personal attacks and obvious frustration are too often thrown in with good points, so the points themselves get discounted in the end. I admit I do not know if there is any previous history than what is discussed on this thread. That being said, many on here are well educated, and know the subject very, very well. Still, you need to become good at selling others on the idea, clearly articulating and addressing their concerns without attacking.

Considering these "renderings" are just space fillers and banner adds on the website, and not issued/ released renderings, I think people are putting far too much stock into them. These were quick renders, the ones shown at the next project update will look way better. They are good for a couple things, though. They paint a picture of materiality and urban fabric/environment. In those respects they seem fairly successful, far more than UPA. I will admit it would be nice if they had a stronger top/ cornice on a few of the masses, the brick detailing is a big question mark, and could help a lot, and it would be nice if they did push and pull the masses a bit as well, but for the most part not bad. Most fascinating to me is to compare people's reactions on here to their education/ profession. The planners talk about community and streetscape, architects talk about detail and character, and both sides swear that their issues must be addressed. Both are accurate.

Hilton Garden is not really much of a boutique hotel. Conrad is Hilton's luxury hotel. W is very high design, part of the Sheraton group I believe, and may not fit in the profile of a blue collar city, although that is who I am personally pulling for.

All viable options, but there are dark horse(s) that you haven't mentioned. That being said, I know nothing of the short list, and especially not the finalist if one has been selected yet.

I believe the city purchased it some time ago as part of a beautification of the market type of project. Notice when you go to the market that many of the buildings are painted brightly, that was part of the city's initiative to make the market feel safer and encourage development there. For the most part properties surrounding the market that are not city owned have been purchased from the city or simulatneously since this initiative. Rumor has it that Model Group has a right to develop a few buildings around there, but they told the city that it would not be for a few years (they are swamped with their 3CDC/ Gateway Quarter work), and the city obliged/ is holding onto the property in the mean time.

My bad on Dewey's. I will say this... they passed on a Fountain Square location. The only place that would trump that might be the Banks.

Columbus based chain. "Local" if you consider all of Ohio local.

It is supposed to achieve LEED certification on some level, and it will likely never be announced what they are attempting. LEED 2.2 is a bit of a joke when applied to this project, however, especially if just aiming for certification level. The site itself gets you a third of the way there.

Chrysler building was in competition with the Severance Bldg at 40 Wall St for tallest in NY. The surprise spire was raised after the completion of 40 Wall so Chrysler could have the last laugh. Low and behold the Empire State gets built just 11 months later. A ton of theatrics for a title they only held for a little under a year... Either way, there is no competition nor any new desire to break the 700' barrier, not to mention the steel would have to be reworked to add extra floors. Be happy that the city is getting a new tower, and leave it at that.

Thanks, Randy. Anything regarding 2008? There is a possible Class B/C office conversion that hinges on more current information. (How about that for a dangled carrot...)

I have heard this many times... does anyone have recent and reliable downtown rental/ vacancy data?