More about the potential sale of Hamilton County buildings.  I would like to see any services that serve a lot of clients stay downtown due to transit and accessibility concerns.  Some of the other functions could definitely be moved to another location. 

 

These buildings could be sold under a plan to overhaul Hamilton County facilities

Oct 13, 2014, 4:38pm EDT

Chris Wetterich Staff reporter- Cincinnati Business Courier

 

 

Hamilton County could save nearly $70 million over the next two decades if it sells some of its current buildings, renovates Mercy Health’s shuttered Mount Airy Hospital and moves some of the county government’s services there.

 

Assistant County Administrator Jeff Aluotto presented five options to county commissioners on Monday.

 

http://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2014/10/13/these-buildings-could-be-sold-under-a-plan-to.html?page=all

^I wonder how accurate the county's estimates are for how much each building could bring if sold. Could a developer buy Times-Star for $12 million, address deferred maintenance, rehab for a new use, and still get a reasonable return?

^I wonder how accurate the county's estimates are for how much each building could bring if sold. Could a developer buy Times-Star for $12 million, address deferred maintenance, rehab for a new use, and still get a reasonable return?

 

Have to assume that the verbal offers are legit. That is a big building, but no idea how many apartments one could put in there. As a resident you

would probably get more windows per sq. ft. in the tower portion as opposed to lower fatter portion of the building.

^I wonder how accurate the county's estimates are for how much each building could bring if sold. Could a developer buy Times-Star for $12 million, address deferred maintenance, rehab for a new use, and still get a reasonable return?

I wonder if these estimates are higher than the County Auditor's tax assessments. I think I know the answer.

If the developer obtained tax credits for the project, I would see no problem. The upper levels, with all of its windows, would make ideal residential space. The lower levels, with the bigger floor plates, would be more conductive for office. The printing press complex in the rear is even more interesting - lofts or shared industrial space would be amazing.

7th and Race Apartment Project is Dead

 

http://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2014/10/14/exclusive-downtown-apartment-project-dies.html

Well that's too bad. I don't think these buildings will stay in limbo long though. They seem like perfect contenders for conversion.

7th and Race Apartment Project is Dead

 

http://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2014/10/14/exclusive-downtown-apartment-project-dies.html

 

It's good to keep in mind that, as much as we would like to see more infill development in Cincinnati, there are still a handful of vacant buildings like these that really need to be preserved and renovated first.

$27M renovation to transform historic Cincinnati YMCA

Oct 15, 2014, 6:56am EDT

Erin Caproni Digital Producer- Cincinnati Business Courier

 

The historic Central Parkway YMCA will undergo a $27 million renovation that will turn it into a state-of-the-art fitness center and add affordable housing for seniors on the top floors.

 

YMCA COO Myrita Craig announced the plans in a letter to members. She said the YMCA board of trustees approved a $4.5 million investment in the project. The rest of the cost will be covered by tax credits. A $2 million to $3 million capital campaign will also take place to ensure the long-term health of the building.

 

http://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/morning_call/2014/10/27m-renovation-to-transform-historic-cincinnati.html

^ & ^^ wow talk about closing a door and opening a window

 

that corner of downtown needs all the investment it can get, its looking a little 80s/tired

 

That corner has so much potential for new construction. Tons of large parking lots primed for development to connect that part of Downtown to the Washington Park area of OTR.

Get a sneak a peek at this Cincinnati hospital's $70M expansion

Oct 21, 2014, 10:34am EDT

Barrett J. Brunsman Staff reporter- Cincinnati Business Courier

 

 

Mercy Health plans to break ground Wednesday on a $70 million expansion and renovation of Anderson Hospital.

 

The project will encompass more than 150,000 square feet and span five floors at the hospital, which is at 7500 State Road in Anderson Township.

 

http://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2014/10/21/get-a-sneak-a-peek-at-thiscincinnati-hospitals-70.html

When did the Electronic Eye sign on 275 between 42 and 747 come down? I drove through there for the first time in years about 6 weeks ago and didn't see it in either direction.

That's been awhile.  There was an incredibly ugly circa-1992 sign on the south side of 275, is that the one you're talking about?

Yeah. It always made me think of this Judas Priest song:

 

I'll forever hate COAST because I chose to attend the 2011 Issue 48 victory party on the same night Priest played U.S. Bank. 

This office building could be home to downtown Cincinnati’s newest apartments

Oct 28, 2014, 2:45pm EDT

Tom Demeropolis Reporter- Cincinnati Business Courier

 

A class B office and retail building in downtown Cincinnati could be the latest in a string of projects that have converted office space to residential units.

 

The Tri-State Building, a 15-story building at the southeast corner of Fifth and Walnut streets, is on the market for nearly $3.2 million. Even though it currently operates as an office building with street-level retail, this is a prime location for conversion to luxury apartments.

 

http://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2014/10/28/this-office-building-could-be-home-to-downtown.html?page=all

^-Just as long as fountain news won't be gone after this happens (one of the best kept secrets in downtown).

^^ Funny the streetcar is mentioned as a benefit but not the fact it's located literally at THE transit hub for the region.

Previous discussion of Avondale Development has been moved to its own thread: http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php/topic,29728.0.html

Here’s a peek inside the Cincinnati Chamber’s new offices: PHOTOS

Erin Caproni - Digital Producer - Cincinnati Business Courier

 

 

The Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber of Commerce began the move from its old office in Carew Tower to a new space at 3 E. Fourth St. at the end of September, and now that all of the tidying up is complete, the Courier is taking a look inside.

 

The chamber has moved into the 40,000-square-foot building to better collaborate with its co-tenants that include REDI Cincinnati, the Port of Greater Cincinnati Development Authority, Cincinnati Business Committee and the Cincinnati Regional Business Committee. The former PNC Bank annex building is owned by a subsidiary of American Financial Group and will house nearly 100 total employees. They'll have access to a first-floor business center and conference rooms and upgraded technology, including 100-gigabit connectivity, from Cincinnati Bell.

 

Cont

Looks like they took a dud of a building and gave it some new life. I haven't been down to 4th street in person since it was completed. I'll have to go check it out.

New design, start date set for 4th phase of Mariemont development

 

 

Greiwe Development Group, along with its partners North American Properties, Sibcy Cline and architects CR Architecture + Design and K4 Places have reconfigured the development plan for the fourth and final phase of Mariemont Village Square.

 

Originally planned to include 22 luxury condominiums with a start date of spring 2014, Rick Greiwe changed the design of Livingood Park to include 18 larger condos with prices ranging from $695,000 to $1.6 million. Construction is now scheduled to begin in February or March 2015. Livingood Park is now scheduled to be complete in December 2016.

 

More below:

http://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2014/11/19/new-design-start-date-set-for-4th-phase-of.html

Developers planning $35M apartment project at former Kings Island Resort

Dec 5, 2014, 3:32pm EST

Tom Demeropolis Reporter- Cincinnati Business Courier

 

 

Local developers are planning to transform the site of the former Kings Island Resort and Conference Center into a luxury apartment development with about 300 units.

 

Arn Bortz, principal with developer Towne Properties, said his company and Oxford-based Hotel Development Services LLC are working together on the plan to redevelop the 21-acre site just north of Kings Island. They are working with PDT Architects as the architect for the project.

 

http://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2014/12/05/developers-planning-35m-apartment-project-at.html

^^^ On the back of the building just off to the right of the photo out of view is an old sign painted on the building that reads 'Burger Chef' (undoubtedly before my time).

 

Also, these buildings have great character and potential... i would think its only a matter of time before they are brought back to life.

 

That's because College Street had to be realigned to accommodate construction of the Macy's building. What comes out on to W 7th is actually Roots Alley.

Hey UO Cincy peeps, I was down in your neck of the woods for a single day on Friday, staying with a friend at the Hilton Netherlands (which I was familiar with, as I've planned meetings there in the past). We went to a place for a late lunch that was maybe a half mile walk away towards the border (wow, so many places close between like 1 or 2 and 5!) that had these big, big windows overlooking all the construction down there. It was super impressive and I realized I know very little about what's happening. I saw a couple of really big tower cranes and wanted to get some pictures from the picture windows but they had a weird plastic coating over them that made things a little distorted.

 

The concierge directed us to a "locals" bar that was next door, of course I can't remember the name of either stinking place we went, but it was a great little cozy bar with a good bourbon selection, then we walked back to the hotel and I gave my friend the walking tour of the property. It's such an impressive place.

 

We talked about how vibrant and dense the downtown is and how Cleveland really needs to get to something like that (the positive), and the maddening, horrid one-way streets that had me driving around swearing while I was trying to find the entrance to a particular parking garage (the negative), but it was more positive than negative.

 

Next time I will be in town, I will ask you guys for food recs. I just didn't think of it in advance and the trip was kind of last minute. I really think that hotel is an incredibly unique gem and loved my trip there, I need to get back down there more often.

Maybe you went to the Moerlein Lager House by the river ("border" lol)?

^Probably.  That or Yard House.  I'm betting that "locals" bar was Jefferson Social.  He'd have remembered or described "O'Malley's in the Alley"

^Probably.  That or Yard House.  I'm betting that "locals" bar was Jefferson Social.  He'd She'd have remembered or described "O'Malley's in the Alley"

 

Good point, could've been Yard House. The construction is more prominent there, as opposed to views of the Roebling Bridge, (completed portion of) Smale park, and the river.

^Thanks for fixing that for me.  On a related note, the English language desperately needs a neuter pronoun (other than it or they) for when you legitimately don't know.

^Probably.  That or Yard House.  I'm betting that "locals" bar was Jefferson Social.  He'd She'd have remembered or described "O'Malley's in the Alley"

 

Good point, could've been Yard House. The construction is more prominent there, as opposed to views of the Roebling Bridge, (completed portion of) Smale park, and the river.

 

Exactly the two. Yard House and Jefferson Social!

Saw a few friends comment on this on Facebook - five new homes in Northside at the corner of Fergus and Lingo.  City still needs to approve a varience for it to work (which I hope they do) as these buildings are fantastic infill for the area:

 

https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/10429234_750393788377341_7326486565832084058_n.jpg?oh=10252cbdf1f30e8024534054fdb7f12e&oe=553C52C4&__gda__=1429332654_9657de3d0b1953e848f3f06193de61d9

Old Schwartz Building Gets A New Lease On Life

By Clay Griffith Jan 2, 2015

 

Time keeps marching on. It’s the way of the world.

 

In great cities, though, progress doesn’t have to come at the expense of history. And (prepare yourselves for an urgent news bulletin, here) … Cincinnati is a great city.

 

Think about internationally known metropolitan areas like, say, New York or Paris. More specifically, think about development within those cities. There are plenty of from-scratch projects, sure. New high-rises, shopping centers, and the like are popping up nearly around the clock.

 

http://www.cincinnatirefined.com/design-style/906-Main-Street-Cincinnati-Old-Schwartz-Building-Luxury-Apartments-286901081.html?mobile=y

I generally shy away from posting rumors but this one seems like a big deal so I was curious if other folks have heard anything similar.

 

A friend who owns a business on Main St north of Central was signing a new lease for a space in a Mercy Housing building when he was told he should sign before the new year because Mercy would be selling all of their property to a non-profit developer soon.

 

I haven't seen any property transfers occur yet but I'll be keeping my eyes peeled.

I've heard the same rumor

Old Schwartz Building Gets A New Lease On Life

By Clay Griffith Jan 2, 2015

 

Time keeps marching on. It’s the way of the world.

 

In great cities, though, progress doesn’t have to come at the expense of history. And (prepare yourselves for an urgent news bulletin, here) … Cincinnati is a great city.

 

Think about internationally known metropolitan areas like, say, New York or Paris. More specifically, think about development within those cities. There are plenty of from-scratch projects, sure. New high-rises, shopping centers, and the like are popping up nearly around the clock.

 

http://www.cincinnatirefined.com/design-style/906-Main-Street-Cincinnati-Old-Schwartz-Building-Luxury-Apartments-286901081.html?mobile=y

 

Thanks for the link!  After viewing the slideshow I have to say the rehab of the Schwartz Building is underwhelming.  The finishes, what few there seem to be, look cheesy considering the rental rates.  And there's just too much exposed conduit, pipes and ducts that were thoughtlessly designed and carelessly installed.  I seem to recall when the project was first announced a few years ago that the developer was going to spend an unbelievably low amount per sf.  It shows.

What is the rent like?

And there's just too much exposed conduit, pipes and ducts that were thoughtlessly designed and carelessly installed.

 

Agree completely.  Some of the worst ductwork/venting I've ever seen going out to exterior wall.

I generally shy away from posting rumors but this one seems like a big deal so I was curious if other folks have heard anything similar.

 

A friend who owns a business on Main St north of Central was signing a new lease for a space in a Mercy Housing building when he was told he should sign before the new year because Mercy would be selling all of their property to a non-profit developer soon.

 

I haven't seen any property transfers occur yet but I'll be keeping my eyes peeled.

 

I've heard the same rumor

 

Have you heard which non-profit developer or why? My knowledge is limited to the fact of a potential sale.

 

Looking at the auditor's website Mercy owns 15 parcels under the Franciscan Homes name:

 

• 418 TWELFTH ST
  
• 422 TWELFTH ST
  
• 555 THIRTEENTH ST
  
• 124 FOURTEENTH ST
  
• 18 FIFTEENTH ST
  
• 30 FIFTEENTH ST
  
• 1225 MAIN ST
  
• 1229 MAIN ST
  
• 1338 MAIN ST
  
• 1409 MAIN ST
  
• 1401 MAIN ST
  
• 119 MCMICKEN AVE
  
• 213 WOODWARD ST
  
• 211 WOODWARD ST
  
• 215 YUKON ST
  

Old Schwartz Building Gets A New Lease On Life

By Clay Griffith Jan 2, 2015

 

Time keeps marching on. It’s the way of the world.

 

In great cities, though, progress doesn’t have to come at the expense of history. And (prepare yourselves for an urgent news bulletin, here) … Cincinnati is a great city.

 

Think about internationally known metropolitan areas like, say, New York or Paris. More specifically, think about development within those cities. There are plenty of from-scratch projects, sure. New high-rises, shopping centers, and the like are popping up nearly around the clock.

 

http://www.cincinnatirefined.com/design-style/906-Main-Street-Cincinnati-Old-Schwartz-Building-Luxury-Apartments-286901081.html?mobile=y

 

Thanks for the link!  After viewing the slideshow I have to say the rehab of the Schwartz Building is underwhelming.  The finishes, what few there seem to be, look cheesy considering the rental rates.  And there's just too much exposed conduit, pipes and ducts that were thoughtlessly designed and carelessly installed.  I seem to recall when the project was first announced a few years ago that the developer was going to spend an unbelievably low amount per sf.  It shows.

 

Also, they have those nice, tall ceilings with short upper cabinets for no reason.  Tall uppers would have dramatically increased storage and improved the appearance of those kitchens for a negligible increase in price.  Now they just look squatty and cheap.  They scream "rental kitchen".

 

On a more positive note, I am glad to see that the building is getting more use.  I always look at the dark upper floors of downtown buildings and wonder if they are simply being used for storage.

I agree with you Jimmy_James -- it'll add vitality to the area to have those upper floors realize fuller potential.  Maybe the slide show photos don't do justice to the rehab.  I've walked by the bldg. and the lobby looks okay.

It looks pretty run of the mill. It's definitely lacking any real character. It's only a couple steps away from being fine though. The first change would be those cabinets. They're just...awful. As mentioned above, the uppers should be 42" uppers to make use of the high ceilings. There's plenty of room and it would balance that wall better.

 

The second is simple. Paint choice. Nothing screams, "I'm a cheap developer building" like that yellow/tan/beige color that is so common these days. It's just an awful color. It makes everything blend together since all the finishes fall into this same family of colors and therefore the building lacks any focal points or contrast. A big problem for something trying to be hip and trendy and urban.

 

Finish selection is a huge issue with a lot of these redevelopments. I live in Westfalen II and it's a problem there as well. That stupid tan/yellow/beige is everywhere (along with chocolate brown and burnt orange ugh) which I immediately painted a super light cool grey which added a better background for everything else to help modernize the place the moment I moved in. It seems like these units would look way better with a cool grey on the walls which would still be neutral but really help the color palette.

 

And those nipple lights on the ceiling? The fact that those are still sold in stores is offensive.

 

It would also really help modernize them if they chose different countertops. Speckled granite? Really? I didn't realize it was 2003 out in the suburbs.

 

I'm done ranting about design now. I'm happy it's occupied but they could've done a way better job.

Those kitchens with the high ceilings also look really weird because they are in an enormous room, and yet every inch of kitchen space is up against a single wall. They need to add an island or place the counters in a corner to make it seem more welcoming and less sterile.

It looks pretty run of the mill. It's definitely lacking any real character. It's only a couple steps away from being fine though. The first change would be those cabinets. They're just...awful. As mentioned above, the uppers should be 42" uppers to make use of the high ceilings. There's plenty of room and it would balance that wall better.

 

The second is simple. Paint choice. Nothing screams, "I'm a cheap developer building" like that yellow/tan/beige color that is so common these days. It's just an awful color. It makes everything blend together since all the finishes fall into this same family of colors and therefore the building lacks any focal points or contrast. A big problem for something trying to be hip and trendy and urban.

 

Finish selection is a huge issue with a lot of these redevelopments. I live in Westfalen II and it's a problem there as well. That stupid tan/yellow/beige is everywhere (along with chocolate brown and burnt orange ugh) which I immediately painted a super light cool grey which added a better background for everything else to help modernize the place the moment I moved in. It seems like these units would look way better with a cool grey on the walls which would still be neutral but really help the color palette.

 

And those nipple lights on the ceiling? The fact that those are still sold in stores is offensive.

 

It would also really help modernize them if they chose different countertops. Speckled granite? Really? I didn't realize it was 2003 out in the suburbs.

 

I'm done ranting about design now. I'm happy it's occupied but they could've done a way better job.

 

Haha, glad I'm not the only one who thinks like this. Hate boob lights.

It's ingrained in my being to be critical of design haha. Being an architect is hard to turn off.

 

It just baffles me when I see selection choices that I know weren't less expensive than better options like when it comes to paint colors or countertops. I at least understand how nipple lights wind up in places since they're cheaper than can lights or a nice track system. And I understand how low end cabinets wind up in places (and even appreciate it since it makes places more affordable for people like me). But if you're spending money on stone, why pick such a boring stone? If you're going to paint a place, why not pick a better neutral color? If you're going to go with exposed conduit, HVAC, etc. why not put a slight bit of thought into their placement? It's not hard and it results in a much better product.

After viewing the slideshow again I'm fairly sanguine about the development.  There are probably more apartment rehabs like this one than not.  I don't mind exposed ductwork (I even like it if it's well-done) and pipes (I don't like exposed conduit though) but I'd hate to have to keep all of those dust collectors clean!  I can see why developers go the exposed brick route -- it's SO much cheaper than furring, painting, constructing soffits, etc.  But old brick buildings per se can get quite chilly after a succession of rainy days.  I wonder if exposed brick poses an additional heating challenge?

 

I've been shopping for lighting, granite and tile and I can say those earthy tones are ubiquitous.  The trend towards grey walls and cooler-colored materials hasn't caught on enough yet to crowd out the earth tones.  The trend for the last decade has been to use travertine tile in kitchens and baths and it doesn't come in cool tones, thus the prevalence of beige granite countertops.

 

I bought a nipple light for one of our bathroom ceilings and jmicha is correct -- they can be very inexpensive.  My husband doesn't like it and I even bought a pricier one! 

 

The cost for taller kitchen cabinetry can nearly double the total price, so the rationale to use shorter ones is understandable.  I'm not sure if typical stock/non-custom cabinetry even comes in 42" heights.

 

Bottom line: it's great that there will be so many more residential units along the streetcar line.  If someone wants more dramatic views and luxurious finishes they can always rent a place at @580!

 

 

I'm pretty sure that exposed brick that doesn't abut an adjacent building has a significantly lower R value than the same brick wall insulated with rigid foam insulation under 1/2 inch drywall.  The problem is that the foam + the drywall can come out to the bevel on woodwork around the windows and so doesn't look very good.  But old windows are probably the bigger culprit with insulation issues.  I have storm windows that are probably 30-40 years old over my house's original 100 year-old wood windows and anecdotally they seem to insulate the house more on their own than do the antique wood windows.  I don't think that I'd see much of an improvement buying brand-new windows. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yeah the max R-value of a really expensive window is still like R-4.

After viewing the slideshow again I'm fairly sanguine about the development.  There are probably more apartment rehabs like this one than not.  I don't mind exposed ductwork (I even like it if it's well-done) and pipes (I don't like exposed conduit though) but I'd hate to have to keep all of those dust collectors clean!  I can see why developers go the exposed brick route -- it's SO much cheaper than furring, painting, constructing soffits, etc.  But old brick buildings per se can get quite chilly after a succession of rainy days.  I wonder if exposed brick poses an additional heating challenge?

 

I've been shopping for lighting, granite and tile and I can say those earthy tones are ubiquitous.  The trend towards grey walls and cooler-colored materials hasn't caught on enough yet to crowd out the earth tones.  The trend for the last decade has been to use travertine tile in kitchens and baths and it doesn't come in cool tones, thus the prevalence of beige granite countertops.

 

I bought a nipple light for one of our bathroom ceilings and jmicha is correct -- they can be very inexpensive.  My husband doesn't like it and I even bought a pricier one! 

 

The cost for taller kitchen cabinetry can nearly double the total price, so the rationale to use shorter ones is understandable.  I'm not sure if typical stock/non-custom cabinetry even comes in 42" heights.

 

Bottom line: it's great that there will be so many more residential units along the streetcar line.  If someone wants more dramatic views and luxurious finishes they can always rent a place at @580!

 

 

 

I agree the modern cool tones that are prevalent in the design world have not yet caught on in the consumer world. If they are available, they’re much more expensive. I managed to find a cool gray floor tile for cheap and have been using it all over my house because it’s the only affordable cool color I could find. Even vinyl, which can be made into almost any color for no cost difference, isn’t readily available in cool tones. As for using anything custom, there’s a huge cost difference - probably at least double.

 

I can’t wait for the day that white paint replaces the ubiquitous landlord beige. My entire house was repainted beige before I bought it, and I’m going to have to drop around $500 on paint to get rid of it. I wish the REO would have just primed everything and left it at that.

 

Meanwhile I'm into wallpaper. Paint is too boring.