$11.2M redevelopment of historic school may breathe new life into West End

Jan 8, 2015, 10:44am EST Updated: Jan 8, 2015, 11:04am EST

Randy Simes Owner and managing editor of UrbanCincy.com- Cincinnati Business Courier

 

A team of New York-based developers have purchased a number of properties in the West End, and a recent tax credit from the State of Ohio may spark the first major redevelopment investment in the historic district in decades.

 

In 2012, Zada Development purchased two historic school buildings from Cincinnati Public Schools for $60,000 each at auction. The two schools sit within a block of one another in the Dayton Street Historic District and have sat vacant for the better part of the last decade.

 

http://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2015/01/08/11-2m-redevelopment-of-historic-school-may-breath.html

Good news, trying to talk my wife into us buying a house in west end and fixing it up over a few years, this might help. I keep telling her its just going to be a few years before development spreads to there.

Good news, trying to talk my wife into us buying a house in west end and fixing it up over a few years, this might help. I keep telling her its just going to be a few years before development spreads to there.

 

I have been following listings and sales in 45214 for several years.  Often buildings and lots take a year to sell in that zip code.  Suddenly a few did drop off the listings in the past two weeks, so maybe people are starting to move on properties there. 

Good news, trying to talk my wife into us buying a house in west end and fixing it up over a few years, this might help. I keep telling her its just going to be a few years before development spreads to there.

 

If I were 20 years younger I'd consider it myself -- there are some really great buildings in the West End and Brighton.  At this point it's still a frontier (except for the cluster of newer development) but I hope it takes off in a big way.  I hate seeing Italianate and Victorian industrial architecture crumble away slowly.

The problem is that you'll probably spend a lot more money and have a tougher time getting a loan to rehab one of those buildings rather than simply buying an empty lot and building a new house or apartment building.  The big advantage in the West End is that you can buy land right now and do whatever you want with it.  So anyone who wants something larger than an outdoor courtyard can buy a lot there now and make it happen.  A 3-lot cluster just sold on York St. that measured about 90x90 feet total.  It sold for less than an equivalent-sized lot out in the suburbs. 

I bought my investment condo in Turret Lofts on Central Ave back in May. People don't realize how close it is to the streetcar route, Washington Park and other OTR development because nobody goes west of Music Hall/Central Parkway. It's happening starting now. I wouldn't wait too long. Once the streetcar is running demand will take off. Btw, I'm getting $1.10/ft rent.

Derek the key project to improving the link between the two areas is getting Duke to move the Charles St. substation.  It would be great to extend Central Parkway through to Central Ave. at that point.  Unfortunately moving that substation is a $30-40-50-who knows million dollar project. 

I'm closing on a Dayton St property in two weeks.  I guess it's time to practice what I've been preaching!    +1 for Cincy  -1 for Green Twp

Nice!

Awesome! Congrats.

Derek the key project to improving the link between the two areas is getting Duke to move the Charles St. substation.  It would be great to extend Central Parkway through to Central Ave. at that point.  Unfortunately moving that substation is a $30-40-50-who knows million dollar project. 

 

You know that if Duke moved that substation, the 700 WLW crowd would whine about Duke ratepayers subsidizing OTR and Downtown, blah blah blah. Meanwhile Duke just spent somewhere in the range of $100 million to move a power substation for the new Brent Spence Bridge and no one noticed.

Derek the key project to improving the link between the two areas is getting Duke to move the Charles St. substation.  It would be great to extend Central Parkway through to Central Ave. at that point.  Unfortunately moving that substation is a $30-40-50-who knows million dollar project.

 

Actually, I would counter the (more realistic due to the points you make above) key would be to convert Central Ave to two way.  That would have a dramatic improvement to the corridor.

 

Derek, you should create a very basic petition calling for the City to return Central Ave to two way from Court to Ezzard Charles, print it out, and have everyone in that building sign it.  I bet you could get people on the surrounding streets to sign it as well. 

 

Or you can always just do an online one, but having peoples addresses on the paper would be huge.  Even just 25 people signing it could start a dialogue.  I've seen smaller petitions start conversations at City Hall

 

Would be great to see that conversation begin!

Derek the key project to improving the link between the two areas is getting Duke to move the Charles St. substation.  It would be great to extend Central Parkway through to Central Ave. at that point.  Unfortunately moving that substation is a $30-40-50-who knows million dollar project.

 

Actually, I would counter the (more realistic due to the points you make above) key would be to convert Central Ave to two way.  That would have a dramatic improvement to the corridor.

 

Derek, you should create a very basic petition calling for the City to return Central Ave to two way from Court to Ezzard Charles, print it out, and have everyone in that building sign it.  I bet you could get people on the surrounding streets to sign it as well. 

 

Or you can always just do an online one, but having peoples addresses on the paper would be huge.  Even just 25 people signing it could start a dialogue.  I've seen smaller petitions start conversations at City Hall

 

Would be great to see that conversation begin!

 

Central Ave should be two-way for its full length. Right now it's two-way from Mehring Way to 7th Street. Then it's one-way from 7th to 9th. Then it's two-way from 9th to Court. Then it's one way from Court to Ezzard Charles. Then it's two-way from Ezzard Charles on northward. What a mess. Just make the whole street two-way. 

EXCLUSIVE: $15 million luxury infill development coming to Madeira

Jan 12, 2015, 1:53pm EST Updated: Jan 12, 2015, 2:23pm EST

Tom Demeropolis Senior Staff Reporter- Cincinnati Business Courier

 

 

Robert Lucke Group is starting work on a new, $15 million luxury residential community in Madeira.

 

Camargo Ridge, which will sit on a hillside at Shawnee Run and Camargo roads, will have custom homes priced between $700,000 and $3 million. Home sites in the development will range from a half-acre to more than 1.5 acres.

 

http://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2015/01/12/exclusive-15-million-luxury-infill-development.html

Saw a sign on the NW Corner of Strafer? and Columbia Parkway in Columbia Tusculum.  Looked to me like it was advertising for maybe tenants but showed a 4-5 story brick building with store fronts on first floor and apartments on top.

 

I haven't seen this anywhere else, and wondering if it is a spec development.  Will try to get more details sometime soon on the sign, as I was walking and quite cold and didn't want to look at it for too long.

https://goo.gl/maps/tOHPR

That lot?

https://goo.gl/maps/tOHPR

That lot?

 

Yep, that's the lot.  drove by and also saw the sign.

Urbancincy has more on the development in Northside:  http://www.urbancincy.com/2015/01/great-traditions-d-has-architecture-planning-high-end-townhomes-for-northside/

This is a somewhat unusual collection of empty lots in Northside -- it's rare to have two contiguous vacant lots in that area let alone five.  A developer has a bit of an advantage developing a site like this as opposed to five homes scattered around the area. 

I like that they're maintaining the original 5 parcels... a lot of other developers would have taken the empty block to make one big apartment/condo building. It's important to have a mixture of forms, and in this part of Northside it will be wonderful to have those 5 rowhouses filling that block.

 

 

The core is hot.

 

 

Ohio’s fastest growing tech startup looking for new HQ

 

The firm is really interested in finding a space that was not originally intended to be office space, such as a restaurant or gym, but that could be transformed to fit its needs.

 

Busdieker said the company is only interested in leasing because owning real estate this early in the company's life moves focus away from the core product. He did say the firm is committed to staying in Ohio and would not look in Northern Kentucky. He said Ahalogy would prefer to stay south of the Norwood Lateral.

Here's an interesting set of transactions: Central OTR LLC, a subsidiary of Riverwalk Cincinnati LLC, owned by Robert Little Sr who started Urban Equity Partners, just purchased 1515 Central, 308 15th, and 1432 Providence. These three parcels are all vacant industrial land.

 

Riverwalk LLC and Urban Equity Partners, in 2002, "completed first phase of mixed-use residential retail developed by UEP on the Ohio River adjacent to downtown Cincinnati. UEP successfully entitled and constructed phase I in partnership with the City of Cincinnati. UEP and Caithness Energy based in New York City are developing phase II of Riverwalk. The development consists of 60 residential units and 10,000 sq ft of retail restaurant space."

 

 

EXCLUSIVE: Northside church to become brewery, performance space SLIDESHOW

Jan 22, 2015, 2:20pm EST

Andy Brownfield Reporter- Cincinnati Business Courier

 

 

A group of entrepreneurs is renovating a church complex in Northside into a brewery and event space that will house concerts and performing arts events.

 

Urban Artifact – formerly Grayscale Cincinnati – purchased the old Queen City Cookies complex, formerly St. Pius X, at 1662 Blue Rock St. and is in the process of renovating the three buildings.

 

http://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2015/01/22/exclusive-northside-church-to-become-brewery.html

Peek inside new downtown apartments where 'the streetcar played a big role': SLIDESHOW

Jan 22, 2015, 3:52pm EST

Chris Wetterich Staff reporter- Cincinnati Business Courier

 

Twenty new apartments rehabilitated by Levine Properties opened downtown at 906 Main St. on Thursday, and developer Joe Levine said the streetcar played a major role in his investment.

 

The five-floor Flats at Schwarz apartments – which range from 892 square feet to 1,465 square feet and will rent from $1,275 to $1,925 – have granite countertops, 100-year Douglas Fir floors, stainless steel appliances and in-apartment laundry hookups. All of the two- or three-bedroom units have two full bathrooms, high-efficiency heating and cooling systems, and storage.

 

http://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2015/01/22/peek-inside-new-downtown-apartments-where-the.html

Here's an interesting set of transactions: Central OTR LLC, a subsidiary of Riverwalk Cincinnati LLC, owned by Robert Little Sr who started Urban Equity Partners, just purchased 1515 Central, 308 15th, and 1432 Providence. These three parcels are all vacant industrial land.

 

Riverwalk LLC and Urban Equity Partners, in 2002, "completed first phase of mixed-use residential retail developed by UEP on the Ohio River adjacent to downtown Cincinnati. UEP successfully entitled and constructed phase I in partnership with the City of Cincinnati. UEP and Caithness Energy based in New York City are developing phase II of Riverwalk. The development consists of 60 residential units and 10,000 sq ft of retail restaurant space."

 

Pretty big news if he can pull it off:

 

Developer planning grocery store in Over-the-Rhine

 

http://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2015/02/04/exclusive-developer-planning-grocery-store-in-over.html?ana=twt&page=all

Good news, but I'm not getting my hopes up until he reveals who's going to operate the grocery store. There have been far too many proposed grocery stores in the urban core that have never materialized.

I posted this in another thread, but probably makes better sense here.  Random Question: Will Cincinnati (CBD) have any Tower Cranes up either at The Banks or 4th Street or beyond during the All Star game?  I know it probably doesn't mean much to most, but I just think that when showing our city to the world, seeing Tower Cranes scattered about the city is really a huge indicator of progress.  At least in my nerd mind.  I was just curious if any new projects will be under way by then or if the existing cranes will still be in place...

 

 

Another public company adding it's name to the Cincinnati skyline...

 

http://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2015/02/05/exclusive-this-public-company-is-adding-its-huge.html

Hopefully they do a good job of actually showcasing the city for the ASG. During the Super Bowl they pretty much showed shots of the Grand Canyon 3 hours away and of the stadium, but I didn't see a single shot of the actual city.

Hopefully they do a good job of actually showcasing the city for the ASG. During the Super Bowl they pretty much showed shots of the Grand Canyon 3 hours away and of the stadium, but I didn't see a single shot of the actual city.

 

I'm just waiting for some clueless reporter to throw up a shot of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. 

Hopefully they do a good job of actually showcasing the city for the ASG. During the Super Bowl they pretty much showed shots of the Grand Canyon 3 hours away and of the stadium, but I didn't see a single shot of the actual city.

 

I'm just waiting for some clueless reporter to throw up a shot of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. 

 

For several years now Cincy Beerfest's print adds have shown Wheeling's suspension bridge. 

 

WCPO briefly had San Diego in their news opening sequence before they realized the mistake and fixed it.

Hopefully they do a good job of actually showcasing the city for the ASG. During the Super Bowl they pretty much showed shots of the Grand Canyon 3 hours away and of the stadium, but I didn't see a single shot of the actual city.

 

True, but I will say, have you seen the Glendale Arizona skyline? Googling that gets you photos of Phoenix only.  That being said, they didn't show much of phoenix either.

 

 

Hopefully they do a good job of actually showcasing the city for the ASG. During the Super Bowl they pretty much showed shots of the Grand Canyon 3 hours away and of the stadium, but I didn't see a single shot of the actual city.

 

True, but I will say, have you seen the Glendale Arizona skyline? Googling that gets you photos of Phoenix only.  That being said, they didn't show much of phoenix either.

 

Yes, but did you try Googling the Phoenix skyline? All the pictures are of some weird suburban office park. ;-)

Cincinnati Bell, and later Convergys, used to have their name on Atrium One where the current Omnicare sign is.

Urban Expansion is rehabbing the building at 1010 Elm street...the building right after Washington Platform. That is much needed as it is one of the first buildings you see at street level when entering downtown off of Central.

 

https://goo.gl/maps/8DqC9

 

Looks like it would have room for a decent number of apartments (assuming that is what they are doing).

 

Now if only something will be done with those big parking lots all over Central....

It's only a matter of time before Central Parkway is filled with new buildings. I'm actually really pleased the streetcar shifts over as it captures the entire length of the east-west stretch of Central Parkway meaning the lots at Walnut, the Salvation Army, and the lots by Elm/Plum are all within a block or so of a stop.

I think Court Street has the potential to be a really cool cluster of older rehabbed buildings and lots for new development.

 

If that area can be filled with new residences and some retail opens up around there it would be a big step forward in bridging the gap between downtown and OTR.

Court Street has a ton of potential. The southern half of the block across from Kroger is only missing one building which leads to a great streetwall. Some of the buildings just need some help. I actually considered buying a condo at 35 W Court that was quite cool but its location and lack of elevator (which doesn't bother me but was making it difficult for the previous owner to sell) lead me to Race Street in OTR. But if that stretch is rehabbed, all those huge lots are filled with new construction, and the streetscape is cleaned up a bit that could be a really amazing little neighborhood.

 

And if Kroger did something about its insulting brown brick base...

That kroger base is HORRIBLE on the Court Street side.  Even if they just cut one small storefront into it it would be a major improvement.

Hopefully this puts more pressure on the Millenium to renovate.

 

 

Downtown Westin giving rooms a makeover

Bowdeya Tweh, [email protected] 3:06 a.m. EST February 20, 2015

 

 

In efforts to keep the Westin Cincinnati fresh and current for leisure and business guests, general manager Kathleen Gilbey said renovations will take the hotel "down to the studs."

 

Efforts to remodel the 456-room hotel began in November and hotel owners and managers expect the upgrades to help improve the venue's competitive position Downtown.

 

http://www.cincinnati.com/story/money/2015/02/20/westin-renovations/23710697/

Long-awaited Caesar Creek marina to break ground

Rachel Richardson, [email protected] 1:19 a.m. EST February 20, 2015

 

 

MASSIE TWP. – After being put on hold for decades, construction is expected to soon begin on what's being billed as one of the largest public inland marinas in Southwest Ohio.

 

Work is expected to get underway as soon as next week – Mother Nature willing, of course – on the first phase of a new $10 million marina at Caesar Creek Lake.

 

http://www.cincinnati.com/story/news/local/2015/02/19/long-awaited-caesar-creek-marina-break-ground/23695233/

"what's being billed as one of the largest public inland marinas in Southwest Ohio"

 

How many large public inland marinas are there in Southwest Ohio?

EXCLUSIVE: Former GE golf course to become 100-acre business park

Feb 20, 2015, 2:57pm EST Updated: Feb 20, 2015, 3:03pm EST

Tom Demeropolis Senior Staff Reporter- Cincinnati Business Courier

 

 

A former golf course in Springdale will be redeveloped into a 100-acre business park.

 

Hidden Creek at GE Park, an 18-hole executive golf course, will cease operation and be transformed into a business park with room for roughly 1.4 million square feet of industrial and office space.

 

http://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2015/02/20/exclusive-former-ge-golf-course-to-become-100-acre.html

Subdivision could add pricey Hyde Park homes

Bowdeya Tweh, [email protected] 7 p.m. EST February 20, 2015

 

 

Ten single-family homes could be built in Hyde Park as part of an infill development near Grandin and Edwards roads.

 

The Cincinnati Planning Commission voted to approve a plan from Cincinnati-based Evans Engineering for a more than 9-acre site. The site is near the John deKoven Hill-designed Corbett House at 2501 Grandin Road.

 

http://www.cincinnati.com/story/money/2015/02/20/hyde-park-homes/23768423/

211 W 4th being renovated into 39 apartments and first floor retail for around $5M. Good to see these older office spaces being converted into residential... that end of 4th could use some sprucing up.

 

http://city-egov.cincinnati-oh.gov/Webtop/ws/council/public/child/Blob/41899.pdf?rpp=-10&m=1&w=doc_no%3D%27201500243%27

Great news!  That area is really going to start poppin with the 4th and Race Project coming online soon as well.

Subdivision could add pricey Hyde Park homes

Bowdeya Tweh, [email protected] 7 p.m. EST February 20, 2015

 

 

Ten single-family homes could be built in Hyde Park as part of an infill development near Grandin and Edwards roads.

 

The Cincinnati Planning Commission voted to approve a plan from Cincinnati-based Evans Engineering for a more than 9-acre site. The site is near the John deKoven Hill-designed Corbett House at 2501 Grandin Road.

 

http://www.cincinnati.com/story/money/2015/02/20/hyde-park-homes/23768423/

 

Well that's...scary. And a massive shame. The existing property is beautiful and the character of its siting will definitely be ruined by what can only be assumed to be cheap garbage developer homes like that crap that is almost finished at the corner of Edwards and Rookwood by Camden Homes.

 

I measured the existing home on this site for a project that never happened and it's a gorgeous piece of property. That home needs someone that can properly take care of it. Getting developer house neighbors is just going to deter the type of person necessary to put the millions into that home necessary to restore it.

^I can see where you're coming from, but I look at it as just adding another 'finger' street off Grandin.  Hill and Hollow, Ambleside, Weebetook, Corbin, and Grandingate all traverse down the hill a bit on the south side of Grandin, and all probably were created in a similar fashion to how this street will be.  I doubt the new homes will be cheap- far from it, actually.  I think with proper architecture, landscaping, and yes, time, this street will look little different than the others in this area.  I have/had many friends who lived back off these streets, and into the Rookwood neighborhood, and there is actually a pretty decent mix of old and new homes.  I'm all for adding density to desirable areas, where people already want to be and will pay top dollar to live, and I think this development will fit that bill.  The old house might look a bit strange with new neighbors, but a 10 acre estate in the city limits just isn't very feasible...this is Hyde Park, not Indian Hill.

I understand that's how those streets were created. A huge portion of the work I do as an architect is in this section of Hyde Park. The problem is they are claiming they're going to be 1/2 acre sites and be around $500k. That's just nowhere near enough to build a quality home. Look at the cost of neighboring homes. All well into the millions.

 

The home I mentioned by Camden Homes cost a million dollars and it is a pile of junk. If they're actually aiming at half that cost, expect poor design choices, terrible massing, and cheap materials.

 

The difference between this and, say, Corbin or Weebetook and the like is that this is a developer building this street, not just a series of lots being sold off individually. That's a massive issue in an area that features quality architecture. You just won't get that from a developer street.