May 13, 200520 yr kinda, it's co-op for school. no more crescent springs though, and i don't miss the commute one bit.
May 14, 200520 yr Was this building in front of the Sportsmall? That thing was an eyesore and i'm glad to see it gone.
May 14, 200520 yr Brownfield redevelopment makes me happy. I'm glad to see that the Port Authority has been doing something, since it hasn't been able to make the Banks happen.
May 16, 200520 yr Author An article on the Columbia Twp. "identity" from the 5/16/05 Enquirer: Columbia Twp. 'islands' unite to map out future By Steve Kemme Enquirer staff writer COLUMBIA TWP. - For much of its recent history, this unusual Hamilton County township has struggled to establish its identity and a sense of community. That has been a problem because the township consists of 12 separate pieces scattered from Milford to Golf Manor. But Columbia Township officials believe the township's recently adopted comprehensive plan will help provide meaningful long-term direction. "It's Columbia Township's time," said Susan Hughes, president of the township's board of trustees. "This plan will be our road map to our future." A primary goal in the new plan is to build sidewalks and improve traffic signals in the busy area around Ridge Road and Highland Avenue, which provides about 60 percent of township taxes. The plan also proposes pedestrian-friendly projects for commercial areas along Plainville Road, and near Wooster Pike and Walton Creek Road. The 20-year comprehensive plan is the result of six months of work by township officials, residents and business owners. It provides guidelines for handling issues ranging from road maintenance and budgets to zoning and economic development. The 100-plus page plan will be official once approved by the Hamilton County Regional Planning Commission and Hamilton County commissioners. Approvals are expected in July. Once one of Ohio's largest townships, Columbia Township has lost so many parts to annexation over the years by other cities and governments that little land is left. With 4,619 residents, it has become one of Hamilton County's smallest townships. Administrator C. Michael Lemon calls Columbia Township "an inland archipelago." The township is made up of 12 "islands" with little or no sense of connection to each other. Lemon said developing the plan brought together people from all parts of the township and helped foster more of a sense of community. "For a long time, many people didn't even know they lived in Columbia Township and didn't know where all the parts of the township were located," he said. "Now we've planted that seed for a sense of community." Recommendations include: * Providing more parks and green spaces within residential neighborhoods. * Controlling design standards for buildings in commercial and business districts. * Examining many possible sources for funding projects. * Building sidewalks in areas that don't have them and improving the existing ones. * Developing streetscape and beautification plans. This would include creating landscaped gateways with signs identifying the area as Columbia Township. "A lot of people think the Ridge Road and Highland Avenue area is in Pleasant Ridge," Hughes said. "They don't realize they're in Columbia Township." One of the chief strengths of this plan, Lemon said, is that it wasn't dictated by elected or appointed officials. "This is what the community told us they want," he said. "Now it's up to the elected and appointed officials to make it happen." E-mail [email protected] COLUMBIA TOWNSHIP POPULATION TRENDSCOMPREHENSIVE PLAN ONLINE The figures below reflect how Columbia Township's population has stabilized in the past 20 years after being decimated by repeated annexations. 1950 ...8,702 1960 ...7,908 1970 ...7,989 1980 ...4,179 1990 ...4,269 2000 ...4,619 2010 ...5,287 (projected) 2020 ...5,090 (projected) Source: Columbia Township's comprehensive plan Columbia Township's newly adopted comprehensive plan can be read on the township's Web site, www.columbiatownship.org. Click on "General Information" if necessary, then scroll down and click "Comprehensive Plan 2005." The extensive document loads slowly. http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050516/NEWS01/505160349/1056/rss02
May 17, 200520 yr Columbia Township sounds like one of those petty states from the Holy Roman Empire.....all sliced and diced.... maybe someone can come up with a "metro Cincinnati" jigsaw puzzle...?
May 17, 200520 yr The township is made up of 12 "islands" with little or no sense of connection to each other. That this township still exists as a separate political entity is silly. I reiterate my sentiment that each portion of the township be annexed by its largest neighboring city. In the case of the portion containing the Ridge-Highland business district, this would allow Cincinnati to simply upgrade the roads consistent with the surrounding neighborhoods.
May 19, 200520 yr Author Did anyone happen to catch the goings-on on Erie Ave.? They're building next to the mushroom house. It looks like it's going to be taller, so those of you who got pics while there was no background distractions should consider yourselves lucky! ALSO: Those three new attached townhomes by Mt. Lookout Square are looking pretty decent. They seem to look Italianate in style--the unit on the right even has the curved "inverted U" hood to the windows.
May 20, 200520 yr The West Side bleeds not because of lack of potential but because of civic leaders in that part of town that aren't very receptive to development.
May 21, 200520 yr Grasscat, I noticed the guy next to the mushroom house is building out, and you're right, it is rather large and totally blocks the view of the mushroom house. I am sure the guy was not too pleased when the guy built the mushroom next to his house, which probably prompted the addition.
May 21, 200520 yr Author ^ I didn't get that great of a view. Are you saying it's an add-on to the little yellow house that was already there? I had an obstructed view.
May 21, 200520 yr Author MORE: Mt. Lookout * Here are the homes on Linwood near the Square that I was talking about (photos below). They are going for $320-330K: 3220 Linwood 3216 Linwood Downtown * The red building at Ninth and Main is about to be sold for $365K: 835 Main * The vacant 7-story building at 214 E. Ninth is for sale for $795K: 214 E. Ninth
May 22, 200520 yr Author Someone is actually trying to sell this thing for $15,000. I believe it should be demolished. Even an empty lot would look better. 820 Livingston: All is not lost in the West End, though. Look at these beauties.... 2016 Colerain: 814 Poplar:
May 22, 200520 yr I wanted to give an update on 830 Lincoln, but it appears as though I'll have to give a preview instead:
May 22, 200520 yr Author Hmm...it's over a month later and the building at 1406 Locust still has sale pending. What a slow process! :(
May 23, 200520 yr Author UPDATE: Some single family homes are being built/are for sale on Taylor Ct., Thomas Ct., Dixie Ave., Dixie Ct. and Chicago Ave. These are all in the $125K-$200K range and are pretty suburban in style. These are much needed in a community that is plagued by depressed home values.
May 23, 200520 yr Author More Camp Washington work: Houses on Henshaw and Sidney have been rehabbed by the Camp Washington Community board and already have buyers. One on Bates should be finished in July and it also has a buyer. Things are looking up in that neighborhood, for sure, with more homeowners and less destructive property flipping. http://www.cddcinc.org/CurrentProjects/FilesCampWash/NewsletterMayl2005.pdf
May 23, 200520 yr Author Speaking of the Port Authority, here's a pic from their website from the "Brownfields" section. I resized it so it wouldn't eat up much space--a much larger version is on their site. For old time's sake....
May 24, 200520 yr Author Hyde Park A zoning change passed on a parcel at Shaw and Wasson from commercial to residential. This is the site of that ugly Tricon warehouse. http://city-egov.rcc.org/BASISCGI/BASIS/council/public/child/DDD/12858.pdf The Hyde Park Neighborhood Council gave the zoning change its full support. Stunningly, only the owners of 3658 Shaw (house pictured below) felt that the zoning change would devalue their property! WTF?!? This zoning change passed city council unanimously. Plans are to build townhomes on this site. I'm not sure how many and there are no renderings, but I found one for sale: 3660 Shaw
May 26, 200520 yr Author More news and notes: East Walnut Hills * At 1715 E. McMillan, an old home is being converted into 3 condo units, with prices of $899K, $999K, and $2M. http://www.comey.com/displaylist.asw?listnum=924375&mls=cincy * At 1770 E. McMillan, Dorian Gray is doing a massive rehab of an 1880 multi-unit home/apt building. This is the white/cream colored house with the boarded windows at the point where McMillan starts to bend upward to join Taft. (pictured below) Hyde Park * Teardown: The charming 1920s home at Erie and Paxton (2935 Erie) is being torn down to make way for a new $500,000 home being built by Destefano Custom Homes. Mt. Lookout * Teardown: A somewhat charming turn-of-the-century two-story home at 1214 Halpin is being torn down to build a new home by Chrisman Homes. (pictured below Oakley * Teardown: The charming but out-of-place 1920s houses across from the Crossroads church on Madison are being razed by BS Madison LLC. They own the adjacent lots of 3357, 3359 and 3361 (empty) Madison Rd. East Westwood / Northwest Fairmount * Locust Creek - Henrianne Ct. (just off of McHenry) Seven unit single-family development in distressed part of town. There will be an open house on June 23rd at 10 AM at 2300 Henrianne. Clifton * Parkside Condominiums - A ribbon-cutting will occur on June 14th at 10 AM at 3315 Jefferson for the newly converted (25 units) condos.
May 29, 200520 yr Author Did anyone catch this letter to the editor in today's (5/28) Enquirer?: Art Academy move looks like a scary one Letters to the editor I have always appreciated and enjoyed the Cincinnati Art Museum's location in Eden Park, and thought how fitting it was to have the Art Academy next door. What a beautiful campus to inspire young artists to a career in art. I was sad to read in The Enquirer that this year's class was the last to graduate from the academy at this location. I was interested enough to drive down to the Music Hall area to see if I could find the new location for the Art Academy. With a little driving around I found the building. The people responsible for this move should have their heads examined. I am a 79-year-old ex-Marine, and I was fearful just driving down the street in this area. William Dean, Mount Washington http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050528/EDIT0202/505280332/1022/EDIT WTF?!? Okay, Mr. Drama! Could the fact that your so fearful is that you're 79 freaking years old? Or is it the fact that you live in Mt. Washington, one of the most suburban and white bread neighborhoods in the city? I mean, Jeebus, he had to "drive around" to find Music Hall for Christ's sake! [/rant]
May 29, 200520 yr well it isn't in the best part of otr that's for sure...hopefully it can help revitalize the area but right now it is really not so good.
May 30, 200520 yr Some rare new housing planned on the Westside. You know Addyston(Speedtrap USA) is small when this plan would nearly double the population. Westsiders love change. Addyston condo plan unpopular with some By Cliff Radel, Enquirer staff writer ADDYSTON - Their neighbors used to be cows. Soon, they could be condos. Come Tuesday, a hilly 57.6-acre plot on the bluffs above this riverfront village could be on its way to becoming a $30-million condominium project. Some of the 1,000 residents in this West Side community are upset. "It'll ruin our retreat in the woods and cause landslides," said Susan Frede. Others are delighted. "Our tax base will be infused with new blood," said Addyston mayor Dan Pillow. "No downside looms large in my mind." This is a familiar tale: green space vs. growth. It's being played out from West Chester and Ludlow to Clermont County and Newport. To read the rest of this story please visit The Cincinnati Enquirer Archives
May 31, 200520 yr Author I honestly don't see much of a market for condos in Addyston. That area in general is more single-family oriented.
June 1, 200520 yr Author Here's a rendering from 3CDC of the finished product: And the stats, since I don't think they've been posted in here: * 120,000 square feet. * 200 undergraduate students, 20 graduate students, 70 faculty, adjunct and staff members. * 1600 adults and 900 children attend non-credit courses. * Raised $11.1 million toward $13.1 million goal. * $5 million dollar annual operation budget. * Opening August 29, 2005.
June 2, 200520 yr Author More.... Mt. Adams * The 1887 structure at 1003 St. Gregory St. will be demolished, ostensibly to make way for a new (more upscale) single-family home. Left side of lot has a view of Ohio River. (pic below) University Hts. * What could possibly have become a quaint little Victorian-era (1892) home for someone at 2738 Enslin St. has deteriorated so badly that the city is tearing it down. What a shame. (pic below)
June 16, 200519 yr Author Oakley will be tearing down the shelter house at Oakley Park by the end of this summer and will be replacing it with an outdoor ampitheater. They will also be building a new picnic area near the playground and would eventually like to add a walking trail and new lighting. http://www.communitypress.com/ColumbiaTwpOH/News.asp?pageType=Story&StoryID=14695&Section=Main%20News&OnlineSection=Main%20News&SectionPubDate=6/15/2005%203:39:51%20AM&RefDate=6/15/2005%203:39:51%20AM
June 16, 200519 yr I am rehabbing a house around the corner from that teardown in University Heights. I neve actually noticed it until this week. It is in much worse shape than the picture shows. It is leaning severely and looks like a good wind could knock it over.
June 16, 200519 yr Author I'm surprised God hasn't done the job already! What house are you rehabbing? (Or is it hush-hush?)
June 16, 200519 yr Author More.... Downtown * Brittany Condo (905 Race) still has major interior work going on, including drywall, cabinets, and countertops - $61,500. Lower Price Hill * $89,000 worth of excavation and fill work will be done in the 1900 block of River Rd. (along the river, just opposite of Evans St.). This site is being put together by an for Hilltop Basic Resources, which deals in concrete and aggregates. This is the same company that owns and operates the facility near Paul Brown Stadium. Could it be that they're moving away from prime, developable property? Or are they just expanding? (map of parcel below) Westwood * A house is actually going to be built in the Brodbeck Park subdivision, which is off of the north side of Westwood Northern between McHenry and Montana. The site was actually being prepared in 1998, and the groundbreaking took place in 2000! Since then, no homes have been built in this Glaser & Son development. Eventually, the site is to have 23 homes ranging in price from $120K-$160K. (EDIT: I took a closer look by driving back in there today and a handful of homes have been built. 6/17/05) East Price Hill * The wonderful old building at Eighth and Elberon is going to be converted from rental apartments to 18 or 19 condos. The old 35,000 square foot, 4-story building is a little bit rough around the edges. Wayne Eccard, owner, is looking for some funding help: Price Hill Press story (photos below) Mt. Lookout * Teardown: A 3700 square foot home from 1948 is being demolished at 700 Elsinboro Ln. This will probably be replaced with a bigger house. The property has a view of Lunken (similar to the view from neighboring Alms Park). (photo below)
June 17, 200519 yr Author It's a shame you had to lose the window pediments. Were they unsalvageable? Looks like you've gotten a lot done on it, though. Good work!
June 17, 200519 yr Those window pediments were nothing more than cheap vinyl and were not really worth saving. Thanks to everyone for the compliments.
June 17, 200519 yr Again, nice work. This got me wondering how many people on this site are involved with rehabs in our urban areas. Show yourself. :-)
June 17, 200519 yr Very nicely done. Now it'll look pretty with UC takes it over and demolishes it to make Stratford-Upon-Straight-Street CondoHallDormVillageShoppeCentre!
June 19, 200519 yr Author * Buildings with retail are for sale at 1700, 1800 and 1826 Linn St.. It will be interesting to see how much interest those buildings draw, and if retail on Linn St. can turn the corner. * 1028 Dayton St., built in 1885, has been tastefully rehabbed for a single family. It's only $95,900 for a 4 BR, 7 room house (2152 square feet)...which is an indicator of how far the West End still has to come.
June 20, 200519 yr Author From the "Downtown Buildings That Need Help Dept.": * 15 E. Court St. is in the process if being purchased. This building needs a lot of work. 15 E. Court listing * 37 E. Court St. is on the market for $189.9K. I believe it's vacant (at least the ground-floor retail is). Two empty buildings on the same block is no good. 37 E. Court listing * I mentioned 214 E. Ninth St. in a pervious thread. This building is still for sale, and it's still vacant. Rehabs: EAST WALNUT HILLS * 2523 Ingleside Ave., built in 1890 and selling for $229.9K. 2553 Ingleside listing Before and after: UNIVERSITY HTS. * Ugly apartment complex at 2996 W. McMicken Ave. made slightly less ugly. Built in 1949, selling for $149.9K. 2996 W. McMicken listing Before and after: CLIFTON HTS. * Two-family/student at 2238 Victor St. cleaned up nicely. This house was built in 1887 and has a sale pending. 2238 Victor listing Before and after: NORTH AVONDALE * This 11-unit apartment building at 945 Dana Ave. (built as a mansion in 1900) has had work being done for a long time. It appears that it's done, it's on the market, and it's only $599.5K. 945 Dana listing PRICE HILL * A 13-unit apartment building from 1926 at 1226 Rutledge Ave. has had a complete overhaul. Before and after: MT. LOOKOUT * Contributing to the rehabilitation of many of the area's Victorians, 545 Hoge St. has had the works. Built in 1898 and only about 1100 square feet, it's going for $254K. 545 Hoge listing Before and after: COLUMBIA TUSCULUM * Another Victorian (1880), this one at 431 Tusculum Ave. is going for $365.9K but is nearly twice as big as the previous home. 431 Tusculum listing After only ("before" photo obscured by tree) COVINGTON * An office building at 218 W. Pike has been rehabbed. * 337 W. 9th has been rehabbed as a condo. It's $210K. And why not, with a view like this? 337 W. 9th listing NEWPORT * 708 Washington Ave. was built in 1887 and was recently rehabbed as a single-family, 4 BR home. It's going for $178.9K. 708 Washington listing Before and after: New construction: EAST END * 3420 Walworth Ave., in the up-and-coming East End. $380-freaking-K. 3420 Walworth listing Possible future development....: COLLEGE HILL * Capri Woods, a single-family development to be built in College Hill, will be built between the end of Capri Dr. and Gray Rd. Homes will start at $149.9K. This project is already in pre-sales but I've heard nothing from the city. They've been pushing dirt in the area for a long time, though. NORTHSIDE * A 3.44 acre parcel is for sale at 1650 Glen Parker Ave. There is a proposal before city council that would allow for 5 attached townhomes to be built. I'll have to investigate! BTW...in the map below, the two plots to the northeast of the shaded area are also part of the deal. CALIFORNIA * A former marina along Panama Ave. (5783) is for sale. Four acres right on the riverfront are going for $444.9K. It is mentioned that the adjacent 3 acres have approved plans for 20 condos. I have not heard about this and I will have to investigate. DISCLAIMER: This post is not made to sell real estate. Links are provided for information purposes only. Only properties that have undergone a major rehab are included, except in the case of downtown buildings, where buildings currently for sale may be included. Developable land is also sometimes included for those of us who like to see buildings go up. This post is the result of perusing real estate listings. Therefore, not all rehabilitation projects may be covered. :D
June 20, 200519 yr I think Court St. could be the next housing hot spot. It is already a very cool area, and just needs a little TLC and some residential on floors 2+. I know two of the larger apartment buildings (about 10-20 units each) just sold last year. I assume they are being converted into condos, although I have not noticed any work going on there.
June 21, 200519 yr Very very nice - thank you so for the tour! That Newport place looks pure Newport, as does the Columbia Tusculum house. It's great to see rehabbers dedicated to fitting in while they upgrade... (One correction - Ingleside is in East Walnut Hills...I hate to be a quibbler, but I figured you'd rather it be pointed out!)
June 22, 200519 yr Author (One correction - Ingleside is in East Walnut Hills...I hate to be a quibbler, but I figured you'd rather it be pointed out!) ^ Yep, you're right. I fixed it.
June 24, 200519 yr Author More...: * Crossroads Community Church seemingly doesn't have enough room. They will be demolishing the 3 homes on Marburg (across from the Millworks site) as well as 11 properties on the southern side of Ibsen (3300-3400 block) all the way to Ridge. I don't know what the purpose would be (perhaps parking). Some of these homes are rather charming, many built in the 1920s. They no longer fit the area, I suppose, as the area has long been hostile to residential uses. 11 properties are still in the control of indvidual owners, but look for them to sell soon or to have their properties taken by eminent domain. Vandercar holds most of the properties on the north side of Ibsen. * Structures being lost from inner neighborhoods include 1759 Esmonde St. (1900) in S. Fairmount, 262 Klotter Ave. (1890) in Fairview, 416 Catherine St. (1885) in Avondale, and 612 Straight St. (1890) in University Hts. The only one I thought might possess any real beauty was the Avondale one. This 3500 square foot house was occupied by 3 families and was probably beat all to hell:
June 25, 200519 yr Author There was a story about Locust Creek (East Westwood) in today's Enquirer. Here's the link: http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050625/NEWS0105/506250369/1061/NEWS01
June 25, 200519 yr Wow, I am amazed at the Crossroads Church expansion. They are expanding the Church, but they also bought the old Dodge dealer for additional parking at the same time.
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