Tower Place plugs along

Office workers key to downtown shopping

 

BY MARLA MATZER ROSE | ENQUIRER STAFF WRITER

 

Tower Place Mall hurt by store closures and competition from suburbs.

http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060219/BIZ01/602190354/1076

Until there is a critical mass of residents in the area that view a downtown mall as more convenient, Tower Place can't survive with just a typical mix of stores available in the suburban malls. 

 

The only thing that would work at this point of time is to have enough shopping that is only available in one place.  For example, Saks, Brooks Brothers, and Tiffany's help draw people downtown, because there isn't a suburban mall alternative.  Get enough of these types of places sprinkled around, and downtown could become a popular shopping destination again.

 

Every store doesn't have to be one of a kind, but there needs to be enough unique stores to set the downtown shopping district apart from the rest.

I agree...

 

I think the thing that will make Tower Place successful is a strong downtown population, unique store fronts, and for God sakes, let's get new management in there!

 

Everything in business, whether it's successful or unsuccessful, should fall on it's management.

 

Joe Straka, executive director for 4J Redevelopment, a unit of Madison Marquette that is handling the renovation, says both his firm and the management arm of Madison Marquette are hopeful that the McAlpin's and Tower Place can have a successful symbiotic relationship.

 

As a future resident of The McAlpin, I look forward to living across the street from Tower Place.  :)  On the other hand, my husband is  a little bit nervous about having so many shops within walking distance to us.  I may have to get a second job to support my shopping habit.  ;)

^ I am so very jealous of you.  It is great to see that grand old building proudly taking it's place on 4th St.  Tower Place used to invite local school choirs to come down and sing during the holidays and that kind of activity is always a good idea, but suburbanites will simply not come down to shop at the Gap when there is one 5 miles away.

 

The growing downtown resident population will be a key driver.

I would think Parker Flats would provide a boost too.

^And Park Place at Lytle

What is up with that Parker Flats?  I keep seeing the artist's drawing in the realator's window on 6th St. ( I think that's where ) but doesn't seem to be happening???  Those movable glass walls look cool.

^ I think that Parker Flats is a little behind schedule, but I think the ground breaking is supposed to occur in a few months.  It was originally supposed to start in December 2005.  There's a thread about it somewhere on this board.

^ I don't want to get too far off topic in this thread but Parker Flats is supposed to break ground in March.  I've also been told to expect a final rendering of the building to be posted this week on Huff's site.

Its kind of sad...I've been to Tower Place at least ten times and I'd bet I've only spent $20 at most. I'm usually there around Christmas when the place is a mad house though. Is the 2 story nature store still open?

Is the 2 story nature store still open?

 

Unfortunatley it is not.  That was a great little store (with that waterfall in it).

 

 

Is the 2 story nature store still open?

 

Unfortunatley it is not.  That was a great little store (with that waterfall in it).

 

 

The ground level of that spot is now the location for Churchill's Tea Room (they used to be in the small store front on 5th street in the Hilton that is now a French carryout).

 

Churchill's seems to be doing well in the new location.  My wife likes to go there.  It's an example of the types of places I refered to that adds something unique to the downtown experience. Go shopping, have tea to relax, etc.

I'm not sure i understand how towerplace operates.  Most of the new developments in the region are trying to offer urban amenities (mixed-use, walkability, on street parking, etc.)  Towerplace has these features at their disposal but seem to avoid them like the plague.

 

I would love to be able to window shop downtown in the heart of the shopping district, but I just cant I must navigate the hamster tubes (skywalks) in order to get from store to store.  I know new plans what to work on these specific issues but Towerplace is behind the curve and needs to some how catch up with the burbs.

I see they've opened up a big ass window on the 2nd level facing the McAlpin Condos.

I see they've opened up a big ass window on the 2nd level facing the McAlpin Condos.

 

I'm guessing it's at the location of the old skywalk connection point?

You are correct!

 

If you are looking at Footlocker from the outside, it's to the left.

Tower Place doesn't have any stores I would shop at, and they haven't ever since I moved to Cincinnati.  The food court is nice though.  That and Gap (only because I get a 30 percent discount) are the only places I've ever bought anything.

It is in shambles right now... you should call the management office and complain.

Anne Taylor and Talbots are closing in Tower Place Mall.  This per my mother who says she has no reason to shop there anymore.

After those two close, I'm trying to think which stores are left ftom the original opeinng.  All I can think of are Victoria's Secret and Brentanos.

Wack.

 

They need stores that you can't find anywhere else. Bring in some flagship stores that people come from far away to specifically go to.

I am glad that Huntington, West Virginia did not construct the Huntington Mall on the Superblock (now Pullman Square) or at 16th Street (aka Hal Greer Blvd.). While the mall went to the suburbs (Barboursville - yet its called the Huntington Mall), Huntington was left with a four-block parking lot. One block was developed into a civic center in the mid 1970s, another was developed as a hotel in 2004, another was a residential tower and some suburban chain restaurants in the mid 1980s, and the remainder was developed as Pullman Square from 2005 to the present.

 

Many complained about Pullman when it was constructed - your old-timers who had seen a vibrant four-block downtown demolished for the "next big thing" - a mall or office park. Except that never occurred. So they were stuck with a distressed parking lot that was anchored at one corner by Chi Chi's Mexican restaurant - a suburban lot - that faces a block of Victorian-styled structures and other period buildings.

 

When Pullman's developers wanted the land, several vocal critics tried to derail the project, saying that Chi Chi's and the parking lot was worth more than new development. And even today, some still cry foul over the project. And the result of the lifestyle center?

 

You have a 12-screen movie theater that is state-of-the-art. While it forced the Camelot Theater to close (a small movie house that was not historic) and the Keith-Albee to close, it was a blessing that many moaned over for months. It allowed the Keith-Albee to become what it once was: a performing arts venue. It's now undergoing renovations one block away to bring it back to its former glory.

 

Funny Bone Comedy Club moved in and it's a packed house every weekend. Max and Erma's is on the second level which includes outdoor seating and is one of the chain's top rated restaurants. Empire Book's (who are now opening a location in Ohio) is seeing double-digit sale increases - last month it was up 30%+! Stone Cold Creamery is the top rated in its district and #3 performer overall. EB Games is the top rated in its district of several states.

 

And it was constructed utilising beautiful brick, glazed black metal, and a marvellous fountain.

 

Yet some still find it easy to complain its lack of retail. You know, like a mall.

 

But one block away, on Fourth Avenue, you are seeing a chain reaction as a result of Pullman. Surfside Bar and Restaurant is opening soon, along with a pet grooming business. The old Frederick Hotel is undergoing renovations, along with the St. Jame's among many other establishments.

 

--

 

In order for the mall to survive, it must diversify. Get rid of the reliance on pure suburban retail and install more restaurants and other attractions to draw in the night life. Place more retail that compliment the surrounding neighbourhood, especially ones that would draw people in from the Banks and other residential developments. IMO.

damn...I am just hoping that we can get some of these stores to relocate along the street somewhere with sidewalk frontage!!!  If not, then Cincy is losing the last of its dwindling retail population  :cry:

I've been meaning to take a trip to Huntington to check out that new Pullman Square.  Huntington seems like it always had a lot of potential with its downtown. 

It's definately worth a visit. It's become a catalyst for redevelopment elsewhere, so be sure to walk around 4th Avenue. If you are in the area, let me know and I'll make a trip down to give a tour!

Pullman Square is a wonderful asset to Huntington.  The downtown already has a wonderful theater collection, so with retail, Funny Bone, and such make it desirable (perhaps the most progressive in West Virginia?).

I think the key to Cincinnati retail is to bring the stores to the street, I don't know what would happen to Tower Place if that happened but people come to the city for the urban experience, not the suburban enclosed mall experience.

I think the key to Cincinnati retail is to bring the stores to the street, I don't know what would happen to Tower Place if that happened but people come to the city for the urban experience, not the suburban enclosed mall experience.

 

I agree.... it would be nice to have some of those stores go to the street level.  I miss quite a few of the stores that left this year.

Is the Tiffany's at Tower Place still open? Does anyone know if they have considered moving to Columbus or Cleveland?

Hopefully they get the mix right but moving more of those high end stores out to the street.  What is the psychographic/demographic profile of shoppers anyway downtown?  I ask that because I never shopped at Talbots or Ann Taylor so I don't even know if they were hitting strong with their target audience.  I've felt that retrofitting the building with consumer electronics, restaurants, urbanwear or even expanding office to the first floor would be better.

Is the Tiffany's at Tower Place still open? Does anyone know if they have considered moving to Columbus or Cleveland?

 

Tiffany's isn't at Tower Place it is located at 5th & Vine and seems to be doing quite well.

A little off topic, but why did Tiffany's choose Cincy for its first Ohio location? No offense to Cincy or anything like that. Just curious.

What is the psychographic/demographic profile of shoppers anyway downtown?  I ask that because I never shopped at Talbots or Ann Taylor so I don't even know if they were hitting strong with their target audience.

 

Talbots had a location downtown before the existence of tower place mall.  I'm not sure whether Kenwood or downtown had the first Cincinnati location.  However, these two were definately well before the others. In many areas, Talbot's works as a destination retailer. If the downtown store was the only store, I'm sure it would do quite well.  It would probably even do well with just the Kenwood store.  However, with the Talbots stores at Crestview Hills and Rookwood commons, It's probably just not seeing the traffic it needs to in order to stay open.

 

 

 

Is the Tiffany's at Tower Place still open? Does anyone know if they have considered moving to Columbus or Cleveland?

 

Tiffany's isn't at Tower Place it is located at 5th & Vine and seems to be doing quite well.

 

According to the sales associate I was talking to just before Christmas, it has been doing quite well ever since they opened.  Tiffany's sells items you can't buy anywhere else in the area (other than through their catalog).  It's the type of retailer that will work well in downtown.  A destination store, unique in the area, with an established following.  Other downtown examples are Saks and Brooks Brothers.

 

It will be interesting to see how Jos A Banks does in their new downtown location.  There are several mall based stores already in the area.  It seems that it has always been a strategy of theirs to put a store near a Brooks Brothers store (at least in the downtown area).

A little off topic, but why did Tiffany's choose Cincy for its first Ohio location? No offense to Cincy or anything like that. Just curious.

 

The same thing can be said for stores that open first in Columbus, only the company knows sometimes.

A little off topic, but why did Tiffany's choose Cincy for its first Ohio location? No offense to Cincy or anything like that. Just curious.

 

The same thing can be said for stores that open first in Columbus, only the company knows sometimes.

 

Well, I would say there was probably a local tie. We have some pretty good local Jewler's downtown that do well. Also, Cincinnati is centrally located to a large portion of the US population. Where is the nearest Tiffany's?

Maybe its because they looked at where all of the other high end jewelry stores are and realized Cincinnati wasn't an oversaturated market. Although we do have Richter and Phillips which is also a great store. I don't think I'd ever buy jewelry from one of the small storefronts that come and go--something tells me atleast half of that jewelry is stolen.

Richter & Phillips is a real jeweler.  The do everything down to jewelry repair of items that weren't purchased there.

A little off topic, but why did Tiffany's choose Cincy for its first Ohio location? No offense to Cincy or anything like that. Just curious.

 

Because Columbus is a crappy town.

Richter & Phillips is a real jeweler.  The do everything down to jewelry repair of items that weren't purchased there.

 

Yes, Richter & Phillips is very reputable.  I have gone there for watch repairs and watch battery replacements as well. 

I was told by someone, and I can't remember who, but the Cincinnati area was one of the largest buyers of Tiffany from on-line or catalog which is at least one factor in why they chose to locate a store here.

 

Talbots had a location downtown before the existence of tower place mall.  I'm not sure whether Kenwood or downtown had the first Cincinnati location.  However, these two were definately well before the others. In many areas, Talbot's works as a destination retailer. If the downtown store was the only store, I'm sure it would do quite well.  It would probably even do well with just the Kenwood store.  However, with the Talbots stores at Crestview Hills and Rookwood commons, It's probably just not seeing the traffic it needs to in order to stay open.

 

In the fall of 2005, I heard a rumor that the Talbots at Tower Place would be closing.  I went into Talbots and asked if that was true.  The manager said that no it wasn't at the time.  At that time, Crestview Hills just opened.  She said that up to that point, the downtown Talbots was beating CH in sales.  However, the headquarters said that if sales dropped because of CH, that the downtown one could close.  I rarely shop at Talbots myself, but it's still unfortunate to see them go.

 

 

I think with the new places on the sqaure and entertainment options coming to the area, new stores will come in and fill the void of some of the retailers leaving tower place. I doubt it will be the likes of the GAP and national chain retailers like that but I think boutique clothiers and other design stores may do well in that mall and provide a nice mix of entertainment and retail. Also, I can see a potential destination store opening there when everything else is in place, such as a store like Virgin Records or a place like that if the right space can be obtained.

We really need some decent, yet affordable, clothing stores downtown.  Limited, Express, and NY & Co left a void in the women's clothing area.  Macy's selection seems to have gone downhill, and TJ Maxx is hit or miss. 

While visiting my parents who live in downtown Seattle ove the holidays, I got to see a vibrant active city with shopping, dining, entertainment, AND people living downtown.  There is a shopping area called Pacific Place which is what the Tower Place Mall should strive to be.  The building is 4 floors with only a Barnes and Nobles on the bottom floor and a movie theatre and a couple of restaurants on the top floor.  The other two floors consist of shops such as JCrew, Victoria's Secret, Illuminations, etc.  (The things you would find at Kenwood.)  It is amazing how crowded it was before and after the holidays!  My suggestion for Tower Place is to build slowly by first bringing a movie theatre to the top floor of the Tower Place mall.  I bet if some statistics were done to see how many people drove to Newport to see a movie, it would justify putting one on this side of the river. 

I think a movie theater would be a great idea for both that location and downtown. 

 

Over time, the stores on street level could add street presence along fourth and race.

 

The food court could stay on the basement level (I assume they do a good business with the weekday lunch crowd).

 

 

A basement food court may be the problem, that, and the lack of windows.

 

In order to have a successful retail operation and to have a vibrant streetscape, you must have interaction between the outside world - automobiles and pedestrians alike. Having large windows that look into the mall corridors or that look into a vibrant food court would be a start. People look up, see its busy, and venture in.

 

From the exterior, the mall is nothing more than a mammoth brick structure.

Maybe also moving the food court deeper or higher in the mall would help. The Lunch crowd would have to walk through the mall to get to restaurants and thus walk pass stores and see something they like.

MrsAweeks:

I'm not super familiar with Tower Place, but haven't some of those stores from Kenwood already had locations at Tower Place?  If TP is like former downtown retail centers that are built fundamentally as suburban malls (Tower City, City Center, etc.) this is probably the case.  My other question would be how old is the Seattle shopping center?  Give it the 15-20 years that the aforementioned "destinations" were given and we will see how vibrant the shopping will be.  Perhaps Nordstrom's being from Seattle helps that center.  Also, Seattle's downtown population obviously helps (and I would love to see this happen in any of OH's 3C's).  My opinion would be that the next step in the evolution of "malls" would be the development of "lifestyle" centers in the heart of downtowns (with retail, office space, and housing located in the same complex = you know the way it used to be and should have always been).  The sooner living downtown becomes cool the sooner destination retail will move downtown.