4 hours ago, ucnum1 said:

Looks like maybe bye bye Bell Tower.Sounds as if funds are not secured in 30 days its demolition and the Bell tolls no more.Time get the golden goose out.

 

https://m.facebook.com/flccincy/photos/a.265865420184952/3743492539088872/?type=3&source=48

The plan is to get a 500k dollar loan to bridge the gap in the mean time between now and when city council disperses the funds.

 

Fingers crossed they can get that loan.

I absolutely cannot believe things have gotten to this point regarding the bell tower. Definitely worth the remaining 500k to the brand of Cincinnati, OTR, even Washington Park alone to save this structure. 

Edited June 26, 20213 yr by thebillshark

I really hope it can be saved. What gets me is didn’t they have a renovation a couple years ago? 

Doubly frustrating as it seems, perhaps to put it unkindly, the church is ransoming the bell tower, which it has already raised adequate funds to renovate, for an extraneous improvement in the form of an elevator. I get the “two birds with one stone” thing with regard to ADA access and that the elevator could act as structural support for the tower, but the church’s deadline is based simply on wanting to return for services now rather than later. And I get that too, but it’s an artificial deadline and it feels like a play for false urgency.
 

Could be completely wrong; my take on what I’ve seen. (Also leads me to the conclusion there’s no future reality in which the tower is actually torn down.)

 

edit: 

 

And then this attenuated smarm from the Facebook post:

 

“The tragic loss of life from the collapse of the building in Florida yesterday, serves as a reminder as to why we need to mitigate the life safety concerns in a timely manner.”

 

Edited June 26, 20213 yr by Pdrome513

The reality is that the church needs 500k ASAP because they don’t want to wait until September for any potential disaster to occur. 
 

I get why they made the decision they made. The preservation groups helping the church are willing to fight for the funds until the tower is officially brought down. 
 

In the mean time, if anyone here on Urban Ohio has any connections to any wealthy individuals who can donate that would be great! The preservation groups are also willing to take the 500k as a loan until the city hall - 500k funds clear in September. 
 

If you have any leads then email:

 

[email protected]

 

Or if you know Danny Klingler from OTR adopt personally, then reach out to him, as he is the one that is leading this preservation efforts and fighting for the funds for this bell tower. 

Former KFC-turned-Cricket is now a pile of rubble:

 

 

That's two pretty decent sized lots on Liberty right next to each other that I believe 3CDC both owns.  Hopefully those get infilled sooner rather then later. 

36 minutes ago, taestell said:

Former KFC-turned-Cricket is now a pile of rubble:

 

 

Would love too see something similar in height go here like the Wilkommen building currently under construction across the street.

Needs to be 4+ floors. Hopefully 5 or 6 with how wide the Liberty ROW is.

OTR's newest bar, opening in July, will be an urban oasis: PHOTOS

By Andy Brownfield  –  Staff Reporter, Cincinnati Business Courier

 

An upcoming bar aiming to open next month in Over-the-Rhine plans to be an urban oasis, and community gathering space in an emerging part of the neighborhood.

 

PHOTOS

14 minutes ago, The_Cincinnati_Kid said:

OTR's newest bar, opening in July, will be an urban oasis: PHOTOS

By Andy Brownfield  –  Staff Reporter, Cincinnati Business Courier

 

An upcoming bar aiming to open next month in Over-the-Rhine plans to be an urban oasis, and community gathering space in an emerging part of the neighborhood.

 

PHOTOS

Great to see a new concept that looks to be a hit, not in the best area but hopefully this will be a catalyst for new businesses to open up. 

Kinda reminds me of how Rhinegeist was a bit of an island during the evenings when it first opened but has since inspired spin-off developments nearby and likely helped solidify the area, along with Findlay Market and Model Group's projects. I'm hoping something similar happens here. This area where the street grid breaks away has some interesting opportunities for more pedestrian oriented, alley-facing type businesses that could create a really unique node in the neighborhood.

Walking from Main Street it really isn't much further. Coming from Vine, Findlay Market or other more established bar/restaurant areas it feels like its a trek and people will check their phone a couple times to see if they're close yet. Getting people who already are on Main Street or in the Zeigler garage, it's just a block further across Liberty. 

 

I think this place will act like the Instagram worthy 'selfie museum' that is going to Dayton. Having a place with this much texture, found objects, a photo worthy drink etc. will be an absolute magnet for young people to fill their feeds. I hope the drinks are great, but that's almost secondary to this place clearly just providing a vibe (sorry my california in-laws are rubbing off). 

https://www.wvxu.org/post/bell-tower-advocates-not-giving-first-lutheran-moves-ahead-demolition
 

Klingler says the biggest need is a philanthropist willing to invest about $700,000, which would be returned later through the historic tax credits. He says they're also looking for a short-term loan of $500,000 until the city's allocation is finalized.

 

If anyone has any leads about any wealthy donors or where they can receive a short term loan then email: 

 

[email protected]

 

or

 

[email protected]

 

 

2 hours ago, jmicha said:

Kinda reminds me of how Rhinegeist was a bit of an island during the evenings when it first opened but has since inspired spin-off developments nearby and likely helped solidify the area, along with Findlay Market and Model Group's projects. I'm hoping something similar happens here. This area where the street grid breaks away has some interesting opportunities for more pedestrian oriented, alley-facing type businesses that could create a really unique node in the neighborhood.

It's going to increase the foot traffic up that block of McMicken quite a bit in the evenings, which will be good for the area. It will be interesting to see the effect on Grant Park and its current reputation for being sketchy after dark.

Foot traffic around Somerset is definitely going to help with the development of that part of the neighborhood.

 

I hope we see a new proposal for the block from Main to Sycamore, Schiller to Mulberry, in the near future too. Right now it's mostly vacant land and a block of Hughes Street that is literally deteriorating into the earth — I'd love to know the story behind when/why the city abandoned it. The previous development proposal was protested by anti-gentrification groups and it has been sitting as vacant land ever since.

32 minutes ago, taestell said:

I hope we see a new proposal for the block from Main to Sycamore, Schiller to Mulberry, in the near future too. Right now it's mostly vacant land and a block of Hughes Street that is literally deteriorating into the earth — I'd love to know the story behind when/why the city abandoned it. The previous development proposal was protested by anti-gentrification groups and it has been sitting as vacant land ever since.

There's a small group that has been activating that space some in the past couple of years and helping to clear out the overgrowth.

 

I don't know if there are any active plans to bring that area up for another RFP process or not.

Several OTR projects awarded state tax credits.Like 11 out of 13 awarded to Cincinnati.No big projects the top about 3 million.

 

SOUTHWEST REGION
56 E. McMicken - Rear (Cincinnati, Hamilton)
Total Project Cost: $821,384
Total Tax Credit: $101,405
Address: 56 E. McMicken Ave. - rear
Originally constructed around 1865, this building is tucked behind neighboring buildings. Previously
residential in use, it has been vacant and neglected for decades. Years of neglect have destroyed 
many of the historical features, so new compatible features and systems will be added for the five
new residential units.
60 E. McMicken (Cincinnati, Hamilton)
Total Project Cost: $1,370,000
Total Tax Credit: $224,000
Address: 60 E. McMicken Ave.
The project at 60 E. McMicken includes two c. 1870 brick buildings that have been vacant for 
around 30 years. After rehabilitation, they will hold five residential units and one commercial space 
on the ground floor.
116 E. McMicken (Cincinnati, Hamilton)
Total Project Cost: $1,796,000
Total Tax Credit: $250,000
Address: 116 E. McMicken Ave.
Dating to around 1859, this project includes two buildings on the same parcel; a larger one fronts 
East McMicken with a smaller one at the rear of the property. The front building held a first-floor 
commercial space with apartments above while the rear building was residential. After 
rehabilitation is complete, there will be 10 apartments and one commercial space.
118 Findlay Street (Cincinnati, Hamilton)
Total Project Cost: $2,304,702
Total Tax Credit: $225,000
Address: 118 Findlay St.
Part of a larger revitalization project near Cincinnati's Findlay Market, this building will be 
rehabilitated for commercial use on the first floor with seven residential units on the upper floors. 
The building is currently vacant and in disrepair with many missing and boarded windows and non
historic finishes. During the rehabilitation project, historic features that can be repaired will be 
retained, and new finishes will be added where nothing remains. The historic cast iron storefront 
will be repaired and the infill removed to reopen the windows.
1629 Vine Street (Cincinnati, Hamilton)
Total Project Cost: $2,402,641
Total Tax Credit: $237,885
Address: 1629 Vine St.
Mostly gutted by a previously abandoned rehabilitation project, this mixed-use building in 
Cincinnati’s Over-the-Rhine neighborhood will undergo a comprehensive rehabilitation. Upon 
completion, the building will house eight apartments and one commercial space on the ground 
floor.
1633 Vine (Cincinnati, Hamilton)
Total Project Cost: $1,512,749
Total Tax Credit: $149,777
Address: 1633 Vine St.
Located in an area of Over-the-Rhine that hasn't yet seen a lot of reinvestment, this mixed-use 
building will be rehabilitated to serve as it was built with commercial space.

1633 Vine - Rear (Cincinnati, Hamilton)
Total Project Cost: $796,020
Total Tax Credit: $78,814
Address: 1633 Vine St. - rear
This building is a small commercial structure in the back lot of a larger building facing Vine Street. 
Once housing a tin shop, the upper story features unique architectural details such as a hoist 
beam and door. After years of neglect and vacancy, the building will be converted to two apartment 
units.
1701 Race Street (Cincinnati, Hamilton)
Total Project Cost: $2,369,106
Total Tax Credit: $234,565
Address: 1701 Race St.
Part of a cluster of three adjacent buildings all funded this round, 1701 Race is a four-story (plus 
attic) brick Italianate building. Two ground-floor commercial spaces and six apartments on the 
upper floors will be reactivated in this project. Original historic features, such as wood trim and the 
stairways, will be repaired as well as exterior features, such as the distinct windows and cornice.
1703 Race Street (Cincinnati, Hamilton)
Total Project Cost: $1,978,558
Total Tax Credit: $195,897
Address: 1703 Race St.
Part of a cluster of three adjacent buildings funded this round, 1703 Race was built in 
approximately 1876 and has first-floor commercial with two floors of apartments above. Historically 
a saloon, future use plans include a bar/restaurant tenant.
1705 Race Street (Cincinnati, Hamilton)
Total Project Cost: $1,953,130
Total Tax Credit: $193,379
Address: 1705 Race St.
Part of a cluster of three adjacent buildings all funded this round, 1705 Race was built in the 
ubiquitous Italianate style of Over-the-Rhine. The building holds a first-floor commercial space 
along with five residential units above. The commercial space, previously converted to residential, 
will be reversed and the storefront reinstated.
1720 Elm Street (Cincinnati, Hamilton)
Total Project Cost: $2,395,505
Total Tax Credit: $235,000
Address: 1720 Elm St.
This three-story brick Italianate building near Cincinnati’s Findlay Market is included in a larger 
revitalization project. Like so many other Over-the-Rhine buildings, 1720 Elm St. served as 
commercial space on the first floor with apartments above. Once completed, the project will retain 
this use, with an office tenant on the ground floor and residential units above. 
1808 Elm Street (Cincinnati, Hamilton)
Total Project Cost: $2,049,838
Total Tax Credit: $200,000
Address: 1808 Elm St.
A small building that is included in a larger revitalization project in Cincinnati's Findlay Market area, 
1808 Elm is an example of the significance of historic vernacular structures. After several years of 
vacancy, the three-story building will once again be home to five families and hold commercial 
space on the first floor. Built around 1865, much of the historic features have been lost, but 
remaining features, such as stairs, wood trim, and plaster, will be retained and repaired.

https://development.ohio.gov/media/media_pr.htm

1 hour ago, ucnum1 said:

https://development.ohio.gov/media/media_pr.htm

I love how Cincinnati always kills it at the tax credits.

30 minutes ago, Ucgrad2015 said:

I love how Cincinnati always kills it at the tax credits.

 Pretty much when you break it down in the number of projects and even the percentage of tax credits awarded.13 Cincinnati projects at $ 9.8 million tax credits.Thats 13 out of 31 projects in the state.$ 9.8 million out of $36.1 mil.

Cleveland 3 projects this round.

Columbus 2 projects this round.

Toledo 1 project and 16 total projects since the tax credit began in 07.

Also Cincinnati with $ 126 million in leveraged development this round out of $ 368 million expected by the enrire state.

That is kinda impressive.

Edited July 1, 20213 yr by ucnum1

https://development.ohio.gov/files/media/pressrelease/2021-0630-State-Supports-31-Historic-Rehabilitation-Projects.pdf

 

Based on owner info/addresses, I think these are the developers for each of the OTR projects that were awarded tax credits.

 

Northcrown:

• 56 E McMicken 
• 116 E McMicken

 

8K

• 60 E McMicken

 

Model Group

• 118 Findlay 
• 1720 Elm
• 1808 Elm

 

3CDC

• 1629 Vine
• 1633 Vine
• 1701 Race
• 1703 Race
• 1705 Race

 

HCB will have a hearing on 8/9/21 about the demo of 1920 Vine Street. 1918 Vine and 2 Hust Alley are right at corner with the alley. 1920 is the building with the stucco front. In the notice, it says the building is not listed as contributing to the OTR Historic District. The Auditor says it's owned by the Land Bank.

 

 

It's this building on the left.

 

29 minutes ago, ryanlammi said:

HCB will have a hearing on 8/9/21 about the demo of 1920 Vine Street. 1918 Vine and 2 Hust Alley are right at corner with the alley. 1920 is the building with the stucco front. In the notice, it says the building is not listed as contributing to the OTR Historic District. The Auditor says it's owned by the Land Bank.

 

 

It's this building on the left.

 

Im curious why the port authority want to demo this building? It doesn’t appear to be in bad shape? You would think it would be cheaper to convert that existing building into affordable housing then completely demo and build from scratch. 

Section 8 pays $765 for a 1 bedroom. There is no possibility of private renovation that works economically and complies with Cincinnati building codes. One might spend $200 per foot to get to a COA.

 

And CMHA does not own properties like that.

3 hours ago, Troeros2 said:

Im curious why the port authority want to demo this building? It doesn’t appear to be in bad shape? You would think it would be cheaper to convert that existing building into affordable housing then completely demo and build from scratch. 

My girlfriend looked at the one on Hust Alley, but while touring you can see the back of 1920 Vine. It has no back wall and the roof and back rooms had collapsed as of 2 years ago. I'm sure it is worse now. I have a pic somewhere of a bathtub in there only held by the drain and one wall and the rest was missing. I know you can fix ruins, but this had had water pouring in almost all of it for a long long time. Edit to add photo. Check out that wild reverse slope that funnels the water into a valley at the neighboring building then towards the back. You get one bad clog and you get a surprise roof pool! https://www.google.com/maps/place/1920+Vine+St,+Cincinnati,+OH+45202/@39.1176075,-84.5173287,33a,35y,93.52h,56.24t/data=!3m1!1e3!4m5!3m4!1s0x8841b3fa276a354f:0x5deaed87217b0325!8m2!3d39.1175453!4d-84.5169041

 

 

 

Edited July 2, 20213 yr by SleepyLeroy

The HCB application for 1920 Vine states:

Quote

The building is structurally deficient and beyond reasonable repair, to the point that no one, including SSRG, the contractor providing stabilization quotes for the Property, has been able to safely walk through it to fully assess its condition. Removing this structure and combining it with a neighboring vacant lot at 1922 Vine Street (also owned by the HCLRC) will yield an optimal lot for quality infill development.

 

3 minutes ago, jwulsin said:

The HCB application for 1920 Vine states:

 

infill projects north of liberty are still so rare and few between. I hate to say this will be an empty lot for another 10 years, but it will probably a remain an empty lot for another 10 years.

E. Clifton is hot. I'd put money there. That was where the trouble on upper Vine came from historically. In 10 years, E. Clifton will look like Pendleton.

1 hour ago, 1400 Sycamore said:

E. Clifton is hot. I'd put money there. That was where the trouble on upper Vine came from historically. In 10 years, E. Clifton will look like Pendleton.

 

...and Grant Park with a Ziegler vibe. It's been a long slog but we'll get there in this corner of the neighborhood! 

Outdoor dining area at Pearlstar under construction:

 

The new hcb packet is out. Some interesting items…the former pannino space at 1315 vine will turn into Bourbon Craft Kitchen and Bar.

 

It appears they want an outdoor patio and a dj booth. 

Bourbon Craft Kitchen and Bar sounds like a generic Chipelto you find in developer renderings

4 minutes ago, ryanlammi said:

Bourbon Craft Kitchen and Bar sounds like a generic Chipelto you find in developer renderings

Doing a simple Google search it seems like they already have a middle town location, so I’m guessing (if they are related) then this concept has been popular enough for a second location. 

2 hours ago, Troeros2 said:

Doing a simple Google search it seems like they already have a middle town location, so I’m guessing (if they are related) then this concept has been popular enough for a second location. 

What works in Middletown, might now work in OTR though... Completely different demographics.

13 minutes ago, savadams13 said:

What works in Middletown, might now work in OTR though... Completely different demographics.

They serve cauliflower wings and a lot of upscale bar food and burgers and have a huge lineup of bourbon drinks. Sounds like it would fit quite well in otr from a glance of their current middle town location. 

Latest HCB packet has details of a proposed renovation of several buildings near the "curve" of Vine St hill. The project is proposed to include 17 apartments in 4 buildings, across 5 street addresses, fronting both Vine St and Ohio Ave. Details of project start on page 44 of HCB packet:

https://www.cincinnati-oh.gov/buildings/historic-conservation/historic-conservation-board/july-12-2021-case-materials-and-staff-report/

 

Overview of project:

• 2014 Ohio - 2 units with first floor storage and a unit on each of the 2nd and 3rd floors
• 2016 Ohio - 4 units, 1 per floor
• 2025 Vine - 3 units, 1 per floor
• 2027 Vine - 4 units, 1 per floor
• 2029 Vine - 4 units, 1 per floor

 

The rent estimates for this project are notable:

 

14 minutes ago, lwoerner said:

The rent estimates for this project are notable:

 

550 square foot apartment for almost 1000 bucks per month? That’s a shoe box! 

I really hope this project is successful. I live right around the corner from here, and walk past them all the time. Will be a welcome addition to the neighborhood. I just hope the developer is experienced enough to pull it off.

The blue pre civil building on central parkway was denied demolition for the boutique hotel project…which is good I guess, but I’m worried about how the plans will shift…some type of hotel seems like a very strong addition to otr and would hate to see this project die.

 

Hopefully they will be able to find a way to incorporate the new design with the blue building in mind. 

Edited July 13, 20213 yr by Troeros2

9 hours ago, Troeros2 said:

Hopefully they will be able to find a way

There's 3 major league stadiums within walking/streetcar distance, OTR doesn't really have hotels, and the convention center wouldn't be a long haul either.  They will find the money to get this built-out.

19 minutes ago, 10albersa said:

There's 3 major league stadiums within walking/streetcar distance, OTR doesn't really have hotels, and the convention center wouldn't be a long haul either.  They will find the money to get this built-out.

Not saying I disagree but I imagine rehabbing the building and figuring out how to configure the layout into hotel will be more cost

prohibitive versus demo and building new construction. 
 

I guess they can always apply for historic tax credits and cover the costs that way. 

On 7/8/2021 at 5:10 PM, Troeros2 said:

550 square foot apartment for almost 1000 bucks per month? That’s a shoe box! 

 

When folks move here from the coasts they say "550 sq ft for less than 1000 bucks per month? That's a steal!"

8 minutes ago, DEPACincy said:

 

When folks move here from the coasts they say "550 sq ft for less than 1000 bucks per month? That's a steal!"

yeah, but your obviously getting the amenities that come with big city living.

 

little bit of a different story when your living in a modest mid sized city with much better options - sqft wise. 

3 minutes ago, Troeros2 said:

yeah, but your obviously getting the amenities that come with big city living.

 

little bit of a different story when your living in a modest mid sized city with much better options - sqft wise. 

 

Well I moved here from the east coast and my next-door neighbors moved here from California. We're both very happy with the level of amenities here. Most people are surprised with how much there is to do in Cincinnati when they visit. It feels "bigger" than it is. And with recent price increases I'm not sure there are much better options, certainly not in the urban core. More people are discovering how great a city this is and the prices are starting to reflect that a bit. It's still a steal compared to many places though.

Yesterday, the Historic Conservation Board voted to deny the demolition of the 2-story building at Magnolia & Central. The demo would have made way for a new 4-story hotel adaptive re-use project that spans the block. Images below of the building that was planned for demolition and then the new design proposed for the site. 

 

So dumb

10 minutes ago, Cincy513 said:

So dumb

Yeah I don’t know..a part of me is frustrated..the other part of me realizes that blue building is one of the few remaining pre civil war buildings remaining in otr. If I remember correctly it was built around the 1830s. 
 

I hate deleting more of otr history..at the same time I hate that it makes this hotel project more difficult to move forward…I guess that’s the ultimate dilemma when it comes to developments in otr. It’s complicated.