Random..and not even sure this is the right thread for this.

 

But tonight was the USA vs Mexico game at TQL stadium. 
 

It was the busiest I ever experienced downtown in my time living here. OTR was jam packed and the best part is how many tourists I spoke to. 
 

I was at the Pitch and a group I spoke to was from Italy who flew down just for the Match. Another group was from Ireland who was also here for the match and stayed in various Airbnb’s in otr.

 

They we’re awesome folks and had such nice things to say about Cincinnati and otr from their short time visiting. 

 

Another group I met was from Canada and I also met people from NYC, Portland, and Seattle who flew down just for the match. 

 

Some have visited prior but for many it was their first time and told me they were surprised how much they enjoyed our city. 
 

I know there was a lot of controversy at first regarding the west end stadium…but I have to say I was so excited to see to many tourists from Europe and across the USA visiting our city for the very first time. 
 

I always had hope that the west end stadium would be more than just an stadium for fcc but a catalyst for other large matches and events that will attract tourists from across the world.

 

I know it was just one night - but that one night - changed thousands of first time tourists impressions of this city for the better. 
 

And for that, I say thank you to the FCC ownership group and their ability to facilitate a new stadium in the west end and bring thousands of first time tourists to our city. 

Edited November 13, 20213 yr by Troeros2

Dumpster is out in front of 35 E McMicken, the cool old garage building that connects through to 1804 Vine Street. I'm excited to see work starting on this site which was bought by Model Group in 2019.

 

New fencing went up around the Short Market lot at Sycamore and Liberty. Could the Fotofocus project the ramping up?

Looks like the brick wall on the north facade of 1415 Walnut is being rebuilt. This building and the land to the south and west were bought earlier this year. The new owner made the rest of the property a surface parking lot. Frankly, I'm surprised to see structural work on the building since I assumed it was destined for "demolition by neglect." Anybody know what the owner's plans are for this building?

 

 

 

 

 

That's all owned by Urban Sites. Years ago, they were going to partner with the Wades to redevelop that land as Phase 2 of the Grammer's Place project, but that fell through. I believe they proposed tearing down the pink building for new construction. But with no active plan, they probably want to keep the pink building from deteriorating further in case they want to incorporate it into whatever eventually gets built there. Plus, they're not going to get approval to demolish it for just a parking lot.

Per the auditor's site, it looks like the pink building itself is still owned by the Wades (WDC LLC) while most of the surrounding lots are owned by various subsidiaries of Urban Sites.

8 minutes ago, taestell said:

Per the auditor's site, it looks like the pink building itself is still owned by the Wades (WDC LLC) while most of the surrounding lots are owned by various subsidiaries of Urban Sites.

 

Well have the Wades finalized there divorce? If not then this is just going to sit as is until god knows when...

My bet is that everything between Vine and Walnut (former OTR Kroger site + Urban Sites lots) will get rolled into one big Mercer Commons-style development, whether it ends up being a 3CDC project or a joint venture involving Urban Sites and/or WDC LLC. It just seems too obvious that a garage could be built in the center of the block with new development along both Vine and Walnut hiding it from the street. But that might be a few years down the road, depending on where 3CDC wants to focus their efforts next.

I'd be shocked if 3CDC sits on the former Kroger lot that long. Everything in the immediate vicinity in the block surrounding it (14th, Vine, 15th, and Walnut) is either already renovated or in the process right now. That huge plot of land is going to be too valuable to sit as a parking lot. Building something brand new is probably much easier from a financing standpoint than having to renovate historic buildings that have sat vacant for the past 15+ years. Only holdup I could see is Urban Sites trying to squeeze them for their lot.

2 hours ago, savadams13 said:

 

Well have the Wades finalized there divorce? If not then this is just going to sit as is until god knows when...

Divorce is over. Decree available. Pretty interesting reading given the division of assets is set forth. PM me with email address.

On 12/2/2021 at 3:51 PM, taestell said:

That's all owned by Urban Sites. Years ago, they were going to partner with the Wades to redevelop that land as Phase 2 of the Grammer's Place project, but that fell through. I believe they proposed tearing down the pink building for new construction. But with no active plan, they probably want to keep the pink building from deteriorating further in case they want to incorporate it into whatever eventually gets built there. Plus, they're not going to get approval to demolish it for just a parking lot.

 

Actually, DSJM LLC that received the property from WDC LLC is not owned by Urban Sites. They did build the parking lot though. Interestingly, the property is now completely tax free because its land use code is 680 "charities, hospitals, retirement homes"...

 

The fact that a brand new parking lot in the middle of OTR that basically prints money is 100% property tax free perfectly illustrates the problems in Hamilton County.

Any idea who DSJM LLC is?

WDC, LLC is Marilyn Scripps.

I could have missed it posted elsewhere, but there has been more announced about the redevelopment of Central Parkway.

https://www.cincinnati.com/story/news/2021/12/05/new-street-designers-draw-up-plans-20-m-remake-central-parkway/8792810002/

 

 

this would be incredible, wow

I think it would be especially incredible if the scope also included the east-west portion of Central Parkway. I couldn't tell from the article whether that is the case or not.

15 minutes ago, Chas Wiederhold said:

I think it would be especially incredible if the scope also included the east-west portion of Central Parkway. I couldn't tell from the article whether that is the case or not.

So far, the scope is just for the north-south portion. But I agree that the east-west portion also needs to be addressed at some point. It is needlessly wide. 

someone needs to rework the corner of central parkway and central parkway. At least widen the Plum Street part so that thru traffic could stay in the right lane and not have to jog left.

 

I always thought the east-west portion would get a makeover first, and without the new stadium that probably would've been the case. I do hope it gets its makeover sooner rather than later.

The east west portion isn't going to be as easy to remake with the streetcar tracks there

18 minutes ago, RJohnson said:

someone needs to rework the corner of central parkway and central parkway. At least widen the Plum Street part so that thru traffic could stay in the right lane and not have to jog left.

 

I think that "intersection" would be best served by a roundabout. Would eliminate the odd tangle of turn lanes and stop signs when going from west bound Central Parkway to southbound Plum.

This will really help make OTR and the West End cohesive and not separated due to the current Central Parkway layout.

To be clear, is there any funding for this project yet? I have seen a lot of comments on social media by people upset that this is getting paid for before any number of other things but this seems to be a concept still in the early stage with no actual guarantee it will happen.

1 hour ago, Cincy513 said:

The east west portion isn't going to be as easy to remake with the streetcar tracks there

 

I don't think they'd be a big deal. Widen the sidewalks, and if you want to alter the median you can expand it on the north side. You wouldn't have to touch the lane with the tracks.

40 minutes ago, Dev said:

To be clear, is there any funding for this project yet? I have seen a lot of comments on social media by people upset that this is getting paid for before any number of other things but this seems to be a concept still in the early stage with no actual guarantee it will happen.

They're hoping a large portion if not all of it can be paid via the new infrastructure bill.  

Team bring back the canals lol

I hope the possibility of streetcar or light rail routing is considered seriously when planning a makeover. Central Parkway could be the way to West End, Fairmount and/or Northside for rail

Edited December 8, 20213 yr by thebillshark

15 hours ago, thebillshark said:

I hope the possibility of streetcar or light rail routing is considered seriously when planning a makeover. Central Parkway could be the way to West End, Fairmount and/or Northside for rail

 

I think a BRT would be better suited to this project. Something like what Cleveland has. Although I'm all for putting a streetcar route there, I don't know if they would want to spend the funds on it.

16 hours ago, thebillshark said:

I hope the possibility of streetcar or light rail routing is considered seriously when planning a makeover. Central Parkway could be the way to West End, Fairmount and/or Northside for rail

I think further north is where this is more of an issue/opportunity. You can connect into the northern terminus of the current streetcar and route over to Central Parkway to go north from there.

Coworking space, restaurant and bar coming to Findlay Market

By Tom Demeropolis  –  Senior staff reporter, Cincinnati Business Courier

 

A large coworking space, as well as a restaurant and bar and event space, are planned for a building on a key corner of Findlay Market.

Cohatch has signed a long-term lease for the entire 20,000-square-foot Leader Building at 130 W. Elder St. in Over-the-Rhine. There, the Columbus-based coworking company will open a location with 31 private offices and more than 100 co-working seats.

In addition to the coworking space, the Leader Building will be home to a North High Brewing restaurant and bar, a top-floor event space and duckpin bowling and arcade games. In total, the project is expected to be an investment of $5 million to $8 million.

 

MORE

I love that the upper floors around Findlay are getting filled up slowly but surely, and I think office will really help the daytime / lunch foot traffic around the market. I still wish that the food hall as originally proposed in Leader Furniture building would have happened, but this will still be a really good addition to that corner. 

I definitely like the idea of having office tenants on Findlay Market, since that will bring more daily foot traffic. Does anybody know if the Hyde Park location of COhatch / North High has been successful? 

 

I'll admit I'm a bit skeptical of the co-working business model (especially when the business is trying to grow quickly in numerous cities across the country), but I hope this location succeeds. The good news is that even if COhatch fails, I think the building and location will do well as traditional office over retail. So, Model Group should be set up well to re-lease it to another office and restaurant tenant in the future. 

Edited December 14, 20213 yr by jwulsin

In latest HCB packet there is a new development of a 4 story 44 unit apartment building by New Republic at 2000 Dunlap street. Across from Dunlap Café and is currently a parking lot.

23 minutes ago, Ucgrad2015 said:

In latest HCB packet there is a new development of a 4 story 44 unit apartment building by New Republic at 2000 Dunlap street. Across from Dunlap Café and is currently a parking lot.

Very exciting news. Curious to see renderings.

A little leery of the pin bowling and arcade thing at a place that has so much civic permanence. A good sign for that side of Liberty, overall, I think.

1 hour ago, zsnyder said:

A little leery of the pin bowling and arcade thing at a place that has so much civic permanence. A good sign for that side of Liberty, overall, I think.

what are you referencing?

The article references the North High Brewing and having an event space, bar, arcade games and duckpin bowling. It will be available as an event space and game room / bar for the Cohatch coworking space. Not sure if those are one in the same or if the North High Brewing and event space are separate. 

Just now, ucgrady said:

The article references the North High Brewing and having an event space, bar, arcade games and duckpin bowling. It will be available as an event space and game room / bar for the Cohatch coworking space. Not sure if those are one in the same or if the North High Brewing and event space are separate. 

Ah, gotcha. I was looking at the HCB letter and was very confused. Didn't see the earlier post. Thanks!

3 hours ago, zsnyder said:

A little leery of the pin bowling and arcade thing at a place that has so much civic permanence. A good sign for that side of Liberty, overall, I think.

I think having some activity later in the evening will be good for the Findlay Market area. I'm down there almost every weeknight between 5-8 and it feels a little ghostly.

Agreed. There is a nice node of evening activity up in the Rhinegeist/Northern Row/E19 area, but extending that down to Findlay Market will be good for the area north of Liberty.

On 12/14/2021 at 11:50 AM, Ucgrad2015 said:

In latest HCB packet there is a new development of a 4 story 44 unit apartment building by New Republic at 2000 Dunlap street. Across from Dunlap Café and is currently a parking lot.

 

Hopefully Danny Klingler or some other NIMBY doesn't sue to stop this as well.

3CDC lands tax credits to redevelop 2 OTR buildings

By Tom Demeropolis  –  Senior staff reporter, Cincinnati Business Courier

 

Cincinnati Center City Development Corp. received state tax credits that will help with the redevelopment of two historical buildings along Main Street in Over-the-Rhine.

 

The Ohio Department of Development awarded Ohio Historic Preservation Tax Credits on Tuesday to 1338-40 Main St. and 1401 Main St., known as the Adeline Building, to be redeveloped as a mix of apartments and first-floor commercial spaces. In total the two building will be an investment of more than $4.5 million.

MORE

Joe Rudemiller, vice president of marketing and communications for 3CDC, said 1338 Main St. and the Adeline Building are both currently vacant. These tax credits will help the nonprofit developer continue the redevelopment work it started in Main Street with the $8.5 million Keyer Row project at 1221-1249 Main St., the first major project 3CDC has done on Main Street.

17 hours ago, Miami-Erie said:

 

Hopefully Danny Klingler or some other NIMBY doesn't sue to stop this as well.

 

It is a OTR Community Housing project (they own the parking lot) with affordable housing so he won't be able to use that excuse against the project.

On 12/8/2021 at 2:10 PM, DEPACincy said:

I always thought the east-west portion would get a makeover first, and without the new stadium that probably would've been the case. I do hope it gets its makeover sooner rather than later.

 

I think the East West part of Central Way a\has turned into a nice European style Boulevard.  Nit ins an ornate beautiful destination kind of way that this may be but just a classic welcoming tree lined boulevard. It was actually redone in 2007 and in my opinion was a big and underrated part of why OTR was able to take off.  To me it bridged the central business district and OTR very effectively.  I still would like to see a couple of the surface lots filled in but generally I think it has aged well and in the Summer and Fall, looks great. 

21 hours ago, CincyNY said:

 

I think the East West part of Central Way a\has turned into a nice European style Boulevard.  Nit ins an ornate beautiful destination kind of way that this may be but just a classic welcoming tree lined boulevard. It was actually redone in 2007 and in my opinion was a big and underrated part of why OTR was able to take off.  To me it bridged the central business district and OTR very effectively.  I still would like to see a couple of the surface lots filled in but generally I think it has aged well and in the Summer and Fall, looks great. 

 

It's not horrible. I think a wider median with a path down the middle would've been a lot better. You see a lot of people walking their dogs in the current median and it's not really wide enough to provide a good buffer. It also still has too many travel lanes and could use bumpouts. But overall, not horrible.

2 hours ago, DEPACincy said:

 

It's not horrible. I think a wider median with a path down the middle would've been a lot better. You see a lot of people walking their dogs in the current median and it's not really wide enough to provide a good buffer. It also still has too many travel lanes and could use bumpouts. But overall, not horrible.

 

Yeah not perfect but still such a major improvement from what it was.  Wish they had done something like that with Liberty.  Also, whatever those trees are, they should use across the city.  They do well here. 

2 hours ago, CincyNY said:

 

Yeah not perfect but still such a major improvement from what it was.  Wish they had done something like that with Liberty.  Also, whatever those trees are, they should use across the city.  They do well here. 

I think they're all Sycamore trees. They grow really well in urban environments (lots of old philadelphia streets are lined with them). Very resistant to pollution & they grow fast. 

Actually they are London Plane trees. Same genus, different species. 

Hey guys. 
 

I thought I’d express some thoughts on my mind. 
 

I won’t lie my interest in urban development has really waned over the past year. It really sucks because it’s a passion of mine but it’s really hard to be excited about things right now. 
 

The restaurant industry and service industry have been hit so hard because of Covid and labor and materials shortages and getting worse because of the new variant.

 

Obviously this is also affecting the pace of new developments in otr. Things feel incredibly slow. I know there are still projects popping up here and there but it definitely is not like how it was back in 2019.

 

New retail, restaurants and bars have also gone silent. There have been a few new openings here and there but again, nothing like how it used to be.

 

I know this is all temporary and eventually things will rebound at some point but I must admit it’s been tough towards having a passion towards something and it just kind of being crushed because of our current situation with the pandemic and the current state of the economy.

 

I really miss being excited for these new developments and the explosive growth our city had. I really hope that returns soon one day. It was really fun times.

48 minutes ago, Troeros2 said:

Hey guys. 
 

I thought I’d express some thoughts on my mind. 
 

I won’t lie my interest in urban development has really waned over the past year. It really sucks because it’s a passion of mine but it’s really hard to be excited about things right now. 
 

The restaurant industry and service industry have been hit so hard because of Covid and labor and materials shortages and getting worse because of the new variant.

 

Obviously this is also affecting the pace of new developments in otr. Things feel incredibly slow. I know there are still projects popping up here and there but it definitely is not like how it was back in 2019.

 

New retail, restaurants and bars have also gone silent. There have been a few new openings here and there but again, nothing like how it used to be.

 

I know this is all temporary and eventually things will rebound at some point but I must admit it’s been tough towards having a passion towards something and it just kind of being crushed because of our current situation with the pandemic and the current state of the economy.

 

I really miss being excited for these new developments and the explosive growth our city had. I really hope that returns soon one day. It was really fun times.

No offense but it is mostly in your head.23 new bars and restuarants opened in otr in 2021. More than double what opened in 2020 and 2 more than in 2019.Total development in otr is booming $310 million in projects announced in 2021.

 

https://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2021/12/26/restaurant-openings-2021.html