On 8/23/2022 at 9:34 AM, ucgrady said:

Original Submission:

Version approved yesterday:

 

It actually got taller and it got approved! The massing has improved a ton IMO and it looks like they worked on the detailing a ton. I love the repetition of the arches on the first floor, playing off the existing arch on the building and think this project is a home run. I never like to see a pre-civil war building torn down, but in this case I think it's a clear improvement and a much needed anchor hotel for OTR. 

 

Unfortunately, we can't celebrate yet. Margy Waller is coming for it. 

 

Again, the fact one person can potentially hold up development in this city is a complete joke. 

Even more annoying that it's a person who has consistently acted as though she speaks for the neighborhood when she's so out of touch with reality. I would get into arguments with her and she'd say things like, "well if you lived here blah blah blah" and I was always like, "I live on Race Street...I own my home. I do live here." She'd then divert because in her mind she can't compute someone living in OTR being in support of infill and development.

 

She'd then always say, "I'm a lover of modern architecture, but this project isn't it" and could never once produce an example of a modern building in a historic district she liked when prompted.

 

Something needs to change when people like her can hold up progress that isn't displacing anyone and is activating a dead corner.

I was moved to borrow some of the outrage above, and write to council ([email protected]). It's not great, and who knows if the message gets across, but maybe we can make a dent if those of you who feel strongly about this can do the same.

 

---

Dear Council-Members:

I have lived in OTR for 14 years. I bought one of the earliest condo developments on Vine street in 2009. My wife and I have rehabbed two derelict historic properties on Elm, which together now house 11 residents plus a small design business. 

 

I am beyond tired of hearing Margy Waller and Danny Klingler pretend to speak for the neighborhood. They single-handedly killed the large development at Elm and Liberty, which would have turned a blighted area into much needed housing for hundreds of new residents, who would support neighborhood small retailers and restaurants. Now they are coming for the very well designed infill project that would provide a much needed hotel in OTR.

 

Just where is my council in this argument!? Please hear me – I am not a lone wolf railing at my screen. Many, many people are fed up with progress that gets slowed down or stopped completely due to one individual who pretends to know what’s best for all of us. This needs your urgent attention so that OTR can continue to grow and serve its residents and the City of Cincinnati.

 

Thanks,

-Jim Uber

1529 Elm St., 45202

Its sad that all of these issues are caused by 3-4 people that say they are all for development in the neighborhood. It’s always the same lawyers that represent these people. City hall needs to hang their photos on the wall and say “Do not let in”.

$25 million OTR hotel lands key approval

 

More than 15 months ago, developer Ohm Patel revealed plans for a boutique hotel in Over-the-Rhine across the street from TQL Stadium. Since then, Patel’s Moment Development, in a joint venture with Downtown Property Management Inc., has been working to receive the necessary approvals to construct the hotel at the corner of Magnolia Street and Central Parkway. The hotel would be an investment of about $25 million.

 

This week, Patel received unanimous approval for a certificate of appropriateness for the construction of a new building and rehabilitation and additions to two existing historic buildings to create a 97-room boutique hotel. The Historic Conservation Board voted 6-0 approving the certificate of appropriateness, though more steps must be taken before the redevelopment project can begin.

 

“Obviously, it’s been a journey,” Patel told me.

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2022/08/26/25-million-otr-hotel-lands-key-approval.html

 

Otr update last night. 
 

the cops presence in otr seemed less intense. Main was obviously blocked off once again and no cars were allowed to park on the street. 
 

noticed a lot of pedestrians taking advantage of the lack of cars on the streets and were literally walking right on the middle of the street.

 

overall night life activity was a little bit improved compared to previous weekends,  but still severely lacking. Both fcc and Bengals had games that night and Otr is usually hopping and bustling after the games but not so much last night.

 

my guess it will take quite a few months for the public to “forget” about the mass shooting incident and to move on. I think clearly that’s probably what is causing the lack of night life since that incident is still probably fresh in a lot of people minds.

 

overall though the streets let super safe. I know what cpd is doing controversial to some…but at the very least the new spot light towers with attached surveillance cameras and shot spotter create a new blanket of safety at least.

 

ive noticed these popping around troubled spots on main, especially around Ziegler and various narrow alley ways. It’s smart and I’m hoping the crime reduction will continue. I’m hoping people will eventually return to Otr once they feel

comfortable and safe again.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I wont say how I really feel about Margy Waller and Danny Klinger, since some of the moderators on here have a soft spot for both of them. But this is ridiculous, you have a developer Ohm Patel, who is willing to go above and beyond and really spend his money to create an attractive hotel that works with the surrounding neighborhood and met the concerns and needs of the Historic Conservation Board.  I have worked with plenty of developers that look for the cheapest fastest solution, Mr. Patel is going to opposite route on this project. Then you have the hard working architects and designers at Luminaut who have spent alot of time and effort to make this project work to avoid the insane backlash from these two individuals. I will never understand why people still support them or financially back there endeavors.

 

If Margy and Danny keep killing projects are they going to employ architects, engineers and designers that have to be let go because firms in this city arent able to realize actual projects in the city? 

 

If the city doesnt put a stop to the both of them, we will see a huge slow down of good healthy redevelopment in our core. Cincinnati has really risen from the ashes since 2001, and everything that has been built, renovated, or redeveloped has been successful. Yet now we are trying to kill great infill projects all over the city. This is why Columbus and other similar size cities will surpass us and keep on going...

 

Edited August 29, 20222 yr by savadams13

1 hour ago, savadams13 said:

I wont say how I really feel about Margy Waller and Danny Klinger, since some of the moderators on here have a soft spot for both of them. But this is ridiculous, you have a developer Ohm Patel, who is willing to go above and beyond and really spend his money to create an attractive hotel that works with the surrounding neighborhood and met the concerns and needs of the Historic Conservation Board.  I have worked with plenty of developers that look for the cheapest fastest solution, Mr. Patel is going to opposite route on this project. Then you have the hard working architects and designers at Luminaut who have spent alot of time and effort to make this project work to avoid the insane backlash from these two individuals. I will never understand why people still support them or financially back there endeavors.

 

If Margy and Danny keep killing projects are they going to employ architects, engineers and designers that have to be let go because firms in this city arent able to realize actual projects in the city? 

 

If the city doesnt put a stop to the both of them, we will see a huge slow down of good healthy redevelopment in our core. Cincinnati has really risen from the ashes since 2001, and everything that has been built, renovated, or redeveloped has been successful. Yet now we are trying to kill great infill projects all over the city. This is why Columbus and other similar size cities will surpass us and keep on going...

 

As Jim Uber stated, it may not help but we should try to get as many people as possible to email city council and let them know how irritating it is to have a development that can really change not only OTR but the city in general severely delayed or even kill an entire development because a very very small amount of people do not want it. 

 I don’t think it even matters if you live in OTR or not (I do not) but I will be emailing them as well and letting them know that these issues are really holding progression in the city back and will more than likely discourage other developers from these locations. 
 
Some things I’d understand if someone wanted to kill a project, but this project nor Liberty and Elm are even close to fitting that description. 

Has there been any kind of formal process started to block the new hotel? Or is this purely based on the suspicion that the same people who blocked Liberty & Elm are going to use the same approach to block the hotel?

10 minutes ago, taestell said:

Has there been any kind of formal process started to block the new hotel? Or is this purely based on the suspicion that the same people who blocked Liberty & Elm are going to use the same approach to block the hotel?

not to avoid your question, but I always thought the hotel proposed on Liberty and Elm was more of a boutique hotel catering to the soccer crowd and visitor traffic whereas the hotel that was proposed by FC was going to be more of a corporate style hotel and cater to the office complex they are developing next door (of course it will cater to soccer travelers too but there are plenty of them to go around)?

1 hour ago, taestell said:

Has there been any kind of formal process started to block the new hotel? Or is this purely based on the suspicion that the same people who blocked Liberty & Elm are going to use the same approach to block the hotel?

 

I'm assuming you're talking about the hotel proposed at 1416-1430 Central Parkway. I haven't heard about any news since the HCB approved the design of the hotel last week. But from the Business Courier article, there is still a pending lawsuit regarding the demolition of 1416 Central Parkway: https://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2022/08/26/25-million-otr-hotel-lands-key-approval.html

Quote

Over-the-Rhine Community Housing, Margy Waller and Danny Klingler filed an appeal at the end of 2021 in Hamilton County Court of Common Pleas regarding the demolition of 1416 Central Parkway. Patel said he expects a hearing on that case this fall.

 

1 hour ago, taestell said:

Has there been any kind of formal process started to block the new hotel? Or is this purely based on the suspicion that the same people who blocked Liberty & Elm are going to use the same approach to block the hotel?

There is a new court date set by both Waller and Klinger in Common Pleas, Mr. Patel's attorneys have been preparing for along with the team at Luminaut. 

1 hour ago, Brutus_buckeye said:

not to avoid your question, but I always thought the hotel proposed on Liberty and Elm was more of a boutique hotel catering to the soccer crowd and visitor traffic whereas the hotel that was proposed by FC was going to be more of a corporate style hotel and cater to the office complex they are developing next door (of course it will cater to soccer travelers too but there are plenty of them to go around)?

You must have projects confused, Liberty and Elm was always going to be market rate apartments, parking garage and leasable retail space on ground floor. The Hotel we are discussing is on Central Parkway almost where Ezzard Charles hits Central. The FCC hotel is still being planned on the property they acquired north of TQL Stadium 

36 minutes ago, savadams13 said:

You must have projects confused, Liberty and Elm was always going to be market rate apartments, parking garage and leasable retail space on ground floor. The Hotel we are discussing is on Central Parkway almost where Ezzard Charles hits Central. The FCC hotel is still being planned on the property they acquired north of TQL Stadium 

Thanks for the clarification. 

5 hours ago, savadams13 said:

There is a new court date set by both Waller and Klinger in Common Pleas, Mr. Patel's attorneys have been preparing for along with the team at Luminaut. 

I get that she’s all about preserving the history of OTR but sometimes to be able to get new development we need to let some buildings go and this one imo is one that can go. If she’s so worried about the progression of OTR then maybe she should buy all the available buildings instead of spending the money on suing any developer who wants to redevelop. 

 

 

 

Please help Danny save the neighborhood.  Below is a stalled initiative, needing a jumpstart:

 

 

 

From: mbruggeman tipmllc.com <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, May 14, 2022 3:06 PM
To: [email protected]; [email protected]
Cc:
Subject: North of Liberty economic development: Freeport Row legal delays

 

North of Liberty economic development:    Freeport Row legal delays

 

 

Mayor/Councilmember

How are you.

I’m a resident here at Findlay Market with an interest in ongoing neighborhood economic development.  The $85m Freeport Row project by Kean Ventures   Freeport Row at Liberty and Elm Streets in Over-the-Rhine: History (cincinnati.com)  received full building permit approvals last year after extensive due diligence and public input. 

Unfortunately, this landmark mixed-use project is under prolonged strategic legal delay by a local resident.

 

With additional neighbors, we’re gathering ideas and local support to bring some daylight to this project’s benefits.  We don’t contemplate legal action but rather signature gathering and media support to highlight Freeport Row’s attributes.  As this is in essence a political issue, Councilmembers’ input may be helpful.

 

Please note that this is strictly a preliminary grassroots initiative.  We are community members only with no vested interest in the project nor developer.  Can you suggest any available times to discuss this issue at City Hall offices?  Thanks MB

 

TIpm,LLC  design-build tenant improvements

Mark Bruggeman RA, NCARB, principal

111 W. Elder St. #4, Cincinnati OH 45202     

T  513.315.1788   www.tipmLLC.com

[email protected]

 

  Public Architecture

  STRENGTHENING NONPROFITS THROUGH DESIGN

59 minutes ago, lumpy said:

 

 

 

Please help Danny save the neighborhood.  Below is a stalled initiative, needing a jumpstart:

 

 

 

From: mbruggeman tipmllc.com <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, May 14, 2022 3:06 PM
To: [email protected]; [email protected]
Cc:
Subject: North of Liberty economic development: Freeport Row legal delays

 

North of Liberty economic development:    Freeport Row legal delays

 

 

 

Mayor/Councilmember

How are you.

I’m a resident here at Findlay Market with an interest in ongoing neighborhood economic development.  The $85m Freeport Row project by Kean Ventures   Freeport Row at Liberty and Elm Streets in Over-the-Rhine: History (cincinnati.com)  received full building permit approvals last year after extensive due diligence and public input. 

Unfortunately, this landmark mixed-use project is under prolonged strategic legal delay by a local resident.

 

With additional neighbors, we’re gathering ideas and local support to bring some daylight to this project’s benefits.  We don’t contemplate legal action but rather signature gathering and media support to highlight Freeport Row’s attributes.  As this is in essence a political issue, Councilmembers’ input may be helpful.

 

Please note that this is strictly a preliminary grassroots initiative.  We are community members only with no vested interest in the project nor developer.  Can you suggest any available times to discuss this issue at City Hall offices?  Thanks MB

 

TIpm,LLC  design-build tenant improvements

Mark Bruggeman RA, NCARB, principal

111 W. Elder St. #4, Cincinnati OH 45202     

T  513.315.1788   www.tipmLLC.com

[email protected]

 

  Public Architecture

  STRENGTHENING NONPROFITS THROUGH DESIGN

 

 

Anything with Danny Klinger's name or finger on will not receive my endorsement or help. He is hurting more than he is helping Cincinnati and OTR. Cannot wait for the day when he runs out of funds for all his legal shenanigans he produces on every potential new development in the city. 

8 minutes ago, savadams13 said:

 

Anything with Danny Klinger's name or finger on will not receive my endorsement or help. He is hurting more than he is helping Cincinnati and OTR. Cannot wait for the day when he runs out of funds for all his legal shenanigans he produces on every potential new development in the city. 

Then a design gets approved that he hates even more than the ones on the lots that he tried to save. 

4 minutes ago, Ucgrad2015 said:

Then a design gets approved that he hates even more than the ones on the lots that he tried to save. 

He wants to reduce the density of the project way too much. It doesnt make a solid investment for any bank or financial institution to approve loans. You need to have a proper size and unit count in order to make the project viable for loan approval. So what will happen is the developer will walk away and the lot will continue to remain undeveloped and derelict, not spuring other development in the immediate area. 

Sarcasm doesn't work in text sometimes.   The point being made is simple, however:  Like others have recently said, retaliating against the obstruction of OTR economic development projects probably needs some organized resistance.  Writing a letter to city council is a small step but more awareness doesn't hurt.

Maybe your post/email should begin "Please help save the neighborhood from Danny", instead of the other way around, but I agree with the rest of it. It's infuriating to have projects that are infilling vacant lots that would ADD to the vibrancy of the neighborhood getting blocked. At least in the case of projects that require demolition of historic buildings I get the opposition (even though in the case of the hotel project I think the positives outweigh the negatives), but in the case of Freeport Row it's going on an empty f'ing lot!

Here is a link to the 990 which (reading between the lines) may give some indication as to this situation.

 

https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/display_990/800672053/05_2021_prefixes_80-81%2F800672053_202012_990_2021052418177188

HCB agenda for 10/10. Big ones that stuck out to me were the 4 story new build on 1527-1531 Pleasant street and the rehabilitation of 110 East 14th street. 

Looks like some major changes are being proposed for Main Street. 
 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/mainstreetotr/permalink/10158585422801831/

 

did anyone attend the meeting? 

That Facebook post is an overreaction. (Love how he jumps to "letting some outside idea/some outside force change our neighborhood for their benefit" before knowing anything about who's actually proposing it.)

 

This is not some official proposal from the city or from some evil, greedy, out-of town developer looking to demolish Main Street; this is a conceptual rendering created by some folks affiliated with the Devou Good Foundation:

 

 

1 hour ago, Troeros2 said:

Looks like some major changes are being proposed for Main Street. 
 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/mainstreetotr/permalink/10158585422801831/

 

did anyone attend the meeting? 

 

 

Looks like the event is today 5:30-7pm at the OTR Rec.

https://www.facebook.com/mainstreetotr/posts/pfbid029siYFYtiHye4fNud9S9z4Q3F6GGAhBvTZesZHhSm8WgQyxSzpWxVnm3bqicq7GfZl

On 9/1/2022 at 6:29 PM, Ucgrad2015 said:

HCB agenda for 10/10. Big ones that stuck out to me were the 4 story new build on 1527-1531 Pleasant street and the rehabilitation of 110 East 14th street. 

 

 

Looks like 1215 Main Street (the old John 3:16 Baptist Church) is now owned by Gabriel Deutsch who, according to the internet, owns the Mockbee, cofounded QCR, and is involved in Mikey's Late Night Slice.

1 hour ago, Miami-Erie said:

 

 

Looks like the event is today 5:30-7pm at the OTR Rec.

https://www.facebook.com/mainstreetotr/posts/pfbid029siYFYtiHye4fNud9S9z4Q3F6GGAhBvTZesZHhSm8WgQyxSzpWxVnm3bqicq7GfZl

Nope. 

 

The Healthy Neighborhood's Committee meeting was re-scheduled (due to CM Jan-Michelle Lemon Kearney's scheduling), and is now being held on Wednesday, Sept 13, at 5:30pm at the OTR Rec Center. The Devou Good Foundation is planning on presenting on a variety of concepts related to pedestrian improvements throughout OTR (not just Main St). The agenda will be posted on the Legistar site once it is finalized in the coming days: https://cincinnatioh.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx

 

 

More on that proposal for Main Street and Findlay Market pedestrian zones:

 

 

Chatfield College to close OTR campus in 2023 amid declining enrollment

By Liz Engel  –  Staff reporter, Cincinnati Business Courier

Sep 13, 2022 Updated Sep 13, 2022, 1:39pm EDT

 

A liberal arts college that’s maintained a presence in Cincinnati for more than 30 years will shutter at the end of the fall 2022 semester as officials plan to transition the organization to one with a new focus. 

 

Chatfield College, which maintains a campus in Over-the-Rhine, plans to change from a two-year, private liberal arts college to a nonprofit agency beginning in January 2023. Chatfield College President Robert Elmore said the school must adapt to “today’s declining enrollment and demographic trends,” which makes it economically unsustainable to continue to operate as a college.

 

MORE

Kinda bummed to hear that Chatfield is leaving OTR, but they did a great job renovating that building back in 2015. I hope the next buyer takes advantage of the great location and attractive architecture.

 

https://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2022/09/13/chatfield-college-to-close-shift-to-nonprofit.html

I wonder how many Elm & Liberty residents (306 apartments plus 4 renovated shells) would be enrolled in Chatfield today.

25 minutes ago, lumpy said:

I wonder how many Elm & Liberty residents (306 apartments plus 4 renovated shells) would be enrolled in Chatfield today.

 

Honestly, probably 0. Chatfield College is pretty small, and is generally geared towards individuals who don't have a lot of money to spend on a four year college. I believe they were all going to be market rate units, and almost all probably college graduates.

Probably, although the 4 shells were subject to successful historic tax credit application and then would have been offered as affordable units.

The point for me always remains:  OTR Adopt views himself as saving the neighborhood from virtually any development, meanwhile North of Liberty vicinity businesses continue to fail due to lack of clientele.  And 500 market rate tenants spending money in the neighborhood wouldn't hurt anybody except Danny.

Chatfield was not a fit for the neighborhood anymore. They would be better off in the west end or over in price hill

Heard yesterday that Buzzed Bull Creamery will be closing their OTR location. 

I just noticed this at the former 16-Bit space at the corner of Walnut/Mercer... looks like Columbus-based Level One Bar + Arcade will be opening in that space:

2 hours ago, jwulsin said:

I just noticed this at the former 16-Bit space at the corner of Walnut/Mercer... looks like Columbus-based Level One Bar + Arcade will be opening in that space:

So glad somethings going in. Was really depressing to see that wonderful space sit empty. It really put a damper on this section of Walnut. 

HCB hearing on 10/24. Turning Felsenbrau building into a brewery. Great news for this section of OTR!

Just an FYI, I prefer Level One over 16-Bit.  Better games and better drinks.

 

Looks like there will be a parking lot at the former Davis Furniture site. 

1 hour ago, wjh2 said:

 

Looks like there will be a parking lot at the former Davis Furniture site. 

i hope the city rightfully strongly objects to this

4 minutes ago, stashua123 said:

i hope the city rightfully strongly objects to this

I don't think they can. They are applying before the IDC takes effect so I don't see how the city has the right to deny this permit.

I thought there was already a rule about demolishing to create a parking lot, which is how we got the fake park where the Dennison was and more recently the Millenium Hotel? 

I can't help but think that this was the intention that the owners had when they purchased the building and ended up abandoning it.

 

I also don't think there's anything the city can do since it's applying for a permit and not going to the planning commission.

 

That whole block is going to look tempting to a large developer to swoop in and build a five over one similar to the foundry in Pendleton.

Does the HCB have no say over parking lots in OTR? 

3 minutes ago, RealAdamP said:

I can't help but think that this was the intention that the owners had when they purchased the building and ended up abandoning it.

 

I also don't think there's anything the city can do since it's applying for a permit and not going to the planning commission.

 

That whole block is going to look tempting to a large developer to swoop in and build a five over one similar to the foundry in Pendleton.

Hopefully sooner than later. Sucks to have lost this building, but what's done is done. A large scale development of that whole block with a higher portion fronting Central Parkway and a 5 story portion fronting the 12th/Main corner would be a great addition to the neighborhood. It would also serve as a nice entrance to OTR while on the streetcar to have a substantial new development right next to the first stop in the neighborhood.

18 hours ago, ColDayMan said:

Just an FYI, I prefer Level One over 16-Bit.  Better games and better drinks.

More importantly though, are the games also free with the purchase of a drink? I miss that style of barcade. Since moving to NYC, they're all pay per game which completely ruins the fun. If I wanted that I'd go to one of the fantastic arcades in Chinatown for instance. They're not fun unless free games are the incentive to go there (at least for me).

17 minutes ago, jmicha said:

More importantly though, are the games also free with the purchase of a drink? I miss that style of barcade. Since moving to NYC, they're all pay per game which completely ruins the fun. If I wanted that I'd go to one of the fantastic arcades in Chinatown for instance. They're not fun unless free games are the incentive to go there (at least for me).

 

Yes, free games.