It looks great and hopefully will serve as an example of the kind of infill that OTR needs.

 

Luckily for us Model Group will be starting work on another infill building across the street from this one as part of their larger Trinity Flats project.

The whole turret went up so fast... very beautiful!

New firm’s growth draws from love of old buildings

City Studios finds its niche in aging, historic structures

http://cincinnati.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/stories/2008/12/01/story17.html

 

A passion for restoring old buildings and a desire to be their own bosses led three partners to start their own firm in Over-the-Rhine in January.

 

And even as the economy has crumbled, City Studios Architecture has managed to stay busy as it wraps up its first year in business.

 

“We’re lucky. Some of the projects we’re working on this year were funded last year, so the economy hasn’t directly impacted us yet,” said Deanna Heil, who founded the company with Chantelle Noble and Rob Bennett.

Just checked 3CDC's website and noticed a new link.  It appears to be the website for the commercial district of "The Gateway Quarter"

 

http://www.otrgateway.com/

 

I don't like the tourettes. I've never seen any other buildings like that - it's too modern. If stuff like this is allowed to go up, I say we build some art deco buildings in OTR. It's wouldn't fit in either but at least the city has a lot of art deco stuff nearby. I can't believe that was allowed when people were up in arms about the use of glass for that garage next to Music Hall.

I don't like the tourettes.

 

I just realized I spelled it like the disease lol. The new SCPA building does kinda look like it has down syndrome but I digress.

I don't like the tourettes. I've never seen any other buildings like that - it's too modern. If stuff like this is allowed to go up, I say we build some art deco buildings in OTR. It's wouldn't fit in either but at least the city has a lot of art deco stuff nearby. I can't believe that was allowed when people were up in arms about the use of glass for that garage next to Music Hall.

 

Who cares about the turret? The important part is the building is the same height and is perfectly lined up w/ it's neighbors. Same levels and amount of fenestration, and it's brick. If they need to put a turret on it to make it marketable, then more power to them. It is on a street corner too, so i don't think having the turret is that unreasonable.

 

There are plenty of uglier buildings that you can save your wrath for. The bottom line is this is the type of building that needs to be the model for infill in OTR. Nobody that I know of is building true italianate structures anymore.

In my mind I think that we shouldn't always try to replicate the old when it comes to building new in historic areas.  Instead the scale and form of the building should be consistent and contemporary techniques should actually be encouraged to some degree.  If we are constantly just replicating what was done in the 19th Century then what our people going to look back and see for what we did in the 21st Century?

^I absolutely agree with that.  However, if we are going to emulate past techniques and styles, we should do it well.  There's nothing worse than construction and architecture that resembles neighboring historic buildings in a disproportioned or shoddy manner.

 

I would definitely like to see some modern architecture in OTR.  But it should be LEED certified or better.

I don't like the tourettes. I've never seen any other buildings like that

well there is the tourette building and several others in and around OTR and the West End. As was mentioned above, historic does encourage a certain differentiating between old and new and as was also mentioned above, when old is replicated, it is rarely replicated well (although we all appreciate the effort). Trinity needs to be different.   Consider it a new anchor on Vine that needs to stand out, and reestablish a new footstep on the path to total redevelopment of that street. Also, it provides a different product type that appeals to an even broader demographic who like the old, but prefer the new. Trinity is a statement building but keep your eye on Mottainai (Republic St) as well as that has one of the most inovative interiors to date and is LEED certified as Blue Line wanted. Holds have already been placed on multiple units in this building.

There is an apartment building with a similar turret on the corner of Eastern and Tusculum.  I have been inside these apartments and the turret makes for a cool space.

 

http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&ll=39.113846,-84.437399&spn=0,359.961548&z=15&layer=c&cbll=39.112823,-84.437134&panoid=TsHWpIKrOWf4xmYE5HN-kQ&cbp=12,60.44226622718844,,0,-15.643705508947592

If stuff like this is allowed to go up, I say we build some art deco buildings in OTR. It's wouldn't fit in either but at least the city has a lot of art deco stuff nearby.

 

Art deco in OTR?  No way!  ;) 

 

 

 

 

 

just kidding!

In my mind I think that we shouldn't always try to replicate the old when it comes to building new in historic areas.  Instead the scale and form of the building should be consistent and contemporary techniques should actually be encouraged to some degree.  If we are constantly just replicating what was done in the 19th Century then what our people going to look back and see for what we did in the 21st Century?

 

Bingo!

 

^I absolutely agree with that.  However, if we are going to emulate past techniques and styles, we should do it well.  There's nothing worse than construction and architecture that resembles neighboring historic buildings in a disproportioned or shoddy manner.

 

I would definitely like to see some modern architecture in OTR.  But it should be LEED certified or better.

 

Double Bingo!

I'd like to see more stucco and eafs. :wink:

There is an apartment building with a similar turret on the corner of Eastern and Tusculum.  I have been inside these apartments and the turret makes for a cool space.

 

Do you mean this space?

There is an apartment building with a similar turret on the corner of Eastern and Tusculum.   I have been inside these apartments and the turret makes for a cool space.

 

Do you mean this space?

 

 

Woah, did they chop those chimneys off?

96 Rock even mentioned this story this morning.

 

Gateway Quarter Rising, Pushing Out Criminal Element

New Development Succeeding Despite Crime Problems

Eric Flack

Reporter

 

POSTED: 10:45 pm EST December 9, 2008

UPDATED: 12:04 am EST December 10, 2008

http://www.wlwt.com/news/18241241/detail.html?rss=cin&psp=news

 

CINCINNATI -- The push of new business into Cincinnati’s Over-The-Rhine neighborhood seems to be having a deleterious effect on crime.

 

Developers said that the community is one of the fastest-growing in the state of Ohio.

 

But with each new store and block of condominiums comes a challenge for police to keep the neighborhood said. 

 

Store owner Fred Arrowood said that he knew the going might be tough when he opened his new urban furniture store in the Gateway Quarter two weeks ago.

 

He said that to the south of his location, customers see the new stores and condos that represent the community’s future, but to the north they see reminders of a checkered past.

 

"They're sort of looking to see how far they can go up the street,” Arrowood said.

 

But the redevelopment continues to buck the odds, shaking off a recession and some criminal neighbors to become a hot market.

 

Despite problems in the credit market, real estate agents said they're selling at least a condo a week. Seven new buildings are set to open next year.

 

Monthly meetings with neighbors keep police informed and residents feeling safe.

 

Devan Johnson, who moved his hair salon to the neighborhood three months ago, has already noticed less drug dealers.

 

"You get people getting pushed out and moved to a different location, you have to change your mind set I guess,” Johnson said.

 

Developers said they’re winning despite the recession as well. Store owners said they haven’t seen a significant drop in business.

 

Experts said that could be due to an influx of young professionals who are moving downtown to work with companies such as Procter & Gamble.

WLWT? wow. Really?  Not surprisingly they focused their story on the other side of vine st, but I'll take it.  My favorite part is the chick screaming towards the end when the anchor is asking the reporter something.

I know it's far fetched (and ironic seeing as how they're being forced out because a GQ rehab), but Kaldis would be an AMAZING addition to Vine St.

 

Someone should really step up and get them over there.

I know it's far fetched (and ironic seeing as how they're being forced out because a GQ rehab), but Kaldis would be an AMAZING addition to Vine St.

 

Someone should really step up and get them over there.

 

Does anyone have an email address for Kaldis?

Information regarding the Gateway Quarter, including individual building progress, pricing, unit availability, retail development, future phase info, and Q and A section is now up and running on our Facebook Group page under Gateway Quarter.  Feel free to visit us.

Does anyone know if the new residents at GQ are shopping at the Kroger down there?  If so, that's absolutely huge because they have to change the mindset for the people who still think that area is dangerous.

We are so close to Kroger now that I believe once development surrounds it then more and more will begin to shop there. But I am sure some do already. I also hope more and more people will begin to shop at Findlay as well. It is so close and such a great place that we are fortunate to have right here in OTR.  On the flip side of Gateway residents shopping at Kroger, I hope everyone will continue in greater and greater numbers shop at the retailers at Gateway.  We had such a overwhelming turnout the day after Thanksgiving and I think the word is getting out more about what great shops we have here.

I shop at the OTR Kroger.  I didn't at first but then just said it was too stupid to drive past it to get to Corryville Kroger.

 

It is very nice inside.  Probably nicer than Corryville.  But it is small. Only a few check out lanes and a limited selection.  You just have to learn what they carry to make it a productive trip.  You want 10 kinds of chips?  They will have only a few.  You want a razor?  They carry those cheap disposables but they do not carry Gillette Mach 3 disposable razor heads. (I was told by an unnamed Kroger source that because they are expensive, too many were stolen and eventually sold on the street.)  They are great for the basics.

 

All that said, I walk there and never get bothered by anyone.

^I went to the OTR Kroger once and was very disappointed. Yes, it is a small store compared to others, but if they want to entice the residents of the Gateway Quarter and in downtown who carry far larger pocketbooks than most of the residents of OTR where the per capita income is around $5,000, then they need to carry more upscale and organic products. Having off-brand and generic foods at very cheap prices may entice some, but certainly not all.

 

Findlay Market is a great alternative, but it closes fairly early on the weekdays. Nearly all of the shops are closed or closing by the time most are coming home from work, making it impossible for a large portion of the populace to frequent Findlay Market sans the weekends. And if I am looking for fresh meats and vegetables on Wednesday, then they are out of luck.

 

Whole Foods is only but a 10 minute drive from OTR and downtown. Kroger's at Corryville is 10 minutes via Vine Street. While I do support OTR's Kroger's, they need to do a wholescale upgrade and expansion if they want to draw in the more upscale and flush-with-cash crowd.

^But I don't think that there are enough new higher-income residents to support carrying higher-quality item...yet.  I don't think there's a chance of that even happening small scale until redevelopment reaches that block.

Right, but it is important to note that the units coming online in the Gateway Quarter and in the newer fringe developments in OTR (and Main Street) are not cheap -- units are typically $150,000 and up, and very few are subsidized. Once critical mass occurs, then you may have a grocer make an attempt.

^Don't get me wrong--I'd love to see it happen.  It was definitely a plus when they tore down the AM-PM Market for redevelopment.  I am definitely looking forward to that block being redeveloped though.

I would like to see the southern most Smitty's space rehabbed soon though (Smitty's used to occupy three storefronts, now only two).  I'd be curious to see what happens to Smitty's when the redevelopment does occur.  Although it's been around well before OTR hit the dust, it seems very much catered toward black lifestyles.

OTR Kroger  is great, I go there often.  Good luck getting a krogers plus card there though, I have been asking about once a month for around a year and they always say they should get some "This Friday"  LOL  Also, be VERY careful about the advertised savings,  I was charged full price on a few items that were supposed to be on sale.(I did use somebody elses kroger plus card).  One more thing, check the date on dairy. I bought a  1/2 gallon of Horizon organic 2% milk and got home after realizing it was expired 1 week past the sell-by date.

 

Other than that you should be fine.  Would make a great place for a trader joes if Krogers ever goes out of business. 

I would like to see the southern most Smitty's space rehabbed soon though (Smitty's used to occupy three storefronts, now only two).  I'd be curious to see what happens to Smitty's when the redevelopment does occur.  Although it's been around well before OTR hit the dust, it seems very much catered toward black lifestyles.

 

That southern portion of that block (all the way up to Smitty's) is the next to get rehabbed by 3CDC.  They just got all their grants and what not for that phase.

 

As for Smitty's, I don't see it going anywhere anytime soon.  But then again you never know.

Stephen Leeper told me that Smitty's is staying.

> (I was told by an unnamed Kroger source that because they are expensive, too many were stolen and eventually sold on the street.)

 

I can attest that they keep Mach 3 razors locked up in the liquor cabinets at grocery stores in France (incidentally next to the American whisky).  I don't know any French words and I was trying to joke with the dude about people shaving when they're crunked out on Jack but I don't think he got it, even with my exaggerated hand motions. 

 

I don't think I have a photo of the Kroger before the renovation.  Has there ever, in the last 30 years, not been a crowd of dudes loitering around in front of that place?  Even for 5 minutes?  My best OTR Kroger memory is I was down there the day when the Empire Theater collapsed and somebody fired a few shots right up there by the crews that were carting off the remains of the theater.  There were probably 100 people milling around and nobody flinched or even turned around to see who or what got shot.  I decided it wasn't a good idea to look either so I just kept walking south. 

 

 

 

As for Smitty's, I don't see it going anywhere anytime soon. But then again you never know.

 

I don't get the impression that Smitty's is a bad business. 

As for Smitty's, I don't see it going anywhere anytime soon.  But then again you never know.

 

I don't get the impression that Smitty's is a bad business.

 

Neither do I...sorry if I gave off that impression.  Smitty's is a neighborhood landmark if you ask me.  Right there with Tucker's and Alabama's.

Right, but it is important to note that the units coming online in the Gateway Quarter and in the newer fringe developments in OTR (and Main Street) are not cheap -- units are typically $150,000 and up, and very few are subsidized. Once critical mass occurs, then you may have a grocer make an attempt.

 

I thought the Kroger was 'good enough' for normal grocery shopping. I think it's a little unrealistic to expect an organic food store at this point but no doubt it'll happen in OTR or at least downtown, eventually. In the mean time, Clifton Naturals isn't too far away. People love Clifton Natural.

I thought the Kroger was 'good enough' for normal grocery shopping. I think it's a little unrealistic to expect an organic food store at this point but no doubt it'll happen in OTR or at least downtown, eventually. In the mean time, Clifton Naturals isn't too far away. People love Clifton Natural.

 

It would be great to have some sort of small train system operating in a circulator fashion running from Downtown, through Over-the-Rhine and up into Uptown.

Clifton Naturals has a very limited selection. No meats or fresh vegetables, and a limited line of pretty much everything else. Great for college kids or those who don't need variety.

Clifton Naturals has a very limited selection. No meats or fresh vegetables, and a limited line of pretty much everything else. Great for college kids or those who don't need variety.

 

I guess it caters to people who don't eat meat. It would be nice if there were a whole foods downtown. They take so much pride in environmental responsibility.

 

I thought the Kroger was 'good enough' for normal grocery shopping. I think it's a little unrealistic to expect an organic food store at this point but no doubt it'll happen in OTR or at least downtown, eventually. In the mean time, Clifton Naturals isn't too far away. People love Clifton Natural.

 

It would be great to have some sort of small train system operating in a circulator fashion running from Downtown, through Over-the-Rhine and up into Uptown.

 

Well duh  :-P

They carry those cheap disposables but they do not carry Gillette Mach 3 disposable razor heads. (I was told by an unnamed Kroger source that because they are expensive, too many were stolen and eventually sold on the street.) 

 

I use disposables, so I haven't noticed the situation with razors here, but at Walgreens and other similar places, the deodorant is locked up for the same reason.  I don't doubt the strong street market for it, but it seemed like an odd thing to have to summon an employee for deodorant.  One of those things you get used to. 

 

On another note, I'd be extremely miffed if Smitty's was lost in the Vine Street improvement.  That is an institution.  Kind of like Batsakes was on 6th, but moreso.

 

It would be great to have some sort of small train system operating in a circulator fashion running from Downtown, through Over-the-Rhine and up into Uptown.

 

Classic!

I use disposables, so I haven't noticed the situation with razors here, but at Walgreens and other similar places, the deodorant is locked up for the same reason. I don't doubt the strong street market for it, but it seemed like an odd thing to have to summon an employee for deodorant. One of those things you get used to.

 

It must be manager's discretion.  I've never seen deodorant locked up at either of the downtown Cincy locations, but I do notice that they each have different products locked up.  For example, one has Olay body wash locked up, but the other one does not. 

 

On another note, I'd be extremely miffed if Smitty's was lost in the Vine Street improvement. That is an institution. Kind of like Batsakes was on 6th, but moreso.

 

Yup. 

It would be great to have some sort of small train system operating in a circulator fashion running from Downtown, through Over-the-Rhine and up into Uptown.

 

What is this 'train system' of which you speak? Would it be embedded in the streets? Using a series of 'cars' to 'circulate' pedestrians?

 

Fascinating.

The posts about Tucker's Restaurant have been split off from this discussion and merged with the Cincinnati Restaurant News thread that can be found here: http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php/topic,1769.0.html

who made you a moderator?

I have to be honest...I would expect people familiar with OTR...the people who post on this thread, to provide much better information regarding Tuckers than a on a restaurant thread...but whatever.

 

Is there a Grocery thread where you can move the Kroger convo, because that has as little to do with Gateway as Tuckers.

I'd like a definable use of the term "Gateway Quarter".  I know it's the passage between OTR and Downtown, but how far north?

and i'd like a gateway. i doubt either of us get our wish soon.

and I'd like a gateway. i doubt either of us get our wish soon.

 

Speaking of which....has the much delayed streetscape been scraped?  Given the questionable economic viability of the city, I didn't know if a project like that would be indefinitely delayed.

No, it's on schedule. The on-going construction regarding the underground utilities is part of the streetscaping project.