right, but those 100 or so people are bums and cracked-out druggies. Ive seen hobos pissing into the street right on the race st. sidewalk in broad daylight!!

 

I wish the orchestra would perform concerts in that gazeebo during summer nights. When was the last time there was a BIG festival in washington park? I think it has just as much or more potential than fountain square...but the city chooses fountain square as the backdrop for all the events

Washington Park has to be the most alive park in the city, if not the state.

We can't honestly be debating this - Washington Park is ignored by police and the Drop inn takes no responsibility for the sh** they put out on the street on a daily basis.  People drink, do drugs, and buy/sell drugs out in the open in broad daylight.  I also see people pissing there regularly...one time a cop on a bike rode right by him and I started yelling in order to get the cops attention. 

 

Its always a mess, it's not inviting to law abiding citizen whatsoever, and I am honestly afraid that I will step on a needle there.

I stopped walking by Washington Park for the most part after I was nearly mugged for money, although it seems to have been cleaned up a bit in the past month. Perhaps that was due to the Gateway Quarter expansion bit and the church git-together. The Drop Inn created a "park" in a courtyard of their building so that the homeless could congregate at instead of Washington Park, but it's all but under-utilized.

 

I was actually walking along the streets by Washington Park a few days ago (Sunday) and I actually was not asked for money, food or else during the entire duration, which was surprising. I noted at least 55 homeless in the park, a lot of people eating food from the shelter, a few passed out with alcohol bottles next to them, and quite a few shopping carts and clothes littered about. It really isn't maintained as well as it should, but then again, no one outside of the homeless really use it for its intended purpose.

 

My photos of Washington Park should be up later this week. I'd like to do some before-and-afters.

It's basically a lawless day shelter for homeless people and drug addicts.  Very inviting for a quiet day and a book.

 

It's not that I think homeless people should be barred from the park it's just that it's so extreme.

^

you should try Washington D.C. Dupont Circle, McPherson Square, and many other public spaces not including the mall are covered in homeless people at all times of the day and night. The one thing that D.C. does a better job of is making sure the homeless aren't commiting any criminal acts.

Yes I've seen the homeless in DC parks.  You are right about the criminal element.  In Cincinnati it's like "as long as they are doing it in the park it's ok"

 

Its only a matter of time before Rando moves this discussion, so to get back on topic-

 

There's a sign in front of the sales office that Duncanson is officially sold out.  If so, this is great news.  Bremen is sold out and Duncanson selling out means that every quality building they've renovated is selling.  Centennial loses out with location and Gateway I is junk.

"S" and "Fall '09" on one of the restaurant pads in Duveneck.  I've heard talk of a place called Senate or something like that.

Centennial loses out with location and Gateway I is junk.

 

I am considering a move to the Gateway quarter.  Why is the Gateway I building considered junk?

In my opinion, you lose the "historical renovation" aspect with Gateway I (the modern looking building).  I'm sure it's nice but part of what's great about oTR is the architecture.

Centennial loses out with location and Gateway I is junk.

 

I am considering a move to the Gateway quarter. Why is the Gateway I building considered junk?

 

It's personal preference.  I was not impressed with the floor plans in the first Gateway building.  The other buildings in the Gateway Quarter also seem to have better features such as hardword floors and granite countertops. 

I am considering a move to the Gateway quarter.  Why is the Gateway I building considered junk?

 

It's not my cup of tea, but I do know some owners there who are happy with their purchase.  It's new construction, great value, great location and you get secured parking.  I prefer the exposed brick, original hardwood floor kind of feel over the newer construction, but it's all relative.

Considering what Gateway I replaced (a parking lot), nothing was truly lost when they constructed the development on the side of the parking structure. It has its merits and attracts a different clientele who may not otherwise be interested in moving into OTR. I suppose the same can be said for brand-new (from the ground up) Fourteenth and Vine at Trinity Flats versus some of the older rehabilitation.

In my opinion, you lose the "historical renovation" aspect with Gateway I (the modern looking building). I'm sure it's nice but part of what's great about oTR is the architecture.

 

I feel the opposite.  I would actually like to see more new construction with more modern architecture like Gateway I (hopefully not at the expense of salvagable historical buildings).  I think it adds value when there's a mix of architectural styles.  Obviously, I would like to see them all be complementary, but I would support a variation of styles.

I've heard talk of a place called Senate or something like that.

It is the Senate and they do serve hamburgers but it is more than just a hamburger restaurant.

 

Centennial loses out with location and Gateway I is junk.

Gateway I is simply a different product type.  The people who live there seem to love it.  Some like new, some like old but the nice thing about the Quarter is there is something for everyone.

 

 

Senate is briefing Duveneck residents tonight. Prepare for more information soon.

So is Senate a brand new place or do they have another location/chain/affiliate?

 

I'm trying to get a feel for what it will be like.

Not much info, but they do have a website already

 

http://www.thesenaterestaurant.com/

Horray for it being out.  I like 'The Senate' better than what was floating around before...'The Senate Pub.' 

Well, their website says it is a 'gastropub.'  SO basically, a notch or two above a regular pub. 

hooray for 3CDC!!! Where would we be without them?

Alright, now that the name is public does anyone in the know want to spill some details?  I think the Gastropub concept is going to be a great fit for the area. 

please add a tv or two with nfl sunday ticket...i will be there 2-3 times a week!!!

As long as they keep a mix then it's great.

Dan is the guy that was supposed to be the chef for Boss Cox (which won't be happening obviously). He moved down from Chicago for Boss Cox I think.

 

From what I understand it is just the smaller portion of the Duveneck building - the south portion - with some basement involved too.

 

I know that 3CDC was trying to lease the northern part of the building apart from them at one point.

they must be trying to do the retail/restaurant combo like lavo and metronation. 

OTR’s Drop Inn Center object of local Green Building Council redevelopment contest

http://www.soapboxmedia.com/innovationnews/0616greendesign.aspx

 

Students and young professionals will vie for top design honors during the 2009 Natural Talent Design Competition sponsored by the Cincinnati chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council.

 

Designers will submit a plan for redeveloping the Drop Inn Center homeless shelter, at the corner of 12th and Elm Streets in Over-the-Rhine, in accordance with the LEED Green Building Rating System.

 

“We’ve grown rapidly over the last year, getting emerging green builders. This (contest) has helped. People are attracted to design competitions, and we can draw from Cincinnati State, the University of Cincinnati and  Miami University, and we’re starting to getting them interested in being in our group,” said Heather Wehby, the Cincinnati chapter’s board of directors secretary.

 

There are no plans for the winning design to be used at the Center, but potentially it could serve as a starting point if the Drop Inn center is redeveloped, said Wehby.

 

The project must include:

• Outdoor Courtyard/ Athletic Space: for gathering and recreation; must be connected to dorm space and easily accessible
  
• Men’s Dorm Facility (24 hour emergency shelter): 300 beds
  
• Women’s Dorm Facility (24 hour emergency shelter): 100 beds
  
• Group Restrooms (Men’s and Women’s): connected to Dorm space
  
• Residential Recovery Unit w/ 20 private rooms w/ individuals restrooms: Adjacent to dorm facility (recovering residents act as role model for dorm residents.)
  
• Parking

 

“The existing facility is not large enough for the center’s needs. Capacity for men’s and women’s dorm space must be expanded. An exterior courtyard is urgently needed. … The project will utilize LEED for New Construction strategies to create a unique and integrated urban design aesthetic and strive for a LEED Platinum rating,” the contest rules state.

 

Contestants work in teams of up to five people and must be in college or a college grad who has been in the workforce five years or less. The Cincinnati contest will be just one of more than two dozen taking place across the country from New York City to Los Angeles. There are currently 11 Cincinnati teams in the contest.

 

“One emphasis is on social sustainability, as well as environmental sustainability. That’s one of the reasons we host the program, to present sustainability in a broad context and the impact it has on people. It’s really resonating,” Wehby said.

 

The deadline for submissions is July 13, and contests can register online at

www.usgbc.org\egb. Complete contest rules are here.

 

Winners will receive cash prizes of $1,000 for 1st Place, $500 for 2nd place and $250 for 3rd place. Fourth and Fifth places will receive honorable mentions.

 

Judging will be held at Cincinnati State Technical and Community College’s main campus on July 23 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. The award ceremony will follow. The finalists will compete with other designers in a national contest at USGBC’s Annual Green Building Conference and Expo in Phoenix.

 

The local chapter is also seeking sponsors for the contest. Funds donated will go directly to student awards.

Looks like some accurate info has made its way here...  stay tuned as more details will be released by the restaurant owners when they are ready.  Eventhough we own the space, I want to honor their intentions.

 

As for the remaining Duveneck space and Lackman for that matter, significant interest has risen.  We are working very hard to deliver desirable destinations in these retail spaces.

 

One or two new retailers will be coming to Main street soon as well.  I will post again as more details are made firm.

 

Greg Olson Urban Sites

Why not Gateway I - this product was completed by Rick Kimbler of the Northpointe Group [the same developer who participated in Duncanson (100% sold out) and now Mottainai - OTR's first LEED certified project - ours at the Belmain will be 2nd] - Gateway was the first splash on Vine and is very different from the Urban Sites aesthetic - but it reaches a different buyer and really is not crap.  Rick and Neyer (the GC) are very proud of their reputations and have made major strides here.  Actually, when this building was constructed... that same year there were still hundreds of police calls to the corner of vine and 12th - something that never happens today.  So to me, I say thank you 3CDC and Rick Kimbler for your courage for stepping out here.

 

Greg Olson Urban Sites

Greg, thanks for commenting on this board, and welcome.  You have done some great work, even if you are an X fan.

 

-a Bearcat fan

As for our first LEED certified attempt (which is the Belmain - 1202 Main), please feel free to contact Holly or Stacy in the Gateway Quarter office if you would like a sneak peek - these are due to come on line officially at the end of July. 

 

Our President Bill Baum and his son Otto are renowned for their creativity in adaptive reuse.  The consummate LEED pioneers I surmise.

 

Of course, I am willing to share a private tour as well - you are welcome to reach me at [email protected]

 

Greg Olson Urban Sites

Thanks JSkinner. 

Greg, thanks for commenting on this board, and welcome. You have done some great work, even if you are an X fan.

 

X fans are great.  :-)

 

 

I was talking with my dad who oddly enough did some brick work in many of these buildings (but never told me before)... and he kept on talking about how badly these buildings are being constructed. He said that he would personally not feel comfortable living in them, as they are gutted and "rigged" together. That makes me feel nervous = (.

Which buildings?

I'd take the sturdiness of my building over any of those cookie cutter homes that contributed to the financial ruin that is America.  Given the same type of storm i'm 100% sure I am more safe than anyone in Mason

Honestly, I wouldn't be surprised if Lanskeith17 is right. Construction standards are a lot lower today, and it doesn't matter if it's urban or the "cookie cutters" out in Mason. Even for the older buildings in OTR, at the very least their roofs are probably new construction. They probably even used some of the same subcontractors that work out in Mason.

 

Were any of the Gateway Quater's new construction framed with wood and plywood? Hopefully not, but if so, it's probably the same standards as the suburbs for better or worse.

^ I am very familiar with suburban construction and have personally supervised reconstruction in OTR, and the buildings in OTR are much much sturdier than any stick built modern home.  Some bricklayers are uncomfortable working with old walls, because the bricks and mortar are softer than the modern materials they use on new homes.  But it is an old-way of thinking that actually results in a longer-lasting building IMO.  These old walls use mass + gravity.  The lime mortar is soft and pliable.  There is no re-bar in the walls that can rust.  They have stood 100+ years and they will stand an other hundred easily.

^ I am very familiar with suburban construction and have personally supervised reconstruction in OTR, and the buildings in OTR are much much sturdier than any stick built modern home. Some bricklayers are uncomfortable working with old walls, because the bricks and mortar are softer than the modern materials they use on new homes. But it is an old-way of thinking that actually results in a longer-lasting building IMO. These old walls use mass + gravity. The lime mortar is soft and pliable. There is no re-bar in the walls that can rust. They have stood 100+ years and they will stand an other hundred easily.

 

It's amazing the amount of foundation cracks from shifting I see when going through new homes on inspection appointments versus my own, which is built in 1876.

^That's because nowadays everyone is obsessed with saving money when constructing just about anything.  Those old buildings in OTR not only look better than half the stuff out today, but would survive a tornado no questions asked.

Most of the renovations only strip materials that are deemed unnecessary to the structural integrity of the building.  The only time you need be worried is if you see lots of cuts through floor plates.  although the brick walls or timber columns carry all the gravity loads in most OTR buildings, it's the floor joists that laterally brace the walls and keep them from falling over.  It's also interesting that many times adjoining buildings keep each other from falling down, I can't think of any specific pictures I have, but often you can see walls staring to bow where neighboring buildings have been demolished.

Abandonments of Over-the-Rhine

 

http://zfein.blogspot.com/2009/06/abandonments-of-over-rhine.html

 

I made a blog post about some abandonments in OTR, as well as some of the renovations that have taken place and give hope to all the typical abandonments I normally photograph.

Discussions relating to the Drop Inn have been moved to --

http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php/topic,2568.0.html

Cincinnati approves funding for OTR permanent supportive housing

http://www.building-cincinnati.com/2009/07/cincinnati-approves-funding-for-otr.html

 

A permanent supportive housing project for the homeless will receive the final funding it needs to begin construction, thanks to an approval from Cincinnati City Council.

 

Council passed an ordinance to transfer $1.45 million in federal HOME funds from three existing project accounts to fund the City's portion of the Jimmy Heath House, a 25-unit project at 209-219 Odeon Street spearheaded by Over-the-Rhine Community Housing and 3CDC.

 

The project, based upon the "Housing First" model practiced in more than 150 cities and counties throughout the county, is meant to provide permanent housing for the chronically homeless, who generally cycle between the streets, shelters, jail cells, and emergency rooms.

 

The hope is that a stable living situation and on-site services will move tenants toward sobriety.

 

Three of the 25 apartments will be designated as U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Low Rent HOME assisted units, and eight will be designated High Rent HOME assisted units. Residents will not be required to pay more than 30 percent of their income for rent.

 

HGC Construction has been hired as the general contractor, and construction is expected to last approximately one year after demolition begins this summer.

 

Additional project funding will come from State of Ohio Housing Development Gap Financing, Federal Home Loan Bank of Cincinnati, a Cincinnati/Hamilton County Continuum of Care Samaritan Initiative Grant, Spirit of America National Bank, and a small private grant.

 

Councilmembers Chris Bortz, Leslie Ghiz, and Chris Monzel voted against the ordinance.

Honestly, most modern masons aren't comfortable with OTR brick and lime based mortar, because they are not used to laying brick to support anything but itself! Brick bearing walls are an art and a science. They built them thick, with soft mortar (called sacrificial) so that the actual structure of the wall would not lose integrity. The "glue" (mortar) between the brick allows the wall to respond to a lot more pressures due to moisture, wind, ect...Most suburban buildings are built of wood or metal studs, and then clad. Buildings in OTR have outlasted, and will outlast them for a long time. Good point about the lateral bracing, BTW Ram! Ever noticed when one building is taken down, the different types of brick are exposed in party walls? Not all brick was meant to be exposed to the elements or sight!

Via Buildingcincinnati 

Dana Hotel, Over-the-Rhine: A 41-room single-room occupancy hotel for residents with severe and persisting mental illness, operated by Tender Mercies. The $507,393 in tax credits will allow for building renovation, the addition of a half floor to the top of the structure, and the increase of at least 120 square feet of all units.

 

 

What is the address of this location?

I believe you are talking about the building across from the Q office on 12th going West.  It sits on the north side of the street before Race next to Lords Gym.

^Its the nw corner of 12th and Republic.  It looks like the renovations are almost completed.

Thats what I thought at first but didn't know why this would be news now.

 

They built really nice courtyards on the renovated building and have one across the street as well, but daily their residents (not to mention others) are sprawled out on the front stoop of the above mentioned building as well as on all of the Bremen buildings.  It's just unfortunate I guess.  Sad to say it but that stoop was better off when it was blocked by fencing.  Now it just provides a place for the washington park strays to kill the afternoon.

I don't mind the guys on my stoops too much... occasionally I'll have to shoo a few away to get in my place but I usually just ask them to sit on the other stoop that doesn't lead to an actual door.

 

Also I've always known that building as Harkavy Hall but a little research has yielded several names at various points in time.