The thing I most upset about is the lack of benches with the new streetscaping along Vine Street.  I suspect this was intentional, but I think it was a missed opportunity.  Luckily enough, benches can be added in later without much effort.

Benches = bums sleeping.  Especially because of the concentration of social services nearby. 

 

I agree that at a later date, as the neighborhood as a whole comes along, they could be added easily and would be a nice touch. 

The thing I most upset about is the lack of benches

I was in a meeting with Ginsburg a few days ago and he mentioned that the city had just passed a right of way law that would severely limit the number of benches along with everything else that would typically go on the sidewalk, including any signage and newspaper stands.  I do not know if that had an affect on the decision for the quarters usage of benches, but it may have.

I was in a meeting with Ginsburg a few days ago and he mentioned that the city had just passed a right of way law that would severely limit the number of benches along with everything else that would typically go on the sidewalk, including any signage and newspaper stands.  I do not know if that had an affect on the decision for the quarters usage of benches, but it may have.

 

Hmmm, that's interesting.  I'll have to look into this and see what actually happened and what the point of it is.

I detest the plethora of empy and half empty newspaper and magazine stands.

I detest the plethora of empy and half empty newspaper and magazine stands.

 

Sadly, we lost this Supreme Court Case: http://www.law.cornell.edu/supct/html/91-1200.ZO.html

I was in a meeting with Ginsburg a few days ago and he mentioned that the city had just passed a right of way law that would severely limit the number of benches along with everything else that would typically go on the sidewalk, including any signage and newspaper stands. I do not know if that had an affect on the decision for the quarters usage of benches, but it may have.

 

Hmmm, that's interesting. I'll have to look into this and see what actually happened and what the point of it is.

 

I assume it is to remove unsightly clutter that really detracts from the streetscape in other cities. For example, in Lexington, there are no uniform newspaper/magazine vending boxes in the CBD, so there are typically 5 or 6 multi-colored boxes near street corners, taking up valuable walking space. They are hideous, a hamper to walkers, and are not well secured -- they've fallen into the roadways on multiple occasions. Some are even abandoned.

 

Lexington is now pursuing some stylish, uniform vending boxes that go with the streetscape design. Perhaps Cincinnati should look into this.

I assume it is to remove unsightly clutter that really detracts from the streetscape in other cities. For example, in Lexington, there are no uniform newspaper/magazine vending boxes in the CBD, so there are typically 5 or 6 multi-colored boxes near street corners, taking up valuable walking space. They are hideous, a hamper to walkers, and are not well secured -- they've fallen into the roadways on multiple occasions. Some are even abandoned.

 

Lexington is now pursuing some stylish, uniform vending boxes that go with the streetscape design. Perhaps Cincinnati should look into this.

 

I agree.  We saw nice vending boxes for newspapers and magazines in Chicago and Charleston, SC.  I remember Chris Bortz mentioned this as an idea, but I don't think it got anywhere.  These boxes look nicer than what is currently on the sidewalks.

It was a brief conversation about this, but Ginsburg seemed to think that this would be getting some real push back.  I am not necessarily against it but its affect on putting out items like sandwich boards, parking signs, or any of the various signage on Main St (which is uniform) is a bit hard to swallow, especially without having any input before it was passed.  But we will see.  I have no details.

I thought I read on one of the threads a few months ago that one of the council members had an issue with the unsightly bus benches...that could be a factor in this new ordinance.

The lawsuit that was lost was a ban on boxes.  Court as I understand it said we couldn't outright ban them.  But cities have gone ahead and regulated them and those have been upheald.  Cities like Columbus and even Hamilton! OH now have uniform newspaper and magazine boxes.  The one thing I agree with Mozel about.

Looks like the vacant ground-floor at the Hale-Justis Building has been leased. The property is at the corner of Central Parkway and Jackson, mid-point between Vine and Walnut streets.

I can't remember now, but it is an organization that is taking the space.

^^ Fine Arts Fund

Lots of pictures from throughout the Gateway Quarter can be found here: http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php/topic,21705.0.html.  Just a brief sampling is below.

 

 

Signage arms race:

 

Senate:

 

 

 

New bike racks:

 

New wayfinding:

 

Trinity Flats restoration work:

 

Frenzy of activity across the street:

 

 

The amount of change in such a short time never ceases to amaze me!  Great pics and thanks for posting.

Jeffery's post and related discussion has been moved here:

http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php/topic,15415.0.html

Great progress!

Mottainai has just sold out.

There better be something left in a year and a half when I'm done w grad school and move back down there!

Mottainai has just sold out.

 

As a Mottainai resident, that is great news!

I think the Mottainai selling out is very significant, because it is on Republic Street which was a pretty dangerous street, and the building itself was vacant for many years and was in danger of being demolished.  It also demonstrates that better design and better finishes sells condos.  I was a skeptic who is now very optimistic.

I've secured an exclusive interview with Senate tomorrow morning.  Stay tuned for full details and photographs that will be coming soon.

I think the Mottainai selling out is very significant, because it is on Republic Street which was a pretty dangerous street, and the building itself was vacant for many years and was in danger of being demolished. It also demonstrates that better design and better finishes sells condos. I was a skeptic who is now very optimistic.

Excellent news.

Mottainai has just sold out.

 

What, are they going to Northern Kentucky?

Mottainai has just sold out.

 

What, are they going to Northern Kentucky?

LOL, that was my first thought too.  The realization of what it really meant was sweet, sweet joy.

I've secured an exclusive interview with Senate tomorrow morning. Stay tuned for full details and photographs that will be coming soon.

I saw where he said they will finally have liquor license this Friday and announcement re Grand Opening will come soon after that.

Discussion about historic preservation in Cincinnati has been moved here:

http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php/topic,19291.0.html

Fine Arts Fund and ArtWorks set up shop in OTR

By Randy A. Simes, Soapbox Cincinnati | January 26, 2010

http://soapboxmedia.com/devnews/0126otrartsorgs.aspx

 

The Fine Arts Fund (FAF) and Artworks have settled in to one of the last remaining commercial hot spots along Central Parkway - both moving to the historic Hale Justis Building.  Leaders from the two prominent arts organizations welcomed the move to Over-the-Rhine's dynamic and growing arts district which already includes the Know and Ensemble Theatres, Music Hall, Memorial Hall, and the Art Academy.

 

The Fine Arts Fund is moving their 28 employees to the 10,000 square-foot second-floor space in Over-the-Rhine from their previous Hyde Park office where they had been for 35 years.

 

"The world has changed around us, and it has become evident to pretty much everyone that a move to the downtown area in this emerging arts district made a lot of sense," said Margy Waller, Vice President of the FAF's Arts & Culture Partnership who also stated that the central location made it quite desirable.

 

Artworks will also be moving eight full-time employees into their 8,000 square-foot first-floor space in the building.  One of the big differences, though, for both the FAF and Artworks, is the contiguous and flexible space the Hale Justis Building provides.

 

"We're now all on one floor and have separate project space for individual and group artist projects," said Artworks Director Tamara Harkavy.  "The new space creates a much more dynamic and engaging process."

 

"It's more necessary than ever to have this cross-functional activity taking place due to our expanding role in the community," said Waller, who touted the new "huddle spaces" and "doodle room" complete with white wall for drawing and writing out ideas.

 

The move also meant the elimination of a lot of office materials and furniture that the FAF no longer needs with the new flexible space.  As a result the FAF has donated the unneeded office materials and furniture to roughly 13 different local non-profit groups.

 

"It feels like we've completed the area there along Central Parkway with all the arts organizations and businesses," Waller said.  "A lot of people have already told us they're very happy that we filled this space."

 

Artwork's Harkavy concurs, "In the end, the sum total of both of our organizations moving here represents a huge investment to Over-the-Rhine and the urban core."

 

View images of the newly built out space here:

http://soapboxmedia.com/devnews/0126otrartsorgs.aspx

The Senate had its Friends and Family soft open tonight. It was packed of course. They had a few things circulating from the menu: a curried fried eggplant sandwich, a few of their hot dog varieties and a really good corn and crab chowder. It turned out about what you'd expect from the construction photos, simple but warm. I think it will be a nice addition to the neighborhood.

 

Julie (winemedineme) was there as well. She gave it a thumbs up!

Nice... Looking forward to checking it out in a couple weeks.

The Senate had its Friends and Family soft open tonight. It was packed of course. They had a few things circulating from the menu: a curried fried eggplant sandwich, a few of their hot dog varieties and a really good corn and crab chowder. It turned out about what you'd expect from the construction photos, simple but warm. I think it will be a nice addition to the neighborhood.

 

 

I was there. Lots of potential.

as was I.  Very nice, and very tiny.  hard to imagine what it will be like with teh tables and chairs back in and everyone eating/sitting at the bar.  Lavomatic should be grateful for the overflow business they're going to have.

With First Lucky Step closed there is a much larger vacant space adjacent to them.

you mean Lucky Step?  And it closed?????

Lucky Step closed, but that was two spaces over.  The space adjacent to Senate is very large and has never been leased out to date.  Supposedly, that's where they were tring to get Melt to go, however that deal fell apart over $$$

Wow. I had no idea, and when I walked by it just in late January, it was open. Their Facebook page and web-site even allude to its continued operation (they were having a sale too). :(

You live two blocks away and haven't walked by in weeks?

Why would I walk up Vine when I don't really have much of a destination or reason to do so on a regular basis? I don't go to Kroger's on Vine (I prefer Findlay Market or Kroger's in Newport Marketplace), and only really shop at Park+Vine on a weekly basis.

Why would I walk up Vine when I don't really have much of a destination or reason to do so on a regular basis? I don't go to Kroger's on Vine (I prefer Findlay Market or Kroger's in Newport Marketplace), and only really shop at Park+Vine on a weekly basis.

 

What street do you walk up to get to Findlay?  I normally go straight up Vine, it is a lot more interesting than race.

I usually go to Findlay after getting off from work, so I usually just drive to the market and load up. When it's nicer and I'm out on the bike, I usually go either up Vine and turn off for Findlay or Central Parkway to Findlay. The few times I've walked up Vine is to go to Tucker's, which I don't do enough of because I'm usually out on a shoot for the weekend. I rarely go to Findlay on the weekends -- don't want to deal with the crowds and I enjoy giving them the weekday support they need.

Does 3CDC have any plans to implement a gym in the Gateway Quarter? To me it seems like an important amenity to the neighborhood. I have never been in the YMCA on Central, but I would guess that it is a bit out dated.

I was thinking that the vacant Church on the corner of Race and 15th would be a great building for a gym, and it's owned by the City. Churches can be difficult buildings to find an addaptable reuse for, and because there is probably very little of the interior intact it shouldn't be difficult to modify. I would think putting free weights on the first floor, with 'catwalk' space on the second floor for cardio machines, and a third floor running track would make a lot of sense. With large windows it would have a nice open feel to it.

The Gateway Quarter could even work it into the HOA's/ Rent, and make it available to other OTR residents at a slightly higher price. (That way it becomes a perk to buy from 3cdc)

 

Any thoughts?

^I've never been in the YMCA either, but I've heard it's nice.  There is also the YWCA at 8th and Walnut.  That fitness center is still pretty new, and a few people in my building go there.  Both offer fitness classes.

 

Some Jazzercise classes are also offered at one of the churches facing Washington Park, but I know that this isn't something that guys really get into.

Does 3CDC have any plans to implement a gym in the Gateway Quarter? To me it seems like an important amenity to the neighborhood. I have never been in the YMCA on Central, but I would guess that it is a bit out dated.

I was thinking that the vacant Church on the corner of Race and 15th would be a great building for a gym, and it's owned by the City. Churches can be difficult buildings to find an addaptable reuse for, and because there is probably very little of the interior intact it shouldn't be difficult to modify. I would think putting free weights on the first floor, with 'catwalk' space on the second floor for cardio machines, and a third floor running track would make a lot of sense. With large windows it would have a nice open feel to it.

The Gateway Quarter could even work it into the HOA's/ Rent, and make it available to other OTR residents at a slightly higher price. (That way it becomes a perk to buy from 3cdc)

 

Any thoughts?

 

Central Parkway YMCA isn't a state of the art facility but it is a nice gym.  I really like the tiled 20 meter pool in the basement that displays a picture of the 1921 world swimming team champions.

Will the local banking community begin to invest further in the gateway qaurter with full banking centers?  I realize this may be a stretch in the near term but it would go a long way in further establishing this area as a more livable neighborhood.

There's a spectacular photograph of the subway falsework in the trench taking that sharp bend.  I'd love to get it painted huge on the west side of the YMCA facing the corner parking lot, so it would be from roughly the same perspective as the photographer. 

There's a spectacular photograph of the subway falsework in the trench taking that sharp bend. I'd love to get it painted huge on the west side of the YMCA facing the corner parking lot, so it would be from roughly the same perspective as the photographer.

Where can one see this photograph?

Does 3CDC have any plans to implement a gym in the Gateway Quarter? To me it seems like an important amenity to the neighborhood. I have never been in the YMCA on Central, but I would guess that it is a bit out dated.

 

I was thinking that the vacant Church on the corner of Race and 15th would be a great building for a gym, and it's owned by the City. Churches can be difficult buildings to find an addaptable reuse for, and because there is probably very little of the interior intact it shouldn't be difficult to modify. I would think putting free weights on the first floor, with 'catwalk' space on the second floor for cardio machines, and a third floor running track would make a lot of sense. With large windows it would have a nice open feel to it.

 

The Gateway Quarter could even work it into the HOA's/ Rent, and make it available to other OTR residents at a slightly higher price. (That way it becomes a perk to buy from 3cdc)

 

It's important to note that 3CDC is basically just the funding agent and driving force for the developers who are the ones building out the Gateway Quarter, selling the condos and leasing the commercial space.  The tenants that are going into the Gateway Quarter are not chosen by 3CDC, and are simply tenants that showed an interest in new commercial space there.  Outside of the zoning and permitted uses of a particular property, there is no control over what kind of business operates.

BTW, a floral shop is moving in to the ground floor of the Germania Building at 12th & Walnut streets.