Renderings are rarely pleasing or an accurate depiction of the final product in person. A change in the architecture around the neighborhood here and there can be a nice mix. If they tried recreating the Italianate design that is there now, most would complain that it is cheesy and fictitious

Lol.  I don't think anyone is advocating mimicking the Italianate buildings.  When designing contemporary buildings within a historic context such at OTR, following a couple simple ordering principles as a base with contemporary styling above is a necessity.  Trinity Flats is a fantastic example.  There is nothing faux-historic about that building, but the vertical lines and the simple grid of windows allow that building to fit its surroundings perfectly.  Randomly spacing windows, mullions, and decorative panels is a cheap fad that sometimes looks great in isolated settings, but within this context its simply lazy architecture.

Is the glass building supposed to be built upon the parcel that 1314 currently resides on?

 

I just posted all the newest renderings on the OTR blog here: http://overtherhine.wordpress.com/2011/07/28/the-most-recent-mercer-commons-renderings/

 

I'll post them here later.

^^^ and ^^^^

 

Agreed. I'm not sure how I feel about the Vine building yet, but I'm more than okay with contemporary infill. I do agree with ProkNo5 regarding the Walnut building, though. At least in my gut reaction.

 

Putting contemporary buildings in a cohesive historic neighborhood is a delicate and dangerous endeavor. However, completely forgoing contemporary styles in favor of faux-historic would be completely awful, IMO. The way to respect the historic character of the neighborhood is not by trying to mimic it, but by finding contemporary styles which complement it.

Kroger moves to buy Gateway Garage from Cincinnati

Premium content from Business Courier - by Dan Monk , Senior Staff Reporter

Date: Friday, July 29, 2011, 6:00am EDT

 

Job growth at its downtown headquarters has convinced Kroger Co. it would be better to own Gateway Garage at Vine Street and Central Parkway.

 

Under a proposal headed to Cincinnati City Council in August, Kroger would pay the city $4.5 million for the 950-space garage, for which it signed a 32-year lease in 2003. That purchase price is $450,000 more than a recent appraised value for the property but short of the $12 million cost of construction, according to council records.

 

The garage was built as part of a retention package in which the grocery giant promised to maintain at least 1,200 jobs at its headquarters and grow to 1,460 by 2010. The company far exceeded those goals, with 1,700 now in the Kroger building on Vine Street and in a seven-story building across the street, [...]

 

Read the rest of the article here: http://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/print-edition/2011/07/29/kroger-moves-to-buy-gateway-garage.html?ana=e_ph

 

 

---

 

It almost makes me think that Kroger expected they would exceed their projected job growth, and they bought the Gateway Garage at a deep discount. Granted, they will have to make all repairs on their own dime. But they purchased the garage for $4.5 million, instead of the $12 million cost to build it. So, even though the City gets money back for the garage, Kroger seems to have gotten a sweet deal.

 

I haven't parked in the garage before, but it looks like it may be off limits to *Gateway* customers during weekdays, only open to neighborhood guests during nights and weekends.

^ I think you need to read the article again... They PROPOSED to buy the garage... Nothing has actually happened yet.

 

A few key points:

This area structure sells parking for $90 a month. VERY good for its location.

It's incredibly cheap for night time parking.  with good event prices when there are big events at either of the theaters.

Once it's out of the cities hands, this could all change!

 

I think the City should ask for no less than $5.5 million.  Kroger has been paying $510,000 a year for the spaces since 2007. The total city investment was $12 million. The total sale prices including space rental for the last 4 years would then be about $7.5 million in a way.  Obviously there is significant added benefit to the jobs that Kroger added through the 2.1% income tax, that would not have been possible without the garage...

 

 

 

Lol.  I don't think anyone is advocating mimicking the Italianate buildings.  When designing contemporary buildings within a historic context such at OTR, following a couple simple ordering principles as a base with contemporary styling above is a necessity.  Trinity Flats is a fantastic example.  There is nothing faux-historic about that building, but the vertical lines and the simple grid of windows allow that building to fit its surroundings perfectly.  Randomly spacing windows, mullions, and decorative panels is a cheap fad that sometimes looks great in isolated settings, but within this context its simply lazy architecture.

 

Agreed 100%.  I wouldn't be bugged by the buildings here if it wasn't so completely out of phase with the basic form of the neighborhood.  I could see this stuff working where the streets are wider and buildings newer, but puttting it in OTR will hurt the "Old World" character of the neighborhood which is IMO its biggest selling point.  You can do new that is respectful to the surroundings, drive around Chicago its all over the place, but you can also do new that really hurts it.  This is the latter, though admittedly this is 10 notches above the infill Cincinnati normally gets (cough cough look at uptown cough cough).

I'm not sure whether I like it or not. But for some of you more design savy posters what are some examples in other cities where you think comtemporary buildings within a historic context such as OTR has worked.

Over-The-Rhine Neighborhood Has No Apartments For Rent

LOCAL 12

http://www.local12.com/news/local/story/Over-The-Rhine-Neighborhood-Has-No-Apartments-For/GiEXU-tJEkqXJsBef2UBbQ.cspx

 

 

A few years ago, would never have described Over-The-Rhine as a booming neighborhood. But now, Over-The-Rhine, and in particular the neighborhood called the Gateway Quarter has been rehabbed, upscaled and rebranded. Believe it or not you can't find an apartment to rent at any price.

 

To give you a sense of how hot this area is when it comes to rental properties, earlier today Local 12's Rich Jaffe talked with a very well known rental agent who represents 600 units. He's on vacation in Maine, because they're all rented and he has nothing to do. He won't have anything available until September and it's the same all through this neighborhood. Bottom line: if you want to rent an apartment here, you'd better get in line.

 

Does this mean the media's narrative is shifting, re: OTR?

Does this mean the media's narrative is shifting, re: OTR?

That story was unusually positive (they didn't even try to make any jabs or bad jokes about the neighborhood's past). I hope we see more of this.

Travis, I miss your podcast.

"And best of all 350 parking spaces"

 

But no mention of the streetcar...

^It's not a done deal. Remember that many on 3CDC's Board of Directors do not support the streetcar...

^It's not a done deal. Remember that many on 3CDC's Board of Directors do not support the streetcar...

The streetcar's not a done deal? Aside from the absurd rail banning amendment, the streetcar's future couldn't be more sure...right?

 

How many is "many"?

By that, I mean there is still a possible ban on all rail-related activity that could be put on the ballot. Utility work has not started, nor has groundbreaking - remember, this was supposed to be underway last year. It's closer than ever to being built, but it's still not a done deal until the contract is awarded.

^ It's true-  If we lose one pro-streetcar seat in the fall (possible when you look at fundraising numbers by anti-streetcar candidates) and the contract is not awarded before then it could be stopped.

^It's not a done deal. Remember that many on 3CDC's Board of Directors do not support the streetcar...

The streetcar's not a done deal? Aside from the absurd rail banning amendment, the streetcar's future couldn't be more sure...right?

 

How many is "many"?

 

There was the Business Courier article that had the respective CEO's opinion on the streetcar proposal, many of whom are on 3CDC's board. Most of them were strongly or slightly opposed to the project. I didn't tally it up - more of a mental figure, but I can see about doing that if anyone is interested.

I guess it doesn't matter much.

Not really, but I have always been puzzled by their stances. They are some of the most influential leaders in the city - these CEOs and business executives that serve on 3CDC's board of directors. And what will serve 3CDC more than anything, especially for their economic interests? A streetcar, which many of the same executives oppose.

Their public statements do not reflect their actual opinions.  These guys didn't get where they are by being honest. 

Discussion on architecture has been moved here: http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php/topic,19291.240.html

Most recent pix of the 3 new City Home units behind built at Pleasant & 15th.

 

 

Construction has resumed on the 4 units between 14th and 15th on Pleasant

 

All of the sidewalk along 14 between race and elm has been torn up and repoured over the last 3 weeks.  Rather than put all power lines under the roads, they moved everything under the side walk.  Within the next month or so power lines from Vine to Elm on 14th should be completely down.

 

Beginning of work on Parvis Lofts additional two buildings.  Building 1 is getting most of the work right now- Extensive rebuilding of walls.

 

Thanks for the shots!

In this post I share some of the highlights from 3CDC's most recent reports:

http://overtherhine.wordpress.com/2011/08/04/3cdcs-gateway-quarter-phase-v/

 

 

Gateway Quarter Phase V:

 

PARK HAUS - 3CDC is embarking on a new program pertaining to single family homes. Nine buildings scattered throughout the Washington Park area were designated for the program due to their size and location. The goal is to allow buyers to select the building of their choice and work directly withthe developers to create a home that caters to their specific needs.

 

 

PARVIS II - 3CDC is partnering with the Northpointe Group on this project which includes two buildings in the 1400 block of Republic Street that will add 10-12 units to the Parvis Lofts rental development. It is scheduled to begin in December 2011.

 

REPUBLIC STREET - This project, to be developed by Mottainai Developers LLC, is at the corner of 15th and Republic streets and will help complete the development of the 1400 block of Race, Republic and Vine streets between Saengerhalle and Parvis Lofts. The project includes four buildings that will yield approximately 23 residential units, 5 for sale, and the remainder for rent. It is scheduled to begin in December 2011.

 

NICOLAY - A 7-10 unit condo project at the corner of 14th and Republic streets directly behind 3CDC’s offices, will be developed by the Northpointe Group. It is scheduled to begin in December 2011.

 

COLOR BUILDING - One of Cincinnati’s most iconic buildings in Over-the-Rhine, located at 1400 Vine Street, will include the restoration of the 9,300 square feet space into premiere office space. The project is scheduled to begin in Fall 2011.

 

 

 

Westfalen II - A 25-unit condo project will complete the east side of the 1400 block of Race Street just north of 3CDC’s offices. The project includes six buildings and will be completed by John Hueber Homes and Northpointe Group. It is scheduled to begin in January 2012.

 

 

 

13TH AND REPUBLIC - 3CDC is working with developer City Lofts to develop this 10-unit condo project that spans three buildings at the corner of 13th and Republic streets across from the recently sold-out Lackman building. It is scheduled to begin in November 2011.

 

 

1401 ELM

 

 

CINCY HAUS - Home to the Queen City Underground Tour and Cincinnati Civil War Tour and others

 

 

A TAVOLA PIZZA

 

 

 

THE LACKMAN

 

 

 

COURTYARD OF PARVIS LOFTS

 

 

 

CITY HOME ON RACE

 

 

WESTFALEN

 

 

 

PARVIS LOFTS

 

 

 

SAENGERHALLE

After this phase it looks like the only places 3CDC has left to work on in the Gateway Quarter is Elm, 15th & Race to Liberty and 15th & Vine areas. Wonder where they'll go next.

^ I think it'll be a few more years till we hit that point... After Gateway 5 they will still have >60 buildings plus a dozen or so empty lots. I'd guess they will be completely done in the Gateway Quarter by 2014.

 

I'm hoping they hop across liberty!

They don't own too much on Elm north of 15th and that huge two block area between Pleasant and Vine and 15th and Liberty will be massive

Signs are going up on a Taste of Belgium. 

They don't own too much on Elm north of 15th

 

...Yet.

If you look closely, in every new OTR work group posting, they acquire a few new properties somewhere in the gateway quarter.

They don't own too much on Elm north of 15th

 

...Yet.

If you look closely, in every new OTR work group posting, they acquire a few new properties somewhere in the gateway quarter.

 

I really wish they could acquire The Fulda. I hear it was a very nice apartment house at one time.

 

Now it looks like this (it's an OTRCH property):

 

http://goo.gl/98qbR

^ ya, well in OTR 3CDC has only been acquiring empty buildings (or buildings with no residential tenants).  The Fulda is Full...da. so I doubt they'll be buying it up anytime soon.

Sloane Boutique is opening between A Tavola, Cincy Haus, Abigail Street and Senate soon:

 

http://overtherhine.wordpress.com/2011/08/09/otrview-xiii-duru-armagan-of-sloane-boutique/

 

The other Fulda

 

 

 

 

The Fulda is a cool name.  Definetly an Germanic influence for people in the know.  It has this shadowy inner courtyard, too.

 

 

 

ya, well in OTR 3CDC has only been acquiring empty buildings (or buildings with no residential tenants).  The Fulda is Full...da. so I doubt they'll be buying it up anytime soon.

 

...this is probably a good policy in that it moots the gentrification-pushing-out-the-poor argument.

 

Not the most exciting news, but certainly necessary, and a sign that OTR is really starting to hit that critical mass, where everyday needs such as banks and dry cleaners are starting to open up to serve the local population.  The sooner OTR is able to lure more of these service industries, the healthier the neighborhood will become, IMO.  Destination restaurants and shops are great, but they aren't necessarily what drives foot traffic among neighbors. 

 

Read more about the new dry cleaners opening in the 1300 block of Vine here:

http://soapboxmedia.com/devnews/82311otrdrycleaner.aspx

Not the most exciting news, but certainly necessary, and a sign that OTR is really starting to hit that critical mass, where everyday needs such as banks and dry cleaners are starting to open up to serve the local population.  The sooner OTR is able to lure more of these service industries, the healthier the neighborhood will become, IMO.  Destination restaurants and shops are great, but they aren't necessarily what drives foot traffic among neighbors. 

 

Read more about the new dry cleaners opening in the 1300 block of Vine here:

http://soapboxmedia.com/devnews/82311otrdrycleaner.aspx

 

Love the article, but I wish people would stop discrediting the OTR Kroger.  I live a block away from the Corryville Kroger and I go out of my way to shop at the OTR store because the service is much better and the size is for more conducive to shopping for what you need in a pedestrian environment. 

im so glad youre in cincinnati aj.  :)

...and I'm mad you're not, Greg.  Come home!

...and I'm mad you're not, Greg.  Come home!

 

i do miss it.  but philly is going quite well so far so....maybe in a few years after MTS comes to his senses and marries me and we move to the Midwest to start a family. 

...and I'm mad you're not, Greg.  Come home!

 

i do miss it.  but philly is going quite well so far so....maybe in a few years after MTS comes to his senses and marries me and we move to the Midwest to start a family. 

 

MTS!  You're after him too!?!  I remember seeing a picture of him shooting a gun once...so hot.

 

 

Oh yeah...to stay on topic:  Greg, I hear the Gateway Quarter is quickly becoming a great place for gay parents to raise children.  ;)

...and I'm mad you're not, Greg.  Come home!

 

i do miss it.  but philly is going quite well so far so....maybe in a few years after MTS comes to his senses and marries me and we move to the Midwest to start a family. 

 

MTS!  You're after him too!?!  I remember seeing a picture of him shooting a gun once...so hot.

 

 

Oh yeah...to stay on topic:  Greg, I hear the Gateway Quarter is quickly becoming a great place for gay parents to raise children.  ;)

 

MTS...shooting a gun.  I'd let him shoot a thing or two in my direction.  ;) 

 

And yes, the Q seems very open towards gay parents. 

Updates on City Home! They're making a lot of progress!

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks for the visual update, OC!  Keep the photos coming!

Love the article, but I wish people would stop discrediting the OTR Kroger.  I live a block away from the Corryville Kroger and I go out of my way to shop at the OTR store because the service is much better and the size is for more conducive to shopping for what you need in a pedestrian environment. 

 

I hate the Corryville Kroger.  The OTR isn't much better but I actually think customer service is better and inside it is a much nicer store.  My biggest complaint is that since it is even smaller than Corryville, it does not have as a wide range of items but serviceable if you need basics.

The OTR Kroger is okay for some essentials, but not necessarily all.  For example, you can never find a gallon of skim milk there--only half gallons. 

The OTR Kroger is okay for some essentials, but not necessarily all.  For example, you can never find a gallon of skim milk there--only half gallons. 

 

That's the big difference...OTR Kroger is a neighborhood store.  Because it's walkable and a decent scale, it's not an issue to go there every day.  I choose to go every other day, but the point is that it's not designed to be a Sam's Club.  If you walk to the store (like most of OTR Kroger's clientele) then you really don't want to be carrying home a grocery cart's worth of food.

^ An interesting observation, ProkNo5.  I wonder how other OTR Kroger shoppers feel about such hand-carries. (other posts may already have addressed such issues; I'll check later.)

I typically carry two bags from the OTR Krogers to my apartment four blocks away with no problems. You just have to buy what you can carry. I'd recommend using reusable shopping bags or purchasing your own shopping cart for larger hauls.

 

 

Hate to sound like an old codger walking uphill in the snow, but I used to carry 4 to 6 bags of groceries from the Jewel at Addison and Broadway to Irving Park and Lakeshore all the time. And I'm scrawny.

 

The human body is surprisingly capable of just wandering around carrying shit. I believe this skill is responsible for our proliferation over the entire planet. And shopping malls.

 

Then I found Peapod, and ordered all my groceries. But I don't think they have that in Cincy.

The OTR Kroger is okay for some essentials, but not necessarily all.  For example, you can never find a gallon of skim milk there--only half gallons. 

 

That's the big difference...OTR Kroger is a neighborhood store.  Because it's walkable and a decent scale, it's not an issue to go there every day.  I choose to go every other day, but the point is that it's not designed to be a Sam's Club.  If you walk to the store (like most of OTR Kroger's clientele) then you really don't want to be carrying home a grocery cart's worth of food.

 

I think you and I are talking about different things.  I was not commenting on the "neighborhood" part of it (in terms of being able to carry things) as much as the poor selection there.  They have gallons of whole milk and 2%, and I have bought gallons of these and carried them to my place.  They don't bother to carry gallons of skim.  I don't see that the "neighborhood" aspect of it affects it; I think it's their product choice, which I find lacking.  Ever try to find organic produce there? 

 

Honestly, I don't see how your comment even relates to what I was posting.  If you were making the point that they only carry half gallons for all types because it's a neighborhood store where you walk to and fro, that might make some sense, I guess.