February 22, 201213 yr I think that the Mercer Commons situation actually illustrates the point. The Historic Conservation Board would have not allowed the development to go forward, and 3CDC, being big and resourceful, got around them by going straight to the planning commission (is that a correct recollection?). The latter step was allowed, as I recall, only because the project received a special designation as a "big A$$ project" (sorry, I forget the actual term!). Anyway, I can tell you that contractors and developers uniformly deride the HCB and will do anything else possible to avoid putting their project at risk by going in front of them. I believe this includes changing the design. I personally have done things like avoided putting glass block in a rear facing window that looks into a shower, because my architect said that the HCB probably wouldn't allow it. Another case I know of the guy wanted to put in a rooftop deck by opening up a portion of the roofline. This deck could not be seen from even the opposite side of the street while at street level - obviously the cornice was unaffected - but it was disallowed. Maybe these aren't good examples, but I'm sure others will have better ones. The bottom line is that not many people are going to spend $15K on architects and other fees specific to an OTR infill lot to propose something of high quality but "risky" from the HCB review perspective. The community and its agencies must do much more than allow "exceptions" in order get that sort of investment - they must show tolerance and be inviting to different architectural styles. I agree, HCB can be a real deterrent for smaller investors/projects.
February 22, 201213 yr I disagree. Historic Conservation Board is not that big of a deal. They would absolutely allow modern infill, and they also have allowed many many roof decks. The historic district has two significant benefits : 1. slows demolition 2. makes historic tax credits possible
February 22, 201213 yr ^- The problem is too many people would want to build garbage like this in the link below - from my understanding few Cincinnatians demand high quality architecture of any style: http://g.co/maps/2sgm2 (Fixed link! :) ). I'll agree that some of the abuses described are bad such as the rooftop deck example and the fact that 3CDC was able to basically walk all over them due to their clout, but how does one prevent suburban style spew like above from completely killing the character of OTR?
February 22, 201213 yr ^- The problem is too many people would want to build garbage like this in the link below - from my understanding few Cincinnatians demand high quality architecture of any style: http//maps.google.com/maps?q=Rochelle+and+Eden+Cincinnati+Ohio&hl=en&ll=39.133439,-84.505087&spn=0.006949,0.013937&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=57.292148,114.169922&hnear=Eden+Ave+%26+E+Rochelle+St,+Cincinnati,+Hamilton,+Ohio+45219&t=m&z=17&layer=c&cbll=39.133943,-84.505734&panoid=pMIvvGM2WvGjc-LrECjTNA&cbp=12,248.55,,0,-0.97 (copy and paste link add a : otherwise this forum tries to embed streetview) I'll agree that some of the abuses described are bad such as the rooftop deck example and the fact that 3CDC was able to basically walk all over them due to their clout, but how does one prevent suburban style spew like above from completely killing the character of OTR? Copy and Paste didn't work. Are you referring to the crap on the SW corner of Eden and Rochelle, or are you talking about Stetson Square? If it's the latter, I'll have to disagree. I think that's a high quality development with some great details.
February 22, 201213 yr I'm talking about the crap at the SW corner - which I saw the houses get demolished and it get built. Setson Square is ok, but I've seen better ;). I fixed the link above btw.
February 22, 201213 yr I'm talking about the crap at the SW corner - which I saw the houses get demolished and it get built. Setson Square is ok, but I've seen better ;). I fixed the link above btw. Ya- I know what you're talking about. It's REALLY ugly.
February 23, 201213 yr New seafood restaurant: The Anchor 1401 Race St. Overlooking the new Washington Park Coming soon...
February 23, 201213 yr New seafood restaurant: The Anchor 1401 Race St. Overlooking the new Washington Park Coming soon... I like seafood places, but this place will have to be spectacular to usurp Alabama Fish as the best in OTR.
February 23, 201213 yr New seafood restaurant: The Anchor 1401 Race St. Overlooking the new Washington Park Coming soon... Oh good this is public now. The chef there used to have a restaurant in NYC
February 23, 201213 yr ^That's going to be confusing. If someone told me to meet them at "The Anchor", I'd be in Covington FOR SURE.
February 23, 201213 yr ^That's going to be confusing. If someone told me to meet them at "The Anchor", I'd be in Covington FOR SURE. They were in the building yesterday.
February 23, 201213 yr ^That's going to be confusing. If someone told me to meet them at "The Anchor", I'd be in Covington FOR SURE. They were in the building yesterday. I think he meant the confusion will be between "Anchor" and "Anchor Grill." If someone were to say "Let's meet at Anchor at 8:00," I'd find myself in Covington just like Jimmy_James.
February 23, 201213 yr I just happened to see the plans at a top secret location. :) The outdoor dining layout is awesome. Plenty of tables are able to have a view of the park.
February 23, 201213 yr >The chef there used to have a restaurant in NYC So we're getting NYC's sloppy seconds.
February 23, 201213 yr >The chef there used to have a restaurant in NYC So we're getting NYC's sloppy seconds. Sometimes people choose to move here from NYC...
February 23, 201213 yr It's not going to be confusing. There are plenty of places with Similar names & the world doesn't end. People will probably just say The Anchor in OTR and no one will get lost.
February 23, 201213 yr ^ Not to mention, the time of day will be relevant. 7pm meet-up will obviously be OTR; 3am = Covington.
February 24, 201213 yr ^ I was there around 10. Did we overlap? I've been there a few times since they opened. It has been quiet during the day and bustling at night. I like the whole wine flight concept and dig the coffee program. Pricey but definitely a solid addition to the block.
February 24, 201213 yr ^I think I left at just about 10. I was sitting with a Taiwanese guy at one of the tables closest to the bar... A few quick thoughts: -It's smaller than I thought with proper seating for only maybe 20 people. The bar only runs down about half in space. -Kind of loud for what one might expect from a wine bar...some interior soundproofing would do them well. -It's dark...VERY dark inside. So dark it's difficult to read the menus. The couple at the table next to me were using their iPhones to be able to read the menu. I'm all for ambiance, but this was kind of unacceptable. -Staff is still working out the opening kinks...they seemed a little scripted and stiff. Good service though. -Prices are about right, or what I'd expect. This probably won't be a regular hangout for me, but a good place to go for one or two drinks.
February 24, 201213 yr ^I think I left at just about 10. I was sitting with a Taiwanese guy at one of the tables closest to the bar... A few quick thoughts: -Kind of loud for what one might expect from a wine bar...some interior soundproofing would do them well. I've found that to be the case at both Senate and A Tavola as well. A recent Tuesday dinner at A Tavola had our table of 4 basically yelling at each other in order to hear. "It's just fate, as usual, keeping its bargain and screwing us in the fine print..." - John Crichton
February 24, 201213 yr Its an issue with most of the places in OTR with their higher ceiling and poor sound absorption. Coffee Emporium fixed it with sound dampening ceiling tiles. Same needs to be done here at 1215, A Tavola, Bakersfield, Japp's, etc.
February 24, 201213 yr What is the ambience like at 1215? I heard it was kind of pricey (from above comments), but is it a coffee shop, where I can open my laptop and type out an article, or more of a restaurant?
February 24, 201213 yr Does anyone have any contact info for the new "The Anchor" in OTR. I've had several people ask me. PM if you can.
February 24, 201213 yr What is the ambience like at 1215? I heard it was kind of pricey (from above comments), but is it a coffee shop, where I can open my laptop and type out an article, or more of a restaurant? During the day you can definitely break out the laptop and it is pretty quiet. At night that is not the case. As mcadreniline pointed out, it is pretty small so it gets crowded easily.
February 25, 201213 yr Back to Liberty Street. A lot of Liberty's problems stem from its widening years ago. It left the street with no buildings that face the street (as they were demo'd to widen the road). If Liberty needs anything it is simply buildings facing the street- whether 3CDC does it or not. (Which I sure wish someone else would because despite their high intentions they have moderate ambition and taste.)
February 25, 201213 yr Liberty St. should be turned into something like Piatt Park between Central Parkway and Sycamore, with the section between Sycamore and Reading eliminated.
February 25, 201213 yr I'd rather see Liberty Street narrowed again. Having one oversized boulevard to deal with (Central Parkway) is more than enough.
February 25, 201213 yr ^ One plan the Brewery District is working on: http://www.otrbrewerydistrict.org/projects_masterplan.php http://www.otrbrewerydistrict.org/projects_masterplan_initiative_6_streets.php
February 25, 201213 yr If there are going to be islands of curb space between parking and bike lanes, they had better not be as hideous as those pictured above!
February 25, 201213 yr Liberty St. should be turned into something like Piatt Park between Central Parkway and Sycamore, with the section between Sycamore and Reading eliminated. Agreed. "You don't just walk into a bar and mix it up by calling a girl fat" - buildingcincinnati speaking about new forumers
February 25, 201213 yr Liberty St. should be turned into something like Piatt Park between Central Parkway and Sycamore, with the section between Sycamore and Reading eliminated. Agreed. Genius idea. What would the pros and cons of it be? How would you sell the idea?
February 25, 201213 yr ^ Those are just potential examples from other projects. But why not show better examples and plant the seeds of quality in people's heads? Just quickly poking around a couple European cities I am familiar with, I found these images: http://maps.google.com/maps?q=amsterdam&hl=en&ll=52.346836,4.876771&spn=0.012046,0.033023&sll=35.101934,-95.712891&sspn=64.039328,135.263672&hnear=Amsterdam,+Government+of+Amsterdam,+North+Holland,+The+Netherlands&t=h&z=16&layer=c&cbll=52.34664,4.876743&panoid=yr_8HUgXd6zgO274p_sqAQ&cbp=12,228.69,,0,19.82 http://g.co/maps/y3vnw http://maps.google.com/maps?q=amsterdam&hl=en&ll=52.351843,4.880118&spn=0.01173,0.033023&sll=35.101934,-95.712891&sspn=64.039328,135.263672&hnear=Amsterdam,+Government+of+Amsterdam,+North+Holland,+The+Netherlands&t=h&z=16&layer=c&cbll=52.351787,4.880067&panoid=PUIHAAB9sR-vvSCJvn-ybA&cbp=12,95.49,,0,5.99 http://g.co/maps/c2gar http://maps.google.com/maps?q=bremen&hl=en&ll=53.07629,8.803911&spn=0.005923,0.016512&sll=52.370216,4.895168&sspn=0.192639,0.528374&hnear=Bremen,+Germany&t=h&z=17&layer=c&cbll=53.07598,8.804122&panoid=oKMZ-PKmogGgbhjNFCx6oA&cbp=12,205.45,,0,11.87 http://g.co/maps/y3vnw The third one doesn't have a parking lane, but you can easily see how there could be one. (The first examples are also better because they show grade separation between the sidewalk and bike lane, which for Cincinnatians is probably necessary.)
February 26, 201213 yr But why not show better examples and plant the seeds of quality in people's heads? Just quickly poking around a couple European cities I am familiar with, I found these images: Agreed- A few years ago back in the DAAP studios images of this (http://asla.org/awards/2006/06winners/341.html) water retention/street scape project were circulating as possible precedent for most Cincy streetscape projects.... **I would love to see the bike lane plan implemented with the areas of "curb" actually becoming decent vegetated or retention areas. Also the solar powered lights seem like a throw in, and if they stay they would be better moved to the "parking meter curb" location and be double sided like this (http://www.dmxledlights.com/OutdoorLighting/SolarStreetLights/). The lights just being LED would be a nice step up and consumption wise a lot more important than being solar powered. **I would MUCH rather the street lights be like THIS: http://inhabitat.com/new-york-city-to-install-led-streetlamps/ -----It is easier on the eyes, provides visual interest, defines the "brewery district" as both NEW and OLD.
February 26, 201213 yr ^Great ideas from all of you. The study was the first step to develop the action items, and not intended to be an exhaustive study or design. That process is happening now. We'd love to have more people get involved in developing these ideas, as there are working committees for each initiative at the website.
February 27, 201213 yr ^Great ideas from all of you. The study was the first step to develop the action items, and not intended to be an exhaustive study or design. That process is happening now. We'd love to have more people get involved in developing these ideas, as there are working committees for each initiative at the website. ^ Where are the meetings held? I live on the south side of Liberty but I'd like to help out.
February 27, 201213 yr ^Individual committee meeting locations vary. Submit a request to join the google email group for whichever initiative you are interested in. And most people working on these don't live in the Brewery District, we're happy to have help from whomever wants to be a part.
February 27, 201213 yr This question may have been answered a dozen times, but where exactly is the Brewery District? Judging by those last comments it's north of Liberty. Is there a definite boundary? Between Central and McMicken?
February 27, 201213 yr This question may have been answered a dozen times, but where exactly is the Brewery District? Judging by those last comments it's north of Liberty. Is there a definite boundary? Between Central and McMicken? There isn't a definite boundary. It's more like the vicinity around the remaining historic breweries which happens to be north of Liberty in OTR...with a few sites in the West End. I tend to think of it as OTR north of Liberty and bounded by McMicken and Central. From the Brewery District website: iRhine.com tends to define it as an area north of Findlay Market - http://www.irhine.com/index.jsp?page=district_brew via http://www.irhine.com/index.jsp?page=map_intro Personally, I'd like to think of everything north of Liberty as the "Northern Liberties" with subareas like Findlay Market, Mohawk, etc. as well as an overlay of the Brewery District which includes a couple sites in the West End. Mohawk: That's kind of a rambling post.
February 27, 201213 yr This question may have been answered a dozen times, but where exactly is the Brewery District? Judging by those last comments it's north of Liberty. Is there a definite boundary? Between Central and McMicken? There is no hard and fast boundary. For the purpose of the redevelopment efforts it is OTR north of Liberty. From a historical standpoint, you can also include part of the West End, and OTR along the canal.
March 1, 201213 yr Author OTR's City Homes development sells out Business Courier Date: Thursday, March 1, 2012, 8:41am EST The City Homes development in Over-the-Rhine is proving to be a new hot neighborhood, according to a report by WKRC-TV Channel 12. The TV station reports that five townhomes in phase one have sold with an average price of $265,000. City Homes is located on Pleasant Street, near Washington Park. http://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/morning_call/2012/03/otrs-city-homes-development-sells-out.html
March 2, 201213 yr ^ woo!! They sold 5 of them before they were finished. The last two went into contract as the finishing touches we're being put on.
March 6, 201213 yr Discussion on the changing scene in OTR has moved to here: http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php/topic,27051.msg606570.html#msg606570 “All truly great thoughts are conceived while walking.” -Friedrich Nietzsche
March 12, 201213 yr New seafood restaurant: The Anchor 1401 Race St. Overlooking the new Washington Park Coming soon... I like seafood places, but this place will have to be spectacular to usurp Alabama Fish as the best in OTR. I think they'd usurp Alabama Fish Bar just by not using polystyrene cups and only doing fried food.
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