That's a nice Metro shelter, can anyone make out the blue sign?

 

It says "Catch Metro Here and on Ti-" (presumably used to say "Time"):

Urban Sites bought 1207 Main St, the Cincy by the Slice / Maude's building. They nearly own everything on that block that Hanke or Mixx doesn't own.

 

Quite  bummer, that place tried so hard :(

Did they close? The building changing hands doesn't mean the establishments in it necessarily have to leave.

Did they close? The building changing hands doesn't mean the establishments in it necessarily have to leave.

 

They are still there, but I would be hard pressed to think that a DIY music venue would last long with Urban Sites as owners since they will probably be putting apartments above it. And in the past 3 days the local music scene has lost 3 possibly 4 venues.

What venues have been lost? I feel out of the loop now.

I'm not sure I would assume so quickly that they would want to put apartments above a bar/restaurant. They're doing office space above the Japp's/Drinkery buildings, and likely doing low-key commercial (ie, non-bar/restaurant) in the 1200 and 1208 Main St. buildings where they're putting the apartments. I think the best bet, if Maude's doesn't stay, is that we would see more office above Cincy by the Slice.

Tacocracy, Last House, Cide Central, and possibly Cincinnative. Now possibly Maudie's.

^ Of those, the only one I've even heard of is Tacocracy, and I only knew of it as a restaurant rather than a music venue. Where were those other places located and how big were they?

^ Of those, the only one I've even heard of is Tacocracy, and I only knew of it as a restaurant rather than a music venue. Where were those other places located and how big were they?

 

Same here. We also just gained the "Northside Yacht Club" in the former Mayday space.

I'm confused, Tacocracy still has an active Facebook page as of 2 days ago. Did they JUST announce they're closing?

^ Of those, the only one I've even heard of is Tacocracy, and I only knew of it as a restaurant rather than a music venue. Where were those other places located and how big were they?

 

Taco has had regular shows since the beginning of the summer, Maudie's has been having shows, art shows, and poetry readings on and off for about 3 years and had a nearly 60 band fest this spring https://www.facebook.com/events/466968123455012/. Last house https://www.facebook.com/lasthouseontheleft is a somewhat recent yet notorious punk basement venue in Northside. Cide Central is located in Brighton https://www.facebook.com/search/str/cide%2Bcentral/keywords_events and is one of the only DIY all ages punk venues I know of. And Cincinnative just started and may keep doing shows but may not. Regardless it's a significant loss to the DIY punk scene all in one week. A lot of people know and love these places, and many come from near and far to play them, and I think they are important to the city's character. I can't tell you how many out of town bands have come here in the past 2 years and old me how much they loved Cincinnati, and most of that had to do with the scene, and the people and places that facilitate such a community of creativity.

^ Of those, the only one I've even heard of is Tacocracy, and I only knew of it as a restaurant rather than a music venue. Where were those other places located and how big were they?

 

Taco has had regular shows since the beginning of the summer, Maudie's has been having shows, art shows, and poetry readings on and off for about 3 years and had a nearly 60 band fest this spring https://www.facebook.com/events/466968123455012/. Last house https://www.facebook.com/lasthouseontheleft is a somewhat recent yet notorious punk basement venue in Northside. Cide Central is located in Brighton https://www.facebook.com/search/str/cide%2Bcentral/keywords_events and is one of the only DIY all ages punk venues I know of. And Cincinnative just started and may keep doing shows but may not. Regardless it's a significant loss to the DIY punk scene all in one week. A lot of people know and love these places, and many come from near and far to play them, and I think they are important to the city's character. I can't tell you how many out of town bands have come here in the past 2 years and old me how much they loved Cincinnati, and most of that had to do with the scene, and the people and places that facilitate such a community of creativity.

 

Krusty and Landis's house in Northside is still having 5-10 basement shows per month.  That's been going on for 2-4 years.  Also the Martini church is doing at least a show per month, but it's a pretty lousy venue since they play in a side room, not the actual church part of the church.  Also the bands blow the breaker 2-3 times per set.  It's ridiculous. 

 

 

2. How to flip a 17,500 home on Republic Street, to a 500K luxury loft.

 

 

Comments are really to fun on that one. Either some say how beautiful OTR to looks like, to many people saying I hear it's so dangerous, how do you manage to be so brave! Lol, suburbians.

 

I don't get why this building cost $17,500 in the early 1990s if it needed extensive water damage repair.   

 

Has anyone heard any news if the Drop Inn Center is moving next month to Queensgate as noted by 3cDC on their website?  I sent a message to 3CDC yesterday afternoon, but haven't heard anything yet.  It seems to me that we should have heard a definite date by now if they were on schedule.

^ I don't know - we'll hear what others say but overall, my impression of the drop-in-center move is that it has been kept extremely quiet, by all sides involved. I remember a few times being surprised by the schedule because I hadn't heard anything at all, and this is a really big deal. It's gotta be a strategy.

I drove by the new Drop Inn center location today and there is still a significant amount of work going on. I'm very surprised that there hasn't been more of an outcry from the anti-gentrification crowd about 3CDC's role in helping move several social services out of OTR. You'd think that would be the perfect storm of factors to make them go nuts. But I've heard very little from that group since their fake 3CDC stunts earlier this year.

I heard back from 3CDC and they were not sure as to the exact moving date of the Drop Inn Center to the Barron Center for Men in Queensgate.  They did seem to indicate this Fall possibly in October, so it does sound as though they are likely a little behind the planned September move.

http://www.cincinnati-oh.gov/buildings/historic-conservation/historic-conservation-board/

 

I was reviewing some of these packets since I hadn't looked in awhile. The two most recent ones show some interesting projects happening. The Towne Properties townhomes have been approved. The end two are now 3 stories instead of 2 stories and the middle five have an A-B-A-B-A-B-A-B-A-B rhythm instead of an A-A-A-A-A. With "A" being an inset portion that encompasses one window and "B" being a 3 window over 2 window main mass of a tonwhome. It's better but still has the awkward alternating brick color and lack of density for such a prominent site.

 

Townhomes filling in some gaps on Wade and Kemp Alley that are somewhat modern interpretations of typical OTR urban fabric. They look like they'll be good additions to those smaller streets.

 

Most interesting proposal though is a 3 unit, four story building on Race by Terry Boling. It will fill half of the big gap on the east side of the block of Race between 15th and Liberty. Two full floor units and one 2 story unit. Lots of decks, terraces, gardens, etc. Quite a bit more modern but still in fitting with the fabric of the street. Nice to see someone trying something a little different. And that top unit has one amazing living space with walls that open up to roof decks.

 

All in all I'm really pleased with the amount of infill happening these days. It seems like in the last few months the mount of submissions for new construction infill has really increased. The urban fabric is becoming more cohesive pretty quickly in many parts of OTR.

According to page 111 of the 8/10/2015 document, Cincinnati Bell wants to put a 12" wall around their property where a small plaza exists now at the corner of Elm and George streets. They will be installing 4 large generators behind the wall.

Looked through the most recent one, I like that they're redoing the building on Republic with the really cool large recessed entrance. Also the infill over by Wade/Kemp looked pretty creative. The Broadway project looked like an efficient way to add an elevator and decks to that building.  Onto the next packet!

According to page 111 of the 8/10/2015 document, Cincinnati Bell wants to put a 12" wall around their property where a small plaza exists now at the corner of Elm and George streets. They will be installing 4 large generators behind the wall.

 

Drove by today. They've already started construction.

According to page 111 of the 8/10/2015 document, Cincinnati Bell wants to put a 12" wall around their property where a small plaza exists now at the corner of Elm and George streets. They will be installing 4 large generators behind the wall.

 

12 inch or 12 foot? I hope it's not 12 inches. That would just look odd.

Wow I'm amazed at the scope of the Wade street development described for the August 24 meeting. I live just around the corner on Elm and had no idea - I thought Wade street would happen, but that it would take a little while. I mean right now, and for the last 4-5 months, this little half block of Elm@Wade has been a camp for people without homes. I spend time nearly every day trying to get people to stop using my space as a bathroom. People really do have so much more confidence in the neighborhood than they used to. Not sure if its the streetcar or just seeing other areas be transformed, but it sure is encouraging.

I was also surprised to see those in the packet. I hadn't heard anything about those yet and they're fairly substantial. I'm liking that they're going for a modern interpretation of the fabric of OTR instead of faux historic. It will offer a nice contrast while still being the correct mass and graining to fit in.

 

That little corner of OTR will see 21 new construction townhomes in the coming couple years. That's pretty impressive. Then throw in all the aspects of 15th and Race, 15th and Vine, multiple new construction projects across Race from the 15th and Race project, and you have this corner of OTR seeing some substantial new construction.

 

I want that penthouse in the Terry Boling project. I literally dreamed last night about designing and building a similar project (though smaller) and how great of a space that could be. One day.

I like the design of the new townhomes too. This seems like a great project. Hopefully it looks as good in person once constructed. The only thing I'm worried about are the garage doors facing Wade. It would be nice if there was an alley between the properties to provide a spot to hide the garages. But overall I think this is a great plan. And I'm generally supportive of private garages on the first floor of buildings. It adds a lot of value.

If these were somewhere else I'd also be worried about the ground floor garages. But Wade and Kemp Alley are such small side streets that are exclusively residential that I'm not overly concerned with it. As long as the doors look nice and aren't the cheap $300 Home Depot basic, fake wood grain doors then I'll be happy.

 

I like the way the Terry Boling project handles parking actually. Three connected garages are accessed in the rear from Goose Alley. They then lead to separate outdoor areas defined for each unit. This means that each unit will have both a sidewalk gate entry and an entry from the rear garage. Integrates parking in a spot that would likely be otherwise unused and hides it in such a manner that it won't impact either the design of the main mass of the building or the street. Definitely a good use of the property.

 

I'm not sure it's obvious but I'm quite fond of this project haha.

Wow I'm amazed at the scope of the Wade street development described for the August 24 meeting. I live just around the corner on Elm and had no idea - I thought Wade street would happen, but that it would take a little while. I mean right now, and for the last 4-5 months, this little half block of Elm@Wade has been a camp for people without homes. I spend time nearly every day trying to get people to stop using my space as a bathroom. People really do have so much more confidence in the neighborhood than they used to. Not sure if its the streetcar or just seeing other areas be transformed, but it sure is encouraging.

 

There's also a new college campus opening up right there. I'm sure that adds some confidence to investors.

They will 100% be moved before thanksgiving. But I think there's a chance the move is delayed from Sept to late October, which isn't a big deal in the grand scheme of things

That's exciting news with all the infill and rehabs going on right along the route.

 

I assume a lot of this driver is because of the streetcar, specifically on Elm Street.  I am guessing the boundary between Central Parkway to the south, Central Parkway to the West, Liberty Street to the north and Main Street to the east will be mostly all redeveloped in the next 5 years, including all the new construction.

^The pace of infill is quickening to be sure, but there are still a LOT of vacant lots and surface parking lots in OTR.  It will be interesting to see what direction this infill spreads.  It seems to mostly be occurring around Elm and Race and streets off of those.  I'd love to see more development along Walnut and Sycamore too, as both have large gaps and parking lots.  I also would love to see some larger projects complement the smaller scale multi-family and townhouse development that seems to be popular now.  The SCPA project is the only large residential project that I can think of at the moment in OTR/Pendleton.  While I know that there are some limitations in place in OTR that prevent development as big as what would be found downtown or on the riverfront, there are several sites around the neighborhood that could accommodate pretty large buildings with lots of residential units.  We have to find a way to grow faster, and take advantage of the momentum and demand that is currently there.

There are the two large projects on Liberty Street and the project behind Kroger on Walnut that all come to mind when speaking of large scale projects. Each will encompass a large land area and a large amount of units and office space.

There are the two large projects on Liberty Street and the project behind Kroger on Walnut that all come to mind when speaking of large scale projects. Each will encompass a large land area and a large amount of units and office space.

 

What are the projects you are referring to? I know about the Grammers plan for development, but I'm pretty skeptical that the Wades will be able to pull that off. Maybe some of the renovations, but I just don't see them having the resources or wherewithal to see a huge project through in OTR, especially as inexperienced developers. I wasn't aware there was another project confirmed on Liberty, and I hadn't heard about anything behind Kroger either. I am glad to hear something is planned for that site, though, because I drove by it the other day and it looks terrible.

The one behind Kroger is part of the Wade's project.

 

The other is at Liberty, Elm, and Greene. Where the Findlay Market Farm is currently.

118 E 12th Street is being renovated as a "Pious House" to house the Cincinnati Oratory.  The Cincinnati Oratory is a religious community of priests and brothers who will own and run the house separate from any parish and separate from the archdiocese.  The establishment of a new oratory is done by the pope directly.  The Oratory is now in "formation" in their temporary residence in the Old St Mary rectory.  Their goal is to "build up the Catholic culture in OTR and metro Cincinnati as a means of promoting holiness and sanctity."

 

The building has 9,411 SF.  The renovation is about $650,000 and should be completed in a few months.

That building definitely can use some help. That ground level is sad.

 

Does anyone know if the Historic Conservation Board requires bricked in storefronts to be restored to a state more similar to how they originally were? Very little is as bad looking as a building that was clearly designed with ground level retail space that has been filled in.

118 E 12th Street is being renovated as a "Pious House" to house the Cincinnati Oratory.  The Cincinnati Oratory is a religious community of priests and brothers who will own and run the house separate from any parish and separate from the archdiocese.  The establishment of a new oratory is done by the pope directly.  The Oratory is now in "formation" in their temporary residence in the Old St Mary rectory.  Their goal is to "build up the Catholic culture in OTR and metro Cincinnati as a means of promoting holiness and sanctity."

 

The building has 9,411 SF.  The renovation is about $650,000 and should be completed in a few months.

 

That's awesome. Been wondering what was going on with that place for a while. They'll get a lot of foot traffic being opposite Rhinehaus, and between vine and main.

118 E 12th Street is being renovated as a "Pious House" to house the Cincinnati Oratory.  The Cincinnati Oratory is a religious community of priests and brothers who will own and run the house separate from any parish and separate from the archdiocese.  The establishment of a new oratory is done by the pope directly.  The Oratory is now in "formation" in their temporary residence in the Old St Mary rectory.  Their goal is to "build up the Catholic culture in OTR and metro Cincinnati as a means of promoting holiness and sanctity."

 

The building has 9,411 SF.  The renovation is about $650,000 and should be completed in a few months.

 

I find it tragically sad that the Catholic Church was the first developer to kick out poor people in Over-the-Rhine in this latest wave of development. Have they actually read the Bible?

118 E 12th Street is being renovated as a "Pious House" to house the Cincinnati Oratory.  The Cincinnati Oratory is a religious community of priests and brothers who will own and run the house separate from any parish and separate from the archdiocese.  The establishment of a new oratory is done by the pope directly.  The Oratory is now in "formation" in their temporary residence in the Old St Mary rectory.  Their goal is to "build up the Catholic culture in OTR and metro Cincinnati as a means of promoting holiness and sanctity."

 

The building has 9,411 SF.  The renovation is about $650,000 and should be completed in a few months.

 

I find it tragically sad that the Catholic Church was the first developer to kick out poor people in Over-the-Rhine in this latest wave of development. Have they actually read the Bible?

 

They are far from the first, and like virtually every other instance of poor citizens being displaced, they are moving out of what is likely an unsanitary, unsafe slumlord property.

Too bad this won't be one of those monastaries where monks brew beer to support their work. That would fit in otr very well.

So apparently Union Hall (where all of the startups are now located), will have a restaurant in the basement of that building in the next 6 months.

 

And apparently another restaurant might also take place in the sub-basement as well. So from what I understand 3cdc is looking to squeeze 2 resturaunts in the basement, and the sub-basement of the Union Hall building.

 

^ That sounds awesome. I'm excited to see what the restaurant(s) will be.

 

That comment thread also reminds me why I avoid Reddit like the plague.

I've been hearing from people who work in various restaurants on Vine that a steakhouse is what's coming to the lagering tunnel for awhile. Sounds like maybe it's getting closer to being official/ready for announcement.

 

That would be a great space to dine in. Too bad I'm not a steak guy and fancy steakhouses are places I avoid at all costs. Nothing fun about them and the price is far from worth it.

There was some discussion about that on Urban Ohio a few months ago:

 

http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php?topic=16431.2940

I am so impressed by the continued momentum in OTR, it truly is *hot* right now and looks to continue to move forward in that direction.

 

I just hope we start seeing more development connect it to downtown a bit better by filling in those large surface lots north of the CBD core and south of the OTR core with lots of residences.  OTR will certainly fill out but I think a majority of the population still has to come from downtown to really make OTR lively at all times.  Of course, once OTR is filled out it will be a great regional (Midwest) and hopefully even a national draw for some tourists.

^ That sounds awesome. I'm excited to see what the restaurant(s) will be.

 

That comment thread also reminds me why I avoid Reddit like the plague.

 

Not that here is any different...

I am so impressed by the continued momentum in OTR, it truly is *hot* right now and looks to continue to move forward in that direction.

 

I just hope we start seeing more development connect it to downtown a bit better by filling in those large surface lots north of the CBD core and south of the OTR core with lots of residences.  OTR will certainly fill out but I think a majority of the population still has to come from downtown to really make OTR lively at all times.  Of course, once OTR is filled out it will be a great regional (Midwest) and hopefully even a national draw for some tourists.

 

Actually the circa 2008-2013 condo resales are not selling very quickly.  In a super-heated real estate market, things sell within a week of their listing and often for the asking price or 10%~ above.  That's not happening with any regularity in Over-the-Rhine or anywhere in Cincinnati.  In fact in 2014-15 many of the circa 2008-2013 3CDC condos have sat on the market for 30-60 days and only sold after a price reduction. 

 

 

After a price reduction but still well above what they originally sold for a handful of years ago.

 

There's a difference between a real estate market that's stupidly hot (like what you're describing) and a market that's healthily gaining value and not getting so over the top as to create a bubble. We don't want the former. It never ends well.

 

With the exception of the building on Main Street that dumped all its rentals onto the market as condos there are less than a dozen active listings under 250k that aren't already pending and aren't empty shells. That's a tiny inventory. When I was looking about a year and a half ago I looked at about 10 condos under 175k within OTR in a span of a month and a half before my building came online and I purchased in it. Sale prices are averaging much higher total and per square foot than they were a couple years ago. In any non-bubble market this will mean some properties take longer to sell. It doesn't mean the market isn't doing extremely well.

Nobody was putting their houses or condos on the market 2009-2013 unless they absolutely had to.  Now people have the idea that the market is "back" and there are at least twice as many homes listed in every zip code meaning prices haven't gone up much.  In 2012 there were as few as 5 homes per sale per city zip code and I remember there only being two OTR condos listed for the first half of 2013, a 3CDC condo on 12th for $160k and a much nicer 2-bedroom on Main above what is now Liberty's Bar for $170k.  My cousin's cousin bought a house on Milton in 2013 the day it listed without even seeing the inside of the house for the full asking price and that made people think OTR and Prospect Hill were going to turn white hot by the end of the year.  It still hasn't really happened.  People have probably made much higher returns flipping shells than they have reselling 3CDC's condos.  A lot of the condos simply aren't that nice.  A lot of them have weird layouts, balconies that you'd never really want to use, new but lumpy wood floors, etc. 

Yet have seen 25+% returns in a couple years on many properties. The price per square foot has risen by a pretty substantial amount since 2013 so I'm not sure where you're getting the idea that prices haven't risen.

 

Hell, someone in my building just made 38k in 10 months. Bought their unit for 229k and got relocated and sold for 267k a couple weeks after listing. Not exactly signs of a slow market.

 

White hot is bullshit and not desirable. It's the sign of an unhealthy bubble that will burst. A bubble burst is the best way to screw up the positive momentum OTR has.

 

Also, stating only two condos came online in the first half of 2013 is factually incorrect.

I concur on the reddit sentiment.