June 15, 20186 yr I remember when I went to UC they had a shuttle that went to newport on the levee but am not sure if it stopped in OTR. Do they have any shuttles that do go to OTR? That would prolly help with bringing more students down. I feel like the hill between OTR and UC creates a separation between the two areas.
June 15, 20186 yr Until at least 2013 the bus went to Mt. Adams, Newport, Downtown, OTR, and UC. It probably still does, but I haven't looked at it in a long time. It used to stop around 12th and Vine. Not sure if that's changed. I think Uber and Lyft make that bus less important than it was when I was in college. Back then you either had a DD, you took a taxi (if they would show up), or you just stayed around UC. I think the student population is much more mobile than it used to be.
June 15, 20186 yr Shadyside is an area that serves both Carnegie Mellon students and Pittsburgh in general. This concept is common in many US cities, but does not seem to exist in Cincinnati, for whatever reason. Here, we seem to segregate "student areas" (surrounding UC's campus) where students live and hang out, from the rest of the city. Students might hang out in area like OTR on the weekends, but they definitely aren't visiting OTR to shop regularly, and they definitely aren't living in OTR and commuting up the hill to campus on a daily basis. (A few students might, but not in large numbers.) Ludlow and Short Vine are a mix of students and non-students.
June 15, 20186 yr Until at least 2013 the bus went to Mt. Adams, Newport, Downtown, OTR, and UC. It probably still does, but I haven't looked at it in a long time. It used to stop around 12th and Vine. Not sure if that's changed. I think Uber and Lyft make that bus less important than it was when I was in college. Back then you either had a DD, you took a taxi (if they would show up), or you just stayed around UC. I think the student population is much more mobile than it used to be. Yea, I think UC students are moving around more than in the past, and it's directly attributable to Uber/Lyft. I live downtown and have several grad students in my building, not sure about undergrads though. But I've spent a decent amount of time in Shadyside and it has a very similar vibe to OTR. I don't see why those retailers wouldn't want to locate in OTR.
June 15, 20186 yr Author JTM co-owner helps to bring brewery/distillery to Over-the-Rhine By Tom Demeropolis – Senior Staff Reporter, Cincinnati Business Courier Jun 15, 2018, 12:48pm EDT Updated 2 hours ago An Over-the-Rhine brewery and distillery that has been in the works for at least two years is getting closer to opening with a little help from a co-owner of one of Cincinnati’s largest private food companies. Joe Maas, a co-owner and president of JTM Food Group, has partnered with Dave Berger to open Northern Row Brewery and Distillery. My colleague, Andy Brownfield, reported on initial plans in June 2016. https://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2018/06/15/jtm-co-owner-helps-to-bring-brewery-distillery-to.html
June 15, 20186 yr Anyone who has not seen the inside of the Apex Building (Northern Row Distillery) is in for a real treat. When they open it up you will see beams cast with "Carnegie Steel 1888" right on them and hard Oak factory floors that had 120 years of workers boots polishing them, side by side with gleaming stainless, glass and PVC still plumbing.
June 15, 20186 yr This building is massive, does anyone know if they will occupy the whole thing? While sitting on Rhinegeist's rooftop I've often thought of how amazing the roof on the Apex building would be as it's basically the tallest building in all of Northern OTR. Since the northern portion of the building is 1 story above the main roof they could conceivable put the bar, restrooms, elevator, stairs etc. in that portion and open up the entire main roof with the view to the south, overlooking all of OTR and downtown.
June 15, 20186 yr The distillery and tap room will occupy the first floor. The rest of the building will eventually be one of the real jewels of OTR. I would also comment that the Blast Building aka Jackson Brewery, is the best view in all of OTR.
June 15, 20186 yr The rest of the building will eventually be one of the real jewels of OTR. With as much space as the Apex building has, it has the potential to be truly a defining landmark of the neighborhood, the way Rhinegeist is. It will come down to how they design and fill those upper floors. Glad to hear you call it "one of the real jewels"... it certainly has potential!
June 15, 20186 yr I think the only divide that separates Clifton and OTR is the fact that north of liberty is quite sketchy to walk across, especially at night. There is no doubt in my mind that if North is liberty was redeveloped you would see more college students and pedestrians walking up and down the hill...it’s not a bad walk either, it’s just that walking through north of liberty to get to the redeveloped stretches of otr is not the most appealing thought in the world.
June 16, 20186 yr It will be a long time for the Jackson Brewery to come on line, but there are steps in the Elm St. right of way that go up the hill. An incline up to Clifton might eventually access the Jackson and link Clifton and OTR. And, as I am sure most of you know, there are endless lagering tunnels starting at Liberty and drilling deep into the hillside, and under and contained within the Jackson.
June 16, 20186 yr Why will Jackson brewery take a long time to be developed? Is there something special that the brewery requires? Aside from a big money investor?
June 16, 20186 yr Its just not time yet. Be patient. There is a cycle to these things. The Apex and the Jackson will be developed responsibly.
June 16, 20186 yr I wonder whatever happened to that rumor about the Rheingeist gondola/beer garden concept from last year...guess it was just a man made rumor?
June 16, 20186 yr I wonder whatever happened to that rumor about the Rheingeist gondola/beer garden concept from last year...guess it was just a man made rumor? More than a rumor, but im not sure how much more. Ive heard about it since the early 2000's but this site was set up (maybe for a UC project?) in 2016. http://www.uptowngondola.org/#home-section
June 16, 20186 yr I think the only divide that separates Clifton and OTR is the fact that north of liberty is quite sketchy to walk across, especially at night. There is no doubt in my mind that if North is liberty was redeveloped you would see more college students and pedestrians walking up and down the hill...it’s not a bad walk either, it’s just that walking through north of liberty to get to the redeveloped stretches of otr is not the most appealing thought in the world. I walk from Nippert to my apartment on 4th and Race all the time at night after FCC games. It's really not bad. Yes, there's more trash and poverty but that doesn't mean it's unsafe. There are more isolated incidents of crime north of liberty but those are typically more gang/drug related. Usually the families hanging outside of their buildings on the Vine street hill ask what the score was as I walk by.
June 17, 20186 yr I think the only divide that separates Clifton and OTR is the fact that north of liberty is quite sketchy to walk across, especially at night. There is no doubt in my mind that if North is liberty was redeveloped you would see more college students and pedestrians walking up and down the hill...it’s not a bad walk either, it’s just that walking through north of liberty to get to the redeveloped stretches of otr is not the most appealing thought in the world. I would guess that 40-60% of Americans realistically can't and 90% of Americans won't walk up the hill
June 17, 20186 yr Will we ever see another MetroMoves vote on the ballot again? I can say without a shadow of a doubt we will never be the city that we have the potential of being until we have legitimate high speed rail across cincy 52 neighborhoods and the suburbs.
June 17, 20186 yr Well, even the city's historical streetcar system didn't cover every neighborhood, and it certainly wasn't what we'd call high-speed. Add in the interurbans and a couple of commuter railroads and some of the suburbs had at least ok transit options, but not much more. MetroMoves would've certainly been a big step forward, but still not "high-speed rail across all 52 neighborhoods." Maybe with gas prices nudging up a bit there could be a little bit more interest, but I wouldn't expect to see much happen with people like Trump, Kasich, and Cranley in power. Drill baby drill, screw the environment, etc.
June 17, 20186 yr Will we ever see another MetroMoves vote on the ballot again? I can say without a shadow of a doubt we will never be the city that we have the potential of being until we have legitimate high speed rail across cincy 52 neighborhoods and the suburbs. Yes, I see it now. 200mph up W. 8th St.
June 18, 20186 yr New bar on 12th and Race called Cobblestone bar...opening soon. Fb/IG page set up but no info about owner or opening date yet.
June 18, 20186 yr I think the only divide that separates Clifton and OTR is the fact that north of liberty is quite sketchy to walk across, especially at night. There is no doubt in my mind that if North is liberty was redeveloped you would see more college students and pedestrians walking up and down the hill...it’s not a bad walk either, it’s just that walking through north of liberty to get to the redeveloped stretches of otr is not the most appealing thought in the world. I would guess that 40-60% of Americans realistically can't and 90% of Americans won't walk up the hill I still maintain that the view from Bellevue Hill Park is better than from the chalet on Mont Royal in Montreal, and yet hundreds of people make that hike daily. All it takes is a little promotion and wayfinding, and I think that hike could be a real tourist draw.
June 18, 20186 yr New bar on 12th and Race called Cobblestone bar...opening soon. Fb/IG page set up but no info about owner or opening date yet. I spoke with someone over the weekend that knows the guy who is opening it and he's certain that it's not going back to the bad old days of when it was a crack bar. I guess they're having building issues which is why it's being delayed a few weeks. That's not too surprising as the owners of the building are the same ones that actually ran the crack bar and have been cited over and over again for building violations. I just hope the guy(s) running the bar know how much a piece of !$[/member]#% the owner of the building is and have put protections in their lease. "Someone is sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago." - Warren Buffett
June 18, 20186 yr I think the only divide that separates Clifton and OTR is the fact that north of liberty is quite sketchy to walk across, especially at night. There is no doubt in my mind that if North is liberty was redeveloped you would see more college students and pedestrians walking up and down the hill...it’s not a bad walk either, it’s just that walking through north of liberty to get to the redeveloped stretches of otr is not the most appealing thought in the world. I would guess that 40-60% of Americans realistically can't and 90% of Americans won't walk up the hill I still maintain that the view from Bellevue Hill Park is better than from the chalet on Mont Royal in Montreal, and yet hundreds of people make that hike daily. All it takes is a little promotion and wayfinding, and I think that hike could be a real tourist draw. I agree that Bellevue Hill Park ought to be promoted more. The concession stand should be open and sell food / drinks / ice cream. If you could get a bite to eat and a drink at the top of the hill, it would make for a really fun destination hike for people who are exploring OTR and want to get a nice view.
June 18, 20186 yr WHY was the bar a crack den in the first place? Were the owners drug addicted themselves? Or did they feel that was the only way to get revenue from the bar?
June 18, 20186 yr I think the only divide that separates Clifton and OTR is the fact that north of liberty is quite sketchy to walk across, especially at night. There is no doubt in my mind that if North is liberty was redeveloped you would see more college students and pedestrians walking up and down the hill...it’s not a bad walk either, it’s just that walking through north of liberty to get to the redeveloped stretches of otr is not the most appealing thought in the world. I would guess that 40-60% of Americans realistically can't and 90% of Americans won't walk up the hill I still maintain that the view from Bellevue Hill Park is better than from the chalet on Mont Royal in Montreal, and yet hundreds of people make that hike daily. All it takes is a little promotion and wayfinding, and I think that hike could be a real tourist draw. I agree that Bellevue Hill Park ought to be promoted more. The concession stand should be open and sell food / drinks / ice cream. If you could get a bite to eat and a drink at the top of the hill, it would make for a really fun destination hike for people who are exploring OTR and want to get a nice view. Sadly that would be the first thing cut from the budget as a 'luxury' that only other cities who can afford basic services would provide. Edit: In grade school in the 80's and 90's a friend & his mom worked during the summer manning the concession stand at Mt. Echo park. It was for not much money but was a good place for a young person to experience 'working' and for him mom to make a bit of Christmas money. Probably just made enough money to cover the salaries of the workers but was a nice thing to have as kids when you spent you day at the park and needed a cheap snack. THat is the one thing i noticed when i googled the Montreal Park mentioned above is that the chalet itself is a hub of activity and beauty in and of itself and the view is a bonus. Maybe if the long rumored Biergarten & Tram were there Bellevue park would be an attraction but the park itself other than the cool Googie concrete structure is rather dead.
June 18, 20186 yr WHY was the bar a crack den in the first place? Were the owners drug addicted themselves? Or did they feel that was the only way to get revenue from the bar? The owners of the building claimed ignorance and said they were being taken advantage of by the patrons, but that's a load of !%#^*. Just like the cell phone store that was in the same building, they didn't care if illegal activity was going on as long as they were making money. That is the same money they refused to use to fix up their building that has been crumbling in around them for many, many years. Basically, the owners are real pieces of !%#^*. "Someone is sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago." - Warren Buffett
June 20, 20186 yr The black plywood boxes have been removed from the fronts of Pins Mechanical Co. and the former Japp's Annex space, revealing the actual building facade underneath.
June 20, 20186 yr Nice hopefully that means Pins is opening soon, that place is going to make a killing just like 16 Bit. It will also be nice to add another place people can go out in that area as pretty much every place is packed on nice weekends. Is something going in the former Japp's Annex? If that was announced I must have missed it.
June 20, 20186 yr Nice hopefully that means Pins is opening soon, that place is going to make a killing just like 16 Bit. It will also be nice to add another place people can go out in that area as pretty much every place is packed on nice weekends. Is something going in the former Japp's Annex? If that was announced I must have missed it. The reason Japp's Annex closed is because UrbanSites needed to use that space to facilitate the renovation of the upper floors into office space. I don't know if they have a tenant in mind for that space but it does look like they've installed a new generic facade for it. I think Pins is aiming for a fall opening.
June 20, 20186 yr They could serve drinks on a mattress with an animatronic scientist dropping bowling balls, ad nauseam.
June 21, 20186 yr Co-living project gets tax credits for $1.2M expansion in OTR A Cincinnati group that opened the city's first co-living space last year is getting state tax credits for a $1.2 million project to rehabilitate two buildings to expand in Over-the-Rhine. Kunst is a group that renovates historic buildings to create apartments and living quarters that are a bit more communal. Its first project, at 2411 Gilbert Ave. in Walnut Hills, is a co-living space with private bedrooms, four bathrooms, two kitchens and a lot of common space. More below: https://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2018/06/20/co-living-project-gets-tax-credits-for-1-2m.html "You don't just walk into a bar and mix it up by calling a girl fat" - buildingcincinnati speaking about new forumers
June 21, 20186 yr Any update about what is going on with that race st project across from Music Hall? It involved demolishing 2 buildings? I know the hcb approved the project and everything but I’ve seen no movement on this whatsoever. Curious what’s going on?
June 21, 20186 yr Any update about what is going on with that race st project across from Music Hall? It involved demolishing 2 buildings? I know the hcb approved the project and everything but I’ve seen no movement on this whatsoever. Curious what’s going on? Me and you both! I'll try and check with the guy who lives right next door to the project to see if he's heard anything. "Someone is sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago." - Warren Buffett
June 21, 20186 yr Last I heard, Allscreen printing was still planning on moving out in August. Once they are out of the old garage building, demo could then start.
June 21, 20186 yr Nice hopefully that means Pins is opening soon, that place is going to make a killing just like 16 Bit. It will also be nice to add another place people can go out in that area as pretty much every place is packed on nice weekends. Is something going in the former Japp's Annex? If that was announced I must have missed it. The reason Japp's Annex closed is because UrbanSites needed to use that space to facilitate the renovation of the upper floors into office space. I don't know if they have a tenant in mind for that space but it does look like they've installed a new generic facade for it. I think Pins is aiming for a fall opening. That is where LouVino is opening. WCPO had an article about it a while back.
June 21, 20186 yr Good news for northern edge of OTR in the latest round of historic tax credits: 100 E Clifton: ground floor restaurant plus 6 residential units 101 Peete: five residential units 105 Peete: five residential units 207 W McMicken: 3 residential units 205 W McMicken: co-living... not sure how many bedrooms https://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2018/06/20/co-living-project-gets-tax-credits-for-1-2m.html https://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2018/06/21/three-over-the-rhine-properties-land-historic-tax.html
June 21, 20186 yr 100 E Clifton...a restaurant? Hard to believe. https://www.google.com/maps/@39.1166891,-84.5154105,3a,75y,100.01h,96.59t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sVmR4VVQbMSMXEeFNtT6Z8g!2e0!7i13312!8i6656
June 21, 20186 yr I missed a few other OTR projects that received awards in the latest round: https://www.wcpo.com/news/transportation-development/development/cincinnati-s-traction-building-hamilton-s-champion-paper-mill-win-big-in-historic-tax-credits 22 W. Elder St., Cincinnati Total Project Cost: $1,816,167 Total Tax Credit: $180,000 Part of a much larger revitalization project by the Model Group near Findlay Market in Over-the-Rhine, this vacant building will be rehabilitated into four apartments and a commercial space on the ground floor. 430-432 W. McMicken Ave., Cincinnati Total Project Cost: $465,244 Total Tax Credit: $51,000 This duplex tells the story of the settlement, development, and population trends of the Mohawk area of Cincinnati. Built prior to 1880, it is one of the few surviving wood-frame buildings in the area. After extreme water damage caused structural failure to the rear of the building, the current owners plan to rehabilitate the building into apartments, retaining its historic fabric. 1919 Vine St., Cincinnati Total Project Cost: $423,662 Total Tax Credit: $83,000 1919 Vine Street is one of three "sister" buildings that were all built around the same time of similar appearance. It remained in residential use from the time it was built in 1905 until it was vacated a few years ago. After completion, it will house two market-rate apartments. The developer is also working on a project up the street that received tax credits in a recent round.
June 21, 20186 yr Interesting to see how many of the projects awarded in this round are up along McMicken Ave and nearby streets along the base of the hill. I really hope progress keeps moving that direction as the curve in Vine street and the five point intersection just South of it could be the coolest and most unique neighborhood area in the Midwest if it comes together. I know many here complain that too many single family and lower density projects are coming to OTR, but there are some really big buildings along McMicken and Clifton that could hold some really meaningful residential density eventually. We need to keep pressing North, and keep working towards making the Brewery district a real thing. I know 3CDC has said they are soon going to be turning south toward Court street but I feel like they (not sure who else could do it) need to redevelop Findlay Playground or Grant Park to be a new anchor to the brewery district (much like Washington park did for southern OTR and Zeigler park has done for Pendleton).
June 21, 20186 yr ^Yeah. I agree that the stretch of Vine from the "curve" down to the five points intersection has a ton of potential. The five points intersection needs some road diet and re-engineering to make it easier to navigate, for pedestrians, cyclists, and cars. I think that smarter signal timing could allow the the intersection to allow for smoother traffic flow AND allow for curb bumpouts, making it safer and easier for pedestrian crossing.
June 21, 20186 yr https://instagram.com/p/BkS68jynFwi/ Ombre Gallery is a new jewelry store opening next to the Poke Hut restaurant in the Allision development...will open on July 14th.
June 21, 20186 yr ^Yeah. I agree that the stretch of Vine from the "curve" down to the five points intersection has a ton of potential. The five points intersection needs some road diet and re-engineering to make it easier to navigate, for pedestrians, cyclists, and cars. I think that smarter signal timing could allow the the intersection to allow for smoother traffic flow AND allow for curb bumpouts, making it safer and easier for pedestrian crossing. The light sequence was quicker back when Vine was one-way north. Now southbound has the option of going south on Vine or being routed over to Race but they had to add a phase to the light sequence in order to make that possible. Switching Findlay from one-way east to one-way west could remove that phase.
June 21, 20186 yr Switching Findlay from one-way east to one-way west could remove that phase. Findlay is one way west already
June 21, 20186 yr Switching Findlay from one-way east to one-way west could remove that phase. Findlay is one way west already My bad. They'd have to switch it to one-way east and prohibit left turns from Findlay north to Vine...which is basically the situation right now. You have to go down to Elder then north on Vine in order to go north on Vine. So a green-light cycle for McMicken would briefly block right turns onto Vine south while Findlay gets to go either to Vine south or McMicken southeast. McMicken by the fire station gets to continue on McMicken or turn right onto Vine uphill for 2x light cycles.
June 21, 20186 yr Wouldn't making Findlay east make the intersection way worse? I think they should get rid of the right turn from northbound Vine onto eastbound McMicken. You can turn onto Elder Street to get onto McMicken from Vine.
June 21, 20186 yr Nice hopefully that means Pins is opening soon, that place is going to make a killing just like 16 Bit. It will also be nice to add another place people can go out in that area as pretty much every place is packed on nice weekends. Is something going in the former Japp's Annex? If that was announced I must have missed it. The reason Japp's Annex closed is because UrbanSites needed to use that space to facilitate the renovation of the upper floors into office space. I don't know if they have a tenant in mind for that space but it does look like they've installed a new generic facade for it. I think Pins is aiming for a fall opening. That is where LouVino is opening. WCPO had an article about it a while back. I see. They have it listed on their website too.
June 21, 20186 yr Wouldn't making Findlay east make the intersection way worse? I think they should get rid of the right turn from northbound Vine onto eastbound McMicken. You can turn onto Elder Street to get onto McMicken from Vine. I think I've posted this before, but that intersection needs to eliminate a cycle by having northbound and southbound Vine move at the same time. Arrows or no left turns could be worked in if needed. The walk signals need to be better integrated, as well. Right now you can only get a walk signal if you hit the request button. The button triggers ALL of the walk signs, and all the traffic lights go to red. It's a strange setup. Half the time people end up crossing against the signal because they don't see the button and get sick of waiting around.
June 21, 20186 yr I think I've posted this before, but that intersection needs to eliminate a cycle by having northbound and southbound Vine move at the same time. Arrows or no left turns could be worked in if needed. The walk signals need to be better integrated, as well. Right now you can only get a walk signal if you hit the request button. The button triggers ALL of the walk signs, and all the traffic lights go to red. It's a strange setup. Half the time people end up crossing against the signal because they don't see the button and get sick of waiting around. It's because when they made Vine 2-way they did a half-ass job back when nobody cared. It basically never happens that you drive down Vine or W. Clifton and get through both intersections. That's okay, but there shouldn't be a 5-minute wait. It seems like at least if not more priority is given to McMicken St., when undoubtedly Vine is the busier street. That said, I like that the place is such a mess. There usually something obnoxious going on to watch while you wait for the light to change.
June 21, 20186 yr I think I've posted this before, but that intersection needs to eliminate a cycle by having northbound and southbound Vine move at the same time. Arrows or no left turns could be worked in if needed. The walk signals need to be better integrated, as well. Right now you can only get a walk signal if you hit the request button. The button triggers ALL of the walk signs, and all the traffic lights go to red. It's a strange setup. Half the time people end up crossing against the signal because they don't see the button and get sick of waiting around. It's because when they made Vine 2-way they did a half-ass job back when nobody cared. It basically never happens that you drive down Vine or W. Clifton and get through both intersections. That's okay, but there shouldn't be a 5-minute wait. It seems like at least if not more priority is given to McMicken St., when undoubtedly Vine is the busier street. That said, I like that the place is such a mess. There usually something obnoxious going on to watch while you wait for the light to change. It's fine (possibly even desirable to slow cars speeding down the hill) if you cars have to stop at the lights, but the cycles should be shortened. I agree with the ideas proposed by Ram23. I think the intersection should be set up with just 1 lane for left turns and 1 lane for straight/right turn. That would free allow for some more 24/7 on-street parking which would provide a much needed buffer for the apartments/houses with front doors opening right onto Vine.
Create an account or sign in to comment