September 27, 20186 yr I just learned that the owners of The Woodward, in addition to rebuilding the historic marquee, are trying to install a replica of the original sign. I think this would be really cool, hopefully it gets approved by HCB.
October 1, 20186 yr OTR groups commit to filling commercial spaces with black-owned business In a move aimed at increasing representation of blacks in a growing part of Cincinnati, major organizations and developers in Over-the-Rhine are setting a new goal of filling most of their commercial spaces with African-American-owned businesses. The Cincinnati Center City Development Corp., Model Group and Urban Sites along with the African American Chamber of Commerce, the Over-the-Rhine Chamber of Commerce and Mortar are set to announce the initiative on Oct. 8. Mortar is a business accelerator focused on neighborhood-level enterprises. More below: https://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2018/10/01/otr-groups-commit-to-filling-commercial-spaces.html "You don't just walk into a bar and mix it up by calling a girl fat" - buildingcincinnati speaking about new forumers
October 1, 20186 yr ^^ Probably illegal. Certainly stupid. What about Asian owned businesses? Appalachian?
October 1, 20186 yr Wait...what? In every other city in Ohio, this would be/is positive news. If the Asian-American Chamber of Commerce wanted to partner with other organizations to add more Asian-American businesses in OTR, I'm sure there'd be no objection to that. So how would this be "stupid?" "You don't just walk into a bar and mix it up by calling a girl fat" - buildingcincinnati speaking about new forumers
October 1, 20186 yr I would like to think that the access to public or quasi public incentives is not dependent upon the color of one's skin. I do not support minority set asides in any form, but at least all of the minority definitions in public and private set aside programs (Cincinnati, ODOT, HUD, SBA, P%G, GE, etc - I have seen them all up close) are not race based to the exclusion of other minorities. And, to predict success (which should be a goal of tenant selection) choosing based on race is more than just stupid.
October 1, 20186 yr The city of Cincinnati benefited from the enslavement of black people for its early history. These folks worked their entire lifetime with no opportunity of upward mobility. When freed, they then encountered Jim Crow Laws, Red Lining, and other forms of economic exclusion and discrimination. Federal demands for reparations have come in many forms but have NEVER materialized. This activity is the least that could be done to provide some kind of economic equity. Society only stands to benefit from the upward mobility of historically disenfranchised groups. One person's success does not make me less successful. EDIT: This is great news. MORTAR is a HUGE asset to Cincinnati's business community and if you ever wonder what you could do to help lift up aspiring entrepreneurs from historically disenfranchised backgrounds, they are a great group to donate to or volunteer for.
October 1, 20186 yr ^^ Probably illegal. Certainly stupid. What about Asian owned businesses? Appalachian? Nice thinly veiled racist comment.
October 1, 20186 yr ^^ Probably illegal. Certainly stupid. What about Asian owned businesses? Appalachian? Nice thinly veiled racist comment. I think you had better be careful who you call a racist.
October 1, 20186 yr Probably should wait for more details on the program before making declarations on this one! In other words, let's get back on topic here folks and stop the sniping. Thanks! “All truly great thoughts are conceived while walking.” -Friedrich Nietzsche
October 1, 20186 yr I think it's a fantastic idea for multiple reasons for 3CDC to partner with the African American Chamber to try to get more black owned businesses in OTR. In addition to the noble goal of trying to increase diversity in the neighborhood, I think this is also great for the optics and helping to minimize the exclusionary, 'gentrified out of the neighborhood' narrative that always lingers over 3CDC’s work in OTR. Also, since there is a good amount of subsidy that has gone into turning OTR around, it’s reasonable for citizens to expect some sort of equity and inclusion in the neighborhood's new spaces, and I think this partnership helps achieve that. Cincinnati has huge economic and health disparities between its white and black populations, and any smart steps we can take to closing that gap is a good thing, imo. About a month ago, we talked about the urbanophile piece about the sameness of newly gentrified neighborhoods across the country. In addition to the ubiquity of craft breweries, third wave coffee houses, etc., another common feature of gentrifying neighborhoods is the racial dynamic that plays out. Whites move in as blacks and latinos move out, most of the time. Encouraging more black businesses, and thus increasing black visibility and participation in the neighborhood, is a concrete step OTR can take to differentiating itself from the rest of the crop of new hot urban places. We have amazing architecture and a built environment that would be impossible to recreate today, and we have the chance to layer on a truly diverse and accepting populace on top of that. If that vision can get realized, OTR will truly be one of the country's most special neighborhoods.
October 2, 20186 yr About a month ago, we talked about the urbanophile piece about the sameness of newly gentrified neighborhoods across the country. In addition to the ubiquity of craft breweries, third wave coffee houses, etc., another common feature of gentrifying neighborhoods is the racial dynamic that plays out. Whites move in as blacks and latinos move out, most of the time. Encouraging more black businesses, and thus increasing black visibility and participation in the neighborhood, is a concrete step OTR can take to differentiating itself from the rest of the crop of new hot urban places. We have amazing architecture and a built environment that would be impossible to recreate today, and we have the chance to layer on a truly diverse and accepting populace on top of that. If that vision can get realized, OTR will truly be one of the country's most special neighborhoods. This is a great point. I want to share this music video again, as I think its a great example of what makes OTR and Cincinnati cool. Ignore the lyrics about drugs and violence and focus on the video. It shows a gentrifying neighborhood like you describe: craft breweries, third wave coffee houses, yuppies, etc. but it shows that there's more than that. This video is saying WE'RE NOT PORTLAND. WE'RE NOT AUSTIN. WE'RE NOT NASHVILLE.
October 2, 20186 yr I would like to think that the access to public or quasi public incentives is not dependent upon the color of one's skin. Who said anything about incentives?
October 2, 20186 yr I think it's a fantastic idea for multiple reasons for 3CDC to partner with the African American Chamber to try to get more black owned businesses in OTR. In addition to the noble goal of trying to increase diversity in the neighborhood, I think this is also great for the optics and helping to minimize the exclusionary, 'gentrified out of the neighborhood' narrative that always lingers over 3CDC’s work in OTR. Also, since there is a good amount of subsidy that has gone into turning OTR around, it’s reasonable for citizens to expect some sort of equity and inclusion in the neighborhood's new spaces, and I think this partnership helps achieve that. Cincinnati has huge economic and health disparities between its white and black populations, and any smart steps we can take to closing that gap is a good thing, imo. About a month ago, we talked about the urbanophile piece about the sameness of newly gentrified neighborhoods across the country. In addition to the ubiquity of craft breweries, third wave coffee houses, etc., another common feature of gentrifying neighborhoods is the racial dynamic that plays out. Whites move in as blacks and latinos move out, most of the time. Encouraging more black businesses, and thus increasing black visibility and participation in the neighborhood, is a concrete step OTR can take to differentiating itself from the rest of the crop of new hot urban places. We have amazing architecture and a built environment that would be impossible to recreate today, and we have the chance to layer on a truly diverse and accepting populace on top of that. If that vision can get realized, OTR will truly be one of the country's most special neighborhoods. Hit the nail on the head. All of this investment in the urban core needs to benefit a wider swath of Cincinnatians than just white yuppies. This also has the benefit of making the investment more defensible to voters as well. (I'm betting one of the reasons that Cranley beat Qualls in the first place was that he was able to successfully sell some black voters the idea that the streetcar/urban core investment was a rip-off.)
October 2, 20186 yr Not sure for Qualls but from 2013 to 2017 the streetcar didn't really affect anyone's vote
October 2, 20186 yr I am all for incentivizing or at least official encouragement and seeking of clients of specific demographics like in this case. I think it helps and is definitely needed, but I think true change will happen when and if we can ever get public transportation figured out and also robust after school programs, job training, etc. in many of the neighborhoods.
October 4, 20186 yr It appears the HCB have a given a recommendation for the approval of 1118 Sycamore. 7 story infill project, will contain 155 apartment units, 2 level parking garage, and ground floor retail. Say what you want about the design, but this level of density and new retail will be great for main street.
October 4, 20186 yr It appears the HCB have a given a recommendation for the approval of 1118 Sycamore. 7 story infill project, will contain 155 apartment units, 2 level parking garage, and ground floor retail. Say what you want about the design, but this level of density and new retail will be great for main street. Is there a height limit in OTR? I was under the impression that everything had to be under 3 or 4 floors.
October 4, 20186 yr This project has not had an HCB hearing yet, it is on October 8th at 3PM. I believe the recommendation you are referring to is the Pendleton Community Council. I was at the council meeting where they presented this project. They voted to give the neighborhood's approval (vote was 14-13). This Pendleton neighborhood approval will go to the HCB for consideration when deciding on whether or not to approve.
October 4, 20186 yr Generally you aren't supposed to deviate more than 1 story from your neighboring buildings. So if you are next to a 3 story building, you shouldn't build a 1 or 5 story building immediately adjacent. This proposal gradually slopes up as you go south, because the buildings to the south and west of the site are all tall.
October 4, 20186 yr Didn't they tell the designers of 1118 to go back to the drawing board? Did they do that, or did something happen behind the scenes? That particular area is zoned CC-P (Commercial Corridor Pedestrian Oriented) which has a height limit of 85 feet (and a height minimum of 15 feet). https://library.municode.com/oh/cincinnati/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIXIZOCOCI_CH1409CODI
October 4, 20186 yr Didn't they tell the designers of 1118 to go back to the drawing board? Did they do that, or did something happen behind the scenes? What entity are you speaking of that told them to go back to the drawing board? I didn't hear about this.
October 4, 20186 yr troeros mentioned it back on September 7. https://www.urbanohio.com/forum/index.php/topic,1114.msg936196.html#msg936196
October 4, 20186 yr It's always a good day when a bricked-up storefront is taken out. Here are the buildings at the corner of Vine and McMicken. Workers are knocking the brick out today.
October 4, 20186 yr Anybody know what's going on at 1904-1906 Elm St? Looks to be a full renovation. The buildings (1 parcel) were bought in early 2017 for $335k. I don't recall seeing anything go before the HCB or apply for CRA tax abatements, but maybe I just missed it... https://wedge.hcauditor.org/view/re/0960006004700/2017/summary
October 4, 20186 yr Were those the buildings that a group of people wanted to turn into all AirBNB rentals?
October 4, 20186 yr Were those the buildings that a group of people wanted to turn into all AirBNB rentals? I'm not sure... I think there was a recent dust-up over a proposed new construction project on Race just south of Liberty that wanted to be all short term rentals.
October 6, 20186 yr 1733 Vine St (owned by OTR Holdings, which is 3CDC) is having a full masonry rebuilt of its facade, with cinder blocks behind the brick facade.
October 9, 20186 yr Boom box Buns is a new carry out window on 1324 Main St, on the side st of the Takeaway on Main Deli, specializing in Chinese’s bao Buns. Currently they only operate Friday and Saturday, from 7 to when they sell out. https://instagram.com/boomboxbuns?utm_source=ig_profile_share&igshid=1gl2rxco1a6ex
October 17, 20186 yr Huge plans for Cliffsyde Brewery building in OTR in the latest HCB packet. Plans include 1 story infill, beer garden, event community space, small parking garage and basement space for a brewery space.
October 17, 20186 yr 5 hours ago, troeros said: Huge plans for Cliffsyde Brewery building in OTR in the latest HCB packet. Plans include 1 story infill, beer garden, event community space, small parking garage and basement space for a brewery space. Would you happen to have a link to the packet?
October 17, 20186 yr Just now, Ucgrad2015 said: Would you happen to have a link to the packet? https://www.cincinnati-oh.gov/buildings/historic-conservation/historic-conservation-board/october-22-2018-staff-report-and-attachments-items-3-6/
October 18, 20186 yr Here are some photos of the massive 6,000 sq ft home on Republic: http://cincinnatirefined.com/arts-design/republic-street-leed-gold-home-rehabbed-from-livery-warehouse-over-the-rhine-cincinnati-history
October 19, 20186 yr https://www.instagram.com/p/BpIAPZNnLq8/?utm_source=ig_share_sheet&igshid=10syzs3agec6f Rhinegeist has announced on IG that there brewery has reached full capacity with the installation of their new fermentation tank. Makes me wonder if Rhinegeist might pursue a second location in otr to supplement the extra needed tanks for future growth.
October 20, 20186 yr ^They are opening a production brewery/warehouse on Spring Grove Ave. soon at the old Kahn's site that was originally proposed as a site for a new jail. Picture is from July 2018. They applied for liquor permits last week.
October 20, 20186 yr Exactly, it is only a matter of time before they start brewing at the Spring Grove facility. The liquor license application shows that they’re going to open a tap room there in the near future.
October 21, 20186 yr 1418 Elm St. listed for $1.5 million: https://www.sibcycline.com/Listing/CIN/1599843/1418-Elm-St-Cincinnati-OH-45202
October 22, 20186 yr 8 hours ago, jmecklenborg said: 1418 Elm St. listed for $1.5 million: https://www.sibcycline.com/Listing/CIN/1599843/1418-Elm-St-Cincinnati-OH-45202 That’s just now on the market? I thought that was completed a while ago (I posted an Instagram pic of it in June 2017 assuming it was completed & occupied. Had flower boxes and everything) Edited October 22, 20186 yr by thebillshark www.cincinnatiideas.com
October 22, 20186 yr If Vine Street north of Liberty starts seeing major investment, that will be hugely transformative. It’s a pretty sad stretch currently. There was a major project announced a few years ago to rebuild 1725 Vine but I’m not sure what’s happening with that.
October 22, 20186 yr https://www.citybeat.com/arts-culture/culture/blog/21027987/hip-online-eyeglasses-retailer-warby-parker-opens-a-storefront-in-overtherhine Warby Parker is opening this Saturday. Seeing new national retailers open in OTR makes me wonder what other retailers could open. What do you guys want to see open in not just OTR but anywhere in the city?
October 22, 20186 yr 2 hours ago, taestell said: If Vine Street north of Liberty starts seeing major investment, that will be hugely transformative. It’s a pretty sad stretch currently. There was a major project announced a few years ago to rebuild 1725 Vine but I’m not sure what’s happening with that. Over in Findlay Market thread, @mcmicken posted this back in July about 1725 Vine: On 7/9/2018 at 5:18 PM, mcmicken said: Yep, the Kauffman Flats building at 1725 Vine had some holdups with building permits but will be starting shortly.
October 22, 20186 yr Also, the famous mural at Race & Liberty was just painted over late last week or over the weekend as part of the restaurant being built there.
October 22, 20186 yr Just now, Ucgrad2015 said: https://www.citybeat.com/arts-culture/culture/blog/21027987/hip-online-eyeglasses-retailer-warby-parker-opens-a-storefront-in-overtherhine Warby Parker is opening this Saturday. Seeing new national retailers open in OTR makes me wonder what other retailers could open. What do you guys want to see open in not just OTR but anywhere in the city? Not OTR, but I'd like to see Fourth Street downtown look more like Walnut Street in Rittenhouse Square in Philly. Apple Store, H&M, Banana Republic, Gap, Athleta, Lululemon, Brooks Brothers, Urban Outfitters, Ann Taylor, Anthropologie... among others.
October 22, 20186 yr Just now, jmecklenborg said: Great, a mall. I mean, essentially I guess. But outdoors, with retail facades. I guess you'd call that a street. I think Warby Parker, Bonobos, and those others I mentioned above would be better in the CBD along Fourth Street and I'd like to see Vine Street in OTR remain local/mom and pop type stores.
October 22, 20186 yr Just now, DEPACincy said: I mean, essentially I guess. But outdoors, with retail facades. I guess you'd call that a street. More like a Lifestyle Center than a Mall, I suppose. "Streets of OTR"
October 23, 20186 yr CBD is so disconnected from OTR that I find it hard to imagine that CBD will ever be able to restore it's once, "shopping retail hub". Judging by 3cdc latest lease signings, I imagine they have a vision of Vine St being an upscale corridor with luxury retailers and dining. I still predict that within 10-15 years, as OTR pushes the revitalization north of liberty that we will eventually see an urban Apple Store, a Starbucks, and perhaps well known clothing brands like H&M and Express have urban stores that occupy multiple floors of OTR buildings. Hell, even having an urban McDonalds like you see in most big cities would be quite nice as well (especially during late night bar hopping excursions)... Eventually rent is going to reach a point in OTR where it will be hard for mom and pop retailers to survive. Of course this is a good and bad thing. Overall, if OTR and Cincinnati are to reach a point of being a major tourist destination city, we will need luxury brand retailers in our urban core. I don't see CBD being that area (at least not for the foreseeable future), but I do see OTR fitting that mold. OTR is so distinct, it's architecture otherworldly at times, making you feel like you've stepped back in a time machine. The amount of pedestrians on a nice saturday/sunday afternoon, the energy on the street, is just the complete opposite of what is currently happening in the CBD (which feels like a ghost town after everyone leaves from work at 5pm). The area in itself is almost like a 2nd downtown for Cincinnati all together. So distinct, yet so separated, even though CBD and OTR border right next to each other. Also it's worth mentioning, there are already so many tourists staying in the airbnbs down their it's insane. More times than not I will run into folks down in OTR (most of the time asking where X bar is, or Y restaurant is) who are from different cities, but congregate to the area and lodge in the area because they know it's, "THEE" spot to be in downtown Cincinnati. It's not unfathomable to see OTR (especially the vine street corridor from south - north of liberty) becoming Cincinnati's new, "City Center", flooded with tourists and expats. Edited October 23, 20186 yr by troeros
October 23, 20186 yr 8 hours ago, troeros said: CBD is so disconnected from OTR that I find it hard to imagine that CBD will ever be able to restore it's once, "shopping retail hub". Judging by 3cdc latest lease signings, I imagine they have a vision of Vine St being an upscale corridor with luxury retailers and dining. I still predict that within 10-15 years, as OTR pushes the revitalization north of liberty that we will eventually see an urban Apple Store, a Starbucks, and perhaps well known clothing brands like H&M and Express have urban stores that occupy multiple floors of OTR buildings. Hell, even having an urban McDonalds like you see in most big cities would be quite nice as well (especially during late night bar hopping excursions)... Eventually rent is going to reach a point in OTR where it will be hard for mom and pop retailers to survive. Of course this is a good and bad thing. Overall, if OTR and Cincinnati are to reach a point of being a major tourist destination city, we will need luxury brand retailers in our urban core. I don't see CBD being that area (at least not for the foreseeable future), but I do see OTR fitting that mold. OTR is so distinct, it's architecture otherworldly at times, making you feel like you've stepped back in a time machine. The amount of pedestrians on a nice saturday/sunday afternoon, the energy on the street, is just the complete opposite of what is currently happening in the CBD (which feels like a ghost town after everyone leaves from work at 5pm). The area in itself is almost like a 2nd downtown for Cincinnati all together. So distinct, yet so separated, even though CBD and OTR border right next to each other. Also it's worth mentioning, there are already so many tourists staying in the airbnbs down their it's insane. More times than not I will run into folks down in OTR (most of the time asking where X bar is, or Y restaurant is) who are from different cities, but congregate to the area and lodge in the area because they know it's, "THEE" spot to be in downtown Cincinnati. It's not unfathomable to see OTR (especially the vine street corridor from south - north of liberty) becoming Cincinnati's new, "City Center", flooded with tourists and expats. I would like to see Zara open a store in OTR. AS well as some other national retailers (Top Man, Uniqlo). Idk if H&M or express would do well since there are ones in Kenwood. I would also like to see a World Market, I know there used to be one in kenwood that is now Anthropologie, but every time I’m in Columbus I stop at one and wish there was one here again. I def think cincinnati needs a second Apple store. If the old Macy’s get redeveloped I think a two story Apple store would be great there.
October 23, 20186 yr Heard from someone higher up who works with Eli’s BBQ that they will not renew their lease at the findley market location and will relocate south of liberty to a larger location with more seating area. If true, I can understand why. The hours are at the findley market location are super limited and the seating area is super tiny inside. Edited October 23, 20186 yr by troeros
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