I think the Kruckmeyer (northwest corner of 15th and Vine) will help entice the surrounding buildings to happen. The 15th and Vine 3CDC office building needs to happen soon and bridge that gap (even though this will mean I lose a portion of my view sad face) and the 6 story limestone building at the NE corner NEEDS to be something spectacular. That's one of the best buildings in OTR and will be one of the premier structures on Vine Street when fixed up.

 

Once development reaches Liberty on Vine I think we'll see a pause in Vine Street development for a bit. There is a long gap of no possible storefronts from the south side of Liberty to the north side. The church, Guildhaus, that parking lot, etc. create a pretty sizable distance between ground floor activity. I think we'll actually see development jump Liberty on Race Street first and will actually see redevelopment on Vine start further north by Findlay Market and then move south instead of the other way around.

I wonder if 3cdc will pull a "hat trick" of underground parking garages beneath parks with Findlay Playground to facilitate development around the Market and the northern area of Vine Street which has a pretty good solid remaining street wall.  Also the Liberty Street redo will play a role (there's a public input meeting next Wednesday the same day as the streetcar celebration)

This is likely going to be an unpopular opinion but the Findlay Playground is a park I'd like to see go away.

 

In my ideal world (meaning it's expensive) Findlay Playground would be removed and an underground parking garage would be built. This garage would facilitate parking for Findlay Market which would allow for the removal of the parking lot around the farmer's market in Findlay Market. This parking lot could then be redeveloped as a neighborhood park taking the place of the Findlay Playground.

 

The garage could have a well marked, enticing entrance/exit through Goose Alley which then leads pedestrians through that arch that is closed on Race Street that is already labeled "Findlay Market Park and Shop" and could lead to a pedestrian path through the new park to the market.

 

The "playground" wouldn't be as large as it is now but would be better designed and make better use of its space and could allow for a restructuring of the parking requirements for the market and allow for hundreds of units of new construction at a very critical intersection in OTR (the 6-way intersection at Vine/Findlay/McMicken.

^That would probably create a logistical nightmare for the vendors who set up there at Findlay Market. They would need some access to unload their supplies.

True, but something could be figured out to allow them to do so while still having that space as a park.

This is likely going to be an unpopular opinion but the Findlay Playground is a park I'd like to see go away.

 

In my ideal world (meaning it's expensive) Findlay Playground would be removed and an underground parking garage would be built. This garage would facilitate parking for Findlay Market which would allow for the removal of the parking lot around the farmer's market in Findlay Market. This parking lot could then be redeveloped as a neighborhood park taking the place of the Findlay Playground.

 

The garage could have a well marked, enticing entrance through Goose Alley which then leads through that arch that is closed on Race Street that is already labeled "Findlay Market Park and Shop" and could lead to a pedestrian path through the new park to the market.

 

The "playground" wouldn't be as large as it is now but would be better designed and make better use of its space and could allow for a restructuring of the parking requirements for the market and allow for hundreds of units of new construction at a very critical intersection in OTR (the 6-way intersection at Vine/Findlay/McMicken.

 

That's an interesting idea. I have always thought that they would do something like this and put a garage under their parking lot/farmers market area (blue are the ramps):

 

 

Then they could build an even larger farmers market area above ground since they don't need that space for parking anymore.

I like that. Do you think it could be rerouted so that the entrance and exit are both on Findlay Street? That way cars going in/out wouldn't stop the streetcar and the address would be Findlay Street (easy to remember for people visiting).

 

It would also open up the Race/Elm frontage for new development.

I like that. Do you think it could be rerouted so that the entrance and exit are both on Findlay Street? That way cars going in/out wouldn't stop the streetcar and the address would be Findlay Street (easy to remember for people visiting).

 

It would also open up the Race/Elm frontage for new development.

 

You could probably do that but it might reduce the capacity of the garage. If they kept Findlay Playground & improved it, they could eliminate the small playground on Elm, extending the garage underneath and putting new development above. The same could be done at the corner of Findlay and Race, they just might need to relocate the streetcar power substation.

I just don't like the idea of cars lining up to park in the garage on Sunday mornings and backing up the streetcar. If the tracks were on the opposite side of the street it wouldn't matter, but I could easily see that causing a problem.

The same could be done at the corner of Findlay and Race, they just might need to relocate the streetcar power substation.

 

Any idea how expensive it would be to move that substation? It strikes me as extremely shortsighted that they placed it where they did, at such a high-visibility corner.

My concern with parks like Findlay Playground and Ziegler Park (in its current location, excluding Cutter) is that they are remnant spaces. This means nothing fronts them. This can have a negative effect on the feeling of being a public space and reduces the amount of activity that can spill in from surrounding buildings. Even if Findlay Playground remains, allowing thin new buildings to be built fronting the park can really help make it feel anchored instead of just thrown together as a result of demolition and abandonment.

The same could be done at the corner of Findlay and Race, they just might need to relocate the streetcar power substation.

 

Any idea how expensive it would be to move that substation? It strikes me as extremely shortsighted that they placed it where they did, at such a high-visibility corner.

 

All of the attacks on this project caused them to compromise on a few aspects.  They just got it done rather than fighting for the $1-2 million they needed to put these things underground, do nicer shelters, etc.

 

The same could be done at the corner of Findlay and Race, they just might need to relocate the streetcar power substation.

 

Any idea how expensive it would be to move that substation? It strikes me as extremely shortsighted that they placed it where they did, at such a high-visibility corner.

 

All of the attacks on this project caused them to compromise on a few aspects.  They just got it done rather than fighting for the $1-2 million they needed to put these things underground, do nicer shelters, etc.

 

 

Yep. In the grand scheme of things, it's not going to cost that much to make changes to some of these "compromised" elements in the future, especially if it's tied into another development or a future phase of the streetcar. I believe the corner lot with the power substation was purchased by the city from Corporation for Findlay Market and is technically now part of Race Street's ROW.

Frameri is testing out a retail location on Vine in OTR:

 

http://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2015/11/13/frameri-opens-up-shop-in-otr.html

This is the back half of the historic buildings along Race St. that are part of the 15th and Race project... Was there a building collapse? I didn't think any of these were supposed to be partially demolished as part of the new plan. 

 

 

Hadn't heard anything on the news about a collapse. And your right the plans never called for any demolition (there was for the parking garage plan though).

 

But maybe it always looked like that?

There was a collapse; no demolition is planned.

These buildings are so fragile.

Does anyone have more details? Was the building in process of stabilization? Or did this just happen on it's own randomly?

Thoughts?

 

https://cincinnatiideas.wordpress.com/ballet-flats/

I feel like that site would be better suited as a potential grocery store

I feel like that site would be better suited as a potential grocery store

 

That would make for a good tenant for a first floor of a larger building. I'd hate for that site to be a low density, standard grocery store. The only way to make the scale of Central Parkway seem appropriate is to line it with tall buildings. I'd hate to see another one, or even two story building there. Something closer in height to the building at the northwest corner of 14th and Central, or the southeast corner of 12th and Central would be ideal.

I feel like that site would be better suited as a potential grocery store

 

I realize a traditional grocery store caters to a slightly different clientele than Findlay Market, but that still seems like a pretty redundant location to advocate for the downtown grocer we've all been yearning for.

Thoughts?

 

https://cincinnatiideas.wordpress.com/ballet-flats/

 

The elevated parking lot actually is the foundation of the Windisch-Muhlhauser Brewery (later Burger), and has two levels of lagering cellars 40 feet deep underneath it.

 

Big picture, though, Central Parkway can support a much higher density. We proposed this in the Brewery District master plan (zoning section).

Thoughts?

 

https://cincinnatiideas.wordpress.com/ballet-flats/

 

The elevated parking lot actually is the foundation of the Windisch-Muhlhauser Brewery (later Burger), and has two levels of lagering cellars 40 feet deep underneath it.

 

Big picture, though, Central Parkway can support a much higher density. We proposed this in the Brewery District master plan (zoning section).

 

Very interesting. Does that limit the size or type of structure that could be built on the lot? Could the lagering cellars be incorporated into a new development?

It supported a massive multi story brewery so it probably could.

The new historic board packet is out for 11/23

 

http://www.cincinnati-oh.gov/buildings/historic-conservation/historic-conservation-board/nov-23-2015-packet/

I really like the new condo rendering for the proposed empty lot on 1424 elm street.

 

Really traditional Italianate, and may been seen as imitation rather than 21st original interpenetration, but it looks classy.

^ I like it quite a bit more than the adjacent new infill. I still can't believe the HCB approved that one without a front facade door.

 

Separately, I noticed that the Wade/Kemp development wood rain screen facade was recommended to be denied - anyone know if that happened? I'm also curious about how others view that facade treatment. I thought it could be interesting depending on the staining they selected.

I like the wood rain screen design, and I would also like to know if it was approved, because I was thinking about doing something similar, though not in wood,  on a project in OTR next year.

I like the wood rain screen design, and I would also like to know if it was approved, because I was thinking about doing something similar, though not in wood,  on a project in OTR next year.

 

It did not get approved. Board and staff couldn't get past that wood has not been used in this configuration ever in OTR.

^ Gosh, I guess that means that masonry is pretty much... it for OTR in terms of facade treatments on future infill.

 

Any idea or guess at what their next move would be - will they just redesign or you think they'll try to fight this?

^ Not really.  Wood/hardie siding is still legit, though usually that was left to the minor side streets.  I think more modern wood/hardie panels would get a pass if they're arranged in a way that's not completely silly, sort of like what they did on the Gateway condos or Mercer Commons (or are those concrete?).  Pressed and cast metals are cladding materials that have not been used much in a modern context but are part of the history of the neighborhood.  Pressed tin cornices are very common but difficult to distinguish from their wood counterparts unless they're rusted/rotted out.  Cast iron storefronts are also the norm.  Those are material applications ripe for reinterpretation ala 14th and Vine. 

More info about the 15th & Elm project...

 

$10M townhomes project coming to Over-the-Rhine

 

Daniels and an investor acquired the property for the project in June for $875,000, according to property records. In addition to the new townhomes, Daniels plans to turn the former Washington Park Firehouse, located at 222 W. 15th St., into his personal residence. The total investment is expected to be between $8 million and $10 million.

Is anyone else upset that one of the most prominent intersections in Over-the-Rhine is going to be a squat two-story building?

 

Shouldn't there be pressure to build up to 4-5 stories?

 

The more I look at this Shakespeare Co. building the more I hate it.

I don't see an issue honestly.

 

If you look on google maps the majority of the buildings on Elm are mostly 3 stories anyway...I would have more of an issue if it was on vine...

No, Ryan is right. Corners are the most important parts of urban areas and squat buildings have no place on them. Especially when the surrounding buildings are quite large and some of the biggest in OTR.

 

Not only that, but it's on the streetcar route. We shouldn't be allowing anything to be built in OTR at 2 stories, let alone in an important location like this.

 

Another location I have a problem with is 15th and Race. They're proposing a one story, possibly two if needed, building to be built at the corner of 15th and Race. I will be attending that public meeting to make it known I'm incredibly opposed to that level of misunderstanding of urban planning. It's sophomoric at best and shows no care for what a revitalized urban area is.

Say hello to your new neighbor.

 

Rheingeist founder has officially purchased one of the condo's in the newly rehabbed Parksite building.

 

Cost: 1,000,000 dollars.

 

http://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/morning_call/2015/11/rhinegeist-founder-buys-1-million-condo-in-over.html

 

I'm sure that building will have some of the most expensive square footage in the city over the long term. It looks right onto Music Hall.

From November 3cdc report:

 

UNION HALL

Cintrifuse, The Brandery, and CincyTech have moved into their new homes at Union Hall at 1311 Vine Street, even as construction continues in some areas. Two commercial spaces are available for lease in the building as well, one at street level on Vine Street and another in the barrel-vaulted sub-basement, with an entrance off of Republic Street.

 

I thought the restaurant for the lager tunnel was something already in process? Or was it just that they made the space move-in ready during the renovation?

Anybody know anything about Camino Supply Co? From Instagram, it looks like they're building out a storefront on Main St, scheduled to open in the spring.

 

https://www.instagram.com/caminosupplyco/

Anybody know anything about Camino Supply Co? From Instagram, it looks like they're building out a storefront on Main St, scheduled to open in the spring.

 

https://www.instagram.com/caminosupplyco/

 

A biker supply store.

I like to look and think about this from time to time, but do we have a current beat on Major residential projects in downtown / OTR / Pendelton either in construction or deep in planning stages?  Here are some big ones off the top of my head and without looking up the amount of units:

 

1.) Second apartment project at the Banks under construction, 290 Units

2.) Planned Phase 3 apartments directly south of GE, 300 Units

3.) 309 Vine Street Redevelopment, 300 Units

4.) 4th and Race Project, 210 Units

5.) Merchants Building - 65 Units

5.) Baldwin Piano Building Project, 175 Units - Walnut Hills

6.) Windsor School Building Project, 92 Units - Walnut Hills

7.) Trevarren Flats, 30 Units - Walnut Hills

7.) Market Square, Findaly Market - 30 Units

8.) Pendelton Square, Pendelton - 30 Units

9.) SPCA Renovation, OTR - 148 Units

10.) 15th and Race, OTR - 65 Units

11.) Various smaller developments scattered throughout OTR ~ 100 Units

 

So in Downtown, OTR and Walnut Hills, I am counting around 1,835 units under construction or that should be under construction soon.  Am I missing some?

Last time I tried to put together a list, here's what I came up with: http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php/topic,333.msg763140.html#msg763140

Good bit of news for Elm & Iron: http://www.cincinnati.com/story/money/2015/12/10/elm-iron-open-second-store-otr/77093638/

 

Elm & Iron, a Columbus-based home decor and furniture store, opened its first Cincinnati store in May.

 

And now, business has been so good that the company signed a lease Wednesday to open a second store in a 5,000-square-foot space across the street at 1411 Vine Street.

 

...

The new three-story building, which used to house The Brandery, will offer customers more furniture, while the existing store will focus on home decor and accessories.

...

 

In three years, the business has done well. McClurg opened a second store – a warehouse – in Columbus and then the store in Over-the-Rhine. The Cincinnati store is very busy, with sales outpacing the Columbus location.

That will be nice to see. More retail and it fills the hole left for furniture in OTR when that store at 13th and Vine closed a few years ago (I'm drawing a complete blank on its name. Something Sonoma?) Plus having that entire building in use so quickly after The Brandery moved out will be really good to see.

^Joseph Williams Home.  It was a great store. 

 

(Also, you are confusing it with Williams Sonoma, I think...)

Indeed I am.

 

And yeah, it was a great store. It closed about 6 months before I bought my condo which was unfortunate because there was a couch I really liked there that was 50% off during their closing sale that would have been great. I ended up finding a similar one elsewhere that I love but it was also like $500 more than the discounted price of the one as Joseph Williams Home.

 

I always enjoyed going in there.

 

The furniture segment of the retail market is definitely lacking in OTR.

This may be more 3CDC related, but I wonder how well some of these start ups are doing at Union Hall(?) and if they are successful are they sticking around OTR / Downtown? 

 

When I think in my mind, it should only be getting better, i.e. As the neighborhood improves, more start ups will want to stay, and as that happens, they are able to recruit / "Scale Up" better than they have at other times with attracting talent from Silicon Valley or East Coast, etc.  (The attractiion is two folds for recruitment from the coasts in my mind 1.) Much lower cost of living / higher bang for the buck 2.) Living in a manageable city with a true "city feel"

 

Does anyone have a good beat on this segment of Cincinnati?

^^ High Street, over on Reading near Liberty, has some cool stuff, and a vaguely similar vibe to what Joseph Williams Home had.  It seems pricier though. 

 

And of course the Wooden Nickel is great, but I don't know that that is up your alley.