June 5, 200817 yr Allow us to revist my 5pm rush hour photo of Vine St., a grand total of 15 moving vehicles between Central Parkway and Clifton Ave.: 5pm Vine St. congestion:
June 5, 200817 yr My experience is that rush hour on Vine is really more work day than commuting. I've sat through a couple light cycles at Findlay at like 3:30.
June 5, 200817 yr I counted at least 17 cars in the bottom half of the picture. Probably another 15 in the top half but difficult to tell. Then again I'm not sure which intersections are Central Parkway and Clifton Ave. I have also sat through more than one light cycle at lights on that road. I am more worried about pedestrians running across the street in that area than the car traffic though.
June 6, 200817 yr I counted at least 17 cars in the bottom half of the picture. Probably another 15 in the top half but difficult to tell. Then again I'm not sure which intersections are Central Parkway and Clifton Ave. I have also sat through more than one light cycle at lights on that road. I am more worried about pedestrians running across the street in that area than the car traffic though. I avoid that artery like the plague during rush hour primarily because of bus slowdowns, cruisers/chatters and egregious jaywalking. It's a low flow strip. Ravine is the preferred alternative if you need to get from A to B in a more expeditious manner....if I don't really care I'll take Vine just for general sightseeing, but it can be a slog at times, regardless of the actual number of vehicles on the street.
June 6, 200817 yr Vine is congested from about 12th to liberty. The loading dock in front of kroger is an issue
June 6, 200817 yr Not sure off the top of my head, but is there an alleyway behind the Kroger store? If so, I'm sure it would still be extremely difficult to load stock through there.
June 6, 200817 yr There is no alley behind Krogers, just an overgrown lot that Martin Wade just purchased. Vine Street from 12th to the hill is a congestion problem. As Casey said, I avoid it when driving at all costs. The 5 points intersection of Vine/McMicken is worse than it looks in the above photos. It got worse when Vine was converted to 2-way. Before that, it flowed better.
June 6, 200817 yr Vine is congested from about 12th to liberty. The loading dock in front of kroger is an issue Yup, and both of those pictures are taken North of Liberty.
June 9, 200817 yr >The 5 points intersection of Vine/McMicken is worse than it looks in the above photos. It got worse when Vine was converted to 2-way. Before I'm not sure the 2-way conversion accomplished anything. If you're headed downtown from the Vine or Clifton hills, it's faster to take Race or Walnut depending where specifically you are going. Also, there is no left turn from westbound Liberty to Vine St. south. Consequently there is virtually no southbound traffic on Vine south of Liberty. When I bike south on Vine, I often have zero cars pass me, with the exception of the red light at Liberty, between the 5-points intersection and Central Parkway. The whole theory that 2-way traffic is slower and helps storefront businesses isn't the case here because there's maybe half as many southbound cars as northbound cars.
June 9, 200817 yr ^agree with you on the south-bound traffic issue. My point is that the light is much longer now at 5 points. Every cycle includes time when all streets are blocked and only pedestrians can walk. This is what is frustrating for drivers.
June 9, 200817 yr new entries in Gateway Quarter retail segment include an offshoot of Voltage specializing in lighting as well as the relocation of Mahatma (which had previously moved from a tiny space in Carew Tower to Main and 7th). As previously mentioned there is a salon/spa type place in the works. Also the beautiful space on the ground floor of Duveneck Flats (next to Lucky Step) supposedly has a LOI in place for a restaurant type operation. They will be cautious on this as they previously had a prospective tenant back out. perhaps these have been mentioned before...perhaps not.
June 9, 200817 yr It seems to me that the sales, particularly of the more modestly priced condos, have been quite good. The condo fees seem quite expensive to me though. What does that get you, the secure parking space?
June 9, 200817 yr The condo fee gets you maintenance outside of your own particular unit (common areas etc), pays insurance, and helps maintain the parking lot. About the restaurant...I had previously heard rumors about a Deweys but was somewhat surprised because it was more of a chain. Is that the tenant that had previously backed out? Any guesses as to who/what may be moving into that space now?
June 9, 200817 yr I heard on very good word that Dewey's is a no. The news I heard on the restuarant space was not Dewey's.
June 9, 200817 yr ^ Probably a little too close to the Clifton Dewey's anyway. I think the CBD would be a better fit, which admittedly is close to the one at NOTL, but would serve completely different markets. Their lunch business would be unbelievable.
June 9, 200817 yr Yeah, I don't see a chain making its way into the quarter. The Q probably doesn't have the critical number of people in order to satisfy the parent company. Any idea what it was that backed out? They desperately need something a little more casual up there. Don't get me wrong, I love Lavomatic, it just doesn't make sense as an "every day" choice.
June 9, 200817 yr Allow us to revist my 5pm rush hour photo of Vine St., a grand total of 15 moving vehicles between Central Parkway and Clifton Ave.: Wow, I'd love to see those wires go underground someday.
June 10, 200817 yr ^They've done it on Main Street south of Liberty, Vine Street south of 12th, and a few other spots. Plus they will start on a street improvement project for the Gateway Quarter that will include buried power lines, historic style lighting, street trees, etc. They also are finishing up a project, on Main, just north of Liberty.
June 10, 200817 yr What is the current road project going on now on vine north of central, across 12th (west) and up Republic? Is this burying wires etc? That'd be great.
June 10, 200817 yr What is the current road project going on now on vine north of central, across 12th (west) and up Republic? Is this burying wires etc? Gas line upgrade.
June 10, 200817 yr So any idea when the streetscape is being done? I've heard that it will begin in July...no idea how long it will take to complete.
June 10, 200817 yr I know nothing about what may be under the street, but I swear on Vine they were digging up a big piece of what looked like streetcar rail. I'm not sure if this was even somewhere it used to run, but thats what it looked like and I thought it was ironic.
June 11, 200817 yr Because this topic was split, I am going to repost this invitation to everyone. Anyone interested in an Urban Ohio tour of Gateway? If I can pull together 10 or 15 (or more) people then we will provide lunch and get you through some buildings and units that aren't even on the market yet, including Main. Just let me know and we can figure out a date that is good for everyone. PM me if you would like to do this.
June 11, 200817 yr This thread has been cleaned up and is now dedicated to the Gateway Quarter. You can now find all discussion about the Mercer Commons HERE, and discussion about Washington Park HERE.
June 12, 200817 yr The Gateway Quarter real estate team: Unsung warriors of the urban renaissance http://www.pulsedt.com/blogs/default.asp?Display=2240
June 12, 200817 yr Nice work randy! I love these OTR threads, but they were beginning to take on a mind of thier own!!! Much better to navigate now.
June 14, 200817 yr Does anyone know if there are any plans for the Noel's Plumbing property? It was still in use until recently but I'm sure it has a lot of potential for new residential construction.
June 17, 200816 yr I guess Embrace Sweets has given up the idea of a GQ store on 12th st. Wonder why?
June 17, 200816 yr They are moving to California: To our most valued customers, After years of truly trying to make Embrace Sweets a successful specialty dessert company in Cincinnati, we are sorry to say that we must close our doors*. As many of you know, we have been seeking funding for over two years and without receiving it, there was only so much longer Embrace Sweets could go on. This decision is not due to a lack in customers or accounts, but simply with the daily increase in fuel, supplies and ingredients the combination has taken its toll. This has not been an easy decision, but we are excited about the new opportunities, and we will carry with us all of your support, love and encouragement you have given us the past four years. As many of you know Embrace Sweets began as an online company and through our website (www.embracesweets.com) and www.amazon.com you will still be able to purchase our award winning brownies, cookies and granola! On a final note, Sandra and I just want to thank all of you for believing in us, standing by our product and trusting us to bring the very best to your customers. We have enjoyed working with all of you, and we’re taking so much with us. Thank you. Sandra + Brandi Daniels *Effective June 24, 2008, Embrace Sweets will be closing in Cincinnati, OH. Ordering will still be available via www.embracesweets.com & www.amazon.com.
June 17, 200816 yr Where do you read that they're moving to California? That's really unfortunate. I think they would have made a nice addition to the GQ
June 17, 200816 yr So what kind of funding do these businesses get? Is that to say that some of them aren't doing as well as it seems?
June 18, 200816 yr This business was never actually in the GQ. They were trying to get the capital to put a store there. Obviously, their business must not have been strong enough to continue in today's economy. Still, a very good cookie!
June 18, 200816 yr Don't forget about Ultimate Tour of Living at the Gateway Quarter June 21st and 22nd.
June 22, 200816 yr So what kind of funding do these businesses get? Is that to say that some of them aren't doing as well as it seems? Park + Vine, Metronation, City Roots, and Mica 12/v all received upfront money from the OTR Chamber of Commerce to open up their businesses (Enzo's I believed received this as well). From my understanding though (after conversations with the owner of Outside) neither Outside or A Lucky Step received these upfront monies and still went ahead and opened anyways. It has never been my understanding that these businesses receive any kind of subsidy to stay in business there on a year-to-year basis.
June 22, 200816 yr ^ I think that is correct. Plus, they're quoting $5 per sf lease rates for the first year, and $10 each year thereafter, which is dirt cheap, and a good reason why some of these businesses that are start-ups will be successful.
June 23, 200816 yr so you can lease at $5 a square foot for the first year. That is the monthly rate? So a 1,200 square foot busiess would cost me $6,000 a month or a year? I am assuming year but that seems awfully low.
June 23, 200816 yr I went on the the Gaterway Quarter portion of the open house yesterday and was just struck that many of the affordable options in Gateway are sold - say $100,000 - $125,000 - but there will not be any units in upcoming phases in this same price range. As a future first time home buyer, this range is probably where I'd like to be but have I already been priced out of Gateway? Just an observation.
June 23, 200816 yr I would assume that part of the reason they priced them that way was to get a base community there (and some buzz) so that they could then leverage the up and coming community in order to sell higher priced places. I still question their ability to sell $300k + places in the GQ, but you never know. They need to clean up vine and 12th st NOW...(The actual streets). Because of the recent road construction which was poorly patched over, the place looks worse right now than it did a month ago. ...hopefully the streetscape begins sooner rather than later. FYI- There are still a number of units available in your price range (under 140k, lets say). Check the Gateway building on vine, one of the Bremen Buildings on republic, centennial row, and some studios in the Duncanson. Also there is an unaffiliated building on 12th and Walnut (address is in the 1100's), that has very nice units for about $100k. If the renaissance continues and spreads up walnut and over to main, you would be right in the heart of it.
June 23, 200816 yr Because of the recent road construction which was poorly patched over, the place looks worse right now than it did a month ago this scourge is known as the dreaded "yellow pipe utility cut virus." It has decimated many streets and shock absorbers...for example, Mitchell between Vine and Reading. what a hack job.
June 23, 200816 yr I went on the the Gaterway Quarter portion of the open house yesterday and was just struck that many of the affordable options in Gateway are sold - say $100,000 - $125,000 - but there will not be any units in upcoming phases in this same price range. As a future first time home buyer, this range is probably where I'd like to be but have I already been priced out of Gateway? Just an observation. There is so much more coming that will be in that price range but they are all selling so fast that new supply isn't being built fast enough to replace the solds. As for the selling of the 300+ units those will move as well. Looking at just Trideca, that building may be sold out before it is even listed on MLS and the units that are being built now on Main are so jaw dropping that there is already interest.
June 23, 200816 yr There is so much more coming that will be in that price range but they are all selling so fast that new supply isn't being built fast enough to replace the solds. As for the selling of the 300+ units those will move as well. Looking at just Trideca, that building may be sold out before it is even listed on MLS and the units that are being built now on Main are so jaw dropping that there is already interest. I didnt realize they were selling that well. Everytime I have looked at the listings linked from 3cdc's website it looks like there are a lot of unsold units. Is there a better website to look at to see what these units are like?
June 23, 200816 yr That is a tough one. The problem is, many of the units sold do not get to the point of even getting listed and get presold or "sold before sent". Gateway is averaging a sale a week right now, but have had single days with as many as six contracts. I really expect for the excitement to really ramp back up when Trinity Flats begins to come out of the ground. This is another one that probably will be sold off extremely quickly plus Holly and I were just at the kick off for the Pleasant Street portion of Gateway and those too are in the price range that gets snatched up quickly. I tell Holly all the time that the more that do sell the more that will sell. Gateway is proving itself everyday and is growing stronger and stronger. But that is just part of it. When you begin to factor in a completed SCPA, redesigned Washington Park, and more and more businesses signing onto the Commercial portion of Gateway it becomes easier to buy today then it was a year ago but what will it be like a year from now?
June 23, 200816 yr I have a feeling once the streetcar get the final go there will be another flurry of sales and activity in the area
June 23, 200816 yr That is part of it for sure, but not the only part. My point above was that there are so many things that are being put in place now that each acts as a catalyst for interest and excitement in the Q. There is no more powerful a catalyst then people on the street, residents in the units, businesses in the storefronts...that is the ultimate driving force.
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