July 3, 200816 yr ^I agree . Problem is, Cincinnati is defined by these types. Honestly, if you were going to make a broad generalization and had to pick one word to define native Cincinnatians, what would it be? Would the word "ignorance" not be towards the top of the list? Sure there are great, caring people here. Trouble is, a lot of native Cincinnatians are in fact ignorant. "I don't come downtown because of the piles of dead bodies". "The streetcar will only be used by criminals who want to ride down to the Banks and rob people" (implicitly saying "down", meaning from North of the city ie: OTR) These people exist everywhere...literally everywhere. The difference in Cincinnati is that those that want to have a thriving urban core, want better things and want change don't stand up for it and make it happen. This is a force that often comes from young people...more specifically young professionals who have some money, clout, and wherewithal to work to get it done. During this most recent surge of projects/investment there has been a coupling of young people and people with a drive to make things better. I think this has in part been driven by the local blog scene (if I can call it that). Young people are more aware today than ever, and young people are starting to mobilize and push for the things they want to see happen. One easy example would be the streetcar project.
July 3, 200816 yr ^I agree . Problem is, Cincinnati is defined by these types. Honestly, if you were going to make a broad generalization and had to pick one word to define native Cincinnatians, what would it be? Would the word "ignorance" not be towards the top of the list? Sure there are great, caring people here. Trouble is, a lot of native Cincinnatians are in fact ignorant. "I don't come downtown because of the piles of dead bodies". "The streetcar will only be used by criminals who want to ride down to the Banks and rob people" (implicitly saying "down", meaning from North of the city ie: OTR) I don't know who said the second quote, but I find it interesting that the first person you quoted as representative of the native Cincinnatian is in fact, a woman who lived in Colerain township and hadn't even ventured downtown in over ten years. Aside from the fact this "evidence" that you cite to support your hypothesis that 'a lot of native Cincinnatians are ignorant' is entirely anecdotal, don't you think that your argument fails in the same manner, because it shares the same form, as the critique that this ridiculous woman offers about why she avoids downtown Cincinnati? You need to study your rhetoric, son.
July 3, 200816 yr I would use the word ignorant, or lets just say uninformed (this is the nicer, kinder me) of what is happening today in OTR or Downtown as a whole. This is not the same OTR as it was 5 years ago and it will be an entirely different OTR 5 years from now but to many, Over the Rhine is just that forgotten waisteland of empty buildings, drug dealers and murderers. Unfortunatly, this ingnorance is not confined to just the everyday person's opinion when discussing urban renewal around the diner table but it extends to professionals as well who's job it is to be informed. We see this everyday in RE with Apraisers that still consider OTR a declining market all the way to the pizza place that will not deliver in certain parts of OTR past 6:00 (my house excluded of course, I know people). So ignorant or uninformed, the perception problem exist and it is our job and the job of the people of OTR to help get the word out that OTR, and especially the Q is one of the most exciting and fun places to live in this town.
July 6, 200816 yr "The streetcar will only be used by criminals who want to ride down to the Banks and rob people" (implicitly saying "down", meaning from North of the city ie: OTR) Not too sound too logical or misdirect the thread, but is the Banks "up" from anywhere? No matter where one is in Cincinnati wouldn't they say "I'm going down to the river" or "down to the Banks"?
July 6, 200816 yr if you were in Kentucky would you say you are going down to the river? I would say up as in North.
July 8, 200816 yr That's some beautiful housing stock right there. Best lighting for pictures is right before dawn :)
July 9, 200816 yr if you were in Kentucky would you say you are going down to the river? I would say up as in North. Bad example. Regardless of direction, one almost always says "down to the river" because is tends to be the lowest point topographically. I grew up in Northern Kentucky, we always reffered to the river (and downtown for that matter) as down because of the hill. If you're talking about Columbus or Dayton versus Cincinnati, then I'm with you on the "up" / "down" rules.
July 10, 200816 yr I'm trying to summarize current happenings in the GQ. Here is what I have- 1326-1342 and 1331-1335 Vine Street and 1332 Republic Street - Trinity Flats 1202, 1306, and 1417-1421 Main Street (Urban Sites) Name TBD? 1232 (Trideca) and 1237 Vine Street? (Urban Sites) 1400 block of Pleasent (OTRCH) - Name/Start Date TBD? 1222-1224 Republic Street (B2B/Northpointe) - Name TBD? Opening of Mahatma and an Unnamed Salon/Barber on Vine in Duncanson. Also a Green Hardware/Building Supply store at 1237 Vine? Can anyone expand/correct any of this? Am I missing anything? I really hope I am missing another restaurant. Bad hours at Enzo's isn't going to do it, although I am happy they'll be open at least.
July 10, 200816 yr voltage is supposedly opening a second store, geared towards lighting, maybe in Duncanson?
July 11, 200816 yr 1400 Pleasant Project is starting now, and their banner does say they consider it part of the Gateway. It is called "City Home". http://www.citykin.com/2008/07/city-home-starting.html
July 11, 200816 yr I'll be real interested to see who buys those. My initial reaction is that a lot of people being targeted with that development would much rather move outside the city. They have most likely always been in the city and are looking for a way out. I think its a great idea to create some affordable housing, I just don't know if there is a demand to "buy" in OTR from people who have been trying to get out their whole lives. Does anyone agree or do you think i am way off base?
July 11, 200816 yr I disagree when it comes to this project but agree as a whole when it comes to voucher recipients and there is a difference. Affordable housing, as with the City home project goes to those making below the average income. This can be a graduate, fresh out of college or any number of students or people just starting their careers. I don't disagree with what you say of many who have been "stuck" in OTR for years wanting to get out (and most will stay in the subsidized rental market) but you have to think more broadly when the only criteria for ownership in this particular part of Gateway is that you make below the average income. Most of us on this site probably at one time or another would have qualified for this.
July 11, 200816 yr voltage is supposedly opening a second store, geared towards lighting, maybe in Duncanson? Not exactly. The new store will be called Switch, also a lighting store but not affiliated with Voltage. 1202, 1306, and 1417-1421 Main Street (Urban Sites) Name TBD? BellMain-Kaldis (I think I spelled that correctly) Goodfellows-Ball South or the building with all of the graffiti on on the bottom Ball north is still up for debate on the naming but they will have something very soon. 1400 block of Pleasent (OTRCH) - City Home and the B2B/ Northpoint project has not been named yet. I lobbied for Pastorius Flats, after the first German settlement in the US and one of the largest celebrations historically in Cincinnati but who knows.
July 11, 200816 yr Not exactly. The new store will be called Switch, also a lighting store but not affiliated with Voltage. Where will this be?
July 11, 200816 yr Next to Lavamatic on the west side of Vine above 12th. any other restaurant would go a long way stay tuned!
July 12, 200816 yr Since you seem way better connected than me...am is it true that Switch, a salon (name?), and Mahatma are all opening along Vine in Duncanson? Anything for that corner spot at 12th and vine? How far along is this restaurant idea?
July 12, 200816 yr Anything for that corner spot at 12th and vine? I assume you are talking about the space behind MICA which has the corner spot. Nothing yet there, that I know of. The others are true and Incredible Creations is the name of the Salon/Barber Shop.
July 12, 200816 yr Is this why there have been so many people hanging around the 1200 block? I've noticed a lot of people entering some of the buildings in that stretch, and when I biked by tonight, there were a few people pointing to the building and talking.
July 12, 200816 yr Is this why there have been so many people hanging around the 1200 block The specific reason could range from the theater, the condos, the art academy dorms, Mica, Metro Nation, Park & Vine, Lavamatic, City Roots, A Lucky Step, Outside or just general interest in the overall development. More and more people will be hanging around, not just the 1200 block, but in OTR as a whole as new developments of the Q expand up Vine, Republic, Main, Pleasant, and now possibly Walnut. I have said it here before and I will say it again, the more people that do come to OTR to live work or play, the more that will come. Crime continues to fall, business continues to open, new residents continue to move in month after month and finally, even those who have been our harshest critics throughout the years have to acknowledge the fact that OTR is now, and will continue to revitalize. Block is going up now on Trinity Flats. BellMain has just put the glass in the storefronts. Drywall is now in Ball North. Trideca already has multiple contracts without even being on the market. City Home has already had its kickoff. All units in Bremen are now sold out. Only one storefront left on the east side of Vine in the current phase. Things are ramping up fast.
July 13, 200816 yr The new store will be called Switch, also a lighting store but not affiliated with Voltage. You're sure about that? Not what I was told.
July 14, 200816 yr I personally know both owners very well, I even had diner at one of their homes last night. So...pretty sure. I understand why you were told what you were told however but I assure you, the new store is in no way affiliated with Voltage.
July 14, 200816 yr Is there an official listing of what will be coming down the road? Or is this listed all on their web-site?
July 14, 200816 yr Not that I know of. That's why it's getting a little frustrating. I feel like their website has been really slow to update. So far, any retail, besides Mahatma, have seemed very secretive until they just about open. Until we actually see a store, you have to take everything you hear with a grain of salt. For instances, the salon/barber....we've speculated that one is coming for months and months. Now, if you look in the window, you see what looks like plumbing for a few sinks. The lighting store, who knows. I guess I don't know how long it takes from lease signing to store opening...and what can happen between the two. Embrace Sweets was apparently going to open at 12th and vine (on 12th). Next thing you know, they are looking for financing and then they close their doors. I assume this is why things are kept hush hush. The rumor of another restuarant keeps coming up...although it may be more of a wish than reality at this point.
July 14, 200816 yr Embrace Sweets was apparently going to open at 12th and vine (on 12th). Next thing you know, they are looking for financing and then they close their doors. I assume this is why things are kept hush hush. You're absolutely right. The business forces behind Embrace Sweets closing down had nothing to do with the Gateway Quarter or its viability, but the are took a small hit nonetheless when the news came out. The rumor of another restuarant keeps coming up...although it may be more of a wish than reality at this point. There is a retail plan for the Gateway Quarter...they essentially line out that they would like to have a restaurant here, a store there, and lets say a gallery or something over there. This is meant to spread out activities throughout the district spatially and hourly. The specific space that is meant for a restaurant is the large space almost directly across the street from Lavomatic and immediately next to A Lucky Step. Apparently there have been ongoing discussions with a couple of restaurants that may end up filling the space. But much like the retail spaces along Calhoun Street, they are being selective so that they get the right mix of uses and retailers that will continue to grow the district as not only a destination, but also a thriving neighborhood - again.
July 14, 200816 yr But why then are there three stores, mica, metronation, and mahatma that sell largely the same thing? its not that i doubt you, but it seems like if i want to buy female accesories, i have all three of those places
July 14, 200816 yr I know metronation when they first opened in Gateway Q had furnishings---and I liked the furnishings better than Lucky Steps offerings. Two weeks ago I went in and most the furnishings had been replaced with clothing...*SIGH*
July 14, 200816 yr Lucky step is waaay too contemporary, but that's besides the point. I'm sure for some people, it's right up their alley. Regardless, I look forward to more retail and hopefully, another dining option in the area.
July 15, 200816 yr Until we actually see a store, you have to take everything you hear with a grain of salt. That is true of anything. Contracts can fall through for any number of reasons. Also, on the RE end, it is not up to us when and how to "Announce" a new store. It is only floated out there in concept until the store decides it is time to release the information their way. That being said, everything that has been mentioned above I feel very confident in actually happening.
July 16, 200816 yr But why then are there three stores, mica, metronation, and mahatma that sell largely the same thing? its not that i doubt you, but it seems like if i want to buy female accesories, i have all three of those places I don't think the 3 are all that similar. MiCA is much more home accessory oriented, Metronation is very gift oriented and Mahatma is more international jewelry. There is little to no product overlap, and each have a separate, but solid customer base.
July 16, 200816 yr ^ Also Metronation (and MiCA to an extent) have some of the best men's accessories (watches, cufflinks, etc) in the city.
July 16, 200816 yr I know I've said this before on here, but whatever they are doing to vine street right now is disgusting. I mean, the pavement wasn't all that great before, but now...its all torn up and sloppily patched. Can't wait for this streetscape.
July 16, 200816 yr They're currently working on gas lines if I remember correctly. The streetscaping project is scheduled to begin in September. Just be patient, these kinds of things have to happen and they almost always create a temporary mess. We should all be thankful that it will be followed up by a nice streetscaping project, instead of just sitting there being a mess for years to come.
July 16, 200816 yr No, I was just guessing from my memory when it was scheduled to happen. If I said July previously, then that is a better bet than my stab in the dark September comment. :laugh:
July 16, 200816 yr I'm pretty curious as to what they plan on doing, and where exactly their doing it
July 17, 200816 yr It sounds like they are going to begin the fall between 13th and 14th and wait until spring to go back to 12th so not to disrupt the retailers during the holidays.
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