1 hour ago, ColDayMan said:

 

I still don't know you.

Look Mariah. You know me. You took me on a car tour through Dayton once. I’ll never forget. 

16 hours ago, nicker66 said:

If Hard Rock doesn't give us a guitar shaped hotel, we riot.

(photo of the recently completed hotel at the Hard Rock Casino in Hollywood, FL)

I am not going to get greedy, I will settle for a drum shaped hotel, maybe a saxaphone, a 50 story microphone shaped hotel will work too. 

15 minutes ago, Brutus_buckeye said:

I am not going to get greedy, I will settle for a drum shaped hotel, maybe a saxaphone, a 50 story microphone shaped hotel will work too. 

One hotel-shaped hotel, please.

City looks to force downtown building owner to clean it up with lawsuit

 

The city of Cincinnati is working to force the owner of a former hotel in downtown Cincinnati to make the building safe.

 

The city is in a legal battle over the former Garfield Suites, located at 2 Garfield Place.

 

In April 2020, the city filed a lawsuit in Hamilton County Court of Commons Pleas against HC Cincinnati LLC, the then-owner of the building. According to the initial complaint, the city said the building code violations have caused the property “to become a menace to the public health, welfare and safety.”

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2021/08/19/cincinnati-wants-former-garfield-suites-owner.html

 

Seems like this one should have been a layup but was not for some reason. 

 

need this and Terrace Plaza redone to fill in the heart of downtown between Fountain Square and Court Street. Plus any new construction at Jean Robert’s Table building. 
 

I wonder if Vine will be converted to two way before or after the aforementioned projects are completed

Edited August 20, 20213 yr by thebillshark

never knew Garfield Suites were formerly apartments. Looks like it didn't last long - from what I can tell 81 - 89ish?

6 hours ago, dotunderscore said:

never knew Garfield Suites were formerly apartments. Looks like it didn't last long - from what I can tell 81 - 89ish?

Nobody actually "lived" downtown in the 80s, the push was to the suburbs and beyond. They were wierd suites and felt much more like apartments instead of a hotel suite. They fit better as apartments. Although, they were quite a bit dated, very 80s contemporary.

14 hours ago, ColDayMan said:

City looks to force downtown building owner to clean it up with lawsuit

 

The city of Cincinnati is working to force the owner of a former hotel in downtown Cincinnati to make the building safe.

 

The city is in a legal battle over the former Garfield Suites, located at 2 Garfield Place.

 

In April 2020, the city filed a lawsuit in Hamilton County Court of Commons Pleas against HC Cincinnati LLC, the then-owner of the building. According to the initial complaint, the city said the building code violations have caused the property “to become a menace to the public health, welfare and safety.”

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2021/08/19/cincinnati-wants-former-garfield-suites-owner.html

 

 

There were rumors flying around recently that the Daoud Family was brought on board to this project. There was suppose to be some new bar/restaurant concept in the base of the building. I have heard this from more than one source, wish i could find more validity though. Its interesting since Cranley married into the Daoud Family, if they are investing in this building, but not quick enough, could blow up in his new campaign...

Not sure who it was that was doing the conversion back to apartments but it totally doesn't surprise me that it blew up in their face.  I use to walk by fairly regularly when construction was starting and there were a lot of give aways that they were not ready to handle such a job.

12 hours ago, thebillshark said:

Seems like this one should have been a layup but was not for some reason. 

 

need this and Terrace Plaza redone to fill in the heart of downtown between Fountain Square and Court Street. Plus any new construction at Jean Robert’s Table building. 
 

I wonder if Vine will be converted to two way before or after the aforementioned projects are completed

 

Originally the Garfield was going to be remodeled into a Doubletree Suites about three or four years ago. The developer under estimated the amount of money and investment required. Thought it be cheaper to just update finishes and turn it back into an apartment building. Last I had heard the Doubletree flag was available again for someone else to use downtown. 

12 hours ago, thebillshark said:

need this and Terrace Plaza redone to fill in the heart of downtown between Fountain Square and Court Street. Plus any new construction at Jean Robert’s Table building. 

 

Terrace Plaza should be much higher priority than this. I think it should be one of the highest priorities renovation/restoration wise in the city. It has so much potential in my opinion.

30 minutes ago, savadams13 said:

 

There were rumors flying around recently that the Daoud Family was brought on board to this project. There was suppose to be some new bar/restaurant concept in the base of the building. I have heard this from more than one source, wish i could find more validity though. Its interesting since Cranley married into the Daoud Family, if they are investing in this building, but not quick enough, could blow up in his new campaign...

 

The Daoud's are opening a restaurant in the building next door.

 

The children of one of the founders of beloved Cincinnati staple Gold Star Chili are opening a bar and restaurant downtown in honor of their late father and his world travels.

Frankies Sips & Savories is coming to 14 Garfield Place downtown with a goal of opening by Sept. 1. The bar takes its name for Fahid "Frank" Daoud, one of four brothers who created Gold Star Chili in 1963. Daoud died on May 17, 2020.

 

https://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2021/06/23/frankies-sips-savories-opening.html

34 minutes ago, RealAdamP said:

 

Terrace Plaza should be much higher priority than this. I think it should be one of the highest priorities renovation/restoration wise in the city. It has so much potential in my opinion.

This shouldn't be an either/or. Both buildings are falling apart and are a risk to public safety. The Solicitor's office, as well as the inspections department, should be staffed well enough to pursue litigation against both property owners simultaneously.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.cincinnati.com/amp/5598668001
 

I had no idea the church closed. 

36 minutes ago, Ucgrad2015 said:

https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.cincinnati.com/amp/5598668001
 

I had no idea the church closed. 

Add another 'church converted into venue space' onto the pile.

29 minutes ago, TheCOV said:

Add another 'church converted into venue space' onto the pile.

Would be cool to see Urban artifact convert another church. I’ve been waiting for them to do something in Downtown/OTR. The old 16Bit spot would also be a good spot for them.

30 minutes ago, TheCOV said:

Add another 'church converted into venue space' onto the pile.

I assume you're being sardonic... but the article doesn't mention if any future buyer/use has been identified. 

The sidewalk and walled garden on the Vine Street side of the library's north building are torn up. I know this is going to be a long project, but I'm already getting excited about the new, more street-facing upgrades to the Library.

 

I'm bummed to see that they cut down 4 pretty tall honeylocust trees that used to be in the sidewalk. Hopefully there willl be new, large trees planted after the sidewalks are rebuilt.

 

I found this site plan on the Library's website as the "plan in progress" (very high res version):

Edited October 25, 20213 yr by jwulsin

I wonder if converting Vine to two-way is still being considered. Just curious because this plan shows it remaining one-way north. Any insight, @JYP?

2 hours ago, taestell said:

I wonder if converting Vine to two-way is still being considered. Just curious because this plan shows it remaining one-way north. Any insight, @JYP?

 

IIRC there are plans but no funding. This was in the Mayor's ARPA funding proposal but I don't recall if it passed.

Most recent City Planning packet is out... https://www.cincinnati-oh.gov/planning/about-city-planning/city-planning-commission/nov-5-2021-packet/ 

 

Looks like the former Macy's office at 7 W 7th is being converted into 338 apartments. (Page 17). 

2 hours ago, wjh2 said:

Most recent City Planning packet is out... https://www.cincinnati-oh.gov/planning/about-city-planning/city-planning-commission/nov-5-2021-packet/ 

 

Looks like the former Macy's office at 7 W 7th is being converted into 338 apartments. (Page 17). 

Very interesting. I'll be curious how the floor plans work for that building. 338 apartments across 14 floors is ~24 apartments/floor. And the floorprint of the building is ~26,000 sq ft. With 10% of sq footage for commons spaces, average unit size would be a bit under 1,000 sq ft.

 

338 apartments would add a nice bit of density to that part of downtown. The Planning Commission packet says the developer is requesting TIF financing, but doesn't specify how much... so I'll be curious to see how the financing of this works out. 

With this Macy’s office building conversion to residential combined with everything else there is potential to add 1,000+ population within about a 500 ft. radius of the Garfield statue  

A veryyyy interesting news report. It kinda blows my mind that greyhound’s owners decided to sell the station without an announced new location ready to go/lined up. The city must know something about this with greyhound wanting to still operate downtown? The riverfront transit center is the only site that comes to mind at all. No one is going to want greyhound busses on their block it’s a very rough crowd around that station.

 

Also it’s interesting residential is mentioned for the old location, its not at all desirable for residential in my opinion, it’s a odd site sandwiched between the casino garage and I-71. I’m not sure what I would put there honestly. If the casino hotel isn’t going there I would be shocked if anything is built there until the 2030s there are just so many better sites downtown.

 

https://www.wcpo.com/news/local-news/i-team/greyhound-bus-terminal-sold-as-company-hunts-for-new-service-location

Edited November 1, 20213 yr by 646empire

4 minutes ago, 646empire said:

A veryyyy interesting news report. It kinda blows my mind that greyhound’s owners decided to sell the station without an announced new location ready to go/lined up. The city must know something about this with greyhound wanting to still operate downtown? The riverfront transit center is the only site that comes to mind at all. No one is going to want greyhound busses on their block it’s a very rough crowd around that station.

 

Also it’s interesting residential is mentioned for the old location, its not at all desirable for residential in my opinion, it’s a odd site sandwiched between the casino garage and I-71. I’m not sure what I would put there honestly. If the casino hotel isn’t going there I would be shocked if anything is built there until the 2030s there are just so many better sites downtown.

 

https://www.wcpo.com/news/local-news/i-team/greyhound-bus-terminal-sold-as-company-hunts-for-new-service-location

Cant see them going to the riverfront transit center. Greyhound owns their stations. Plus, they will want something with easy on/off highway access. My guess is they move to the West End somewhere with easy 75 access.

4 minutes ago, 646empire said:

A veryyyy interesting news report. It kinda blows my mind that greyhound’s owners decided to sell the station without an announced new location ready to go/lined up. The city must know something about this with greyhound wanting to still operate downtown? The riverfront transit center is the only site that comes to mind at all. No one is going to want greyhound busses on their block it’s a very rough crowd around that station.

 

Also it’s interesting residential is mentioned for the old location, its not at all desirable for residential in my opinion, it’s a odd site sandwiched between the casino garage and I-71. I’m not sure what I would put there honestly. If the casino hotel isn’t going there I would be shocked if anything is built there until the 2030s there are just so many better sites downtown.

 

https://www.wcpo.com/news/local-news/i-team/greyhound-bus-terminal-sold-as-company-hunts-for-new-service-location

Yeah I’m nervous about the new location.

 

could change the atmosphere of many urban neighborhoods. I’ve walked once past  the grey hound station late at night and it’s a very uncomfortable feeling.

 

I hope hard rock purchases that space though.
 

I think an adult only mixed use new port on the levee outdoorsy type of area would do wonders there and something downtown doesn’t really have at the moment. 

6 minutes ago, Brutus_buckeye said:

Cant see them going to the riverfront transit center. Greyhound owns their stations. Plus, they will want something with easy on/off highway access. My guess is they move to the West End somewhere with easy 75 access.

The West End?? I think you may be on to something.

Edited November 1, 20213 yr by 646empire

I’m personally hoping for queens gate. 

3 minutes ago, Troeros2 said:

I’m personally hoping for queens gate. 

Although the only sites in the West End/Queensgate area that could be suitable for those busses will probably be a bit off the path and dark/off putting especially at night. Also I’m not so sure the new greyhound owners want spend the cash on a new Cincinnati station. I figured they would want an existing setup like the riverfront transit center.

I would guess a new station the size of the old one or a bit smaller will run about 10 million. The riverfront transit center would need less than 4mil in upgrades to be ready. But I don’t think The Banks owners or residents will want it there either.

6 minutes ago, 646empire said:

I would guess a new station the size of the old one or a bit smaller will run about 10 million. The riverfront transit center would need less than 4mil in upgrades to be ready. But I don’t think The Banks owners or residents will want it there either.

yeah that will be automatic veto. 
 

it’s a location that makes sense but no way anyone would support that. 

 

I know I will get flack for this, but the majority of people I’ve encountered who use grey hound buses for transportation are heroin addicts, recently released inmates, or people who are just severely struggling in life. 
 

I have sympathy for these folks as I am not hating on those who are in a rough patch, but placing these potential folks down at the banks or anywhere near the west end fcc stadium could have such a detrimental impact.

23 minutes ago, 646empire said:

Although the only sites in the West End/Queensgate area that could be suitable for those busses will probably be a bit off the path and dark/off putting especially at night. Also I’m not so sure the new greyhound owners want spend the cash on a new Cincinnati station. I figured they would want an existing setup like the riverfront transit center.

Queensgate/West End are where I would probably see it. SOmewhere off Western Ave, Dalton, Linn Street areas, mostly because it offers access to the interstates and existing on/off ramps and will not be subject to a ton of congestion in the heart of the city. I think the Banks would be a no go for other reasons, it also does not offer great on/off highway access which in the long haul bus business would hurt profitability.

26 minutes ago, Troeros2 said:

yeah that will be automatic veto. 
 

it’s a location that makes sense but no way anyone would support that. 

 

I know I will get flack for this, but the majority of people I’ve encountered who use grey hound buses for transportation are heroin addicts, recently released inmates, or people who are just severely struggling in life. 
 

I have sympathy for these folks as I am not hating on those who are in a rough patch, but placing these potential folks down at the banks or anywhere near the west end fcc stadium could have such a detrimental impact.

 

Yeah, putting out of towners a mile away from decent local transit in an industrial part of town where they have to cross some of the most dangerous streets (for pedestrians and bystanders) seems like the humane thing to do instead of just staffing the Riverfront Transit Center with security and janitorial staff. Don't want the poors downtown

Another good option would be Union Terminal. They have 2 giant surface parking lots that could be developed.

2 minutes ago, ryanlammi said:

 

Yeah, putting out of towners a mile away from decent local transit in an industrial part of town where they have to cross some of the most dangerous streets (for pedestrians and bystanders) seems like the humane thing to do instead of just staffing the Riverfront Transit Center worth security and janitorial staff. Don't want the poors downtown

From the Greyhound perspective (and they will drive the bus *no pun intended* on the site) I do not think they really care about bringing people into the city, they use it as a transfer hub for people to connect to other busses across the country as well as those who may be using it as their final destination. From their perspective, they want accessibility for drop/off pick up, and they will want ease of access to the interstate system to minimize the amount of time the busses are on the regular roads slowing them down from reaching their next destination.  That is why Queensgate or someplace on the outskirts of downtown makes much more sense. 

3 minutes ago, ryanlammi said:

 

Yeah, putting out of towners a mile away from decent local transit in an industrial part of town where they have to cross some of the most dangerous streets (for pedestrians and bystanders) seems like the humane thing to do instead of just staffing the Riverfront Transit Center worth security and janitorial staff. Don't want the poors downtown

I’m not going to get in this debate…but you want your city to feel safe and inviting for tourists and residence alike. 

 

grey hound stations plague many cities in the us. Again, I’m not bashing these people. At the same time I know these stations attraction so many bad apples and can cause an unsafe environment that is not welcoming and not inviting.

 

 

 

9 minutes ago, Brutus_buckeye said:

I think the Banks would be a no go for other reasons, it also does not offer great on/off highway access which in the long haul bus business would hurt profitability.

As for greyhound itself The Riverfront Transit center is a dream location especially for travelers, it’s a very nice large facility smack dab in an entertainment district, stadiums, stunning park and easy access to the business district. I do have to disagree on the highway access, both 71 and 75 are right there for incoming and departing busses. The west entrance to the center could get a bit hectic when Brent Spence construction starts in the future tho.

5 minutes ago, taestell said:

Another good option would be Union Terminal. They have 2 giant surface parking lots that could be developed.

That’s a great idea too.

2 minutes ago, Troeros2 said:

I’m not going to get in this debate…but you want your city to feel safe and inviting for tourists and residence alike. 

 

grey hound stations plague many cities in the us. Again, I’m not bashing these people. At the same time I know these stations attraction so many bad apples and can cause an unsafe environment that is not welcoming and not inviting.

 

We aren't Chicago or NYC. A couple of staff can maintain order in the transit center. There aren't going to be hundreds of people at all hours of the day waiting for buses. It can require a ticket to enter. We can treat people with dignity even if they don't have the money to buy a drink at the fishbowl bar or get food at Moerlein

As a side note. Many years ago I used to love taking MegaBus to Chicago when the pickup was on 4th street, it was so easy and convenient and felt safe. It also helped that tower place mall (although mostly empty of tenants) was open for restrooms if need be. Once they moved the pick up stop to the west end due to resident complaints I stopped using MegaBus. My point is a central, visible location is very important too and can be the difference for people using a transit service. The WestEnd could be a fine location if done right, but the Riverfront Center is definitely the best option for travelers.

Edited November 1, 20213 yr by 646empire

I don't see it being that greyhound wouldn't be allowed in the RTC due to cultural reasons or residentials complaints, but that I don't see greyhound as a company wanting to pay for the cost to lease the space rather than go build a station where property is cheaper.

8 minutes ago, RealAdamP said:

I don't see it being that greyhound wouldn't be allowed in the RTC due to cultural reasons or residentials complaints, but that I don't see greyhound as a company wanting to pay for the cost to lease the space rather than go build a station where property is cheaper.

Depends on the numbers, I would assume the county wouldn’t charge them much considering its a bus/rail station that’s been sitting mostly unused for the past 20 years. The lease would probably be centered on maintenance, repair and security. On the flip side a new station as mentioned before is gonna cost much more especially upfront. Also this is Cincinnati, cultural and residential complaints rule unfortunately, see the MegaBus story from years back.

Edited November 1, 20213 yr by 646empire

Are we sure Greyhound wants to own their station? From the article:

 

Quote

FlixMobility announced Oct. 21 that it would pay $172 million for Greyhound, which UK-based FirstGroup has been trying to sell for two years. The iconic U.S. bus company lost $27 million in its last two fiscal years, prompting FirstGroup to sell the company’s land holdings and seek a buyer.

 

Of course that is the previous owner but if the new owner has to pony up for a bunch of new stations across the country that is a lot of capital out of the gate. Seems like leasing a space would be the way they are going.

 

 

9 hours ago, Brutus_buckeye said:

From the Greyhound perspective (and they will drive the bus *no pun intended* on the site) I do not think they really care about bringing people into the city, they use it as a transfer hub for people to connect to other busses across the country as well as those who may be using it as their final destination. From their perspective, they want accessibility for drop/off pick up, and they will want ease of access to the interstate system to minimize the amount of time the busses are on the regular roads slowing them down from reaching their next destination.  That is why Queensgate or someplace on the outskirts of downtown makes much more sense. 

 

If they really want to increase ridership they need to have an attractive and usable product. A few minutes of extra bus time vs riders not being able or comfortable accessing the station doesn't seem to do that. From the article:

 

Quote

Consumers across North America are increasingly seeking affordable, comfortable, smart and sustainable mobility solutions,” said André Schwämmlein, FlixMobility’s founder and CEO, in a press release. “A compelling offering will draw significantly more travelers away from private cars to shared intercity bus mobility. Together, FlixBus and Greyhound will be better able to meet this increased demand.”

 

Per the business courier the plan is to turn the first 7 floors of the Macys building into a parking garage floors 8 and up into resedential with a 19k ft rooftop terrace.

The parking garage already exists on floors 2-7. 

NYC developer eyes Macy’s former Cincinnati headquarters for $73M project

 

A New York City commercial real estate developer is planning a massive redevelopment of Macy’s Inc.'s former headquarters building in downtown Cincinnati.

 

Victrix Investments LLC is requesting a property transfer of the building at 7 W. Seventh St. from Macy’s Corporate Services to the city of Cincinnati and then from the city to Victrix Investments to facilitate project tax increment financing for the potential project, according to documents filed with Cincinnati Planning Commission.

 

Victrix Investments is proposing a roughly $73 million development of the upper portion of the building, starting on the eighth floor, into 338 residential units with amenities. For the project to be able to get project TIF, the city needs to be in the chain of title to the property.

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2021/11/03/nyc-developer-eyes-macys-hq.html

 

Wonder if the curtain wall is a part of that.