January 22, 20241 yr 10 minutes ago, Lazarus said: The brick base from the 80s looks like a suburban Kroger from the 80s. I remember as a kid when they were recladding the building, I thought it actually was a Kroger store in the city.
January 23, 20241 yr 23 hours ago, 646empire said: Absolutely, especially with the Former Macys HQ and Carew now off the market. Cincinnati is actually pretty well positioned compared to many other markets who have built new speculative buildings. Is the Macy's building getting redone? It looks horrid.
January 23, 20241 yr 16 minutes ago, columbus17 said: Is the Macy's building getting redone? It looks horrid. yes, they are turning it into apartments
January 23, 20241 yr I've seen floorplans for the conversion at some point, but I don't recall seeing any exterior elevations. Does anyone know if Victrix is planning to update/alter the facade at all?
January 23, 20241 yr 43 minutes ago, columbus17 said: Is the Macy's building getting redone? It looks horrid. You think so? I actually don’t mind the exterior, it needs to be cleaned for sure and the street level retail updated. But over all its a fine building to me.
January 23, 20241 yr My friend was hired to photograph the interior before any construction begins, and I hope he's able to share those photos publicly some day. There are 1 or 2 floors inside that look like they have not been renovated since the building opened in 1979, and they are absolutely wild.
January 23, 20241 yr 1 hour ago, Dev said: It's very fine looking, for a rear-projection TV Compared to many other buildings in this city and around the country this one has never really come to mind as particularly ugly. But that’s just me. Also I highly doubt the renovation is going to rebuild the exterior in a significant way but I could be wrong.
January 23, 20241 yr On 1/22/2024 at 9:58 AM, ucgrady said: The heavy brown brick base of Kroger is horrendous and not even original to the building, but the 80s made a lot of bad decisions: They absolutely could use a renovation like 5/3 had to make their space feel more open and light and more connected to Court Street. The tower itself is a basic international style skyscraper and while it needs an interior update it's perfectly fine. Is there any hope for Kroger bringing back the windows in its HQ's podium?
January 23, 20241 yr 2 hours ago, Miami-Erie said: Is there any hope for Kroger bringing back the windows in its HQ's podium? I would rather just have them keep the Kroger building as is and then build a new HQ tower on Court and Walnut or elsewhere downtown.
January 26, 20241 yr AWESOME NEWS! Fifth Third to relocate hundreds of employees from Madisonville to downtown headquarters By Steve Watkins – Staff reporter, Cincinnati Business Courier Jan 26, 2024 Downtown Cincinnati is getting another shot in the arm with Fifth Third Bank’s decision to move hundreds of employees from its Madisonville campus to its headquarters in the Central Business District. Fifth Third (Nasdaq: FITB), the largest locally based bank and 11th-largest U.S.-based consumer bank, is moving 350 employees from Madisonville to its headquarters on Fountain Square, CEO Tim Spence told me. It began relocating the offices in mid-January and expects to finish the move by mid-February. “The benefit of having them here is to continue to drive the cultural focus on technology as a point of differentiation for us and to support the vibrancy of the city center,” Spence said. “Now we’ll have another 350 employees down here every day to enhance that experience.” MORE
January 26, 20241 yr I figured something like this was bound to happen, although I figured it would be a complete relocation outside of city limits.
January 26, 20241 yr First they tore down the skywalk in 2006 to punish the smokers. Now they force the Madisonville smokers to sit on folding chairs in the parking garage so you can't see them from I-71. Except you can still kind of see them.
January 26, 20241 yr 25 minutes ago, jwulsin said: How many employees will be left in the Madisonville office? 4400 per CBC
January 26, 20241 yr Hearing that the convention center hotel is getting $40m in TMUD credits, Carew $4m. Official announcement to be on Monday. No word on whether FCC or First National Bank will receive any.
January 27, 20241 yr 19 hours ago, dnymck said: Hearing that the convention center hotel is getting $40m in TMUD credits, Carew $4m. Official announcement to be on Monday. No word on whether FCC or First National Bank will receive any. When they are approved is it automatically the amount they requested or can they give them less? Assumed that the hotel would get it and glad Carew got it. Wonder what FCs plans are if they do not get anything?
January 28, 20241 yr 21 hours ago, Ucgrad2015 said: When they are approved is it automatically the amount they requested or can they give them less? Assumed that the hotel would get it and glad Carew got it. Wonder what FCs plans are if they do not get anything? Phase 1 would be smaller but construction will still commence this spring last I heard.
January 29, 20241 yr https://www.cincinnati.com/story/news/politics/2024/01/28/is-cincinnati-banning-new-parking-lots/72322973007/ Are the parking lots currently present grandfathered in? Or will the owners need to come up with a development plan or sell?
January 29, 20241 yr grandfathered. Zoning restrictions can't be retroactive. If they ever wanted to expand or needed to apply for a permit to redo the whole lot, they might be able to be denied a permit. But I don't know the details of the language or when a permit would even be needed. Simply restriping or resurfacing probably wouldn't need a permit.
January 29, 20241 yr On 1/27/2024 at 11:30 AM, Ucgrad2015 said: When they are approved is it automatically the amount they requested or can they give them less? Assumed that the hotel would get it and glad Carew got it. Wonder what FCs plans are if they do not get anything? ODOD can grant partial credits.
January 29, 20241 yr https://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2024/01/29/carew-tower-tmud-award-residential-conversion.html States Carew Tower was one of two in Cincinnati that received the tax credit. The other of course being the hotel. Sad to see what this does to the FC development. Edited January 29, 20241 yr by Ucgrad2015
January 29, 20241 yr 15 minutes ago, Ucgrad2015 said: https://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2024/01/29/carew-tower-tmud-award-residential-conversion.html States Carew Tower was one of two in Cincinnati that received the tax credit. The other of course being the hotel. Sad to see what this does to the FC development. From what I have read the State issues up to 100 million per fiscal year so Cincinnati getting almost half of that is generous. The hotel getting a massive 40 million dollar portion basically ensured FC Cincy getting zero. Edited January 29, 20241 yr by 646empire
January 29, 20241 yr Love the restaurant-co working combo proposed for the lower level of Carew, it makes a lot of sense for that space. “Victrix's application to the Ohio Department of Development revealed that the 824,000-square-foot structure will be converted into a 375-unit residential complex with 10 units of short-term corporate housing. The famous retail arcade at the tower's base will likely be transformed into a coworking concept and include several restaurants.” Edited January 29, 20241 yr by 646empire
January 29, 20241 yr 1 minute ago, 646empire said: From what I have read the State issues up to 100 million per fiscal year so Cincinnati getting almost half of that is generous. The hotel getting a a massive 40 million dollars basically ensured FC Cincy getting zero. It is nice to see that we are getting the bulk of the money this year since I feel like previous years we’ve been overlooked.
January 29, 20241 yr https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/OHIOGOVERNOR/2024/01/29/file_attachments/2763896/2024 0129 TMUD Award Descriptions.pdf Here’s a list of the winners.
January 29, 20241 yr 1 hour ago, ucnum1 said: Says the Convention Hotel project has a development cost of 630 million now Then it must be 800 plus rooms and or on the higher end hotel flags, that’s a big price tag even with inflation. I am thinking we should be getting finalized designs and hotel operator very soon. Edited January 30, 20241 yr by 646empire
January 31, 20241 yr On 1/29/2024 at 6:56 PM, 646empire said: Then it must be 800 plus rooms and or on the higher end hotel flags, that’s a big price tag even with inflation. I am thinking we should be getting finalized designs and hotel operator very soon. Any informed guesses as to operator/flag?
January 31, 20241 yr 1 minute ago, Miami-Erie said: Any informed guesses as to operator/flag? Maybe Choice or Best Western :) (just kidding of course)
January 31, 20241 yr 5 minutes ago, Brutus_buckeye said: Maybe Choice or Best Western :) (just kidding of course) I hope it's a luxury Marriott flag. Marriott has invested more in downtown Cincinnati than any other brand (I think) with 8 hotels: Renaissance, Westin, Courtyard, Kinley, AC Hotel, Towneplace Suites, Residence Inn, Lytle Park Hotel). Edited January 31, 20241 yr by Miami-Erie
January 31, 20241 yr Someone (I thought it was 3cdc but it's not listed on their website) is doing some pretty substantial shoring up of the old Le's Pho builidng. It has noticeable 6-8" lean when you look at it compared to the new vertical steel piles. Pretty impressive amount of work to save this old building and not just let it collapse into Vine Street like so many delinquent owners would.
February 1, 20241 yr Someone (I thought it was 3cdc but it's not listed on their website) is doing some pretty substantial shoring up of the old Le's Pho builidng. It has noticeable 6-8" lean when you look at it compared to the new vertical steel piles. Pretty impressive amount of work to save this old building and not just let it collapse into Vine Street like so many delinquent owners would. For some reason I thought the CMO of Kroger owned that building. He also owns a lot a block north of musical hall. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
February 1, 20241 yr 23 hours ago, ucgrady said: Someone (I thought it was 3cdc but it's not listed on their website) is doing some pretty substantial shoring up of the old Le's Pho builidng. Auditor says it is owned by 3CDC (OTR Holdings Inc at 1203 Walnut St): https://wedge.hcauditor.org/view/re/0760002022700/2023/summary
February 5, 20241 yr On 11/17/2023 at 10:32 PM, ucnum1 said: New development in the works from 3CDC at 7th and Vine lot.6 stories 70 apartments.5k square ft of commerical space https://www.downtowncincinnati.com/about/downtown-cincinnati-improvement-district-dcid/ Any news on this project?
February 5, 20241 yr 1 minute ago, Ucgrad2015 said: Any news on this project? None officially but it is in the pipeline for the next round of 3CDC projects.It may end up with a few more floors maybe 3 and residential units though.Late 2024 groundbreaking if everything lines up.
February 10, 20241 yr Any project updates or photos on the redevelopment of the former Chong buildings on Race Street?
February 12, 20241 yr On 2/9/2024 at 10:57 PM, The_Cincinnati_Kid said: Any project updates or photos on the redevelopment of the former Chong buildings on Race Street? I haven't seen any activity there for awhile.
February 12, 20241 yr 1 hour ago, Miami-Erie said: I haven't seen any activity there for awhile. I walked past over the weekend. Yeah no new work is happening on the building. But I hope they start it fast because the building looks a HOT MESS! They demolished/ stripped the building down for redevelopment and boarded up all the windows, it looks really bad.
February 12, 20241 yr On 11/14/2022 at 1:19 PM, Cygnus said: This project is underway as Lytle Park has been mostly fenced off. Cincinnati's Lytle Park Renovation Project Breaks Ground Nov 7, 2022 The Cincinnati Board of Park Commissioners is excited to announce that the long-planned renovation of Lytle Park is set to break ground on November 7, 2022. This restoration project will bring new life to the underutilized park at the southeast corner of Downtown. Earlier this year, Cincinnati Parks re-bid the project within the City’s procurement guidelines and regulations. The impact of rapidly rising construction costs added $2 Million to the project since it was originally bid in 2018-2019. Western & Southern Financial Fund, which originally provided $1.6 Million toward the project, has agreed to provide additional contributions of almost $1.6 Million, for a total of $3.2 Million. The Board of Park Commissioners also agreed to use $400,000 in Park Board funding to help bridge the gap. The total cost of the project is expected to be $4.7 million. “As frustrating as the project delays have been, we want to express our deep appreciation for the lasting commitment and funding Western & Southern has given to ensure this public park will be completely renovated for the enjoyment of generations of park neighbors, residents and visitors. They never wavered, and on behalf of all those who use and rely on our parks, we remain grateful to have their continued support,” said Jim Goetz, President of the Cincinnati Board of Park Commissioners. ”We are honored to be involved and appreciate the Park Board’s commitment to the Lytle Park neighborhood,” said Paul Silva, President of Eagle Realty Group, Western & Southern’s real estate investment subsidiary. “It is one of the best green spaces in the city, and we look forward to seeing more area residents, businesses and visitors re-discover the space.” Cincinnati Parks Director Jason Barron added, “Restoring the highway tunnel has left Lytle Park a little bland. Well, that is about to change in a big way. We are excited to bring Lytle Park back to life and create an amazing public space where generations of Cincinnatians will get to have fun. The restoration of Lytle Park is another example of how Cincinnati is fortunate to have corporate partners like Western & Southern to help make big things happen.” Completion is slated for fall 2023. Visit www.cincinnatiparks.com or @cincyparks on social media platforms for project updates. About the Project In January 2019, after a community engagement effort and collaboration with the project funding partner Western & Southern, the Board of Park Commissioners approved plans for the renovation and restoration of Lytle Park originally established as a Cincinnati Park in 1905. This renovation project became necessary due to the Ohio Department of Transportation’s (ODOT) Lytle Tunnel ventilation project completed in 2017. The project includes new hardscape with several plazas and brick walkways, a decorative fountain, a running track, new landscape, lighting, a boche ball court and benches (see images below for project rendering and site picture). The new park is made possible thanks to the generosity of Western & Southern Financial Group who, in addition to donating funds to renovate the park, have committed $40,000 annually to support ongoing maintenance. An additional $1.1 Million in funds received from ODOT as a result of the 2017 tunnel project will also be used. The fencing around the park came down Friday. The entrance to the park still needs to be completed; also not sure the status of the restroom building. Unfortunate to see the playground did not return. Instead in its place is outdoor workout equipment. "It's just fate, as usual, keeping its bargain and screwing us in the fine print..." - John Crichton
February 13, 20241 yr Lytle park entrance: Workout equipment 550 remodel nearing completion "It's just fate, as usual, keeping its bargain and screwing us in the fine print..." - John Crichton
February 13, 20241 yr On 2/12/2024 at 12:46 PM, Cygnus said: Unfortunate to see the playground did not return. 3 hours ago, Cygnus said: Workout equipment Not to be overly nitpicky, but I think most people would call this this is a "playground". At least speaking on behalf of my two young kids, they would definitely treat this as a playground.
February 13, 20241 yr 7 hours ago, Cygnus said: Lytle park entrance: Workout equipment 550 remodel nearing completion Nice to see more windows post-renovation. Lytle Park is...sad looking right now. Having more windows lit up overlooking the park is a subtle way to subconsciously make a space feel more active, lived in, etc.
February 16, 20241 yr 8 minutes ago, 646empire said: Couldn’t get a pic but the Greyhound station is being demolished.
February 16, 20241 yr 1 hour ago, 646empire said: Your good! Lolol, thanks but that wasn't me. I took 3 photos and Google stitched them together into a pano. If you look closely, you can see the seams
February 16, 20241 yr 10 minutes ago, jmblec2 said: How did the casino not buy this property? Seems like a misstep. Hard Rock purchased the Mirage in Las Vegas so corporate is probably hyper-focused on that at the moment.
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