June 8, 20187 yr Market-rate apartments proposed for lot near City Hall; public radio also eyed site An Indianapolis developer is proposing to build a new, mixed-use project in a city-owned parking lot to the west of Cincinnati City Hall, a site that Cincinnati Public Radio also had its eye on, with the support of a city councilman. More below: https://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2018/06/08/market-rate-apartments-proposed-for-lot-near-city.html "You don't just walk into a bar and mix it up by calling a girl fat" - buildingcincinnati speaking about new forumers
June 8, 20187 yr Where are they talking? I am not seeing any parking lots to the west of City hall? Unless they are talking about the one across the street from Burke.
June 8, 20187 yr Where are they talking? I am not seeing any parking lots to the west of City hall? Unless they are talking about the one across the street from Burke. Judging from the map marker in the article, it appears to be the lot to the north of city hall.
June 11, 20187 yr The article says it will be on the northwest corner of 9th and Plum, which is directly north of City Hall (not sure why the first sentence of the article says it's "west of City Hall"). Also interesting is that a competing proposal (which was supported by PG Sittenfeld) was for Cincinnati Public Radio to relocate there... which means they're actively looking to move out of their current facility on Central Parkway.
June 12, 20187 yr Cincinnati Public Radio not giving up pursuit of lot next to City Hall for new HQ Cincinnati Public Radio plans to continue seeking to buy a lot next to City Hall for its new headquarters and studio, estimated at $10 million to $15 million, despite the city administration recommendation of a different project, said Richard Eiswerth, its general manager. The organization shared preliminary renderings of its building with the Business Courier, which would include a public performance space and open public space. Eiswerth cautioned that the design of the building, which he described as having both modern influences and as an homage to Samuel Hannaford, the famed Cincinnati architect who designed City Hall, is subject to revisions. More below: https://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2018/06/12/cincinnati-public-radio-not-giving-up-pursuit-of.html "You don't just walk into a bar and mix it up by calling a girl fat" - buildingcincinnati speaking about new forumers
June 12, 20187 yr Interesting that the non-profit Public Radio is willing to pay more ($1.5 million) for the land than the for-profit developer Millhaus (only $250k). How much space does the Public Radio really need? Seems like a waste to dedicate a large parcel (.75 acres) to just the Public Radio. The rendering in that Courier article makes it seem like the Public Radio proposal would be very low density, taking up only portion of the site, but angled in such a way that nothing else would be buildable there. I like Sittenfeld's idea of somehow combining the proposals so that the Public Radio and the apartments can both make use of the site. I'm curious what the plans are - in either proposal - for the historic two-story building at 316 W 9th, or if they'd just demolish it: https://www.google.com/maps/@39.1045277,-84.5197962,3a,85.3y,8.46h,105.03t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sH49HxhnegXW12Ga4G9uyVw!2e0!7i13312!8i6656 Here is the RFP for the site: http://choosecincy.com/Cincinnati/media/Cincinnati/EconDev/RFPs/Cyber%20Monday/RFP500CEDNINTH_PLUM.pdf
June 12, 20187 yr The city is no doubt sending this out as a way to get a one-time cash infusion to patch up Cranley's crazy budget. So he's going to get public radio to overpay and we'll get a lame project.
June 12, 20187 yr With the abundance of surface parking lots that exist in the basin, it's absurd that this either/or scenario is even being entertained. Since Cincinnati Public Radio (CPR) still needs to raise funds for the construction of the building, I absolutely support going forward with the development of apartments on this site. It supports the general plan goals of adding housing and density in the core, and the CPR proposal is not dense, and contains no residential component. We don't need a plaza in this part of downtown. There is plenty of open space and unused plaza space already. The city should work with CPR and CET to find a new site that could accommodate them both, since it seems like that is a partnership that already exists, and it would make sense to keep them together. It'd be great to keep them downtown, and I think there are plenty of sites that could work, especially if CPR alone has $1.5 million to spend just on land costs. With that money, they could purchase any number of sites for their new HQ. Something seems a little off about this whole situation, and especially PG Sittenfeld's vocal involvement with a single development project. Someone needs to ask CPR why they are so attached to this site specifically. The city would probably give them land for free in any number of neighborhoods, and they could have a more sizable impact in a place like Price Hill or Walnut Hills than they could downtown.
June 12, 20187 yr Having a space like that in our city would be cool. It reminds me of how KEXP took over one of the buildings at Seattle Center for their radio studio and has a space inside that's open to the public. It's a good way to help public radio stay relevant and on people's minds.
June 13, 20187 yr The city is no doubt sending this out as a way to get a one-time cash infusion to patch up Cranley's crazy budget. So he's going to get public radio to overpay and we'll get a lame project. The sale of this land will have no meaningful impact on the budget, regardless of who buys it and at what price. The city budget is way too big for this one project to have any significant impact.
June 13, 20187 yr The general capital budget is much smaller than the operations budget, about $80 million. $1.5 million buys Cranely a lot of campaign dollars.
June 13, 20186 yr The general capital budget is much smaller than the operations budget, about $80 million. $1.5 million buys Cranely a lot of campaign dollars. Except Cranley is supporting the Milhaus proposal...
June 13, 20186 yr The Cincy radio proposal would be a terrible use of this land. Hopefully they can find somewhere else downtown for them but no way should they go in this spot over apartments.
June 13, 20186 yr Shame Cincinnati Public Radio cant work away into the North Building of the Cincinnati Public Library. Even if a small addition to be added. It just seems to me that Public Radio and the Library would go together well.
June 13, 20186 yr The latest Planning Commission packet has some details about the Milhaus proposal, which the Commission is recommending. Looks like Milhaus would tear down the existing 2-story structure: https://www.cincinnati-oh.gov/planning/about-city-planning/city-planning-commission/jun-15-2018/
June 14, 20186 yr The Cincy radio proposal would be a terrible use of this land. Hopefully they can find somewhere else downtown for them but no way should they go in this spot over apartments. how about the old wlwt building. Keep the historic building. Add a modern annex over existing parking. That building at 140 W Ninth St is owned by CHCA (Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy) and houses their Armleder Campus. From what I know about CHCA, I doubt they’d be willing to sell for anything less than a small fortune.
June 15, 20186 yr A little update from last December's announcement. Redevelopment proposed for west part of Shillito’s building By Chris Wetterich – Staff reporter and columnist, Cincinnati Business Courier Jun 15, 2018, 12:46pm EDT Updated 2 hours ago Neyer Properties is proposing to redevelop the western part of the former Shillito’s building at 137 W. Seventh St. into office space, a parking garage and street-level retail. The Cincinnati Planning Commission approved the sale of that part of the building to the company unanimously. City Council approval also will be needed. https://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2018/06/15/redevelopment-proposed-for-west-part-of-shillito-s.html
June 15, 20186 yr Indianapolis developer gets key approval for apartment project north of City Hall Indianapolis developer Milhaus received initial approval on Friday to purchase a 0.77-acre city-owned property north of Cincinnati City Hall to build a mixed-use, market-rate apartment project. But there could be a political dispute over the property at 316-320 W. Ninth St. because Cincinnati Public Radio also has proposed putting its new headquarters at the site, and it has the support of Councilman P.G. Sittenfeld. More below: https://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2018/06/15/indianapolis-developer-gets-key-approval-for.html "You don't just walk into a bar and mix it up by calling a girl fat" - buildingcincinnati speaking about new forumers
June 15, 20186 yr A little update from last December's announcement. Redevelopment proposed for west part of Shillito’s building By Chris Wetterich – Staff reporter and columnist, Cincinnati Business Courier Jun 15, 2018, 12:46pm EDT Updated 2 hours ago Neyer Properties is proposing to redevelop the western part of the former Shillito’s building at 137 W. Seventh St. into office space, a parking garage and street-level retail. The Cincinnati Planning Commission approved the sale of that part of the building to the company unanimously. City Council approval also will be needed. https://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2018/06/15/redevelopment-proposed-for-west-part-of-shillito-s.html I really wish this was going to be more residential instead of a parking garage. We need more people downtown, not more places to store cars.
June 15, 20186 yr ^Maybe this garage will pave the way for the horrendous garage at 7th and Elm to be torn down and the site redeveloped. This is the ugliest garage downtown, I think: https://www.google.com/maps/@39.1031764,-84.5168509,3a,75y,309.72h,103.24t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sLgr0IZHd0tqfVtrqfj11yA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656
June 15, 20186 yr ^Maybe this garage will pave the way for the horrendous garage at 7th and Elm to be torn down and the site redeveloped. This is the ugliest garage downtown, I think: https://www.google.com/maps/@39.1031764,-84.5168509,3a,75y,309.72h,103.24t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sLgr0IZHd0tqfVtrqfj11yA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656 It was under Federated/Macys ownership, since they sold off the one garage, I wonder if they would sell this one as well. Fun fact it use to have federated office space in the building as well.
June 15, 20186 yr Fun fact it use to have federated office space in the building as well. And it looked much, much better, too:
June 15, 20186 yr Speaking of horrendous garages on Elm, the one at the corner of Elm/6th is having the glass storefront replaced with brick... presumably because they could never find a tenant to fill that space and they'd rather make a bit more money by having a few more parking spaces.
June 16, 20186 yr Holy shit, you just ruined my weekend! Ugh, who in their right mind would allow that beautiful building to be torn down and replaced with the hunk of garbage we have now?
June 16, 20186 yr I mean that has happened in a lot of us cities as well...it’s not something super unique to cincy....hell, look at nyc and the demolition of the beautiful penn station..
June 16, 20186 yr I am pretty sure that it was the Western & Southern Insurance Co. who did us the favor of ridding the city of that hideous monstrosity. The loss is actually compounded if you can see those amazing old stone mansions just to West of the Odd Fellows Temple. https://www.kentonlibrary.org/genphotos/viewimage.php?i=di107354
June 16, 20186 yr I am pretty sure that it was the Western & Southern Insurance Co. who did us the favor of ridding the city of that hideous monstrosity. The loss is actually compounded if you can see those amazing old stone mansions just to West of the Odd Fellows Temple. https://www.kentonlibrary.org/genphotos/viewimage.php?i=di107354 Correct. Somewhere I read an article that was written during the demo of how such an outdated structure would soon be finally cleared to make way for the future. If i remember right the Odd Fellows when bankrupt due to how elaborate & expensive it was so ownership went back to the financier. It existed for a ridiculously short time. EDIT: Well i was sorta correct. It stood for just 45 years http://www.diggingcincinnati.com/2014/05/seventh-and-elm.html
June 16, 20186 yr I also never new the two church towers to the north had taller spires than they do currently.
June 18, 20186 yr Holy shit, you just ruined my weekend! Ugh, who in their right mind would allow that beautiful building to be torn down and replaced with the hunk of garbage we have now? Baby Boomers
June 18, 20186 yr ^Actually the parents of the baby boomers ("the greatest generation")...during the "redevelopment" of our cities during the 50s 60s and early 70s, baby boomers were infants, children, pre-teens, teens and, in the later years, just starting their careers, and hardly in decision making positions.
June 21, 20186 yr WCPO published this list of 12 tax credit recipients in the latest round: https://www.wcpo.com/news/transportation-development/development/cincinnati-s-traction-building-hamilton-s-champion-paper-mill-win-big-in-historic-tax-credits The Traction Building on Walnut Street received a $4,200,321 credit. It is being converted to a 147-room Kimpton Hotel. The entire project is expected to cost $48.3 million. The Champion Paper No. 2 Mill, on North B Street in Hamilton, received $4,795,000. It's one of several buildings associated with Champion Paper's operations and was once the city's largest employer. The mill operated for more than 100 years before closing in 2000. The $48.1 million rehabilitation project will convert the large industrial building into a hotel and event center to complement a future indoor sports complex. 22 W. Elder St., Cincinnati Total Project Cost: $1,816,167 Total Tax Credit: $180,000 Part of a much larger revitalization project by the Model Group near Findlay Market in Over-the-Rhine, this vacant building will be rehabilitated into four apartments and a commercial space on the ground floor. 22-24 W. Seventh St., Cincinnati Total Project Cost: $1,790,000 Total Tax Credit: $245,000 An eight-story building in downtown Cincinnati's Race Street Historic District, this building is an early example of the transition from smaller-scale commercial buildings to modern skyscrapers. After years of vacancy, the c. 1898 building will be rehabilitated into 14 two-bedroom apartments and two commercial spaces. 100 E. Clifton Ave., Cincinnati Total Project Cost: $1,447,725 Total Tax Credit: $202,000 This building shares a similar history with many others like it in Over-the-Rhine as it served for more than a century as apartments. After the rehabilitation, the building will have six residential units while retaining its historic fabric. 100 E. Clifton is part of a cluster of three adjacent properties in common ownership that were all awarded credits this round. 101 Peete St., Cincinnati Total Project Cost: $926,114 Total Tax Credit: $129,000 101 Peete is a historic tenement building in Over-the-Rhine. Vacant for many years, the building will be rehabilitated into five residential units. This building is part of a cluster of three adjacent properties in common ownership that were all awarded credits this round. 105 Peete St., Cincinnati Total Project Cost: $901,505 Total Tax Credit: $126,000 A twin to its neighbor at 101 Peete, this building also will be rehabilitated into five residential units after many years of vacancy. It is part of a cluster of three adjacent properties in common ownership that were all awarded credits this round. 207 W. McMicken Ave., Cincinnati Total Project Cost: $600,000 Total Tax Credit: $84,500 Constructed around 1860, this building in Over-the-Rhine was originally a single-family house but was later converted into apartments. In the past 20 years, it has been largely vacant and even lacked a roof until it was recently stabilized. Current plans call for rehabilitation into three 3-bedroom apartments. 430-432 W. McMicken Ave., Cincinnati Total Project Cost: $465,244 Total Tax Credit: $51,000 This duplex tells the story of the settlement, development, and population trends of the Mohawk area of Cincinnati. Built prior to 1880, it is one of the few surviving wood-frame buildings in the area. After extreme water damage caused structural failure to the rear of the building, the current owners plan to rehabilitate the building into apartments, retaining its historic fabric. 509 E. 12th St., Cincinnati Total Project Cost: $1,203,467 Total Tax Credit: $196,500 The two buildings in this project sit on the front and rear of a property in the Pendleton area of the Over-the-Rhine Historic District. After serving as housing for approximately 130 years, the buildings sat vacant for another 20 years and suffered a fire in 2016. The buildings will be rehabilitated into seven one- and two-bedroom apartments. 1035 Dayton St., Cincinnati Total Project Cost: $1,061,311 Total Tax Credit: $106,000 Located in Cincinnati's Dayton Street Historic District, this circa-1874 building contained commercial space on the ground floor with apartments above. After being vacant for approximately 15 years, the building needs extensive rehabilitation work. After the project is complete, the building will have five residential units and one commercial space. 1919 Vine St., Cincinnati Total Project Cost: $423,662 Total Tax Credit: $83,000 1919 Vine Street is one of three "sister" buildings that were all built around the same time of similar appearance. It remained in residential use from the time it was built in 1905 until it was vacated a few years ago. After completion, it will house two market-rate apartments. The developer is also working on a project up the street that received tax credits in a recent round.
June 21, 20186 yr WCPO published this list of 12 tax credit recipients in the latest round: https://www.wcpo.com/news/transportation-development/development/cincinnati-s-traction-building-hamilton-s-champion-paper-mill-win-big-in-historic-tax-credits The Traction Building on Walnut Street received a $4,200,321 credit. It is being converted to a 147-room Kimpton Hotel. The entire project is expected to cost $48.3 million. The Champion Paper No. 2 Mill, on North B Street in Hamilton, received $4,795,000. It's one of several buildings associated with Champion Paper's operations and was once the city's largest employer. The mill operated for more than 100 years before closing in 2000. The $48.1 million rehabilitation project will convert the large industrial building into a hotel and event center to complement a future indoor sports complex. 22 W. Elder St., Cincinnati Total Project Cost: $1,816,167 Total Tax Credit: $180,000 Part of a much larger revitalization project by the Model Group near Findlay Market in Over-the-Rhine, this vacant building will be rehabilitated into four apartments and a commercial space on the ground floor. 22-24 W. Seventh St., Cincinnati Total Project Cost: $1,790,000 Total Tax Credit: $245,000 An eight-story building in downtown Cincinnati's Race Street Historic District, this building is an early example of the transition from smaller-scale commercial buildings to modern skyscrapers. After years of vacancy, the c. 1898 building will be rehabilitated into 14 two-bedroom apartments and two commercial spaces. 100 E. Clifton Ave., Cincinnati Total Project Cost: $1,447,725 Total Tax Credit: $202,000 This building shares a similar history with many others like it in Over-the-Rhine as it served for more than a century as apartments. After the rehabilitation, the building will have six residential units while retaining its historic fabric. 100 E. Clifton is part of a cluster of three adjacent properties in common ownership that were all awarded credits this round. 101 Peete St., Cincinnati Total Project Cost: $926,114 Total Tax Credit: $129,000 101 Peete is a historic tenement building in Over-the-Rhine. Vacant for many years, the building will be rehabilitated into five residential units. This building is part of a cluster of three adjacent properties in common ownership that were all awarded credits this round. 105 Peete St., Cincinnati Total Project Cost: $901,505 Total Tax Credit: $126,000 A twin to its neighbor at 101 Peete, this building also will be rehabilitated into five residential units after many years of vacancy. It is part of a cluster of three adjacent properties in common ownership that were all awarded credits this round. 207 W. McMicken Ave., Cincinnati Total Project Cost: $600,000 Total Tax Credit: $84,500 Constructed around 1860, this building in Over-the-Rhine was originally a single-family house but was later converted into apartments. In the past 20 years, it has been largely vacant and even lacked a roof until it was recently stabilized. Current plans call for rehabilitation into three 3-bedroom apartments. 430-432 W. McMicken Ave., Cincinnati Total Project Cost: $465,244 Total Tax Credit: $51,000 This duplex tells the story of the settlement, development, and population trends of the Mohawk area of Cincinnati. Built prior to 1880, it is one of the few surviving wood-frame buildings in the area. After extreme water damage caused structural failure to the rear of the building, the current owners plan to rehabilitate the building into apartments, retaining its historic fabric. 509 E. 12th St., Cincinnati Total Project Cost: $1,203,467 Total Tax Credit: $196,500 The two buildings in this project sit on the front and rear of a property in the Pendleton area of the Over-the-Rhine Historic District. After serving as housing for approximately 130 years, the buildings sat vacant for another 20 years and suffered a fire in 2016. The buildings will be rehabilitated into seven one- and two-bedroom apartments. 1035 Dayton St., Cincinnati Total Project Cost: $1,061,311 Total Tax Credit: $106,000 Located in Cincinnati's Dayton Street Historic District, this circa-1874 building contained commercial space on the ground floor with apartments above. After being vacant for approximately 15 years, the building needs extensive rehabilitation work. After the project is complete, the building will have five residential units and one commercial space. 1919 Vine St., Cincinnati Total Project Cost: $423,662 Total Tax Credit: $83,000 1919 Vine Street is one of three "sister" buildings that were all built around the same time of similar appearance. It remained in residential use from the time it was built in 1905 until it was vacated a few years ago. After completion, it will house two market-rate apartments. The developer is also working on a project up the street that received tax credits in a recent round. This is the list of winners but there should be a list somewhere of every project that applied this round. It is always interesting to see the projects that didn't make the cut.
June 21, 20186 yr ^ You can find that on the State website. I believe there were something like 110 applications from Cincinnati alone- far more than any other city in the state.
August 2, 20186 yr Pretty big development proposal for 3rd and Main in the latest HCB packet. New Rear addition, and seems the buildings will be rehabbed and converted into a hotel. https://www.cincinnati-oh.gov/buildings/historic-conservation/historic-conservation-board/august-6-2018-staff-report-and-attachments/
August 2, 20186 yr Very cool. Those are neat buildings and always great to see more development along the streetcar line.
August 2, 20186 yr Pretty big development proposal for 3rd and Main in the latest HCB packet. New Rear addition, and seems the buildings will be rehabbed and converted into a hotel. https://www.cincinnati-oh.gov/buildings/historic-conservation/historic-conservation-board/august-6-2018-staff-report-and-attachments/ Love this!
August 2, 20186 yr Looks like a fabulous project! I wonder what they will look to do with the two? buildings just to the south, is one just the facade? Does 3CDC own that too? This is a 3CDC project, correct?
August 2, 20186 yr Looks like a fabulous project! I wonder what they will look to do with the two? buildings just to the south, is one just the facade? Does 3CDC own that too? This is a 3CDC project, correct? I would guess that they're waiting for whoever owns that 1970s-looking glass building to sell so they can use that space.
August 2, 20186 yr How many rooms would the hotel have? 93 room hotel. Hi5 Development is working on the project with City Studios Architecture. I highly doubt Hi5 is going to go the boutique route with a property its just not there typical business plan. I would assume it would be a limited service brand that isnt represented in the downtown/southbank area.
August 2, 20186 yr I highly doubt Hi5 is going to go the boutique route with a property its just not there typical business plan. I would assume it would be a limited service brand that isnt represented in the downtown/southbank area. Why do you say "limited service"? The plans show a restaurant, bar, and kitchen on the first floor and a rooftop bar. Doesn't the inclusion of a restaurant and kitchen - by definition - mean it'll be "full service"? Due to the complexity of construction (combining historic with new construction) and the location, I suspect they'll be charging pretty high prices per room. The term "boutique hotel" is much more nebulous, so I don't really want to argue whether or not it'll be a "boutique" (for what its worth, their plans call it a "boutique" hotel).
August 2, 20186 yr Here's the current state of those buildings BTW: The last plan announced for those buildings was from 2012. At that time 3CDC wanted to make each building into five condos, which I assume meant that each building would've essentially been a single family townhome, except with retail on the ground floor.
August 2, 20186 yr I highly doubt Hi5 is going to go the boutique route with a property its just not there typical business plan. I would assume it would be a limited service brand that isnt represented in the downtown/southbank area. Why do you say "limited service"? The plans show a restaurant, bar, and kitchen on the first floor and a rooftop bar. Doesn't the inclusion of a restaurant and kitchen - by definition - mean it'll be "full service"? Due to the complexity of construction (combining historic with new construction) and the location, I suspect they'll be charging pretty high prices per room. The term "boutique hotel" is much more nebulous, so I don't really want to argue whether or not it'll be a "boutique" (for what its worth, their plans call it a "boutique" hotel). Because when our firm or any firm goes in for a project like a hotel, we call it boutique instead of calling it by the brand name of the property, in case there is an issue with franchisee agreements. I have looked at the plans posted a couple times now with a couple of colleagues, it still fits in the limited service brand segment. The kitchen is not big enough by size to have a significant capacity of food or menu. Which means this kitchen is prepping and making breakfast and manager happy hour items, maybe small appetizers to be sold at the bar in the evening. For instance Aloft is limited service, but has a kitchen to produce grab and go items at breakfast and evening snacks for the xyz prototype bar. Homewood Suites, Residence Inn has a kitchen to produce hot breakfast, and small dinner items Monday-Thursday. However these three brands just to name a few are considered limited service brands in the hospitality industry. Also being that i have worked for projects in historical areas (Savannah, Charleston) before doesn't mean it cant have a facade like the existing buildings on Main but be a lower end brand like Holiday Inn Express, Hampton Inn, Fairfield Inn etc. Owners/Developers typically get better ROI on these brands even if they spend a bit more saving some historic storefronts for the right location. I have worked in this industry for ten years now and I am giving urbanohio my informative thoughts on this project.
August 2, 20186 yr This should be good for The Banks, I imagine. If we can't get another hotel down there (hello, remaining phase 1 office pad), this is probably the next best place for one. These buildings are also very visible to people coming and going to Reds games, and they have been vacant as long as I can remember. It will be nice for all those people going to games to be able to walk by a hotel rather than vacant buildings.
August 2, 20186 yr Turning those into condos without doing a facadectomy would be tough because you'd need to get elevators in there. Nobody's going to buy a 4th floor walk-up condo over about $300k if it doesn't have an elevator.
August 2, 20186 yr I highly doubt Hi5 is going to go the boutique route with a property its just not there typical business plan. I would assume it would be a limited service brand that isnt represented in the downtown/southbank area. Why do you say "limited service"? The plans show a restaurant, bar, and kitchen on the first floor and a rooftop bar. Doesn't the inclusion of a restaurant and kitchen - by definition - mean it'll be "full service"? Due to the complexity of construction (combining historic with new construction) and the location, I suspect they'll be charging pretty high prices per room. The term "boutique hotel" is much more nebulous, so I don't really want to argue whether or not it'll be a "boutique" (for what its worth, their plans call it a "boutique" hotel). Because when our firm or any firm goes in for a project like a hotel, we call it boutique instead of calling it by the brand name of the property, in case there is an issue with franchisee agreements. I have looked at the plans posted a couple times now with a couple of colleagues, it still fits in the limited service brand segment. The kitchen is not big enough by size to have a significant capacity of food or menu. Which means this kitchen is prepping and making breakfast and manager happy hour items, maybe small appetizers to be sold at the bar in the evening. For instance Aloft is limited service, but has a kitchen to produce grab and go items at breakfast and evening snacks for the xyz prototype bar. Homewood Suites, Residence Inn has a kitchen to produce hot breakfast, and small dinner items Monday-Thursday. However these three brands just to name a few are considered limited service brands in the hospitality industry. Also being that i have worked for projects in historical areas (Savannah, Charleston) before doesn't mean it cant have a facade like the existing buildings on Main but be a lower end brand like Holiday Inn Express, Hampton Inn, Fairfield Inn etc. Owners/Developers typically get better ROI on these brands even if they spend a bit more saving some historic storefronts for the right location. I have worked in this industry for ten years now and I am giving urbanohio my informative thoughts on this project. Thanks! You definitely know more than I do! I thought "limited service" just meant "no kitchen, no restaurant". Thanks for the info!
August 3, 20186 yr Turning those into condos without doing a facadectomy would be tough because you'd need to get elevators in there. Nobody's going to buy a 4th floor walk-up condo over about $300k if it doesn't have an elevator. Property values get high enough and people will... though at a discount to everything around it.
August 3, 20186 yr Property values get high enough and people will... though at a discount to everything around it. Yeah a younger person might, but then would learn their lesson the first time they get sick or injured and can hardly get back into or out of their unit.
August 3, 20186 yr Honest question: What do the hundreds of thousands of people across cities in Europe do in situations like that? I stayed in an airbnb in Paris on the 7th floor with no elevator in a 200+ year old building. If you break your leg, what you do in that situation? Or maybe its not really that common for something like that to happen to those people because they aren't out 4 wheeling or jet skiing on the weekends.
Create an account or sign in to comment