I could picture them being the acnchor tenant for the office building planned for the Banks (phase 1).

That is exactly the comment I wrote on the Biz Courier's site

Yeah, but this part of the article concerns me.  It doesn't sound like downtown is necessarily part of their long range plans:

 

“While Cincinnati will continue to remain an important part of our overall strategy and we are excited to start expanding into downtown, our longer-term space needs will be determined over the next 12 to 24 months and will include consideration of various other locations.”

^Then Carter-Dawson better start sweet talking them

The news regarding the Ambassador program is also very welcoming -- they are doing one hell of a job in increasing the perceptions of downtown and cleaning it up.

 

I couldn't disagree more.  I've had a few experiences dealing with these individuals and see them regularly doing absolutely nothing.  Normally they are doing what the private sector needs to be doing for themselves.  If they are doing anything at all.  Even in the PDF you see one cleaning multiple instances of graffiti off a phone booth owned by CBT.  I bet there where three more of them standing around watching.  Why should tax money go towards this?  I often see them cleaning the paper boxes.  Corporate welfare is what it is.  Move everyone of them to Over the Rhine.  It would benefit the residence at least.  Or better yet get rid of them and have city workers do what they are supposed to do and enforce the laws on the books about property owners maintenance. 

just my opinion

 

The news regarding the Ambassador program is also very welcoming -- they are doing one hell of a job in increasing the perceptions of downtown and cleaning it up.

 

I couldn't disagree more. I've had a few experiences dealing with these individuals and see them regularly doing absolutely nothing. Normally they are doing what the private sector needs to be doing for themselves. If they are doing anything at all. Even in the PDF you see one cleaning multiple instances of graffiti off a phone booth owned by CBT. I bet there where three more of them standing around watching. Why should tax money go towards this? I often see them cleaning the paper boxes. Corporate welfare is what it is. Move everyone of them to Over the Rhine. It would benefit the residence at least. Or better yet get rid of them and have city workers do what they are supposed to do and enforce the laws on the books about property owners maintenance.

just my opinion

 

 

A Special Improvement District that is paid into by downtown property owners pays for the ambassador program

^Exactly.  I've seen one of those guys polishing the brass doorknobs of a building on 8th Street multiple times.  I'm impressed with what they do.  They are providing far more value downtown than some cop on a horse.

^ I also think the ambassador program is great.  Whenever I see one, they are usually busy.  Also, they do have a contact with the police.

2 of these ambassadors are friends of mine and whenever I run into them, they keep the conversation short and sweet -their supervisor must be strict.

 

They are always busy and doing their job.

^ I also think the ambassador program is great. Whenever I see one, they are usually busy. Also, they do have a contact with the police.

 

My Dad was on crutches at the Taste of Cincinnati (or maybe Oktoberfest) and one of the Ambassadors found chair for him to sit down [on a very very crowed Ft. Sq.]

Yeah, but this part of the article concerns me.  It doesn't sound like downtown is necessarily part of their long range plans:

 

“While Cincinnati will continue to remain an important part of our overall strategy and we are excited to start expanding into downtown, our longer-term space needs will be determined over the next 12 to 24 months and will include consideration of various other locations.”

 

I don't think they would move downtown just to move out a few years later.  The article states the space they leased was "company headquarters ready", so it was an easy move for them.  My guess is they are going to test the waters downtown over the next few years as there will be rock star lease deals to be had with W&S and Frost Brown Todd moving in to QCSII.  They will be able to get unbelievable lease rates and tenant improvement deals at that point.  If they don't stay in the same space, they will be downtown somewhere.  It seems like they want to be a 'big boy" bank, and a corporate HQ in Norwood or Hamilton doesn't have the penache of a downtown high rise address.

^Agreed

^^Interesting!  Does anyone know what is to happen with the Nat City building. I'm guessing it will have some vacancies.  I assume PNC will not be occupying both that and their current building. 

Can I nominate the Nat City/Provident Bank building for the next replacement to help the skyline? I'd say it is the ugliest of the bank hq's dt.

A Special Improvement District that is paid into by downtown property owners pays for the ambassador program

 

I did not know this.  Excuse my ignorance.  After reading a little i've realized that the program is commendable and a good example of the private sector handling things.  I just thought they are low paid city workers.  I hope i didn't offend anyone.

 

Problem with is it is that it faces 4th St., not the river.  Also, it took the site of the Sinton Hotel, which was a fantastic structure. 

 

Downtown investors giving Main Street a second look

By Randy A. Simes, Soapbox Cincinnati | February 23, 2010

http://soapboxmedia.com/devnews/0223mainstreetinvestment.aspx

 

Main Street is just two short blocks away from Downtown's main artery - Vine Street, and just one block away from the renaissance taking place in the Backstage Entertainment District along Walnut Street.  As a result the street boasting a comfortable building stock and some of Downtown's longest tenured businesses, is seeing new investment once again.

 

"When things weren't going well downtown, bad things would spread like a cancer," said Downtown Cincinnati Inc. President David Ginsburg.  "But now that things are going well the opposite is happening with the success around Fountain Square and the Backstage District."

 

Two of the newest businesses are Bouchard's on Main which is expanding from their popular Findlay Market location, and Lunch on Main which offers comfortable lunch offerings to the growing number of Downtown office workers.

 

Although not on Main Street, the Backstage District creep can be felt along 6th Street as Mr. Sushi opened this past week, and Passage Lounge continues to make progress on its location at the corner of 6th and Main that will feature downtown Cincinnati's first rooftop bar.

 

"It's not just how many new places are opening up on Main Street, but how well they seem to compliment the existing businesses there," said Ginsburg who also noted that the initial response to Bouchard's and Lunch on Main has been very impressive.

 

Main Street has more than just proximity to Fountain Square and the Backstage District going for it - it also sits right on the proposed Cincinnati Streetcar route as it heads north towards historic Over-the-Rhine and the uptown neighborhoods.  Main Street also boasts a unique collection of historic buildings and businesses that have escaped the capitalistic will of high rise developers.

 

Ginsburg continued, "you certainly have some wonderful buildings and businesses over on Main Street, and more economic development means more residents, more jobs, more investment and a more active Downtown."

 

View photos of Lunch on Main here:

http://soapboxmedia.com/devnews/0223mainstreetinvestment.aspx

Downtown Cincinnati experiences strong progress during recession

By Kevin Wright, UrbanCincy | May 4, 2010

http://www.urbancincy.com/2010/05/downtown-cincinnati-experiences-strong-progress-during-recession/

 

If Cincinnati is our home, then downtown is akin to our city’s kitchen. Downtown is where we, as a community, watch television (Fountain Square), downtown is where we eat, and downtown is where we complete our financial transactions. This is the analogy Mayor Mark Mallory used at the 2010 State of Downtown meeting held this past Thursday, April 29th.

 

Mayor Mallory also likened downtown to an engine that is “hot and running well” at the Annual Member Meeting hosted by Downtown Cincinnati Inc. (DCI). The positive 2009 report identified several positive indicators during one of the most difficult economic years the nation has seen including:

 

• $116 million in completed construction and renovation project with another $1.6 billion in projects currently in progress
  
• More than 445,000 square feet of office expansions, renewals and relocations in 2009
  
• 30 new retail/restaurant/entertainment establishments opened in the central business district
  
• 140 single family homes were sold, keeping population growth consistent with projections
  
• $59 million economic impact of total room nights marked a record setting year for hotels
  
• The Main Library, Cincinnati Museum Center, Krohn Conservatory and Fountain Square all posted record attendance years
  
• Overall crime rate for the central business district/riverfront was down double digits in Part 1 and Part 2 offenses over the past decade, helping make Cincinnati the 7th safest city for pedestrians out of the nation’s 52 largest metro areas
  
• DCI’s 3rd annual pedestrian count study showed a continued increase during peak weekday times (11am to 2pm), and a total increase of 20% in pedestrians during the evening hours
  
• A partnership with the Hamilton County Department of Pretrial Services and the County Jail, University Hospital, Summit Behavioral Healthcare and others to identified the top 16 high risk panhandlers; placing 3 of the 16 cases in permanent housing to date

 

The meeting, which lasted for just a little over an hour, also included remarks from the Senior Regional Officer of the Cincinnati/Cleveland Branches of the Federal Reserve Bank Dr. LaVaughn Henry, Hamilton County Commissioner Greg Hartmann, Cincinnati City Manager Milton Dohoney, and DCI president David Ginsburg.

 

The speakers focused on the importance of economic development in the greater downtown areas, each bringing a different viewpoint to the podium. Commissioner Hartmann spoke briefly about the importance of downtown to all of Hamilton County and the region, while using the casino development as a prime example of how to get the public excited and involved in the development process. Dr. LaVaughn Henry addressed the national economic recession and stated that while unemployment is still high here in Cincinnati and across the country, the rate of job loss is slowing and consumer confidence is on the rise.

 

Downtown Cincinnati’s population has experienced steady population growth since 2005, and is expected to double by 2012 with the continued renovation of Over-the-Rhine and the opening of The Banks.

 

City Manager Milton Dohoney stressed the importance of taking risks, while also being cautious in our approach. His remarks on economic development revolved around the creation of new jobs, smarter land use, and partnership and investment in our community.

 

“Big steps equal big gains,” Dohoney commented in regards to taking risks. “We must work on expanding our tax base, while also proving that we are an inclusive community.”

 

Following the meeting, UrbanCincy caught up with DCI President David Ginsburg where he discussed the importance of projects like The Banks and the Broadway Commons Casino ultimately not becoming a single destination. Ginsburg also brought up the importance of “zoning flexibility” when it comes to downtown vacancy issues.

 

“Our primary role is to enhance downtown’s potential as a vibrant, clean and communal place that attracts employers, art, music and the creative class,” Ginsburg stated. “We must continue to improve downtown’s perception by getting more people downtown to witness the improvements firsthand. You wouldn’t buy a new car until you test drove it, so we need to get more people to test drive downtown.”

Any idea where these people are expected to come from? Has there been an analysis of that?

Any idea where these people are expected to come from? Has there been an analysis of that?

 

The Banks and rapid Over-the-Rhine redevelopment which has become the strongest real estate market in the region.

No, I mean where are they moving away from? Which neighborhoods or suburbs are most "losing people" to downtown? What is the percentage of new residents that are "boomerang" Cincinnatians, who have decided to move back to make a home downtown? What's the percentage of them that are moving from other regions? Which other regions are they moving from?

 

I know it's doubtful that anyone has bothered to make these measures and projections, but I thought I would ask.

I don't think it is possible to know where these residents will come from until they actually come and you can conduct surveys.  You can project the demographics that might be inclined to move there though.

No, I mean where are they moving away from? Which neighborhoods or suburbs are most "losing people" to downtown? What is the percentage of new residents that are "boomerang" Cincinnatians, who have decided to move back to make a home downtown? What's the percentage of them that are moving from other regions? Which other regions are they moving from?

 

I know it's doubtful that anyone has bothered to make these measures and projections, but I thought I would ask.

I think you would need to look at people demographics instead of geographic demographics.

I think empty nest baby boomers would be a likely group. I don't see Blue Ash abandoning ship & moving downtown.

WCPO did a phone survey a couple years ago & asked if viewers would consider living downtown. Came up about 5%. Look at the size of their viewing area, take 5% of that & you wind up with a an area a lot bigger than downtown. (yeah, I know it's not scientific)

5% of the metro area is 105,000 people.

Yes, but WCPO only is viewed by part of the entire metro.

 

I've often wondered this question of where the people will come from, myself.  I love picturing a wholly revitalized OTR with the streetcar and everything, but Cincinnati is barely growing.  Where are all these people going to come from? Will Cincinnati just suddenly turn into a boom town?

Yes, but WCPO only is viewed by part of the entire metro.

 

I've often wondered this question of where the people will come from, myself. I love picturing a wholly revitalized OTR with the streetcar and everything, but Cincinnati is barely growing. Where are all these people going to come from? Will Cincinnati just suddenly turn into a boom town?

 

Our MSA added 162,264 people from 2000-2009.  If the City can absorb a percentage of that equal to its representation in the metro area, that's 24,888 people

I don't think it is possible to know where these residents will come from until they actually come and you can conduct surveys.  You can project the demographics that might be inclined to move there though.

Likewise, it is impossible to know how many people will come. It's all just a projection. But that doesn't stop you from quoting an estimation. Admittedly, other demographics would be easier to extrapolate.

 

I'd also be interested in knowing this data for the people who have moved downtown recently. Again, I would guess no one has attempted such a study. Which I feel even more sure of, since no one here seems to have heard of one.

I don't think it is possible to know where these residents will come from until they actually come and you can conduct surveys.  You can project the demographics that might be inclined to move there though.

Likewise, it is impossible to know how many people will come. It's all just a projection. But that doesn't stop you from quoting an estimation. Admittedly, other demographics would be easier to extrapolate.

 

Yes, I did quote a study that used this projection in a story I wrote on the release of its findings.  If you have found flaws in their methodology, of have some direct criticisms of their study, I would suggest you file those complaints with Downtown Cincinnati Inc.

 

FYI, Downtown Cincinnati Inc. works with the following organizations to put this annual report together.

 

• Brandsetter Carroll, Inc.
  
• CB Richard Ellis
  
• Cincinnati’s arts, culture, sports & entertainment venues
  
• Cincinnati Multiple Listing Service
  
• Cincinnati USA Convention & Visitors Bureau
  
• City of Cincinnati
  
• Colliers International
  
• CresaPartners
  
• Grubb & Ellis | West Shell Commercial
  
• Metro
  
• Shertok Design, Inc.
  
• Smith Travel Research

 

I'd also be interested in knowing this data for the people who have moved downtown recently. Again, I would guess no one has attempted such a study. Which I feel even more sure of, since no one here seems to have heard of one.

 

I know that early on, the Gateway Quarter was seeing a large number of Gillette-related professionals move there after P&G acquired Gillette.  As for the rest, I can not offer exact numbers, and as you stated, they probably aren't available.  Your best bet would be talking to Realtor companies around town, or by contacting Cincy MLS.

 

If you're interested, you can download and read the full report for yourself.

http://www.downtowncincinnati.com/Libraries/Downloads/2009_DCI_Annual_Report.sflb.ashx

I think OTR and DT both have the potential for a flipping point - like Mt. Adams had in the late 60s and early 70s. When they hit it they could grow by 10k or so very quickly. I don't think either are there yet, but it seems to be getting closer.

I think OTR and DT both have the potential for a flipping point - like Mt. Adams had in the late 60s and early 70s. When they hit it they could grow by 10k or so very quickly. I don't think either are there yet, but it seems to be getting closer.

You're right.  The time is right and the stars are almost aligned.

No, I mean where are they moving away from? Which neighborhoods or suburbs are most "losing people" to downtown? What is the percentage of new residents that are "boomerang" Cincinnatians, who have decided to move back to make a home downtown? What's the percentage of them that are moving from other regions? Which other regions are they moving from?

 

This is far from being a study, but I can say that the people living in my building seem to come from all over.  We're right on the edge of downtown and OTR.  Some have lived in Greater Cincinnati for a long time, and they moved here from Delhi, Mt. Airy, Clermont County, Hamilton, etc.  My husband and I both spent most of our lives on the west side of town, then had moved to Pleasant Ridge for a few years before moving to our current home.  Others have moved here from other cities such as Chicago, St. Louis, New York, Boston etc.  A few more grew up in Cincinnati, moved to other areas, then moved here to their current home.  I don't think there is one neighborhood in particular that is suddenly losing a lot of people because of the new residences in downtown and OTR. 

 

There also seems to be a wide variety of ages.  Some have only been out of college for a few years, some are retired, and there are all ages in between.  There are even a few families with small children.

Thanks, Melanie and Randy.

 

Hopefully, momentum really picks up from outside the region.

KZF makes HQ move downtown

Business Courier of Cincinnati

 

 

KZF Design said Thursday it has moved its headquarters from the Baldwin Building in Walnut Hills to a renovated facility downtown.

 

Read more: KZF makes HQ move downtown - Business Courier of Cincinnati

 

 

http://cincinnati.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/stories/2010/06/21/daily42.html

Once again, in your face Mason!

 

 

Unilever takes entire floor at Center at 600 Vine

Business Courier of Cincinnati - by Dan Monk Courier Senior Staff Reporter

 

Unilever is moving a 40-person office from Mason to downtown, boosting occupancy at the once near-empty Center at 600 Vine.

 

Marcus Sebens and Wayne Hach from Cincinnati Commercial Realtors represented the consumer goods company in the transaction. They indicated the company wanted to be closer to major customer Kroger Co. Unilever’s stable of brands include Dove, Bertolli, Hellmann’s and Lipton.

 

 

http://cincinnati.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/stories/2010/09/06/tidbits1.html

Servatii’s signs lease on Fountain Square

Business Courier of Cincinnati - by Lisa Benson Online Managing Editor

 

 

Well-known Cincinnati bakery Servatii’s Pastry Shop and Deli will be bringing its donuts, cakes and pretzel bagels to a new location on Fountain Square.

 

The company signed a lease for a 1,750-square-foot space at the southeast portion of the Fifth Third Center tower. The new Servatii's will be at the corner of Walnut and Fifth Streets and will be open early in 2011.

 

 

http://cincinnati.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/stories/2010/09/20/daily5.html

What does Servatii's add to the square there are already alot of light food shops near the square?

What does Servatii's add to the square there are already alot of light food shops near the square?

 

Another tenant

Friday, September 17, 2010  |  Modified: Tuesday, September 21, 2010, 5:00am EDT

Signs point to Governor’s Hill for Fifth Third Processing

Business Courier of Cincinnati - by Dan Monk Courier Senior Staff Reporter

 

FTPS is likely to go to Governor's Hill in Mason.

View Larger Symmes Township trustees are expected to vote in October on an incentive offer to attract Fifth Third Processing Solutions LLC to the Governor’s Hill office campus off Interstate 71.

 

Township Administrator Gerald Beckman said trustees will consider an increase in the township’s 50 percent cap on property tax abatements. Beckman said he is negotiating with a Columbus-based site search consultant on how high the percentage will go.

 

“Basically, it depends on jobs,” Beckman said.

 

http://cincinnati.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/stories/2010/09/20/tidbits1.html?b=1284955200^3960051

 

Not good

 

Link above is (somewhat) broken. This link will take you to the article.

 

 

And ugh...

 

"Cincinnati City Manager Milton Dohoney said in late August that the city has made aggressive incentive offers to FTPS, but he also indicated that a lack of available downtown parking could be a problem."

 

How about the traffic nightmare at 71/Fields Ertle/Mason-Montgomery?!?

Dohoney's statement doesn't make any sense.  With the consolidation of Great American Insurance into QCS there should be plenty of room in the newly vacated towers, along with room in the building that housed National City's local HQ before moving to the PNC Center.  Where do those people park now?  I am sure most of them are not parking at Broadway Commons. 

Our company uses Broadway Commons for parking now and we have another location chosen already which is a bit farther.  However, this free parking was eight blocks away to start with, so another block or two doesn't really seem to matter from my standpoint.

It doesn't have anything to do with parking.  It's just the catch-all reason for anything not happening in a city. 

Landor, Holland shop for space, remain in place

Business Courier of Cincinnati - by Dan Monk Courier Senior Staff Reporter

 

 

Two downtown marketing firms are growing deeper roots.

 

Landor Associates has renewed its 40,000-square-foot lease at Shillito Place while Holland Advertising has moved down one floor to remain at 700 Walnut. Both were able to save some money by addressing their space needs at a time when downtown’s major landlords are willing to cut deals.

 

 

http://cincinnati.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/stories/2010/10/11/story18.html

Man. if Corporex loses both Omnicare and Nielson, that would be a huge hole in their RiverCenter portfolio!

 

 

Nielsen looks to consolidate, possibly with downtown space

Business Courier of Cincinnati - by Dan Monk Courier Senior Staff Reporter

 

Covington could lose up to 600 jobs if the Nielsen Co. relocates its market-research operation from Madison Place.

 

Several real estate brokers tell Insider that the Corporex Cos. tenant has been scouting alternate sites in downtown Cincinnati over the last few months.

 

http://cincinnati.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/stories/2010/10/18/tidbits1.html

Everyone talks about losing business to KY, but this will go under the radar. If a similar move were in reverse, it would be all over the Cincinnati.com's front page.

 

Regionally, it is zero-sum. So not a big deal, overall. They aren't even moving out of the urban core. A small win for Cincinnati proper and Ohio.

Maybe Ashland Oil will expand in the complex. Honestly though, can't have your cake and eat it too.

Man. if Corporex loses both Omnicare and Nielson, that would be a huge hole in their RiverCenter portfolio!

 

Omnicare to 525 Vine and Nielsen to 580 Walnut  ;-)

W&S studies development

Headquarters, condos, café considered for downtown

 

http://news.cincinnati.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/AB/20101021/BIZ/10220359/

 

Western & Southern Financial Group is considering plans for future development of at least three new buildings in the southeast section of downtown, including the possibility of a new headquarters, The Enquirer has learned.

 

Going to out-do themselves with a new tallest building for themselves??

Where exactly adjacent to its current offices along Broadway Street could they build?

 

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=400+Broadway+Street+Cincinnati,+Ohio+45202&sll=39.101537,-84.506096&sspn=0.007627,0.013797&g=400+Broadway+Street+Cincinnati,+Ohio+45202&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=400+Broadway+St,+Cincinnati,+Hamilton,+Ohio+45202&ll=39.101546,-84.505371&spn=0.001907,0.003449&t=h&z=18