^That rendering is more like it!  That is so much better than the previous ones.  Seriously!

 

little bigger version,

http://news.cincinnati.com/article/20100506/BIZ01/5070378/Casino+s+lights+will+be+on+Broadway

Wow, totally missed that rendering in the article. Lookin better all the time

Cincinnati casino could set bar for urban casino design

By Randy A. Simes, Soapbox Cincinnati | May 11, 2010

http://soapboxmedia.com/devnews/0511broadwaycommonscasino.aspx

 

Cincinnati leaders expect Ohio's first casino to be developed on the Broadway Commons site located on the edge of downtown Cincinnati.  Developers hope to break ground on the $350-400 million project later this year, with a grand opening planned for sometime in 2012.  One issue in Cincinnati is the design of the casino and how it fits into the surrounding historic neighborhoods like Over-the-Rhine and Pendleton.  Luckily for Cincinnati, Rock Ventures, developers of the casino, appear willing to design a casino that engages the neighborhood.

 

"Cincinnati could set the bar for what an urban casino could be," said Aaron Renn, Urban Policy Analyst from Chicago, during a panel discussion at the 2010 Commercial Developers Power Breakfast.  "The developers will have to make something that engages the community though."

 

During the discussion Renn emphasized that the plans sound great, and that if Rock Ventures follows through on their promises, Cincinnati will get something truly special and unique.

 

Matt Cullen, Principal of the Cincinnati Casino and self-described "city guy," highlighted the project and discussed how Rock Ventures wants to work with the community to deliver a great product.  Cullen also described their interest in developing an urban casino.

 

"Cincinnati is a city of outstanding neighborhoods, and we bought the ultimate fixer-upper and prepare to give it the ultimate makeover," said Cullen in describing the troubled Broadway Commons site.  "A successful region in this global economy must be built around a great urban core," Cullen explained.

 

Once complete, the Cincinnati Casino is estimated to generate close to $21 million for the City of Cincinnati, $12 million for Hamilton County and $14 million for public schools annually in tax revenue.  Neighborhood proponents are excited about thousands of new temporary and permanent jobs, an estimated 6 million visits annually and new investment spurring from the development that will be more than typically seen with an inward-facing casino design.

 

"We've been getting a lot of calls from people who own property in the area who are ready to do something with it," said Patrick Ewing, Interim Director of Cincinnati's Economic Development Division.

 

Cullen stopped short of promising a truly urban design, but did commit in writing to work closely with the City, County and State; engage in local and minority hiring practices; work with the local business community to increase economic impact; and to use existing local hotels.

 

"This will be the first great urban casino in the United States," exclaimed Cullen.  "We plan to fill 90 to 95 percent of the jobs with Cincinnati-area residents, and we want to be a part of downtown and drive business to local hotels, restaurants and bars.  We don't want to be an island...if we wanted that we would have been on another site."

 

...but will it have a 24-hour liquor license? :D

It probably won't happen, but it would be awesome if the casino included an arena for boxing, MMA events and concerts.

It probably won't happen, but it would be awesome if the casino included an arena for boxing, MMA events and concerts.

 

Cincinnati doesn't need a 6th arena.

I think they could use a 4-5 k space for boxing, concerts, and the like in downtown (rollergirls). Some places have used convention centers for that, but I think they fit better at a casino.

...but will it have a 24-hour liquor license? :D

 

Are they saying it won't?

Has yet to be decided... Recent article on the subject:

 

http://news.cincinnati.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/AB/20100415/BIZ01/4150358/

 

 

 

If it does, I will be there after 2:30am A LOT.

How on earth does this hurt regular bar business if the bars close at 2:30am anyway?  I mean, it's not like the rest of the bars are open at 4:00am anyway so what's the big deal?  And last I checked, Detroit, St. Louis, Windsor, Montreal, Ottawa, etc aren't hurting in the bar department because of urban casinos.

What if the state let the 4 cities decide on their own hours? Cincinnati could define a "casino district" where last call was say 4AM, or 24 hours.

 

You couldn't really argue with that on moral or crime grounds at this point. Pandora's box is already open.

 

And if the state doesn't budge, no neighboring states have 24 hour consumption anyhow. These casinos won't be at a disadvantage. It's not like they are competing with Las Vegas.

 

How on earth does this hurt regular bar business if the bars close at 2:30am anyway? I mean, it's not like the rest of the bars are open at 4:00am anyway so what's the big deal? And last I checked, Detroit, St. Louis, Windsor, Montreal, Ottawa, etc aren't hurting in the bar department because of urban casinos.

 

Actually, I think it would help.  If the casino is still serving past 2:30, I could definitely see myself spending more time at downtown restaurants and bars than I currently do, then transitioning over to the casino around 1 or 2 in the morning.

^Agreed.

Since the statewide casino plan hasn't been established, it might be premature to discuss a 24/7 liquor license.  Has there been any indication that the casinos will be open 24/7?  Atlantic City Casinos closed at 4am as recently as 15-20 years ago, and the Indiana casinos closed at 3am about 5 years ago.

It'll be open 24/7  They can't compete with Indiana if they don't do that.  Secondly, this is to help make downtown a 24/7 destination.  Having it close at all would be counter-productive.  The casino district will be a major draw all hours of the day and night.

The charge of the Ohio Casino Control Commission will be to establish rules and regulations relating to the safe operation of the gambling operation.  I'm sure they will have little concern for the needs you mention.  The rules will be the same for all 4 locations, and Cleveland and Columbus wouldn't be in direct competition with Indiana.  I wouldn't be surprised if things happen in stages.

Developer Releases Latest Vision Of Casino

 

Last Update: 3:34 pm 

 

Animation Of Broadway Casino

 

Latest On Broadway Commons Casino To Be Announced

CINCINNATI -- The developer of the casino to be built at Broadway Commons on the eastern edge of downtown Cincinnati has released the latest vision of what the casino will look like.

 

Rock Ventures, which is developing the casino, unveiled a video Friday.  It shows a lot of glass and steel in a two-to-three story structure.

 

http://www.wcpo.com/news/local/story/Developer-Releases-Latest-Vision-Of-Casino/Xv99o2OyTky00DEwXO7Xyw.cspx

Developer Releases Latest Vision Of Casino

 

Last Update: 3:34 pm

 

Animation Of Broadway Casino

 

Latest On Broadway Commons Casino To Be Announced

CINCINNATI -- The developer of the casino to be built at Broadway Commons on the eastern edge of downtown Cincinnati has released the latest vision of what the casino will look like.

 

Rock Ventures, which is developing the casino, unveiled a video Friday. It shows a lot of glass and steel in a two-to-three story structure.

 

http://www.wcpo.com/news/local/story/Developer-Releases-Latest-Vision-Of-Casino/Xv99o2OyTky00DEwXO7Xyw.cspx

 

That quote/unquote video gave me a headache.  Someone filmed a powerpoint presentation with their iPhone.

I agree, the video of the presentation blows....I was hoping for a taller building rather than wider.  Anyway from what I could see it actually looked nice. 

^You? Taller building? I'm shocked.

 

I think it looks pretty good, from what I could see of the I-just-pirated-phantom-menace-on-opening-night video clip.

The video is somewhat watchable if you blow it up to full screen, but why wouldn't they have just released the original animation instead of video of the original playing on a projector?

 

I think the casino itself looks okay, but I'm not crazy about the parking structure.  I guess people have to park somewhere, but I wish it was underground or incorporated into the casino building somehow.  Still happy to have this on the way, though.

I'm happy they'll be tearin out those crap buildings along Reading.

The video is somewhat watchable if you blow it up to full screen, but why wouldn't they have just released the original animation instead of video of the original playing on a projector?

 

I think the casino itself looks okay, but I'm not crazy about the parking structure. I guess people have to park somewhere, but I wish it was underground or incorporated into the casino building somehow. Still happy to have this on the way, though.

 

I like the way they placed that ugly box into the middle of Broadway Commons, so that other buildings can hopefully surround it one day and we'll eventually have no clue it's back there. 

I like the way they placed that ugly box into the middle of Broadway Commons, so that other buildings can hopefully surround it one day and we'll eventually have no clue it's back there. 

 

I agree. If you look closely it seems like the placement was centered on purpose for perhaps future development. I could easily see additional casino development happening after it has been proven a success. I myself am pleased with the casino design and overall am happy wit the use of such a large property.

^ True that.  Plus those entrances don't look cheesy either.  They have a strong welcoming presence.  But the "big ugly box" will most likely change in design too..well...hopefully;)

Maybe they will design columns in that "big ugly box" that may some day accommodate future vertical construction much like how FS West was built.

I'm not entirely sure how that would play out architecturally. But hey, anything's possible.

I'm not entirely sure how that would play out architecturally. But hey, anything's possible.

 

It could be something like this:

 

 

I'm not sure who would go on top though.  Tarbell's already got his vanity shot.  How about Luken standing with his respirator?

Any way of getting a cleaner copy of that video? 

^ Aww, broken link Prok!

^ Aww, broken link Prok!

 

New link...does it work now?

I could see it before, and now I can't.  LOL.

Rules for Ohio casinos introduced in Ohio Senate Monday, House version expected Tuesday

 

By Joe Guillen, The Plain Dealer

May 17, 2010, 6:47PM

 

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Proposed rules for the state's four new casinos were introduced in the Ohio Senate on Monday, leaving lawmakers less than three weeks to finalize the rules before a June 3 deadline.

 

Details of the Senate version -- introduced by Republican Sen. Keith Faber of Celina and co-sponsored by Republicans David Goodman of Columbus and Tom Niehaus of New Richmond -- include:

 

There would be no complimentary drinks served at the casinos, and the hours of serving liquor would be the same as current law.

 

I'm not sure who would go on top though. Tarbell's already got his vanity shot. How about Luken standing with his respirator?

 

How about Mao_Tse_Mallory2?

Rules for Ohio casinos introduced in Ohio Senate Monday, House version expected Tuesday

 

By Joe Guillen, The Plain Dealer

May 17, 2010, 6:47PM

 

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Proposed rules for the state's four new casinos were introduced in the Ohio Senate on Monday, leaving lawmakers less than three weeks to finalize the rules before a June 3 deadline.

 

Details of the Senate version -- introduced by Republican Sen. Keith Faber of Celina and co-sponsored by Republicans David Goodman of Columbus and Tom Niehaus of New Richmond -- include:

 

There would be no complimentary drinks served at the casinos, and the hours of serving liquor would be the same as current law.

 

What I disapproved of was the Democratic meddling in the process. Trying to force a private enterprise to hire a specific number of minority firms? These are private businesses we are talking about... and they managed to bungle up any cooperation between the Republicans and Democrats on that.

There would be no complimentary drinks served at the casinos, and the hours of serving liquor would be the same as current law.

 

Weak!

Why would you want an advantage for one business over another?

I don't, necessarily.  I'd be happy to see last call pushed back or eliminated across the board.  But if a casino is going to operate 24/7 (which many do, but these may not), I'd support letting them serve during the hours in which they are operating.  Also, this would give 2nd/3rd shift employees (like restaurant and bar workers) a place to go after work.

It seems to work ok in Lawrenceburg, but I see what you mean.  They have a last call, then they come around at 3am (I think) and pick up ALL drinks.  So, you can't order a few and save them for after hours!  Don't know what would be done in Ohio.

^Probably something similar, I would imagine.  I didn't realize that the ones in Indiana had a 3AM last call, but then again, I've only been out there once.  I'm not a big gambler, but may pop into this new casino occasionally since the location is so convenient.

Last call is earlier, maybe 2 but they give you a window to finish them.  I've never had a drink there, I don't mix my gambling and drinking.  I think that's a problem for many!!

LOL.  That's a good policy!

I'm happy they'll be tearin out those crap buildings along Reading.

 

Those crap buildings are very old and just as historic as many of the buildings knocked over in this city that UO'ers gripe about so passionately.  Not that I'm grouping you with them, just stating.

There's only one building on the south side of Reading that has ANY intrinsic value at all, and that's this one from 1927.  The rest are just cruddy warehouses or industrial shops with no integrity or interest at all, and none are older than the 1910s or 1920s. 

I like repurposing warehouses, even ones less than 100 years old. The building to the south of the one you linked looks like it could be put to use. Not to mention a good precedent to set as we work on our exemplar urban casino

Do we know what (if anything) is happening to the Greyhound station?  I'd love to see that relocated.

^ Staying at present.

Na Cityblights I know what you're saying.  I'm talking about the buildings on the south part of the street.  The ugly warehouse buildings with ugly trees and vines behind them.

^ Staying at present.

 

Ugh... lease space to them in the Transit Center.