I have a bad feeling about this project.  The current site is awful, but they could make it even worse.  They really need a parking garage on the eastern edge of that site with entry off Cory and an upper level entry off Euclid.  That way the site could properly be oriented towards Jefferson and Short Vine.  As it is they are proposing filling the western half with a surface lot.  Bleh.

I wonder if this rendering is just one they used somewhere else, I have no idea where I'm looking form here-

Judging from the article, it sounds like they're not planning to reconnect Vine and Short Vine.  Is that correct?  Sorry, I don't follow Corryville news that closely.

Judging from the article, it sounds like they're not planning to reconnect Vine and Short Vine. Is that correct? Sorry, I don't follow Corryville news that closely.

 

Correct.  That idea was dropped back when they gave up on the idea of building a true urban-style Kroger and settled for a suburban one plopped down right where the current one is.

Well that sucks.  Thanks for the info.

I wonder if this rendering is just one they used somewhere else, I have no idea where I'm looking form here-

 

I'm guessing that's from Corry St.

 

I'm not sure if this is the latest site plan or not: http://www.uc.edu/cdc/images/community_projects/environment/univ_plaza/cl_08_plan.jpg

Argh, so much wasted potential.

Gotta have that pharmacy drive-through! Jesus, this is the city.

as much of a quality-development lover as I am, I am simply just happy that they are pushing forward with this at all, even if it is rather crappy disappointment. UC students are GREATLY disadvantaged by the quality of the current store and facilities over there. Everyone I know leaves Clifton/Uptown to go get groceries because of how ghetto that current Kroger is. While this new store may not be the best fit for this location long-term, it is definitely a win for UC students and the community.

as much of a quality-development lover as I am, I am simply just happy that they are pushing forward with this at all, even if it is rather crappy disappointment. UC students are GREATLY disadvantaged by the quality of the current store and facilities over there. Everyone I know leaves Clifton/Uptown to go get groceries because of how ghetto that current Kroger is. While this new store may not be the best fit for this location long-term, it is definitely a win for UC students and the community.

 

I am quite happy with the IGA on Ludlow.  They do a nice job of maintaining variety in a small format.  Just wish they'd think about replacing the linoleum someday. 

if I recall correctly, demolition of the current Kroger and Walgreen's was supposed to being this summer... has anything begun yet? (I haven't been in Cincinnati since early June)

It's still there and it's still open although Blockbusters closed a few months ago.

 

Krogers seems to say the same thing every year: That they're going to start on the rebuild "this" summer. And nothing ever materializes.

The Kroger on High Street in Columbus just built is a perfect example of what should be built at this site

Store built out to the street. Store that opens out to the street. And with parking to the side and rear. A great compromise.

 

But what they are proposing here? Not even close.

The Kroger on High Street in Columbus just built is a perfect example of what should be built at this site

 

Now that it's done, they have no excuse not to clone what they did at Weinland Park since the money for that design is a sunk cost. I'm sure there would have to be some revisions due to the differences in orientation of the sites, but much of the work is done.

Chinese may revive Short Vine

Investment could yield green cards

4:23 AM, Aug. 21, 2011 Written by David Holthaus

 

A small group of Cincinnati developers just returned from China, where they pitched wealthy Chinese people on investing in a long-stalled redevelopment of Short Vine in Corryville.

 

For the Chinese investors, the incentive is not only a financial stake in the project but something that may be more valuable - a permanent pass to live in the United States.

 

The Short Vine developers are using a little-known federal program to encourage foreign investment in the U.S. In exchange for investing $1 million, foreigners can get preferred treatment to enter and live in the country.

 

The so-called "million-dollar visa" means investors can get a coveted green card to live in the United States in a matter of months, something that normally can take years.

 

Cont

 

Although I entirely disagree with the idea of people being able to buy residency, I hope that this spurns some Chinese investors to put some money into this project.  I think, considering all that UC has accomplished over the past decade involving construction and new development, this would greatly improve both the Uptown and OTR areas - which lack substantial grocery outlets.

 

Now, if only they would build the streetcar all the way up, as originally planned...

 

 

Agreed, Cincinnati Kid. (^)  What's been accomplished at UC/Uptown is exciting--and significant Chinese investments in Corryville just might take redevelopment to a new level.  However, even though a Chinese investor wouldn't be obligated to stay in Cincinnati, I would hope that many of them would.  Their combined presence here would greatly benefit everyone.

Would this then become Cincinnati's own little China Town?

Would this then become Cincinnati's own little China Town?

 

I doubt it - as it would be more like a take their money and then they run off to whatever corner of the country they want situation - they are required to create 10 jobs I believe under the legislation in additional or through the investment of one million dollars.

 

I would love to see the development of a China-Town, but I don't think that's in the works.  But that would definitely make us unique among Mid-Western cities if that became a reality.

Chinatown?

 

I guarantee you no millionaire Chinese investor is going to buy his way into America to come to Cincinnati and open a bubble tea shop and live in the basement.

 

This is 2011, not 1980.

I heard the the hold-up on the demolition is Rent-A-Center unwilling to leave? Anyone have any details on this? If this is the case, I'm assuming they just have to wait until their lease ends rather than kicking them out early?

If there's no "kick-out for redevelopment" provision in their lease, they can't be kicked out unless the building was condemned, they misbehaved, didn't pay their rent or something along those lines.

Would this then become Cincinnati's own little China Town?

 

No, but there does seem to be a notable Asian population living in University Heights (west side of UC's main campus). Just take a stroll from Clifton Avenue west to the end of Probasco Street or Riddle Road.

Here is a development that is on the Clifton/Corryville Border (In Corryville) that I haven't heard much talk about.  It doesn't belong in this exact thread but I couldn't find a general Corryville Developments thread and I looked & looked.  (If a mod knows of one, please feel free to move this!)

 

 

It's called <b>University Edge</b>, a near copy of a student focused development at Kent State. Originally called Uptown Place, the development is a partnership between Corryville Community Development Corporation, UC and a private developer.

 

<b>Here is the Development plan/study from a couple years ago:</b>

http://www.uc.edu/cdc/corryville/renderings/Uptown%20_Place_121510.pdf

 

<b>Renderings (screen shots from video on their website):</b>

 

Corner of Jefferson & Ruther

 

Inside of Courtyard

 

 

<b>Current Construction:</b>

 

 

 

I'm thinking that this development might be going after some of the "Clifton" demographic, in addition to UC, so finishing details might be higher than what's going up on Short Vine.  If you look at apartment listings, sometimes the 3200 block of Glendora claims to be "Clifton". 

Ya- looking at City Maps this appears to be in Clifton, but it's been developed and worked on by Corryville Council...

 

I don't like that the whole building is rooms with shared common areas/kitchens, etc.  Makes it less likely for grad or medical students, who might what their own unit, to be interested.

Does the detailing look very sub-urban to anyone else?

I guess its mainly the fake balcony and white railing to the left side of the first image. 

Speaking from the perspective of Clifton Town Meeting, the University Edge development is not in Clifton. That's why it has been backed and supported by Corryville Community Council. Clifton's eastern boundaries split Ruther and Bishop Streets.

Most are unaware that Corrville used to start on the east side of Nippert Stadium and filled the entire area where the UPA, baseball field, Sigma Sigma Commons, 3 Sisters, etc., now stand PLUS the EPA.  There is a photo of Nippert + lost Corryville in Fries Cafe just inside the front door.

Speaking from the perspective of Clifton Town Meeting, the University Edge development is not in Clifton. That's why it has been backed and supported by Corryville Community Council. Clifton's eastern boundaries split Ruther and Bishop Streets.

 

Found an official city map, Clifton & corryville border is Ruther Ave along Jefferson, the intersection this development ends at.

Speaking from the perspective of Clifton Town Meeting, the University Edge development is not in Clifton. That's why it has been backed and supported by Corryville Community Council. Clifton's eastern boundaries split Ruther and Bishop Streets.

 

Found an official city map, Clifton & corryville border is Ruther Ave along Jefferson, the intersection this development ends at.

Would you mind sharing that map if able?  I looked for something that would show the boundaries and couldn't find it. 

I wish CAGIS would make it easier to distinguish neighborhood boundaries. If there's a good way to do that, I couldn't figure it out.

 

Does anyone know a good source for downloading GIS datasets/shapefiles for Cincinnati?

We have the 2008 boundaries map on our website for Clifton Town Meeting.

 

http://www.cliftoncommunity.org/Documents/cliftonmap.pdf

Demolition has begin on the University Plaza (Kroghetto & Walgreens Plaza) HOWEVER it appears thats both Walgreens and Kroger are still open and operating...just the Blockbuster, Pizza Hut, etc. are gone.

 

Any idea when the Walgreens and Kroger will start to be demo'd? It's the same structure so I have no idea why they started one part but it's business as usual at the others....

^I was wondering this myself.  It sure is different driving past there and not seeing those buildings.  Personally I can't stand that Kroger.  I feel as if its a giant trash can and we're ants walking around in it.  I'm just surprised the manager has let it go that long LIKE THAT for all these years.  Looks like residents have two options then...get to the new Kroger off 471 or travel down Ludlow.  The Ludlow one is closest to being ghettofied so that gets my vote.  I can't wait until that whole lot is redone.

^I was wondering this myself.  It sure is different driving past there and not seeing those buildings.  Personally I can't stand that Kroger.  I feel as if its a giant trash can and we're ants walking around in it.  I'm just surprised the manager has let it go that long LIKE THAT for all these years.  Looks like residents have two options then...get to the new Kroger off 471 or travel down Ludlow.  The Ludlow one is closest to being ghettofied so that gets my vote.  I can't wait until that whole lot is redone.

 

There's a Kroger on McMillan and Gilbert, and another down on Vine south of Liberty.  I'm not saying they're nice, but they're there, and probably closest to the old one at UC.  Also, one can just shoot down Clifton Ave. to Mitchell - but maybe that's what you meant by "Ludlow"?

 

I think someone (maybe another board here at UO) said they see a lot of folks getting off the bus at the Norwood Kroger, too.

 

The name escapes me - is the up-market grocery to replace the IGA on Ludlow open yet?

^OHSnap, just a quick followup on your questions about both the Norwood Kroger and the Ludlow Ave. grocery...  (1) Yes, the Surrey Square Kroger store definitely services the "food deserts" south (and north) of it; it's simply one busy store (which recently surpassed the Hyde Park store in sales).  And it's really a decent, huge store; (2) No, the much-hyped and long-awaited "Goessling's Market" on Ludlow still isn't open and everyone is worried why!  Two weeks ago I looked through the window of the store and was shocked to see an absolutely empty interior (when a Jan-Feb opening was expected).  Coincidentally, I'll be over there today to again look around--but needless to say, I'm pessimistic about what I'll discover.  Anyone who frequented the old and beloved Keller's IGA (as I, among so many, once did) knows what a thriving "local grocery" could be--so, what the heck is happening here?

Maybe the plans have changed and the new Kroger will be built where Blockbuster was. 

It's a shame that the Ludlow IGA reopening appears to be significantly delayed. That would have been the next closest grocery store for students. When I lived in Clifton Heights, I often went to the Kenard Ave. Kroger, which was not too far and had a pretty good selection.

Keller's has fallen and it can't get up.

Maybe the plans have changed and the new Kroger will be built where Blockbuster was. 

 

That would make sense from an operations standpoint; Kroger would be able to remain open while construction took place, then they could just move over the course of maybe one week.  That would be in their best interest, as I'm sure the store is fairly profitable, and  they'd be able to maintain their staff. 

 

It would also nix any hopes of realigning Vine St, not that it was going to happen, anyway.  It would be nice to have the Kroger up against the street though, so long as the architects treat it as a street frontage and not the back of a store.

Don't get your hopes up.  Most of the new stuff in that area backs up to the street, one of the great flaws in our zoning.  The new apartments on Euclid that replaced the Victorians, on Jefferson across from Fries, and the goofy 65 W. McMillan complex with its "back" balconies facing Ohio.  Oh, and Turner Hall, which has no entrance facing Jefferson. 

Development faces leasing issues

Redevelopment of the Corryville Kroger may be stalled due to problems with leasing

http://www.newsrecord.org/index.php/article/2012/02/development_faces_leasing_issues

 

“We’re working with the tenants to make arrangements for them to eventually leave the center,” said Michael Ricke, executive vice president of Anchor Properties. “The project won’t start until they have all left.”

 

A chiropractic center, furniture store and clothing store remain under lease, and some believe one of the leases will last until 2015.

 

 

^OHSnap, just a quick followup on your questions about both the Norwood Kroger and the Ludlow Ave. grocery...  (1) Yes, the Surrey Square Kroger store definitely services the "food deserts" south (and north) of it; it's simply one busy store (which recently surpassed the Hyde Park store in sales).  And it's really a decent, huge store; (2) No, the much-hyped and long-awaited "Goessling's Market" on Ludlow still isn't open and everyone is worried why!  Two weeks ago I looked through the window of the store and was shocked to see an absolutely empty interior (when a Jan-Feb opening was expected).  Coincidentally, I'll be over there today to again look around--but needless to say, I'm pessimistic about what I'll discover.  Anyone who frequented the old and beloved Keller's IGA (as I, among so many, once did) knows what a thriving "local grocery" could be--so, what the heck is happening here?

 

You've used this "food desert" statement to describe north of Norwood (Pleasant Ridge) before.  You know there's a Bigg's and Aldi about 500 feet outside the Pleasant Ridge border, right?  And that the Meijer and (soon to be) Target with a grocery are just down Ridge at the Center of Cincinnati--certainly closer and easier to access to much of Pleasant Ridge than the Norwood Kroger?  And don't forget the Blue Ash Kroger--folks down Ridge toward Amberley have very easy access to that store. 

 

I agree that there's not a lot in the way of grocery stores in Evanston/Avondale etc., but to keep claiming that Pleasant Ridge is somehow in a "food desert"...I just don't see it. 

That article mentions Anchor Properties, who deals with most if not all Walgreen's in the Cincinnati area.  Specifically, they own the land and rent it to Walgreen's.  I know they also deal with Petsmart (spelling?), but in situations like this where they're in a strip mall as opposed to being free-standing I don't know how their arrangement works.

 

Anchor Properties is located in the former toll house next to the Suspension Bridge anchorage in Covington, hence the name. 

 

That article mentions Anchor Properties, who deals with most if not all Walgreen's in the Cincinnati area.  Specifically, they own the land and rent it to Walgreen's.  I know they also deal with Petsmart (spelling?), but in situations like this where they're in a strip mall as opposed to being free-standing I don't know how their arrangement works.

 

Anchor Properties is located in the former toll house next to the Suspension Bridge anchorage in Covington, hence the name. 

 

 

Anchor owns the entire strip mall, including the Kroger.  Since they routinely deal with Walgreens and Kroger, I'm sure they are all in agreement upon the redevelopment and promised a new space.  The smaller tenants probably don't get that kind of assurance, so they'll simply be kicked out.  I'll bet Anchor eventually pays them something to relocate. 

^^ I don't think you can simply "kick out" a tenant. Anchor and the remaining tenants (Rainbow/Chiropractor/Rent-A-Center) would each need to have mutually acceptable way to break the lease, which would likely mean compensation for these tenants, correct?

 

Still unclear why they would begin demolition of the plaza when there's still several fully-functioning businesses there. There is no way to build a new Kroger on the portion currently available for demolition...it's just not big enough. Scare tactic for the remaining tenants?

 

Plenty of much newer, more-visible retail and office space for any of these business that wish to remain in the area.

 

 

^OHSnap, just a quick followup on your questions about both the Norwood Kroger and the Ludlow Ave. grocery...  (1) Yes, the Surrey Square Kroger store definitely services the "food deserts" south (and north) of it; it's simply one busy store (which recently surpassed the Hyde Park store in sales).  And it's really a decent, huge store; (2) No, the much-hyped and long-awaited "Goessling's Market" on Ludlow still isn't open and everyone is worried why!  Two weeks ago I looked through the window of the store and was shocked to see an absolutely empty interior (when a Jan-Feb opening was expected).  Coincidentally, I'll be over there today to again look around--but needless to say, I'm pessimistic about what I'll discover.  Anyone who frequented the old and beloved Keller's IGA (as I, among so many, once did) knows what a thriving "local grocery" could be--so, what the heck is happening here?

 

You've used this "food desert" statement to describe north of Norwood (Pleasant Ridge) before.  You know there's a Bigg's and Aldi about 500 feet outside the Pleasant Ridge border, right?  And that the Meijer and (soon to be) Target with a grocery are just down Ridge at the Center of Cincinnati--certainly closer and easier to access to much of Pleasant Ridge than the Norwood Kroger?  And don't forget the Blue Ash Kroger--folks down Ridge toward Amberley have very easy access to that store. 

 

I agree that there's not a lot in the way of grocery stores in Evanston/Avondale etc., but to keep claiming that Pleasant Ridge is somehow in a "food desert"...I just don't see it. 

 

In no way did I mean to malign Pleasant Ridge by labeling it a "food desert."  Having grown up there myself, though, I must mention  that there was once an IGA store on Montgomery across from Kincaid, and a Kennedy Heights Kroger store on Montgomery at Kennedy Ave.  And even though the area is served by both Biggs and Aldi's, like you said, these two stores aren't even in Pleasant Ridge and neither are really convenient to people who don't own cars.  Same for Target and Meijer in Oakley--try routinely shopping for groceries there, then hopping on a Metro #4 Ridge Rd. bus back to Montgomery and Colonial Ridge Court or Lawndale.  And although the Blue Ash Kroger is truly a great store, it's really only convenient for the car culture (a la Amberley Village).  Please realize how many economically disadvantaged people live within Pleasant Ridge south of Montgomery and Lester.  Many of these folks (whether by car or bus) routinely food shop at Surrey Square.  Whether or not they consider "The Ridge" a food desert, I don't know.

Keller's has fallen and it can't get up.

Today I took another look into the interior of the promised Goessling"s Market on Ludlow.  Absolutely nothing happening.  Its website said that there was a conflict about flooring and refrigeration, but this sounds pretty suspect.  Needless to say, hundreds of nearby residents are disappointed and angry.  Meanwhile, the Corryville Kroger is still fully functional.