Photos I took of the area from 2003:

 

http://cincinnatimonocle.blogspot.com/2012/01/photos-of-calhoun-st-and-mcmillan-st-in.html

The loss of the row houses gets me the most.  Great shots though!!! Would have loved to see even more.

Photos I took of the area from 2003:

 

http://cincinnatimonocle.blogspot.com/2012/01/photos-of-calhoun-st-and-mcmillan-st-in.html

 

holy crap. those were some mighty fine rowhouses that bit the dust (glad the fast food went though)

Drove past the site today. They got the tent up for the groundbreaking tomorrow. Also there is a giant gravel pit in the middle of the site. Looks like utility work is in progress along McMillian still.

Does anyone know if the hotel is in the phase of the project that they broke ground on today? If so, which area of the development will it occupy and any guesses on the brand?

Id go all in on Apts & retail first, then at soonest, half way through construction they might name an operator and start the hotel shortly after

I'm not sure this has been mentioned yet, but the signs now say opening of March 2013.

 

Across from the entrance to the Calhoun Garage is a pile of what appears to be the material selection for the building. Two different shades of brick at the same scale as used on UPA. One a reddish color and the other a more reddish orange. Then two shades of CMU block, one beige and one closer to white. The materials are pretty meh if you ask me, but exactly what was expected based on The Banks.

Do you expect architectural excellence and first class construction quality in a development next to a university?

Welcome Kjbrill.

No, but I expect something that is at least good. There's a difference between expecting starchitecture (which I do not, and will never expect) and just expecting something that is properly scaled, has a decent selection of materials, and has an aesthetically pleasing design. That can be done in this style of development it just requires proper architectural input, not design by committee.

Perhaps it should be deisgned by the College of Architecture at UC. Then you could really get design by committee plus design by muff-ears who probably have never actually had one of their designs built.

...not really sure why the animosity towards UC's program (of which I'm a grad student in) but it sure sounds like you have literally no understanding of the quality of the people in charge of the program. Not only have the vast majority of professors practiced, many still, to this day, offer design services and keep networks with professionals from around the world.

 

As for construction progress, the site has been fenced off, including Hartshorn. I'll attempt to get pictures of its demolition and the material selection if I get some free time in the coming days.

Ya, they are in full swing with the excavation phases. It's on and cracking.

Perhaps it should be deisgned by the College of Architecture at UC. Then you could really get design by committee plus design by muff-ears who probably have never actually had one of their designs built.

 

This forum is NOT for being a pompous ass and bashing DAAP students because you think your job is better.  I was very patient with you at first, now you've gone from having a different opinion to just being obnoxious and not providing anything to the conversation.

^Thank you for that. That comment is extremely insulting to me and many others on this forum whom are a part of DAAP, graduated from DAAP, or are just supporters of DAAP.

 

Excavation on the site has started. I didn't realize that the small parking lot along McMillan behind the buildings alongside NK Salon and Beelistic was a part of this project. I thought the project stopped short of that so it is good to see that that will be gone shortly.

 

Utility work along Calhoun has closed the southern lane for what I'm assuming will be a while and it looks like some utility work may be happening along McMillan at some point soon. Traffic was backed up a bit when I walked by on two occasions today, but not too bad. The displacement of parking, however, should be noted for anyone planning to try to park up there at any time.

 

I will still try to get photos of the excavation maybe this weekend. I didn't have my camera on me and my phone's camera is laughable at best so I didn't even bother. Plus there isn't much to see at the moment with the exception of lots of digging.

Kjbrill is angry because he never got into DAAP or went to school in the first place so yeah jmicha, its insulting.  I graduated from there and loved it.  Back to the subject at hand, wonder why they don't just open all lanes and have no parking on Calhoun.  That would open two more lanes.  Its getting bad up there.  It might actually require people to walk

Kjbrill is angry because he never got into DAAP <b>or went to school in the first place</b> so yeah jmicha, its insulting.

 

Just playing devil's advocate here, but I don't see how you could possibly back that up.

Eh it doesn't matter.  Anyways, I ate at that new Adriadicos.  Great location.  Its perfect for what's going on up there.

^Where's the new one at?  I hear people referencing it, but I've never known the location and I don't spend much time in that area these days. 

kjbrill said he was an engineer, so I'd assume he went to school. But being a a former engineer explains a lot. I've met some enlightened engineers (in terms of urban issues), but most of them are stuck in stone age thinking, e.g. "the best street is the widest and straightest".

 

Likewise, I find many left brain types think they are being practical when they value function to the extreme detriment of form, thereby ignoring the function OF form. E.g. the very real psychological effects aesthetics can have. I used to not really value aesthetics until I realized there are very real scientific/psychological and economic effects. We are people, and we do ourselves no good pretending we are robots that don't respond in tangible ways to the aesthetics of our environment. That position is untenable in the face of facts.

Unfortunately many engineers, such as a certain relative of mine, allow high standardized test scores and resultant slobbery kisses from their mothers convince themselves of their exceptional place in this world, when they often lack common social skills and the recognition that the world is run by people who exploit emotion. 

The new Adriatico's is on the southern side of McMillian between W. Clifton and Ohio, actually right next to Pomodoris Pizza (friendly neighborhood compeition, perhaps?)

The new Adriatico's is on the southern side of McMillian between W. Clifton and Ohio, actually right next to Pomodoris Pizza (friendly neighborhood compeition, perhaps?)

 

I'll have to check that out.  Thanks!

^I walked by there yesterday on the way to Bdubs and it was PACKED. I figured it would do well, but not that well. Pomodoris, on the other hand, was quite sad in its emptiness. I'd say it's less competition and more a complete obliteration of the market.

Yeah, the pizzas are totally different and so are the atmoshperes of the the two places, but I don't hold out much hope for Pomi's.  That location is pretty run-down.  I was there 2 weeks ago and was noticing how the walls need to be painted and how unpleasant the cramped bathrooms were.  Pomodoris has a much bigger and newer location in Montgomery that gets big crowds.

 

I also went to Adriaticos, and they have their problems too.  The seating is tight and the servers didn't really know how to serve.  And yes they have 20 beer taps, but lots of them are cheap domestic beers I would never drink.  Seems more college oriented with all the TVs than Pomis.

Is there decent parking at the new Adriatico's? I have been wanting to go there but I really really am bad at parallel parking.

They have a lot with 7 spaces about 4 houses down on the right.  Unfortunately it is not well marked.

Great! Thanks...I hopefully will pick a day that's not too busy.

The new Adriatico's is on the southern side of McMillian between W. Clifton and Ohio, actually right next to Pomodoris Pizza (friendly neighborhood compeition, perhaps?)

 

I'll have to check that out.  Thanks!

 

 

Speaking of friendly competition and I want everyone to listen to this.  Do not, I repeat DO NOT park in that Pomodori's Pizza lot if you're going to Adriadico's.  They'll tow you in a heartbeat.  Those cooks literally come out of that back door and tell you to move the car.  They need to fix that parking situation pronto.

Went to the new Adriatico's last night for a late dinner around midnight and it was indeed PACKED. Our service was fine but the food took awhile since they were busy. It's a nice space, definitely upscale for a college pizza joint, but it's not the biggest place. Nice addition to the area for sure!

Are there any midrise to highrise residential units planned for this site? Any idea on height?

Are there any midrise to highrise residential units planned for this site? Any idea on height?

 

If one can put any stock in the renderings on their facebook page then I would say it is gonna be around 5 stories including street level.

Everything is 5 stories according to the drawings they submitted to the city's Planning Commission. l'm also surprised that Phase I is just the building nearest to Clifton Ave and does not include the building next to the gas station.

^ where can I see what's in Phase 1 specifically?

Second to last item in tomorrow's PC packet: http://www.cincinnati-oh.gov/bldginsp/downloads/bldginsp_eps45145.pdf

Boy is this the way the City does everything? Ater wading through the Reeves Gof Course thing, I did find something located close to UC though I was still unsure what it was. And they want to know why the citizens are frustrated? Just wade through this piece of crap and you will know.

It the uptown loop of the streetcar does not reach here, how will it affect this project? Will the right-of-ways be reserved? Will the utilities infrastructure be involved to avoid what is going on downtown right now? Who is in charge of this future?

Boy is this the way the City does everything? Ater wading through the Reeves Gof Course thing, I did find something located close to UC though I was still unsure what it was. And they want to know why the citizens are frustrated? Just wade through this piece of crap and you will know.

 

Are you serious? You're driving me nuts. Your comments add nothing of value to this entire forum.

 

These are architecture plans.  Of course its confusing to someone who is not an architect/planner and was not at the meeting where they were talked through.  The Planning commission is the specialized group that deals with major development plans (totally simplifying their purpose for this conversation).  I guarantee the government entity that approves the union place development or whatever in West Chester will look at the same type of images, since they were designed and put together by the private for profit developer who is building this.

 

Additionally, in the private sector the plans for building a new skyscraper ARE NOT supposed to be able to be read by Joe Average.  And you are ok with that- but as soon as a government entity expects to hold its planners up to a high standard you go "No wonder blah blah blah! A regular person can't read this and things are only good if someone with no specialized education can follow it!"

 

So, I simply ask whether the streetcar right-of-way will be included in this development for the future and immediately I have no value. I guess it is better to rip everything up if and when he streetcar gets extended to this area. That is part of the intent is it not?

I Am fine with real debate and even criticism, but the attitude is ridiculous.

I'm not trying to start anything here.  But after reading, I've come to the conclusion that certain people living in Cincy don't actually like it here.  Its sad.  The strange thing is they find excuses to stay and bash it.  The streetcar is being built whether haters like it or not and it will be reaching U Square in the future.  Bad attitudes about positive progression will eventually make haters very lonely.  Cincy has her share of haters and right now but with all of this progression, they're being left in the dust. 

It the uptown loop of the streetcar does not reach here, how will it affect this project? Will the right-of-ways be reserved? Will the utilities infrastructure be involved to avoid what is going on downtown right now? Who is in charge of this future?

 

This project will do well with UC as its base without the streetcar.  In fact, there are no official plans to loop it with the streetcar. The only official streetcar plans that exist take it from downtown/OTR, up vine, to the Zoo via Jefferson & Short Vine.  The developer knows that.

 

Utility relocation will likely occur the same way it does for all rail projrcts, after an official plan has been determined, although it would be interesting of the City could work with Duke (since Duke is currently tearing up Calhoun to replace its old pipes) to relocate them in an area that would be better suited to potential future streetcar plans.

 

I don't get your last question but I think I answered it.

It the uptown loop of the streetcar does not reach here, how will it affect this project? Will the right-of-ways be reserved? Will the utilities infrastructure be involved to avoid what is going on downtown right now? Who is in charge of this future?

 

This project will do well with UC as its base without the streetcar.  In fact, there are no official plans to loop it with the streetcar. The only official streetcar plans that exist take it from downtown/OTR, up vine, to the Zoo via Jefferson & Short Vine.  The developer knows that.

 

Utility relocation will likely occur the same way it does for all rail projrcts, after an official plan has been determined, although it would be interesting of the City could work with Duke (since Duke is currently tearing up Calhoun to replace its old pipes) to relocate them in an area that would be better suited to potential future streetcar plans.

 

I don't get your last question but I think I answered it.

Thanks for a resonable answer. I went and checked the existing streetcar route for uptown and it does not show it coming through this area. I just thought it might be prudent while doing extensive utility and intrastructure work to include some provision for a possible steetcar spur.

^ Over on CityData a current debate (centering on the streetcar's relevance or irrelevance) suggests that, even when its route extends past UC, few students will actually ride it.  Since this thread has been mostly a discussion of the physical developments around University Square, maybe this isn't the appropriate place to discuss this controversial, volatile issue.  My question is: has the controversy of UC student ridership already been addressed in either the long and involved "Streetcar" thread or elsewhere on U/O?

^ I think 2-3 years ago the vast majority of students lived by Warner, Stratford, Wheeler, etc. and no one expects them to walk all the way to Vine, etc.  But as there have been 4-5 major projects leading to new developments along short vine, you will actually see more students now using it than you would have a few years ago prior to the corryville revitalization.

 

But this project its self will have a moderate impact by the streetcar, but as OCto said, the "loop" idea that the developers have used to name their development is a stretch... I would suspect that 5 years after the line opens we may be under construction to the Zoo.  A spur towards Clifton via calhoun & mcmillan, while on some various sketches, is likely very far off.

 

Either way, with the foot traffic around the university this will do just fine.  and the addition of about 600 parking spaces will help ensure that it does fine without a streetcar :P

 

 

And woo! I finally made the transition from lurker to poster!

And woo! I finally made the transition from lurker to poster!

 

Took me a while too, welcome aboard!

 

I agree with your assessment on Corryville and the western side of the campus in general. I'm on Clifton Avenue near Emming and Klotter and tend to think all of the development around the campus will draw students closer to campus. Really, developments like Usquare at the loop should raise the bar, so to speak for all the various and sundry slumlords around Clifton Heights. Not to mention hopefully these newer housing opportunities will decongest my hood a little.

 

I thin it's been noted, but the original plan for the street car was along Vine street and not Clifton Ave, though I think Clifton Ave was a consideration. I should say W. Clifton Ave.

So, I simply ask whether the streetcar right-of-way will be included in this development for the future and immediately I have no value. I guess it is better to rip everything up if and when he streetcar gets extended to this area. That is part of the intent is it not?

 

Your first post about how the city does "everything" seems pretty sketchy to me....

 

Just stop while you're ahead.  I checked over at City Data, you all love to bash the city, don't you?  The problem is the undertones you take, and the way you go about it.  Don't play innocent here.  Your posts show your true attitude, and you really don't seem to know much about what is happening in the city today.  It is really great if you want to know truly what is happening in the city, but your negative/bashing undertones do not help your case.  Judging by City Data, you seem pretty content with Mason, which is great, but have no problem bashing Cincinnati.  You know the attitude here, and most know the attitude there.  That is probably one reason you see very few here signing up to be a member of City Data.  If you have a problem with this site and the way people go about addressing you, why don't you stick to City Data and bash Cincinnati there?  I mean you had to of known this was clearly an urban site, and no one forcing you to join this site.  Take out your hate for the city, but praise the suburbs in everything they do.  It seems like threads have really gone no where since you have joined, and certainly take a turn for "why does the city do this?"  why do they have to do this in the suburbs?".  Your intentions seem so out-of-whack and almost like you are looking for trouble or starting an argument.

 

I try to fight the good fight over there (under a different name) and it almost makes you want to clamp a pair of jumper cables on your eyes to read some of the ridiculous garbage they spew. The arrival here of one of that site's most anti-Cincinnati posters gives just a taste of the venom they have for the city and all who love it and aspire for its greatness. To give an example of the blind city hate by this current poster, he actually opposed Paul McCartney playing downtown last summer because he didn't think any economic benefits should be realized until the stadiums are fully paid for. Another time, he advised a 20-something single girl moving from Copenhagen to Cincinnati (she was seeking information on some vibrant neighborhoods with lots of activity) to locate in Mason instead of the city, citing safety reasons. Of course, I'm the villain over there to him and his "friends" for refuting that nonsense. :drunk:

 

As for U-Square, I don't think it needs the streetcar running right by its front door to succeed, as evidenced by the popularity of that area now. Plenty of students pack the bars, restaurants and shops along those blocks today. And according to today's Enquirer, the Short Vine area is starting to realize its own renaissance which means when the streetcar does come, the area should already be humming and the rail will just add to its vitality. Looking at the University of Minnesota, for example: The light rail doesn't yet go to Dinkytown, which is the popular hub for student activity. A spur is planned and when the area is finally linked to downtown, it will give more visitors access to this part of the city. I would expect a similar result in Cincinnati.

 

http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php?action=post;quote=604102;topic=2567.930

 

 

Are they even digging up the main streets now? Unless they are digging up Calhoun and McMillan, I don't get the utility question. They were doing some street scaping in the area a couple years ago. My bet is they didn't do anything with the streetcar in mind.

 

Soon they should be doing work on Short Vine, which I would think they would do with the streetcar in mind, given the route is planned to go right through there, and the project is quite a bit further along than it was a couple years ago. I do wish they would reach an agreement to bring the streetcar through University Plaza!

 

Edit: Hope the mods do some pruning up in here. It's bad enough we are talking about the streetcar, but Copenhagen and Mason? Really?

They recently did some major utility work on McMillian, Calhoun, and that small stretch of Clifton Ave in between the two. I doubt it was street car related but I do not know that for sure, though I would guess it was for the current development under way.

 

Please keep the debate on topic!