May 1, 201213 yr ^Why not just price it the same as the garage and have the meters (or whatever) handled by the garage operator, effectively increasing the garage's capacity? (I'm sure that there must be some obscure law against this.)
May 3, 201213 yr As I was jogging by WSP yesterday (which looks pretty f'ing fantastic) in the 88 degree weather, I couldn't help but think how much I'd enjoy a cold beer during hot summer day/night event there. Will this park have the same designation as, say, Fountain Square, which allows alcohol consumption as long as it's purchased on the square? And to that point, does anyone know what the concessions/food truck situation will be here? Seems like this could be the perfect candidate for a food truck parking lane.
May 3, 201213 yr As I was jogging by WSP yesterday (which looks pretty f'ing fantastic) in the 88 degree weather, I couldn't help but think how much I'd enjoy a cold beer during hot summer day/night event there. Will this park have the same designation as, say, Fountain Square, which allows alcohol consumption as long as it's purchased on the square? And to that point, does anyone know what the concessions/food truck situation will be here? Seems like this could be the perfect candidate for a food truck parking lane. Washington Park should be eligible for an F8 permit (the same that the square has) but it does not appear that they have applied for one.
May 3, 201213 yr it would be neat if they painted the crosswalks around Music Hall like this That's ugly. If they did it with pavers, it would be cool.
May 3, 201213 yr ^^I think that's cool, but it's hard enough to get Cincinnati drivers to stop at a regular crosswalk. It's like they don't know what their responsibility is. If we get too fancy, my guess is that drivers won't recognize that it is more than just decoration, but I could be wrong.
May 3, 201213 yr it would be neat if they painted the crosswalks around Music Hall like this That's ugly. If they did it with pavers, it would be cool. The city has enough problems trying to maintain their existing brick pavers as is. They just took out the ones along 4th that were not maintained, and just replaced it with asphalt. The ones along 2nd and 3rd are/were sinking, and some are/scheduled to be replaced already.
May 3, 201213 yr ^ Maybe there aren't enough of them to stay high in the city's mind. With new sets in prominent locations, they might learn to maintain them everywhere. At any rate, I don't think the correct solution here is to accept that Cincinnati can't handle more attractive paving, but rather that steps should be taken to ensure better maintenance.
May 3, 201213 yr Oh, I agree. Some of the early decorative features in downtown were the tiles - but like Springfield, Ohio and many other cities found out quickly, they are awful for use this far north due to winter conditions. The bonding agent has a tendency to undo and the tiles pop off frequently, or become brittle and crack. The new concrete brick pavers used on the recent 6th Street streetscaping, and elsewhere (around Queen City Square) are much more durable and are not bonded. It's just asphalt and sand.
May 3, 201213 yr it would be neat if they painted the crosswalks around Music Hall like this I love it.
June 13, 201213 yr I saw sod being delivered to Washington Park today. The big oval lawn should start taking shape soon.
June 21, 201212 yr Looks like http://www.flickr.com/photos/washingtonpark has not been updated in a while.... No new construction photos since June 1. If anyone has the time could you please post a recent photo? Thanks
June 21, 201212 yr They're doing more via facebook now - I'm sure they'll update flickr soon. Here are three sites: http://overtherhine.wordpress.com/2012/06/18/washington-park-grand-opening-celebrations-and-free-concerts/ https://www.facebook.com/WashingtonParkOTR http://thisisotr.com/ Rookwood Pottery tiles on Washington Park pillars:
June 22, 201212 yr Took a walk over here tonight as the sun was setting. The park looks good, like REALLY good. Stupid good. and nearly complete. Landscaping is almost completely in, they are finishing sidewalks and bench installation. The barricades are still up of course, but you can navigate around them to see most of the main areas of the park. It's really strange to walk over there and look at the contrast of the park and the currently dilapidated buildings surrounding it right now...thankfully that will all change soon.
June 22, 201212 yr Yeah, I haven't been a fan of the style of some of the new buildings which have been built (or are being built) in the basin and uptown, but all of the public space design and building that's gone into place in the past eight years has been just top-notch. Fountain Square, Smale Riverfront, and now Washington Square. Thank god that the people planning and making these spaces have used really good materials and presented some really thoughtful design that also has all sorts of little grace notes that you can discover. The spaces feel contemporary but in a sturdy, unfussy way. They're going to age well!
June 22, 201212 yr I wish the stage was a little more substantial. I think the plan is to have a larger stage that is temporary, for big events, like the one at Fountain Square (although that has become semi-permanent).
June 22, 201212 yr Yeah, I haven't been a fan of the style of some of the new buildings which have been built (or are being built) in the basin and uptown, but all of the public space design and building that's gone into place in the past eight years has been just top-notch. Fountain Square, Smale Riverfront, and now Washington Square. Thank god that the people planning and making these spaces have used really good materials and presented some really thoughtful design that also has all sorts of little grace notes that you can discover. The spaces feel contemporary but in a sturdy, unfussy way. They're going to age well! Most built work that we gripe with are designed by Cincinnati firms. While BHDP did design the glass garage structures in WP, fountain square and smale were given to design firms outside of the state. Better talent pool? Better budgets? Or better clients?
June 22, 201212 yr Most built work that we gripe with are designed by Cincinnati firms. While BHDP did design the glass garage structures in WP, fountain square and smale were given to design firms outside of the state. Better talent pool? Better budgets? Or better clients? Very interesting. I wonder how much of it is cultural, an expectation of mediocrity in an area that could aspire to do more?
June 22, 201212 yr Yeah, I haven't been a fan of the style of some of the new buildings which have been built (or are being built) in the basin and uptown, but all of the public space design and building that's gone into place in the past eight years has been just top-notch. Fountain Square, Smale Riverfront, and now Washington Square. Thank god that the people planning and making these spaces have used really good materials and presented some really thoughtful design that also has all sorts of little grace notes that you can discover. The spaces feel contemporary but in a sturdy, unfussy way. They're going to age well! Most built work that we gripe with are designed by Cincinnati firms. While BHDP did design the glass garage structures in WP, fountain square and smale were given to design firms outside of the state. Better talent pool? Better budgets? Or better clients? BHDP also did Fountain Square. Washington Park is a local architect (BHDP) and landscape architect (Human Nature). Smale is being designed by Sasaki Associates, which is a world renown landscape architecture firm. The City of Cincinnati and 3CDC (to some degree) have good track records of not value engineering good design away, but most for-profit developers strip down designs to get as much profit out of projects as they can.
June 22, 201212 yr Yeah, I haven't been a fan of the style of some of the new buildings which have been built (or are being built) in the basin and uptown, but all of the public space design and building that's gone into place in the past eight years has been just top-notch. Fountain Square, Smale Riverfront, and now Washington Square. Thank god that the people planning and making these spaces have used really good materials and presented some really thoughtful design that also has all sorts of little grace notes that you can discover. The spaces feel contemporary but in a sturdy, unfussy way. They're going to age well! Most built work that we gripe with are designed by Cincinnati firms. While BHDP did design the glass garage structures in WP, fountain square and smale were given to design firms outside of the state. Better talent pool? Better budgets? Or better clients? BHDP also did Fountain Square. Washington Park is a local architect (BHDP) and landscape architect (Human Nature). Smale is being designed by Sasaki Associates, which is a world renown landscape architecture firm. The City of Cincinnati and 3CDC (to some degree) have good track records of not value engineering good design away, but most for-profit developers strip down designs to get as much profit out of projects as they can. BHDP was the architect of record on fountain square, but not the designers. Perhaps 3CDC should have been the developer of the Banks instead?
June 22, 201212 yr ^^ Probably! But that would have been a LOT for 3CDC to be handling at once, and methinks that cries of "SOCIALISM!!1!!1!" would have been more likely to occur if for-profit developers weren't involved in the mix.
June 23, 201212 yr Music Hall group: We'll just rent it Ending a stalemate over the fate of one of Greater Cincinnati’s iconic buildings, a group hoping to revitalize Music Hall late Friday backed down from demands that it buy the building from the city. The Music Hall Revitalization Co. submitted a proposal to the City of Cincinnati on Friday to lease the historic 134-year-old hall from the City for 99 years in order to move forward with its $165 million renovation project. The nonprofit group has asked that its proposal for a long-term lease between the city and the Revitalization Co. be placed on the agenda of the city’s Budget and Finance Committee on Monday. The proposal will allow the nonprofit to move forward, the group said in a statement sent late on Friday to Music Hall supporters. Cont "It's just fate, as usual, keeping its bargain and screwing us in the fine print..." - John Crichton
June 28, 201212 yr Went past Washington Park tonight and the fountains were running. They're probably twice the height of the ones at Smale Park. This is going to be another fantastic asset to the city.
June 28, 201212 yr From the Washington Park Facebook page: "It's just fate, as usual, keeping its bargain and screwing us in the fine print..." - John Crichton
June 28, 201212 yr Fun Fact- Originally, 3CDC & the Port Authority were to develop the Banks, then when the County pulled a fast one and declared Corporex the developer 3CDC & the Port lost most of their input and that has since faded to almost nothing. A friend at 3CDC has said the Banks is the only project where they put money in and never got anything back. I've also been told that the Apartments at the 5th & Race site (on the 6th street side of the block) will be designed in a way to blow away the Banks and set a new standard for development in Downtown. Back to the park- Walked around it yesterday, looks great!! July 6 is getting here fast!! Any word on whether there will be any activity organized by the Homeless Coalition right when the park opens?
June 28, 201212 yr There are signs posted on telephone poles by the homeless coalition about some sort of activity. I didn't pay real close attention though.
June 28, 201212 yr Said signs: "The People's Panel" Would like you to join us! For the Washington Park Grand Opening on Friday July 6 at 9:30am to voice your opinion. We will meet at the corner of 14th and Race The People's Panel Consists of OTR Residents creating a platform for Justice, Equality, and Inclusion.
June 28, 201212 yr ^^^ What do they even want at this point? I mean, I still expect that homeless folks will hang out in the park, it will have shade and public restrooms. It's just that now lots of *other* people will be hanging out there too. I get really frustrated with activist types like this when their solutions seem to be to continue an untenable status quo. I'm glad the city and local organizations are putting more money and effort into the Homeless to Homes initiative and trying to address root causes of homelessness, instead of just keeping sites that are the city's heritage and treasure as glorified squatter's zones.
June 28, 201212 yr I get really frustrated with activist types like this when their solutions seem to be to continue an untenable status quo. It's all political and to make the 'leaders' feel powerful as they manipulate these people who genuinely need help. I'm wondering if there is a good way to mitigate this situation.
June 28, 201212 yr From the Washington Park Facebook page: I was at 13th and Vine yesterday when they were on and could see them clearly --- so cool!
June 29, 201212 yr I went down tonight and took a few photos real quick. It's really coming together.
June 29, 201212 yr Many thanks, jmecklenborg & OTR, for the photo updates. Whatever superlative one wishes to bestow upon Washington Park, it is. Whether we think of this renovation as Cincinnati's "Central Park," an urban showplace, a downtown gem, or whatever, it's ours now.
June 29, 201212 yr If you can attend the ribbon cutting Friday, July 6 at 10am - please do! It's going to be a big deal and a great cause for celebration.
June 29, 201212 yr I get really frustrated with activist types like this when their solutions seem to be to continue an untenable status quo. It's all political and to make the 'leaders' feel powerful as they manipulate these people who genuinely need help. I'm wondering if there is a good way to mitigate this situation. OTR - that isn't what it is all about. Political yes (the definition of political is "Of or relating to the ideas or strategies of a particular party or group in politics." after all),…but it is NOT intended to make the organizers feel powerful, it is NOT indented to manipulate people who genuinely need help. Rather, the People's Platform is meant to organize and empower under the premise of working with. Here is a link to the People's Platform for Equality & Justice in OTR, written in 2010: http://arts.muohio.edu/cce/papers/peoples_platform_for_equality_and_justice.pdf
June 30, 201212 yr ^Unfortunately, that's not how these protests/'discussions' have panned out in the past. They tend to be adversarial with lots of chanting, yelling and sign waving. I've seen the signs. Said signs: "The People's Panel" Would like you to join us! For the Washington Park Grand Opening on Friday July 6 at 9:30am to voice your opinion. We will meet at the corner of 14th and Race The People's Panel Consists of OTR Residents creating a platform for Justice, Equality, and Inclusion. The Grand Opening is a time of celebration and coming together - not a time to "voice your opinion" in a "people's panel" - in civil society there's a time and place for everything. Those of us who actually want a DIVERSE and INCLUSIVE OTR would never plan simultaneous events at the same location with opposite intentions. It's really a shame that this great opportunity is being used by some to divide instead of to unite. The organizers must understand that this event will not convey to the media and visitors that OTR is a welcoming place. It will seem dysfuntional and unwelcoming. But, it will give the organizers free media attention. Maybe that's the point... I support the mission of OTRCH (I don't know if they're involved with the discussion or not - just saying) and believe everyone has a stake in the future of OTR. But to call this "people's panel!" anything other than rabble rousing would be inaccurate. Who ARE the organizers? I'd like names and contact information.
July 1, 201212 yr Extreme Makeover: Park edition A $48 million remake of Washington Park has turned it from frightful to friendly. Here's the grand plan to make sure it succeeds. OVER-THE-RHINE — Short decorative iron fences have replaced the ugly concrete walls that just two years ago surrounded old and battered Washington Park. The view now unobstructed, people see grassy lawns and blossoming beds, carefully crafted play structures and streams of clear blue water shooting in the air. Stages suggest lively entertainment. Simple strands of lighting promise romantic evening strolls. And 124 wooden benches ensure seating for all. http://news.cincinnati.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/AB/20120630/BIZ/306300034/
July 1, 201212 yr Vote in this poll: WILL YOU VISIT WASHINGTON PARK ONCE IT REOPENS? http://news.cincinnati.com/article/AB/20120630/NEWS01/120630009
July 1, 201212 yr ^ Like you said, OTR (post # 993), this alleged "People's Platform" (or whatever they call themselves) is nothing more than a rabble-rousing fringe group who fully intend to spoil a wonderful opening ceremony and impede civilization's reclamation of Washington Park. (The ghost of Buddy Gray hovers over them with delight.)
July 1, 201212 yr Park looked great when I walked by yesterday! Didnt realize grass was partially fake.
July 1, 201212 yr ^ Like you said, OTR (post # 993), this alleged "People's Platform" (or whatever they call themselves) is nothing more than a rabble-rousing fringe group who fully intend to spoil a wonderful opening ceremony and impede civilization's reclamation of Washington Park. (The ghost of Buddy Gray hovers over them with delight.) Thanks for that, subocincy. I've reached out to appleaday here and on facebook. Unlike some people on both sides of this issue, I FULLY support a diverse and inclusive neighborhood. This rally will only stigmatize an already vulnerable part of our community and hurt its future. If they want to be marginalized, this rabble-rousing will help them reach that goal. I really wish they'd reconsider and stop playing the victim. Anyone with contact information for this faceless group, would you please pass it along to me - thanks. Park looked great when I walked by yesterday! Didnt realize grass was partially fake. That's only in the dog park/run in the fenced area around near Memorial Hall. There is a synthetic (and really soft) groundscape in the children's playground too. I am so excited for it to open.
July 1, 201212 yr OTR, You should talk with my friend Brittany at OTRCH 381-1171. She may have some information about the "peoples platform"for you.
July 1, 201212 yr There are a lot of organizations operating in OTR that exist to help those in need. Some truly want what is best, and some are dedicated to maintaining the status quo. It's not always easy to tell which is which, but those who think the renovation of Washington Park is a bad thing can be placed on one side rather easily. There aren't more than a handful of people in positions of power who fight to stop revitalization of OTR.
July 1, 201212 yr OTR, You should talk with my friend Brittany at OTRCH 381-1171. She may have some information about the "peoples platform"for you. Yes, I've communicated with her before and she's really nice. I suspect she is appleaday but I cannot say that for sure. I already facebook messaged her. Thanks for the heads up though. ----- And about the synthetic grass - park of the event/civic lawn is synthetic too, I hear... There are a lot of organizations operating in OTR that exist to help those in need. Some truly want what is best, and some are dedicated to maintaining the status quo. It's not always easy to tell which is which, but those who think the renovation of Washington Park is a bad thing can be placed on one side rather easily. There aren't more than a handful of people in positions of power who fight to stop revitalization of OTR. You couldn't be more right. What a missed opportunity for those who cling to the status quo.
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