I know these images have been posted before. But after looking at these jumbo sizes, the renderings are growing on me. There's details I haven't noticed before.

 

I thought this was the weakest of the bunch, but after seeing GABP peaking though down the street. I think these buildings are a good fit.

 

 

This was my favorite and still is. It almost has a warehouse vibe. A bit of art deco touches always does it.

 

I hope Hamilton County adds more renderings.

http://www.hamiltoncountyohio.gov/hc/banks/renderings.asp

Good grief, these roads are very hilly!

 

The first rendering reminds me a lot of the development along Calhoun, except that these have a bit of a different design element to each section. Not one continuous color or design.

 

I think the reason the last one looks more industrial is just with the lighting.

The funny thing is that I was just on the HamCo site looking at these large sized images earlier tonight.  I was thinking the same thing that these are probably gonna turn out a hell of a lot better than what many people may imagine.  I think the starkest constrast will be with that first image...that is the one that suffers the most from a poor rendering.

 

The scale is right, the mixture of uses is right, and I am now seeing some balconies which I didn't see before.

I still wish their were MORE balconies than what they show. 

I've never been a big fan of that type of balcony.  They're very small and typically have metal grate floors.  They have those at the condos (apartments?) behind O'Malley's.  I was talking to one of the workers there, who said that he once saw a couple sitting on one of the lower balconies, and a man with a dog reading the paper on one of the upper balconies.  The dog unexpectedly peed and... well, let's just say it's better to have the highest balcony than the lower ones.

Good grief, these roads are very hilly!

 

Woah, yeah, I guess they better do a bit more site work if they're expecting things to settle that much. Or maybe it's just a parking garage meant to reflect Kentucky's rolling hills.

I've never been a big fan of that type of balcony.  They're very small and typically have metal grate floors.  They have those at the condos (apartments?) behind O'Malley's.  I was talking to one of the workers there, who said that once he saw a couple sitting on one of the lower balconies, and a man with a dog reading the paper on one of the upper balconies.  The dog unexpectedly peed and... well, let's just say it's better to have the highest balcony than the lower ones.

 

Me either, but there is another thing that I don't like about the balconies in these renderings...they're set into the building.  I much prefer them to protrude out from the building edge...essentially overtop of the sidewalk/ROW.  Although this style of balcony is a bit more private...I guess to some people that is a good feature.

^ I hadn't even noticed those balconies in the first picture.  I was looking at the ones in the second picture specifically, but hey, they still have the same problem potentially.  A tiny outdoor space beneath someone else's tiny outdoor space.

Cincinnati's own Arena District.

^Not really since The Banks is a primarily residential development and Cbus' Arena District is primarily office/retail.  I get where you're coming from though...a big mixed-use project adjacent to Downtown with some entertainment sprinkled throughout.

 

Arena District Breakdown:

Commercial Space: 1.5 million square feet of office, retail and entertainment space

Residential units: Approximately 500 units

 

The Banks Breakdown:

Commercial Space: 300,000 square feet of retail (70,000 in Phase 1a), office is TBD

Residential units:  Approximately 1,800 units (300+ in Phase 1a)

 

Here is a good breakdown of the land use plan for the entire project:

The Banks officials set to award first contract

http://news.cincinnati.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080730/NEWS01/807300338/1168/NEWS

I know you guys said that site preparation and scheduling of heavy equipment takes some time, but it seems as if three weeks have gone by with no activity at the site.

I know you guys said that site preparation and scheduling of heavy equipment takes some time, but it seems as if three weeks have gone by with no activity at the site.

 

^^ "The last bits of foundation from the old Cinergy Field will be removed from the site by Friday,"

^Not really since The Banks is a primarily residential development and Cbus' Arena District is primarily office/retail.  I get where you're coming from though...a big mixed-use project adjacent to Downtown with some entertainment sprinkled throughout.

 

I was speaking to the renderings posted above; very similar feel to the Arena district architecturally. The street views look a bit more urban/dense, however.

I know you guys said that site preparation and scheduling of heavy equipment takes some time, but it seems as if three weeks have gone by with no activity at the site.

 

^^ "The last bits of foundation from the old Cinergy Field will be removed from the site by Friday,"

 

Which is a little odd.  Unless they mean that there is a pile of rubble somewhere that has yet to be moved off site.  Obviously with the regrading thats already been done they are no longer digging anything up.

 

Interesting that they are using steel for the garage construction.  Not that i actually know if one is better than the other for this application.  If i recall correctly the vertical structure for the garages at the ballpark and the freedom center are concrete systems.

 

I wish there was some way to block the reader comments at the bottom of each article.  I cant help but look and im always pissed off when i do.  People will simply stop at nothing to bash.

^Not really since The Banks is a primarily residential development and Cbus' Arena District is primarily office/retail.  I get where you're coming from though...a big mixed-use project adjacent to Downtown with some entertainment sprinkled throughout.

 

I was speaking to the renderings posted above; very similar feel to the Arena district architecturally. The street views look a bit more urban/dense, however.

 

I see, thanks for clarifying.

I've often wondered if The Banks will have a bigger impact on downtown living, or attracting tenants.  Once built, I assume condo towers or apartment/loft/condo renovations will occur very close to the spot.  It could very well filter out to the North of downtown if the south side gets saturated.  It's very exciting to see all of this happening now.  Cincy is finally taking off.

Banks' cost could climb $2.8M more

Project manager cites inflation, high fuel prices for any overrun

http://news.cincinnati.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080731/NEWS01/807310393/1168/NEWS

Don't you love the comments? lol!

Don't you love the comments? lol!

 

I've actually started reporting all comments that are just blatant bashing.  I flag the comment as 'hate speech' and report it to the Enquirer powers at be.  But yeah, I can be just as witty as those clowns and make them look stupid at the same time.

Does it work?

 

I'm going to sign up there as well and counter the crap that's posted.

Wow...talk about two articles in two days that present absolutely nothing worth talking about.  If every single move made down there is going to be super scrutinized by the enquirer then this is going to be a long LONG project.  3 million dollars is nothing yet it lends the naysayers just one more chance to throw in some bashing.  I wonder what the new slogan all the "ill believe it when i see it" people will employ once they finally do "see it".

^Hopefully some of that will taper off if Phase I is successful.  It would be hard to stir up negative sentiment if people fall in love with what has been built and are hungry for more.  If it's anything less than a mild success though, expect the The Enquirer to keep on hammerin'.

The same happened with Pullman Square in Huntington. After DECADES of nothing being built on two city square blocks (the whole cleared out urban renewal area was titled the Superblock), a private developer came in and developed a lifestyle center. But the roadblocks put up by the state's economic development grant funding source only added to the pit of negativity.

 

So many stated that it would never be built. That it was a waste of money (because it used some state money for the parking garages). That it would never revitalize downtown. That it would attract the youths and crime would increase. And blah blah blah.

 

Then they narrowed a four-lane one-way street into a two-way one-lane (in each direction) street. Added new sidewalks and parking bays. Many claimed it would congest traffic for blocks and be dangerous, but this has yet to occur.

 

The project is a success. All retail and restaurant spots have been filled, and many are leaders in their division or chain. EB Games has the #1 store in the division and is one of the top performers in the entire chain. Coldstone Creamery is one of the busiest (in the top 5) in the entire chain. And so on.

 

But hey, it has a movie theater. That led to the demise of the historic Keith-Albee as a movie theater (it was originally used for Vaudeville productions), and led to much negativity. But it's now being restored into a performing arts center -- as it once was -- and the partitions have been removed.

 

The surrounding blocks have seen numerous property restorations and now they are filling up with retail stores. Condos are being built. Streetscape initiatives are being put forth on surrounding boulevards and streets.

 

People will always bitch and complain, regardless of how successful anything is.

^ i heard Pullman just got sold

For profit.

 

Metropolitian Partners sold the property to invest in other new projects. Looking at their portfolio and their prior works, it's pretty much routine as they are not well experienced in day-to-day operations.

great to hear. . . i just heard that it was sold. I think it has done an amazing job at bringing life back into a pretty dreary town.

Don't you love the comments? lol!

 

I've actually started reporting all comments that are just blatant bashing. I flag the comment as 'hate speech' and report it to the Enquirer powers at be. But yeah, I can be just as witty as those clowns and make them look stupid at the same time.

 

 

I've joined in the fun now too!

The same happened with Pullman Square in Huntington. After DECADES of nothing being built on two city square blocks (the whole cleared out urban renewal area was titled the Superblock), a private developer came in and developed a lifestyle center. But the roadblocks put up by the state's economic development grant funding source only added to the pit of negativity.

 

So many stated that it would never be built. That it was a waste of money (because it used some state money for the parking garages). That it would never revitalize downtown. That it would attract the youths and crime would increase. And blah blah blah.

 

Then they narrowed a four-lane one-way street into a two-way one-lane (in each direction) street. Added new sidewalks and parking bays. Many claimed it would congest traffic for blocks and be dangerous, but this has yet to occur.

 

The project is a success. All retail and restaurant spots have been filled, and many are leaders in their division or chain. EB Games has the #1 store in the division and is one of the top performers in the entire chain. Coldstone Creamery is one of the busiest (in the top 5) in the entire chain. And so on.

 

But hey, it has a movie theater. That led to the demise of the historic Keith-Albee as a movie theater (it was originally used for Vaudeville productions), and led to much negativity. But it's now being restored into a performing arts center -- as it once was -- and the partitions have been removed.

 

The surrounding blocks have seen numerous property restorations and now they are filling up with retail stores. Condos are being built. Streetscape initiatives are being put forth on surrounding boulevards and streets.

 

People will always bitch and complain, regardless of how successful anything is.

 

 

That's cool!

[delete]

haha that is funny, but i applaud your effort.  I don't have the facts on it, but I am fairly certain that the two levels of the parking garage will only go to street level, and not above.

And from being down at the stadium and walking by, it looks like Freedom way is the street that will be expanded as the intersections have already been accounted for but you also have to keep in mind that when the park is developed Mehring Way is being relocated a bit farther north to expand the area near the river so that may have an effect on Theodore Berry Way.

Honestly, now, Is anyone concerned about the lack of progress at the site? Absolutely nothing visible has happened in the last three weeks. Are they on  schedule?

Honestly, now, Is anyone concerned about the lack of progress at the site? Absolutely nothing visible has happened in the last three weeks. Are they on  schedule?

 

I can appreciate your enthusiasm - but these types of projects are almost never on schedule. Huge delays and time periods where nothing seems to happen are totally typical for projects of this type and scope.

 

Just wait until they actually start the construction. The true foundation work always takes forever too.

 

If you try to measure progress in weeks, you will drive yourself crazy. Sometimes even checking up on progress once a month could be frustrating.

Just keep looking at QCS and the garage progress.     

 

This will happen soon and once it starts it should rise fairly quick.

...And remember, 2 years can fly by.  By 2010 the downtown riverfront will look completely different...and we won't even be seeing the entire Banks project completed until years from now.  Good things coming;)

Honestly, now, Is anyone concerned about the lack of progress at the site? Absolutely nothing visible has happened in the last three weeks. Are they on  schedule?

 

In all honesty this question has been answered to the best of various forumers' abilities.  The official statement has been that everything is on schedule and that the first official contact was just awarded.  Let things progress, and leave the constant and most often times unnecessary second-guessing to the Enquirer.

Thanks for the info......

Sorry if I have seemed antagonistic..it is just that I live so far away that I can't always visit the city that I love so much!  I will sincerely try to be more patient.

Rando, the Enquirer comment was priceless:)

I thought I read somewhere that Phase I work would not begin until there was at least 45% pre-leasing. Would this be the reason nothing is going on at the site? Just wondering...

I thought I read somewhere that Phase I work would not begin until there was at least 45% pre-leasing. Would this be the reason nothing is going on at the site? Just wondering...

 

Since the units in phase 1 are apartments there is no pre-leasing.  You've somehow managed to ask the same question regarding the activity (or lack there of) at the site about 4-5 different ways.  More than one person has offered their insight on the situation.  So it's up to you as to whether you listen or not.

 

If you're truly interested in getting answers to your questions (different from those given to you here), then I suggest you ask someone directly related to the project.  It doesn't take very long to send out an email to someone at the City of Cincinnati, Hamilton County, Carter, etc.

I did just that, with no response...I am truly sorry if somehow I offended anyone..it is not my intent.  I thought by my last comment that I was supplying some info (pre-leasing), but I guess I was incorrect..I am not privy to the info that some of you graciously supply.

I thought I read somewhere that Phase I work would not begin until there was at least 45% pre-leasing. Would this be the reason nothing is going on at the site? Just wondering...

 

Is the pre-leasing for the commercial spaces?  I'm under the impression that the garages are to built no matter what. 

Randy, it would be fine (as you suggested) if you could find additional info from the city about the Banks schedule. Then maybe I would shut up, and not be so dense!

Hopefully this will be the last time (it's ok, really).  When you clear a site and build something as big as this garage is going to be, you have to move out equipment.  Then, you still have to do electrical prep work and land measuring and all that hoopla before the machines roll in.  Once that's done, you still have to wait for the construction company that's supposed to build the garage to get there equipment there.  There's going to be a massive amount of people and cement trucks etc at that site.  Remember watching the Fountain Sq garage renovation? well, triple that.  Patience people.  In the next few weeks you'll not only see the garage start but the park work is starting too;)

^That's right!  The park starts soon too!

Hopefully this will be the last time (it's ok, really).  When you clear a site and build something as big as this garage is going to be, you have to move out equipment.  Then, you still have to do electrical prep work and land measuring and all that hoopla before the machines roll in.  Once that's done, you still have to wait for the construction company that's supposed to build the garage to get there equipment there.  There's going to be a massive amount of people and cement trucks etc at that site.  Remember watching the Fountain Sq garage renovation? well, triple that.  Patience people.  In the next few weeks you'll not only see the garage start but the park work is starting too;)

 

Some of that is correct, but probably not the most accurate explanation for the lull in construction. 

 

I know on a lot of the projects I do, where funding from different angles is being provided, the contractors need to stay on the "critical path of the schedule" for more funds to be allocated.  It was most likely that mobilization had to be done by "X" date, and then ground had to be broken by "X" date.  I know there have been peojects we have worked on where we broke ground a year in advance to remain along a critical path date, stayed mobilized, however left the site.  Just because we broke ground, we stayed on the prelim schedule (which was not complete yet other then mob and ground break date) and the project remained.  I don't think anyone will back out from this at all.  I believe everything will be moving forward sooner than much later, but I also believe there are issues still being resolved until construction can start up again.  they had the money to get so far, and now waiting on release of additional funding.  I am sure they are also working on some leasing.  That should not cause infrastructure work delays any longer however.  bee patient as this thing will be completed. 

 

Also, I do not know a whole lot about this job, but is it at all any type of brownfield site?

i received the following e-mail today: See below.

 

Jack,

 

 

 

It seems I forgot to include that in my last e-mail, but yes the banks are on schedule.

 

 

 

If you have any further concerns or questions feel free to contact the office.

 

 

 

Thanks,

 

 

 

Brenden Regan

 

Aide to Mayor Mark Mallory

 

 

Is the probable contamination of the site less of an issue due to the parking garages? That turns into a pretty big buffer.

Wonders of wonders!! 

 

Another response!  Please see below my question to Carter and their response.  I am very grateful and pleased that they responded, and that things are on schedule.

 

 

Mr.Geis,

 

Thank you for your note and your interest in The Banks. A member of our development team will be sending you a more detailed response but yes we are still on schedule. A tremendous amount of design and coordination work has been going on and you will see more tangible activities in the field soon.

 

Best, Scott

 

Scott Taylor

President

Carter

171 17th Street NW

Suite 1200

Atlanta, GA 30363-1032

Phone: 404.888.3343

Fax: 404.888.3003

 

 

 

.

 

 

 

-----Original Message-----

From: Jack Geis [mailto:[email protected]]

Sent: Thursday, August 21, 2008 10:06 AM

To: Scott Taylor

Subject: The Banks project, Cincinnati

 

Dear Sir,I am simply an interested spectator living about 70 miles north of Cincinnati, but I am able - via the internet -to view a live webcam of the Banks site on Cincinnati's riverfront. Can you or someone tell me if the project is on schedule, since there has been no visible action at the site for about five weeks. Thanks for any help you can give me!!