January 5, 201114 yr Some shots from lunch today. The first is of Toby's future space and the rest are of Phase II "It's just fate, as usual, keeping its bargain and screwing us in the fine print..." - John Crichton
January 5, 201114 yr Excellent! "You don't just walk into a bar and mix it up by calling a girl fat" - buildingcincinnati speaking about new forumers
January 5, 201114 yr So is that section of phase II going to be more underground parking? Also, is the current parking lot just west of phase II going to be more underground parking as well?
January 5, 201114 yr Yes, the current construction of Phase II is only the extension of the Central Riverfront Parking Garage (CRPG) as well as completing West Freedom Way. The current lot from Race and continuing west past Elm will eventually also be part of the CRPG. "It's just fate, as usual, keeping its bargain and screwing us in the fine print..." - John Crichton
January 8, 201114 yr Toby Keith might do OK for a little while; nu-country hasn't died yet in Cincy unlike a lot of other places. In Columbus five years ago there were 5 or 6 nu-country stations, but these days there's one old country station, one that's half-old and half-nu and one all nu-country station on FM. The bubblegum pop stations have basically run the nu-country stations out of business.
January 8, 201114 yr I am not sure there is a correlation with radio stations and current tastes - I think they just try to locate in developments/places where they think they can draw a lot of people. Definitely not my bag though. This is an interesting array of locations: Las Vegas Oklahoma City Tulsa Mesa, AZ Auburn Hills, MI St. Louis Park, MN Denver Foxborough, MA Cincinnati
January 8, 201114 yr I am not sure there is a correlation with radio stations and current tastes - I think they just try to locate in developments/places where they think they can draw a lot of people. Definitely not my bag though. This is an interesting array of locations: Las Vegas Oklahoma City Tulsa Mesa, AZ Auburn Hills, MI St. Louis Park, MN Denver Foxborough, MA Cincinnati All of those are completely horrible suburban locations except Oklahoma City (and debatably Las Vegas). Clearly this is a suburbanite kinda place. Having it downtown will surely draw some people in. I'm beginning to think this was a wise decision. Off Topic - What's with Tulsa's Hard Rock Hotel/Toby Keith's location? It's off in the middle of nowhere.
January 9, 201114 yr Yeah but watch when the whole chain sinks people will blame it all on city council.
January 9, 201114 yr ^Yep, I can see it now. It seems like each time a project/development does not do well, then city council catches all the blame for it (e.g. the nearby "National Freedom Center")
January 9, 201114 yr I don't know how Cincinnati can have a premier entertainment/restaurant district without some of its marquee food brands. LaRosa's Skyline Graeter's United Dairy Farmers I know they really wouldn't be destination places and there is an abundance of them out in the suburbs but for the most part, they wouldn't have to take up that much retail space and they, along with Moerlein and Holy Grail would help give the area a Cincinnati flavor, especially for tourists and visitors. I realize you're just throwing out examples, but there is already the Graeters on Fountain Square and the Skyline on Sycamore. A LaRosa's seems like it would work very well at the Banks though; have they ever had a downtown location? Also, just walked around the Banks/CRP today. They did a pretty good job integrating the facade with the Reds Hall of Fame on the Banks. On a side note, I never realized how crappy GABP/RHoF is until I visited the new Busch Stadium in St. Louis this past December.
January 9, 201114 yr I don't know how Cincinnati can have a premier entertainment/restaurant district without some of its marquee food brands. LaRosa's Skyline Graeter's United Dairy Farmers I know they really wouldn't be destination places and there is an abundance of them out in the suburbs but for the most part, they wouldn't have to take up that much retail space and they, along with Moerlein and Holy Grail would help give the area a Cincinnati flavor, especially for tourists and visitors. I'd love for there to be a special Skyline location there, that served an expanded menu -- and possibly even Cincinnati beer. Probably not possible, but I can at least dream :)
January 9, 201114 yr I don't know how Cincinnati can have a premier entertainment/restaurant district without some of its marquee food brands. LaRosa's Skyline Graeter's United Dairy Farmers I know they really wouldn't be destination places and there is an abundance of them out in the suburbs but for the most part, they wouldn't have to take up that much retail space and they, along with Moerlein and Holy Grail would help give the area a Cincinnati flavor, especially for tourists and visitors. I realize you're just throwing out examples, but there is already the Graeters on Fountain Square and the Skyline on Sycamore. A LaRosa's seems like it would work very well at the Banks though; have they ever had a downtown location? Also, just walked around the Banks/CRP today. They did a pretty good job integrating the facade with the Reds Hall of Fame on the Banks. On a side note, I never realized how crappy GABP/RHoF is until I visited the new Busch Stadium in St. Louis this past December. Agreed on all counts
January 10, 201114 yr A Skyline take-out window would have lines stretched around the block after ballgames and at 2:30 am
January 10, 201114 yr I'd love for there to be a special Skyline location there, that served an expanded menu -- and possibly even Cincinnati beer. Probably not possible, but I can at least dream Is there anywhere currently in Cincinnati where you get get both Chili and local beer in the same place? I'd hate to think that the only bar that sells Cincy Chili and Beer is in Chicago...
January 10, 201114 yr ^I was in STL for a game in Sep and I couldn't agree more! I think there are a lot of mixed opinions about new new Busch stadium. Up close the faux brick looks pretty cheap. Some people love it and some people hate it. I feel like GABP is widely considered fine. So I'm not sure which is preferred. The Reds Hall of Fame is miles better than the old Hall of Fame in St. Louis. It looks like that has been closed down in preparation for a new HoF in Ball Park Village, the mini Banks like project where old new Busch stadium used to be which still hasn't broken ground.
January 10, 201114 yr I'd love for there to be a special Skyline location there, that served an expanded menu -- and possibly even Cincinnati beer. Probably not possible, but I can at least dream Is there anywhere currently in Cincinnati where you get get both Chili and local beer in the same place? I'd hate to think that the only bar that sells Cincy Chili and Beer is in Chicago... The Skyline locations downtown serve beer. and Price Hill Chili has a bar, so you can get a beer and chili there, too.
January 10, 201114 yr It’s happening on the river By Libby Korosec, Jan. 10, 2010 Cincinnati (January 10, 2010) — The Master Development Team of Carter and The Dawson Company announced today that four more tenants have signed leases for The Banks. The mixture of local, regional and national concepts will fill just over 16,000 square feet of space and provide entertainment and food offerings unique to the Greater Cincinnati area creating what will soon be Cincinnati’s premier place to live, work and play. The tenants are: Holy Grail Tavern & Grille – a sports bar concept that will offer the ability to watch almost any sporting event live and munch on their traditional tavern fare including their signature Reubon Wontons, award winning wings, and Blueberry Grail Ale. www.holygrailbanks.com Huey’s 24/7 Diner – a diner open round-the-clock that will offer traditional diner fare along with Big Easy favorites such as shrimp etouffee, jambalaya and red beans & rice. www.hueys247diner.com La Crepe Nanou – a romantic neighborhood bistro that will offer traditional French fare including signature crepes, cheese fondue, salads and moules fritas. www.lacrepenanou.com Wine Loft – An upscale wine bar offering 70 wines by the glass and over 250 wines by the bottle. The Wine Loft also offers spirits, beers, and international cuisine. www.thewineloft.net When combined with Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar & Grill, the leased space at The Banks first phase now totals close to 32,000 square feet which means approximately a third of the first phase retail space is leased. “These announcements further our plan to create a fun place that’s always happening and offers something for everyone,” said Trent Germano, The Banks’ developer. “Each concept brings a unique experience that when combined will create a dynamic, entertaining and fun place to be.” Three of the concepts – Huey’s, La Crepe Nanou and Wine Loft – are owned and operated by the Doyle Restaurant Group which is based in Louisiana. Jason Doyle, CEO of the Doyle Group, has been aggressively opening his concepts across the country. There are now 21 Wine Lofts and six La Crepe Nanou restaurants in some stage of development. “The Banks offers us the opportunity to be a part of a new and exciting redevelopment area and the live, work and play concept will be a good fit for our brands.” said Doyle. “Our mission is to create great social experiences and we are excited to further that mission in Cincinnati by bringing these new dining concepts to The Banks.” The Holy Grail is locally owned by the same group that owns and operates Holy Grails in Corryville and Delhi. The Banks’ Holy Grail concept will be an upscale bar centered around the ability to watch almost any live sporting event. “As lifelong residents of Cincinnati, we are excited to bring the first sports bar to the Banks Development and downtown and sit directly across from the entrance to Great American Ballpark,” said Jim Moehring a partner in the Holy Grail ownership group. The Banks will be Cincinnati’s largest single, mixed-use development composed of a dynamic blend of residential, office, hotel and retail components. Phase 1A of the riverfront development is under construction and will include a revised street grid, a parking facility and 300 apartments and 96,000 square feet of retail. In addition to creating a destination where people can live, work and play, The Banks will be the capstone for regional economic growth and urban revitalization. It will drive an estimated $600 million in private investment to Cincinnati’s riverfront and provide a place to live for more than 3,000 residents. Carter and Dawson are the master developers and equity partners. USAA Real Estate Company is the primary equity partner for this joint City / County development project.
January 10, 201114 yr I hope they add something that will give more of a breakfast and/or lunch option. I think it'd be great to be down at the banks and get a coffee outside along with a nice breakfast meal.
January 10, 201114 yr ^Taste from Belgium will be at the Freedom Center and have lunch and breakfast options.
January 10, 201114 yr I'd love for there to be a special Skyline location there, that served an expanded menu -- and possibly even Cincinnati beer. Probably not possible, but I can at least dream Is there anywhere currently in Cincinnati where you get get both Chili and local beer in the same place? I'd hate to think that the only bar that sells Cincy Chili and Beer is in Chicago... The Skyline locations downtown serve beer. and Price Hill Chili has a bar, so you can get a beer and chili there, too. Westside Chili in Bridgetown sells beer too.
January 10, 201114 yr ^Taste from Belgium will be at the Freedom Center and have lunch and breakfast options. For some reason I thought Taste of Belgium was working with 3CDC ... Would 3CDC direct tenants to the Banks? I guess it makes sense but I never thought of the two as being related.
January 11, 201114 yr Hello from a suburban guy (Liberty Twp) who is really excited about the banks. I love to come downtown and have enjoyed the renaissance of Fountain Square. Via Vite after a Reds game is a lot of fun. I don't think this is a zero sum game. The more and varied restaurants, bars, unique retail, etc. that is available, the more people will come to the city. The burb's are ok if you have lots of kids, but energy isn't there. I come downtown to find it.
January 11, 201114 yr Hello from a suburban guy (Liberty Twp) who is really excited about the banks. I love to come downtown and have enjoyed the renaissance of Fountain Square. Via Vite after a Reds game is a lot of fun. I don't think this is a zero sum game. The more and varied restaurants, bars, unique retail, etc. that is available, the more people will come to the city. The burb's are ok if you have lots of kids, but energy isn't there. I come downtown to find it. Welcome to UrbanOhio! You're right, energy is downtown.
January 13, 201114 yr Section of Theodore M. Berry Way to be permanently closed WHAT: A section of Theodore M. Berry Way permanently closes to all traffic. Work also begins on the remaining section of Freedom Way. Upon completion this fall, Freedom Way will complete the riverfront street grid and connect the eastern and western riverfront. WHEN: Monday, Jan. 17 at 9 AM. WHERE: The section of Theodore M. Berry Way between Vine Street (Rosa Parks Street) and Elm Street. WHY: * Closure of this section of Theodore M. Berry Way allows its removal to comply with The Banks Project Development Plan. * Removal will result in creation of 330 interim surface parking spaces until a garage on that site is constructed. * Closure allows construction work on The Banks development to proceed on time and within budget. IMPACT: * Traffic will be rerouted to ensure safe and convenient access to the Cincinnati Riverfront and to the Roebling Suspension Bridge. (See map here.) * Visitors to the Cincinnati Riverfront attractions and those using the Suspension Bridge need to be aware of the new routes, effective Jan. 17. * No changes to any METRO or TANK bus routes. "It's just fate, as usual, keeping its bargain and screwing us in the fine print..." - John Crichton
January 14, 201114 yr While we are rebuilding the street grid, we should name these roads in accordance with the rest of the street grid as well. If one more street name ends in "Way" I am going to puke.
January 14, 201114 yr Johnny Rockets to open ‘flagship’ restaurant at Banks Business Courier - by Dan Monk , Courier Senior Staff Reporter Date: Friday, January 14, 2011, 6:00am EST Johnny Rockets plans to roll out a new sports bar concept for Cincinnati’s Banks project. A vice president with the California-based burger joint confirms it is close to a lease agreement with Carter and the Dawson Co., master developers for the riverfront retail and apartment development. http://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/print-edition/2011/01/14/johnny-rockets-to-open-flagship.html
January 14, 201114 yr I am really hoping for a movie theater at the Banks. Does anyone know if that is a possibility?
January 14, 201114 yr I could see it as a possibility in future phases. Not the current phase though as they'd need it to be at least two stories. "It's just fate, as usual, keeping its bargain and screwing us in the fine print..." - John Crichton
January 14, 201114 yr Johnny Rockets to open flagship restaurant at Banks Business Courier - by Dan Monk , Courier Senior Staff Reporter Date: Friday, January 14, 2011, 6:00am EST Johnny Rockets plans to roll out a new sports bar concept for Cincinnatis Banks project. A vice president with the California-based burger joint confirms it is close to a lease agreement with Carter and the Dawson Co., master developers for the riverfront retail and apartment development. http://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/print-edition/2011/01/14/johnny-rockets-to-open-flagship.html That is good news. The Banks is obviously becoming an appropriate place for this type of concept. And DT needs more chains like this IMO.
January 14, 201114 yr Is the Johnny Rockets at Newport on the Levee still there? “All truly great thoughts are conceived while walking.” -Friedrich Nietzsche
January 14, 201114 yr Yes. Per the extended article, "Johnny Rockets has existing locations in Kenwood and Newport on the Levee, where the company is now negotiating a lease renewal." "It's just fate, as usual, keeping its bargain and screwing us in the fine print..." - John Crichton
January 14, 201114 yr The Banks is turning into the place to go one game day, whether you have tickets or not. Darn those blackouts!
January 14, 201114 yr I like the full breakfast menu. And by the little sketch it looks like there will be outdoor seating. So that answers my request of having a outdoor breakfast place...now hopefully the breakfast is good :)
January 14, 201114 yr Johnny Rockets to open ‘flagship’ restaurant at Banks Business Courier - by Dan Monk , Courier Senior Staff Reporter Date: Friday, January 14, 2011, 6:00am EST Johnny Rockets plans to roll out a new sports bar concept for Cincinnati’s Banks project. A vice president with the California-based burger joint confirms it is close to a lease agreement with Carter and the Dawson Co., master developers for the riverfront retail and apartment development. http://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/print-edition/2011/01/14/johnny-rockets-to-open-flagship.html Wait, they're planning on being open by opening day? That's 2.5 months from now. Can they really do that with a new concept store? I know I'm naive on Restaurant operations, but I find that impressive. When is "The Banks" in general supposed to open? I am really hoping for a movie theater at the Banks. Does anyone know if that is a possibility? I think The Banks is a little too close to Newport's theater to make that possible. It's not really a difficult walk. As for a independent theater...maybe. But I think that'd be better suited closer to OTR. That give's me a great idea for the Emery Theatre.
January 14, 201114 yr ^The single screen business model for a movie theatre doesn't work. Now a movie theatre at "Courthouse Square" a new mixed used development that I just made up in the numerous parking lots along Walnut and Central Pkwy across from the Emery could work. This fictitious plan would also eliminate the parking in the esplanade along court and make it a park.
January 14, 201114 yr ^The single screen business model for a movie theatre doesn't work. Now a movie theatre at "Courthouse Square" a new mixed used development that I just made up in the numerous parking lots along Walnut and Central Pkwy across from the Emery could work. This fictitious plan would also eliminate the parking in the esplanade along court and make it a park. I had thought of something similar when Playhouse in the Park was looking to move. Just change Playhouse to Movie Theatre http://queencitysurvey.blogspot.com/2008/10/raise-rutherford_27.html
January 14, 201114 yr ^The single screen business model for a movie theatre doesn't work. Now a movie theatre at "Courthouse Square" a new mixed used development that I just made up in the numerous parking lots along Walnut and Central Pkwy across from the Emery could work. This fictitious plan would also eliminate the parking in the esplanade along court and make it a park. I had thought of something similar when Playhouse in the Park was looking to move. Just change Playhouse to Movie Theatre http://queencitysurvey.blogspot.com/2008/10/raise-rutherford_27.html Very similar and interesting plan, which I apparently saw three years ago, commented on, forgot I saw and pretended I made it up.
January 14, 201114 yr ^ But you called it Courthouse Square (instead of Playhouse Square), so it's different! ;-P
January 19, 201114 yr Johnny Rockets Sports Bar? I am sorry I can't get into these crap concepts. I don't want NOTL Part II on the Ohio side.
January 19, 201114 yr Johnny Rockets Sports Bar? I am sorry I can't get into these crap concepts. I don't want NOTL Part II on the Ohio side. Thats what it is going to be. Except for a better mix of uses and an actual integration into an urban fabric instead of an island development ala NOTL. So atleast its a more authentic form. Even if it is filled with unauthentic establishments.
January 19, 201114 yr I am really hoping for a movie theater at the Banks. Does anyone know if that is a possibility? I think The Banks is a little too close to Newport's theater to make that possible. It's not really a difficult walk. As for a independent theater...maybe. But I think that'd be better suited closer to OTR. That give's me a great idea for the Emery Theatre. An even better fit would be Tower Place. Indoor malls aren't exactly the rage these days, but movie theaters require large indoor spaces. Assuming that the space could be adapted, a large movie theater near Fountain Square would fit quite well. I totally agree that the Banks is too close to NOTL for 2 theaters to survive. You're right that it is quite walkable.
January 19, 201114 yr Discussion regarding the Freedom Center has been moved to the appropriate thread: Cincinnati: Downtown - National Underground Railroad Freedom Center: http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php/topic,5216.0.html “All truly great thoughts are conceived while walking.” -Friedrich Nietzsche
January 19, 201114 yr I figured that would be moved- although at the root, my key argument was whether the Freedom Center would benefit from more growth at the Banks. It got way on a tangent, but I do think the growth potential is related and it will be interesting to see how it turns out once the riverfront is built out fully. Moving right along! :)
January 19, 201114 yr Moving right along! :) To photos! From today: "It's just fate, as usual, keeping its bargain and screwing us in the fine print..." - John Crichton
January 20, 201114 yr ^ Don't know if its just me, but now that a fair amount of the buildings are finished from the outside I think its looking better than how the renderings depicted it.
January 20, 201114 yr ^ Don't know if its just me, but now that a fair amount of the buildings are finished from the outside I think its looking better than how the renderings depicted it. I agree. I'm still going to tell people that I hate them, because I'm a bitter historicist. But it does look better than the renderings.
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