June 4, 20187 yr Until/unless the county agrees to let residents park in the underground garage, there's no way around that. Why couldn't they park there? They have monthly spaces available. Most apartment buildings don't come with free parking. These residents could pay to park in the Banks garage just like you or me.
June 4, 20187 yr ^ I think the monthly spaces available at The Banks garages have limited hours. You have to be out by a certain time when the Reds have home games, if it's a day game there's no reentry after noon, etc. If you lived there, you could live with that, but it's not ideal. The garage could seemingly offer residents a non-restricted parking pass for a higher monthly price, but I'd bet there's some sort of red tape in place preventing that.
June 4, 20187 yr Don't get me wrong, I think it's incredibly stupid that we keep building additional above-ground parking garages on top of North America's largest underground parking garage. It's been a few years since I've looked at these details but I think the County insisted that the apartment buildings have their own parking garages so residents don't take up spaces in the underground garage so that they can maximize their game day parking revenues. Ideally the developers would built an apartment building with no included parking and tell residents to buy a monthly parking pass in the underground garage if they want/need a parking space. But like Ram said, I don't think the monthly passes are 24/7, they are only valid during typical business hours so that the county can make additional money off of those spaces on evenings and weekends.
June 4, 20187 yr I'm as annoyed as the rest of you about how much parking is down at The Banks, but did any of you see that the article says the developers are requesting: "A zoning waiver for micro and studio unit parking requirements, that no parking spaces be required." Given the constraint of not being able to use the underground garages, this seems like a pretty good proposal, with decent density and not excessive parking. Ideally, I'd rather see County to agree to modifying the terms of the underground garages, so we don't build ANY above ground parking at The Banks.
June 4, 20187 yr I'm as annoyed as the rest of you about how much parking is down at The Banks, but did any of you see that the article says the developers are requesting: "A zoning waiver for micro and studio unit parking requirements, that no parking spaces be required." Given the constraint of not being able to use the underground garages, this seems like a pretty good proposal, with decent density and not excessive parking. Ideally, I'd rather see County to agree to modifying the terms of the underground garages, so we don't build ANY above ground parking at The Banks. Yes, it's insane that we require any parking for micro and studio units. Ideally, there would be no required parking in downtown zoning districts. That's what they do in smart, progressive cities.
June 6, 20187 yr ugh. this just makes me sick: https://www.cincinnati.com/story/money/2018/06/06/bengals-threaten-veto-proposed-site-new-concert-venue-banks/678457002/ Bob Bedinghaus, the team's director of business development, told Councilman David Mann that the Bengals want to preserve the site for tailgating and would veto a concert venue at Lot 27.
June 6, 20187 yr Benagals will veto lot 26 for use of music venue because they want to preserve tailgating area...so goodbye concert venue at banks?
June 6, 20187 yr Yup those 8 games per year should really get a priority over something with much greater use. And that means they can basically veto anything proposed for those blocks then? So then they have no incentive to allow anything to be built there because they want it to remain their "tailgate lot". Absolutely absurd...on land they dont own while playing in a stadium they didnt pay for.
June 6, 20187 yr I really wish we could just say "good riddance" to the Bengals and redevelop Paul Brown Stadium into the new MLS stadium. It would solve so many problems with one move.
June 6, 20187 yr I imagine they're going to use it as a way to squeeze more money out of the county/city. Hopefully it doesn't mean moving the venue onto lot 24.
June 6, 20187 yr My question would be, why would the bengals bring up this issue now instead of a month ago when promoters we’re asked to present bids to the city. Does anyone else think it sounds fishy that it’s only being discussed now?
June 6, 20187 yr Is there plan to veto anything that could potentially go on that lot? Or is this just for the music venue? Because clearly from the beginning the plan was to cover all of the land between the stadiums with garage underneath and development on top. The Bengals were never going to be able to keep their tailgating lots, more then half are already gone. Also who they hell thought it was a good idea to give the Bengals veto power over anything? They want a seat at the discussion table? Sure why not you are right there next to the development (though as a free tenant, not a property owner). But giving Mike Brown the ability to use this veto power to weasel more money out of the city/county was just another idiotic mistake by our elected officials. He used this veto power on the height of the GE building to get new scoreboards. I'm sure he'll use this to get the city/county to pay for something else they don't deserve.
June 6, 20187 yr This is simply a bargaining chip/favor. The whole music venue thing has been fishy from the beginning. The NFL is the biggest thing going on in the United States. A sold-out Bengals game is 20x bigger than a sold-out concert. Plus 8 million people are watching on TV versus zero.
June 7, 20187 yr I'm not sure that urban NFL stadiums work as well as urban ballparks or soccer stadiums. The NFL still seems to have a much more suburban mentality as we see here with the "we need a place to tailgate" comment.
June 7, 20187 yr I think the Bengals are using this as a bargaining chip of some sort. They probably want to use it for pregame/postgame concerts - some sort of arrangement that allows them to keep all the revenue but forces the operator to put on the show for free. Something along the lines of "If we can't tailgate there, you have to put on concerts for us."
June 7, 20187 yr Mike Brown and the Bengals can suck it and leave. There is no reason a mediocre half ass sports team should have any say over development of any land whatsoever unless they personally own it!!! Elected officials even entertaining this is complete bullshit.
June 7, 20187 yr Benagals will veto lot 26 for use of music venue because they want to preserve tailgating area...so goodbye concert venue at banks? No, just "Hello Bengals having full access to the venue 10 days a year." They want the green space for tailgating so it isn't the worst thing to not schedule events 10 days out of 365 so the Bengals can do what the want. I could see them hosting their own tailgate concerts and keeping concession revenue.
June 7, 20187 yr I have heard this from two viable sources now. Mike Brown is using this to prevent CSO from doing the development. The organization wants PromoWest, because they can do pre-NFL events at the space. The tailgating excuse is just easy to use to get what developer they want in the deal. If this is true, I actually applauded the crude Mike Brown for going around ole blue blood Castellini and trying to get the outside group to build the venue.
June 7, 20187 yr Momentum building at The Banks; new "Escape Game'' venue will be next addition to lineup https://www.cincinnati.com/story/money/2018/06/07/escape-game-banks-add-new-entertainment-venue-its-lineup/676665002/ These escape rooms are really popular in other parts of the city. If they can get tap into all the businesses downtown and get them to do team building exercises then I think they could do well at the banks. Another noteworthy drop in the article is that the banks leasing company JR Anderson says they're close to a deal to develop a new building on the pad across from Yard House. They would own the building and part of the restaurant's operation which they say will be a unique concept, not a "Yard House II." With this news along with the concert venue and the proposed renderings of the block south of GE there is a lot of potential movement at the banks. Now we just have to hope the city, county and steering committee don't screw it all up and kill this momentum.
June 7, 20187 yr This may sound silly but I honestly think the escape room will be an awesome addition for the banks. Much better than another generic chain restaurant/bar...this at least gives variety. I’m still hoping we can at least get some major retail brands to locate at the banks, and or venues like a comedy club. Cincy needs more entertainment variety that isn’t a constant cycle of bars/restaurants.
June 7, 20187 yr This may sound silly but I honestly think the escape room will be an awesome addition for the banks. Much better than another generic chain restaurant/bar...this at least gives variety. I’m still hoping we can at least get some major retail brands to locate at the banks, and or venues like a comedy club. Cincy needs more entertainment variety that isn’t a constant cycle of bars/restaurants. Comedy club would go great and perfect space for it would be the backside of phase one by the event lawn. That space has never been built out or leased but would be big enough to accomodate event space and kitchen.
June 7, 20187 yr I have heard this from two viable sources now. Mike Brown is using this to prevent CSO from doing the development. The organization wants PromoWest, because they can do pre-NFL events at the space. The tailgating excuse is just easy to use to get what developer they want in the deal. If this is true, I actually applauded the crude Mike Brown for going around ole blue blood Castellini and trying to get the outside group to build the venue. If true, I agree.
June 7, 20187 yr Yeah...I can't imagine he actually opposes a concert venue here. It's not like it's stealing some overlap market with PBS. I despise the guy, but at the same time the CSO proposal is weak. A means to a better end I guess...
June 7, 20187 yr I have heard this from two viable sources now. Mike Brown is using this to prevent CSO from doing the development. The organization wants PromoWest, because they can do pre-NFL events at the space. Please God let this be true.
June 11, 20187 yr The city is conducting a "curb analysis", that aims to "improve how all modes of transportation use the curb space". As part of the study (which was funded in part through Uber), they'll be looking 2nd St and Freedom Way, between Main and Vine. (Additionally, they will also be looking at Walnut between 5th and 8th). https://www.cincinnati-oh.gov/dote/news/consultant-to-analyze-vehicle-pedestrian-usage-of-curb-space-downtown/#.Wx6ohM91kCQ.twitter
June 11, 20187 yr The Banks, Newport on the Levee draw heavy interest from retailers During the largest retail real estate convention of the year, the Banks in downtown Cincinnati and Newport on the Levee drew attention from a number of potential new tenants. More below: https://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2018/06/11/the-banks-newport-on-the-levee-draw-heavy-interest.html "You don't just walk into a bar and mix it up by calling a girl fat" - buildingcincinnati speaking about new forumers
June 11, 20187 yr County votes to give symphony Banks music venue Hamilton County commissioners recommended Monday that the proposed music venue at the Banks go to a subsidiary of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra despite objections to the proposed location by the Cincinnati Bengals. Hamilton County Commissioner Todd Portune, a Democrat and the commission’s president, downplayed the Bengals’ problems with the use of lots 27 and 23. The team says it wants the venue to be on Lot 24, which currently is slated to be residential housing. The Bengals do not have veto power over the usage of the currently vacant lots, Portune said. “The development guidelines trigger a necessity to consult them, a seat at the table,” Portune told reporters after the county commissioners’ unanimous vote. “They don’t give them the right to kill a project.” More below: https://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2018/06/11/county-votes-to-give-symphony-banks-music-venue.html "You don't just walk into a bar and mix it up by calling a girl fat" - buildingcincinnati speaking about new forumers
June 21, 20186 yr City Council gives music venue at the Banks to symphony, but its ultimate fate remains unclear The Cincinnati City Council voted unanimously Wednesday to award the proposed music venue at the Banks to Music and Event Management Inc., the subsidiary of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra that also programs Riverbend Music Center, PNC Pavilion and the Taft Theatre. Council approved the measure without debate and Mayor John Cranley made no comments about it. More below: https://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2018/06/20/city-council-gives-music-venue-at-the-banks-to.html "You don't just walk into a bar and mix it up by calling a girl fat" - buildingcincinnati speaking about new forumers
June 21, 20186 yr City Council gives music venue at the Banks to symphony, but its ultimate fate remains unclear ugh. I truly don't understand this choice.
June 21, 20186 yr Giving the venue to MEMI instead of Promowest is arguably a mistake. Locating the venue on Lot 24 instead of Lot 27 is inarguably a mistake. That would be the easy move since it already has the parking podium constructed, but very short sighted.
June 21, 20186 yr Putting the venue on lot 24 should not even be an option. That's by far the biggest lot left and should go to more housing. They've already messed up picking MEMI over Promowest, please don't make further bad decisions government officials.
June 21, 20186 yr Cant they get the Bengals to approve the lot by making the event to their advantage. For example, let the Bengals have use of the center for free on game days for tailgate and pregame parties to their fans with tix. maybe the city can create another lot someplace else around the stadium that is good for tailgaters I thought there was not supposed to be a lot in the long term Banks vision anyway, so I cant see why the Bengals will have a beef.
June 21, 20186 yr This is so bizarre, and I'm sure we aren't getting the full story. I don't understand a) how this passed Council unanimously without comment despite several members voicing concerns earlier, b) Cranley made no comments despite previously preferring the PromoWest, and c) no clear (public) decision about which location the venue will use. Something else must be going on behind the scenes.
June 23, 20186 yr Sorry if this is slightly off topic..But I went down to the Banks last night (instead of typically going out to otr on a friday night) with a group of friends to check out the night life. I got to admit, the area definitely feels more "alive"..The few clubs/bars in the area, mixed in with some of the late night eateries (like jimmy johns), and hotel nearby definitely gave it a really lively vibe, even at 2am. Maybe, because there were alot of cubs fans down there...who knows honestly...But I honestly see a light for the banks. It definitely needs more 24/7 activity aside from gamedays, but the area definitely feels like it has evolved from where it was a few years ago IMO. Still a long way to go, but I'm impressed regardless (again, I probably haven't been down to the banks in over a year since today).... I would also add that the banks felt WAY safer than probably 90% of the areas in the urban core (aside from maybe say mt adams). There is a serious police presence down at the banks, and I truly feel they need to borrow some of these officers and have them patrol otr during the busy weekend nights. I sort of get, WHY suburbanites like to party down there. It definitely feels more calm, and safe, versus a more built urban neighborhood like OTR...Its not necessarily a bad thing honestly. I feel like it's maybe good to have a mixture to cater to those who want something a little less urban, and more urban lite.
June 23, 20186 yr It definitely helps that last night was both Friday night fireworks and the cubs were in town. That is about as lively as it gets outside of special holidays/events. I think the banks fills a certain niche very well as you describe, we just need more venues and events besides just sporting events to keep people down there all year round. I also agree that the hotel has helped, are any of the other lots planned or available for hotels? Cincinnati needs more hotel rooms, and because of its safe and clean feeling the banks would be a good location for them.
June 23, 20186 yr Mt. Adams is pretty dead these days. Longworth's closed and you no longer see throngs of people bar hopping. Cabs no longer clog St. Gregory St. OTR has become the hub of Cincinnati bar hopping to the detriment of Mt. Adams and The Banks.
June 23, 20186 yr Maybe....but Mt Adams pavilion is still a huge draw. All 3 floors are always packed.
June 23, 20186 yr Maybe....but Mt Adams pavilion is still a huge draw. All 3 floors are always packed. Packed with 19 year olds.
June 24, 20186 yr Mt Adams has never been a place for 19 year olds. At least not since the 70's. The Pavilion is a millennial bar. VIP tables, fancy drinks. But, Mt. Adams is down for the count compared to 20 years ago.
June 25, 20186 yr The banks is pretty crowded every weekend now even if there isn't any event going on. Holy Grail, The Stretch, Tin Roof and Jefferson Social have there crowds who consistently come every weekend now. It's definitely a different scene then OTR, more broey, suburbaney and kentucky-ey then OTR. I'll be interested to see how the place going into the Crave space does, I'm guessing that will close in less then two years but hope I'm wrong. Right now the bar scene is pretty solid at the banks but as they build more on the western side more bars can be added. Of the restaurants Moerlein and Yard house are pretty crowded consistently from happy hour through dinner. Jimmy Johns and BurgerFi seem to be doing well and are smartly open late-night on the weekend. Ruth's Chris has the upscale location down and Condado's has been a huge hit. We'll see how Joella's does. They're a new type of food down there which is nice and they're open until 12 on weekends which will give them some extra business. Taste of Belgium seems to be doing well but it's definitely off by itself away from the crowd. Pies and Pints I definitely worry about as it's completely off on an island right now. If/hopefully when they build the music venue and additional apartments it will help push more of the crowd to that side of the museum. I completely agree that I want to see at least one more hotel built at the banks. The city needs more hotels and it's an easy way to get more foot traffic in the area. Another office tower would also be nice but for some reason they're still hoping to get one tenant to take the entire space on Walnut. It hasn't happened yet and likely isn't going to happen so they just need to build the building and lease out the space to multiple tenants. More bars and restaurants can and will obviously be built as the west side of the banks is built out but hopefully they can find some quality retail to go in as well. Overall the banks has definitely come a long way and it's as strong right now as it's ever been. Hopefully the city/county don't waste this momentum as that area still has a lot of space to build out.
June 25, 20186 yr Mt Adams has never been a place for 19 year olds. At least not since the 70's. The Pavilion is a millennial bar. VIP tables, fancy drinks. But, Mt. Adams is down for the count compared to 20 years ago. The bars in Mount Adams screwed up two summers ago. They started getting desperate for more business, and then started promoting to a rough crowd that tends to create more issues that are more severe. Loaded guns, robberies, car thefts etc. This crowd created alot of issues and the cops kept getting called up on the hill. Finally all the college kids who use to frequent Mount Adams gave up on the area and found new places to party. Since then the bars stopped doing certain promotions and hoping the crowds will come back. Pavilion is still going but I wouldnt call it a millennial bar, it was popular before millennials could drink. If anything I see a lot of Gen X in there on early weekends and overall mixed crowd. Crowleys is still kicking mostly local and older crowd. Hightail is a new bar 3EG opened, Chapter is still going, Longworths closed and has been closed. Tavern on the Hill still keeps a regular crowd. Monks Tavern still going. Blind Lemon keeps the older crowd happy, and Yesterdays is still up and going as well.
June 25, 20186 yr The only draw for mt Adams is the pavilion imo. It’s a legitimately a great club and has an unbeatable atmosphere compared to the rest of the competition in cincy. The problem is that otr is way closer to Uber for uc kids...and there are way more variety of clubs to go to...even if you aren’t in the mood for a club, places like 16 bit, and (soon) Pins add variety to the crowd who want to do more than just drink. And even if you don’t want to do that you will have craft breweries like 3 points, Platform, Rheingeist, etc to drink at. You can go to otr and bar hope for 6 hours straight and not get board because of the sheer variety of drinking options. That’s the biggest x factor imo.
June 25, 20186 yr Mt Adams will be fine. There are too many bars there now, and many of them opened in the last 10 years. Throughout most of the 80s and 90s it was a mix of young bar goers and the upper crusty people who frequented the wine bar and places like the Fish House. Longworths leaving created a void in the scene, but what will happen it that it will eventually revert to more of a sleepy arts, bar community where people go to the neighborhood bars and more restaurants to cater to Playhouse patrons, etc. It will be a smaller bar district focused more on food and art than it has become lately. There will still be the corner watering holes like Crowleys and Yesterdays but less places like Monks and Next Chapter.
July 18, 20186 yr No listing price, and no actual sale yet... but the Radius building is being marketed for sale: https://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2018/07/18/exclusive-radius-at-the-banks-apartments-listed.html?ana=twt I've been disappointed with Carter, so I'd be happy if Carter sold all their property at The Banks.
August 21, 20186 yr https://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2018/08/21/county-decides-where-it-wants-banks-music-venue.html?ana=e_cinci_bn_breakingnews&u=9YB82WFtnl1D7%2FyTNOuvAQ0be8c4a0&t=1534886559&j=83402061 Lots 23, 27 and 28. So basically what was originally proposed, and much better than Lot 24.
August 22, 20186 yr County decides where it wants Banks music venue Hamilton County commissioners decided Tuesday that they want to build the Banks music venue on lots adjacent to Paul Brown Stadium, setting up a potential dispute with the Cincinnati Bengals. County commissioners unanimously told Administrator Jeff Aluotto to start planning a development agreement with Music and Event Management Inc. for lots 23, 27 and 28 of the Banks. MEMI, whose parent company is the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, was named as the preferred developer for the music venue by both the city and the county earlier this year. “We need to get that work going,” said Commissioner Todd Portune, a Democrat, of the venue. More below: https://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2018/08/21/county-decides-where-it-wants-banks-music-venue.html "You don't just walk into a bar and mix it up by calling a girl fat" - buildingcincinnati speaking about new forumers
August 22, 20186 yr I know this sounds like an asshole comment, but I could careless about this music venue. They need to focus on Lot 24 and getting that developed.
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