And Hudepohl smokestack!

 

Pretty incredible that I unintentionally got that in the shot, right between the two elevator shafts. In six months, it will be totally hidden from this angle.

 

Is Greg Hardman still trying to move the smokestack to save it from demolition? Where could it be moved to? Do you think it they could move it to the Schmidlap event lawn by the Lager House? I think that would give the Banks a lot more authentic flavor and add a key vertical element.  Or what about in OTR on the lot next to, or across from the tap room? Would that be OK for the historic district or would it clash with the church steeples?

 

On top of the north suspension bridge tower. 

 

And Hudepohl smokestack!

 

Pretty incredible that I unintentionally got that in the shot, right between the two elevator shafts. In six months, it will be totally hidden from this angle.

 

Is Greg Hardman still trying to move the smokestack to save it from demolition? Where could it be moved to? Do you think it they could move it to the Schmidlap event lawn by the Lager House? I think that would give the Banks a lot more authentic flavor and add a key vertical element.  Or what about in OTR on the lot next to, or across from the tap room? Would that be OK for the historic district or would it clash with the church steeples?

 

On top of the north suspension bridge tower.

 

Maybe in the roundabout with the lonely lamppost you have commented on in the past?

 

That roundabout does need something though. Maybe not that, but something.

You beat me to it.  I was thinking in the roundabout too.

The building that's still attached to the bottom of that smokestack would make for a great craft brewery. It's a little off the beaten path, and would be very expensive to fix, but it has some great spaces.

And Hudepohl smokestack!

 

Pretty incredible that I unintentionally got that in the shot, right between the two elevator shafts. In six months, it will be totally hidden from this angle.

 

Is Greg Hardman still trying to move the smokestack to save it from demolition? Where could it be moved to? Do you think it they could move it to the Schmidlap event lawn by the Lager House? I think that would give the Banks a lot more authentic flavor and add a key vertical element.  Or what about in OTR on the lot next to, or across from the tap room? Would that be OK for the historic district or would it clash with the church steeples?

 

On top of the north suspension bridge tower.

 

Maybe in the roundabout with the lonely lamppost you have commented on in the past?

 

That roundabout does need something though. Maybe not that, but something.

 

Did y'all notice they put up some directional signage on that lamp post. It now has a purpose!

Are the top of the concrete elevator shafts going to be the top of the building?  Of course I know it will be maybe 20 feet higher than that in the end but just wanted to confirm the elevator shafts aren't going any higher?

They're complete. The building, as you stated, will extend slightly higher than that through mechanical penthouses and the parapet wall to hide them, but actual occupied levels will go as high as the existing elevator shafts.

With 16-Bit Bar+Arcade announcing it's opening by the end of April, has there been any movement on the other announced arcade/bar, Two Bits? There looks to be no renovations going on at the former Wine Guy location...

 

http://www.cincinnati.com/story/news/2014/12/16/second-restaurant-banks-closes-replacement-coming/20478595/

 

Called Two Bits... a different concept from the same owners as Tin Roof.

 

"Two Bits' locating at The Banks is contingent upon the two parties signing a lease agreement. It is expected that agreement will be reached soon. Two Bits hopes to be open by the next Reds Opening Day."

The second floor of the GE building is currently being framed and it looks like it is part of the neighboring apartment building... Did I/am I missing something??

The first three floors of GE and The Banks Phase II apartments are a shared base. The buildings separate above that.

There is separation between the two buildings from the ground up as seen in jwulsin[/member]'s photo below. I've just never read anywhere that the GE building would contain a floor of apartments.

 

From this July 2014 Enquirer article:

The building with nearly 338,000 square feet of office space is expected to open for operations in 2016. GE's building will be built adjacent to a building featuring nearly 300 apartments and 20,000 square feet of retail space.

 

...

 

Blaylock said the building will feature a cafe in the lobby, a third-floor terrace for employees and an outdoor space for workers. Offices will feature window glass allowing abundant natural light to filter through the building. People outside the building will be able to see activity inside, he said.

 

There won't be apartments, but architecturally the base is going to be continuous up to the third floor.

Actually, that has changed.  They cut the base from 3 floors to two and the building height from 10 to 9 floors.

 

Original rendering:

 

 

Revised rendering:

 

Ah yes, thanks for the info. I didn't notice it changed. So the base is continuous architecturally to the second floor then the two buildings will separate more stylistically and physically from there up.

Correct.

 

Does anyone remember the first rendering for Phase 2?

 

IT WAS SO AWFUL. 

 

Yesterday my vantage point was of the north side of the building and it looked like they were framing for patio doors. Weather today permitted a visit and these now appear to be offices / conference rooms.

It was a nice day for a walk. Two things: I like that there are no columns on the corners of the GE floor plates, and I'm glad that the wavy side will still be glazing, because as of now it looks like small windows punched out of a big solid wall, spandrel will at least be shiny

Correct.

 

Does anyone remember the first rendering for Phase 2?

 

IT WAS SO AWFUL. 

 

 

I actually think this version had the most potential. The wavy facade continuing between both buildings was something I wish the GE building acknowledged in its design. But beyond that the facade of the wavy portion had a higher level of detailing. It had depth to it and wasn't just a series of flat panels with windows in it.

 

Though the colors/materials on the rest of the building were...questionable, the increased fragmentation of the building towards the top was actually somewhat unique and interesting. I wish that aspect had been retained in some manner in the design that's being built.

GE's Immelt: The Banks will attract best talent

Alexander Coolidge, [email protected] 1:18 a.m. EDT March 16, 2015

 

 

General Electric CEO Jeffrey Immelt says the company chose to put its North American shared services center at The Banks because it was an "exciting" project that would help him attract the best talent.

 

Returning from Cairo to speak in Cincinnati, Immelt answered via email wide-ranging questions on his nearly 14-year tenure running the conglomerate and parent of Evendale's GE Aviation, which employs 7,500 in Greater Cincinnati.

 

http://www.cincinnati.com/story/news/2015/03/15/ges-immelt-banks-will-attract-best-talent/24830863/

Walked by today and doors were open for interior painting. In business by Opening Day??

 

City Forgives Part of Mahogany's Loan

 

Cincinnati taxpayers will forgive nearly two-thirds of the $300,000 loan they gave Liz Rogers to open the failed Mahogany's restaurant under a deal announced Tuesday evening by City Manager Harry Black.

 

The deal:

 

* Restructures the loan repayment obligation to $100,000, which is to be repaid in monthly installments of $800. Rogers previously paid $16,131. That means the city is forgiving about $183,869, based on a February update provided by the city.

 

* Calls for Rogers to relinquish her agreement with The Banks, her mortgage on the property in Hamilton where her first restaurant was located and her life insurance policies.

 

"This represents the most realistic means for the city to recoup monies owed," Black wrote Tuesday in a memo to City Council.

 

Cont

http://goo.gl/maps/w2scS

 

Historical context:

 

Between the March Madness games and the Eric Church concert at US Bank Arena, The Banks was packed on Saturday. I can't wait for the area to fully built out.

Carter names local real estate veteran as Banks project executive

Tom Demeropolis - Senior Staff Reporter - Cincinnati Business Courier

 

For the first time since the start of the Banks project in April 2008, the project’s lead developer named a local project executive to oversee the development.

 

Carter, which serves as master developer for the Banks, named Dan McCarthy as project executive of Cincinnati’s largest mixed-use development. McCarthy has more than a decade of experience in project and construction management.

 

In this newly created position, McCarthy will identify and lead new development opportunities and assist Carter’s project team on day-to-day execution and project delivery. He’ll also support Carter’s construction efforts for Phase II of the project, which includes residential, retail and General Electric Co.’s nearly 340,000-square-foot office building.

 

Cont

It'll be great to have a local manager, and he seems to have great background:

 

Prior to joining Carter, McCarthy was development manager for Over-the-Rhine-based Core Resources Inc. There, he was responsible for managing all facets of development for more than 40 projects in eight states. Before that, McCarthy served as assistant development manager at Eagle Realty Group, where he oversaw project, marketing and leasing for Great American Tower at Queen City Square, a $340 million, 41-story class A office tower in downtown Cincinnati.

McCarthy is currently chair of Urban Land Institute Cincinnati and has been an executive committee member since 2006.

AC Hotels May Open Second Regional Location at The Banks

By Randy A. Simes ― April 1, 2015

 

 

The Banks development team is close to finally securing a hotel at the multi-billion dollar development, according to multiple sources close to the project. After years of failed starts and negotiations, UrbanCincy has learned that AC Hotels by Marriott is the hotel now being eyed for the prominent central riverfront location.

 

The news is yet to be officially announced or confirmed by The Banks development team, but UrbanCincy has confirmed the information over the last week with individuals who have requested to remain anonymous due to the ongoing negotiations taking place.

 

http://www.urbancincy.com/

^Good news that the hotel is finally moving forward.

According to those sources close to the project, the AC Hotel at The Banks would be a seven-story structure with a rooftop bar named AC Lounge.

That it's only seven stories is disappointing. That spot could support a much taller building, helping break up the monotony of the first phase Banks architecture. Hopefully the exterior design makes up for its lack of height. Some AC Hotels are really nicely designed, but some are lackluster... like the one they're building in Chicago:

7 stories may be the height restriction for The Banks. Remember that downtown property owners did not want very tall buildings at The Banks because it would block their views and give them competition.

A few photos from this morning. Windows and balcony doors are going in. The third floor on the north side appears to have a terrace, which will be nice, since there aren't as many balconies on that facade. Along the southern facade, it's interesting how the second floor appears continuous between GE and the apartment building.

7 stories may be the height restriction for The Banks. Remember that downtown property owners did not want very tall buildings at The Banks because it would block their views and give them competition.

 

The new apartment building is 9 stories and the office building is 11 (but office 11 is more like residential 13-14).  I think the hotel is definitely allowed to be 10 stories on Main, and likely a 4 story wrap around along the park side.  If it's an AC Hotel it won't be giant.  The average currently existing AC Hotel is 113 rooms, and the in development AC hotels average 173 rooms.  The Westin downtown is around 450 and the new Renaissance is 323.

^Good news that the hotel is finally moving forward.

According to those sources close to the project, the AC Hotel at The Banks would be a seven-story structure with a rooftop bar named AC Lounge.

That it's only seven stories is disappointing. That spot could support a much taller building, helping break up the monotony of the first phase Banks architecture. Hopefully the exterior design makes up for its lack of height. Some AC Hotels are really nicely designed, but some are lackluster... like the one they're building in Chicago:

 

Try telling that to Mike Brown, he may want to extort more money out of the county before he approves something larger.  I have a feeling that's a factor.  (what a scumbag too)

Along the southern facade, it's interesting how the second floor appears continuous between GE and the apartment building.

 

Brief conversation on this one page back beginning here.

I always wondered why the city and county decided to put a restaurant building (Yardhouse) on such prime real estate?  It seems you could make much better use by extending the apartments over this area 7-8 stories and having the Yardhouse inside?

I always wondered why the city and county decided to put a restaurant building (Yardhouse) on such prime real estate?  It seems you could make much better use by extending the apartments over this area 7-8 stories and having the Yardhouse inside?

I'm pretty sure the Freedom Center lobbied successfully for that area to only have 1-story buildings, so that the views of (and from) the Freedom Center would be unobstructed.

Is there any plans for the opposite end of where Yard House is?

Another restaurant, eventually. I was thinking that World of Beer would choose this site, but they chose Rookwood instead.

Not that this has anything to do with the AC Hotels article yesterday, but there was a crew at the hotel pad location removing the wrap from the fence surrounding the site. Before it was pictures/lease advertisements for The Banks. It has been up since 2011 and was quite faded. They replaced it with a plain green wrap.

I am curious to see what the AC Hotel site plan looks like. Since they eliminated the townhomes from The Banks, the hotel could fill that space, perhaps with meeting rooms or a hotel restaurant. However, AC Hotels apparently don't have a restaurant on site, so I'm not sure what they would do with that space. Maybe luxury townhome-like suites!

Get a first look inside the new restaurant in Mahogany’s old space: SLIDESHOW

Andy Brownfield - Reporter - Cincinnati Business Courier

 

The former site of embattled soul food restaurant Mahogany's at the Banks has new life as the owners of neighboring Holy Grail open an Italian comfort food concept in the space.

 

Santo Graal – Italian for "holy grail" – hosted a soft opening on April 2 and is now open for business in the 3,250-square-foot space in phase 1 of the Banks. The space formerly housed Mahogany's, which closed in mid-September 2014.

 

"Business down here is fantastic," co-owner Jim Moehring told me. "We still think it’s in its infancy stage, but it’s been nothing short of phenomenal over the last four years."

 

Cont

Another restaurant, eventually. I was thinking that World of Beer would choose this site, but they chose Rookwood instead.

 

World of Beer has 2 Columbus locations (with a 3rd announced). I don't see why they couldn't open a second Cincinnati location at the Banks.

They might opt out of The Banks because there is a World of Beer at Rookwood already, and there is a Yard House at The Banks.

AC Hotels May Open Second Regional Location at The Banks

By Randy A. Simes ― April 1, 2015

 

 

The Banks development team is close to finally securing a hotel at the multi-billion dollar development, according to multiple sources close to the project. After years of failed starts and negotiations, UrbanCincy has learned that AC Hotels by Marriott is the hotel now being eyed for the prominent central riverfront location.

 

The news is yet to be officially announced or confirmed by The Banks development team, but UrbanCincy has confirmed the information over the last week with individuals who have requested to remain anonymous due to the ongoing negotiations taking place.

 

http://www.urbancincy.com/

 

AC lands at the Anna Louise Inn Redevelopment

Wasn't there a time limit to land a hotel at the Banks? Does this mean control passes to another developer?

As confusing as it is, AC Hotels are different from the Autograph Collection (despite both being owned by Marriott and having the same initials).

 

The project at the Anna Louise Inn should not affect the previous Banks announcement.

 

AC Hotels - http://www.achotels.marriott.com/en/

Autograph Collection - http://www.autograph-hotels.marriott.com/

Wild. I've always thought they were one in the same. Thanks.

They're actually very different in style.  Autograph Collection Hotels are always in beautiful old rehabbed buildings and are filled with old world charm and luxury.  AC Hotels are sleek, modern hotels with sharp lines and solid colors, usually built as new construction.

As confusing as it is, AC Hotels are different from the Autograph Collection (despite both being owned by Marriott and having the same initials).

 

The project at the Anna Louise Inn should not affect the previous Banks announcement.

 

AC Hotels - http://www.achotels.marriott.com/en/

Autograph Collection - http://www.autograph-hotels.marriott.com/

 

Correct, Autograph Collection at the Anna Louise Inn and AC at The Banks.

 

What's interesting is that there are a huge number of Marriott branded hotels in and around Downtown Cincinnati. Renaissance (downtown), Residence Inn and SpringHill Suites (Walnut Hills), AC Hotel (The Banks), Courtyard and full service Marriott (Covington).

 

Compared to Hilton, which has far fewer and mostly their cheaper brands: Hilton Netherland Plaza and the new dual brand Hampton Inn/Homewood Suites (downtown), Embassy Suites and Hampton Inn (Covington). I guess you could also count the Hampton Inn in Corryville.

Correct, AC at the Anna Louise Inn and Autograph Collection at The Banks.

 

I think you've got it backwards. AC is going in at The Banks... the Autograph is going in at the Anna Louise Inn.

But their hasn't been anything announced officially for AC yet, correct?

There hasn't been anything officially announced at either location.  Just published insider info on both with no comment from Marriott.

What's interesting is that there are a huge number of Marriott branded hotels in and around Downtown Cincinnati. Renaissance (downtown), Residence Inn and SpringHill Suites (Walnut Hills), AC Hotel (The Banks), Courtyard and full service Marriott (Covington).

 

Compared to Hilton, which has far fewer and mostly their cheaper brands: Hilton Netherland Plaza and the new dual brand Hampton Inn/Homewood Suites (downtown), Embassy Suites and Hampton Inn (Covington). I guess you could also count the Hampton Inn in Corryville.

 

And wasn't Garfield Suites going to be converted to a DoubleTree by Hilton?