Local is not always better. This is particularly true for casual dining establishments. My hometown in Florida had an independent sports bar open up next to our brand new arena ... and wow, was it bad.

 

Regardless of how mediocre places like ESPN zone or Buffalo Wild Wings are, it pales in comparison to the disaster that is a poorly managed independent sports bar. The restaurant business is a tough one, and it pays to have someone with experience behind the counter.

I agree that culturally/historically Cincinnati could carry a more locally branded place. Ideally, we could get a Cincinnati's ESPNzone - with the Cincinnati in caps but Espn (or whatever) in small print so when we get the playoffs or the All-Star game or NCAA events, out of towners will flock there and get a reliable experience.

I think having a mix of both chains and local places is good.

I think the Banks needs some big, national chains in an effort to appeal to the masses and create a destination.  If there's an ESPN zone and a large, semi National chain such as Rosa Mexicano in downtown, those will be pulls for both residents and visitors alike.  In between the big chains, of course I support filling up with local businesses.

I think the Banks needs some big, national chains in an effort to appeal to the masses and create a destination.  If there's an ESPN zone and a large, semi National chain such as Rosa Mexicano in downtown, those will be pulls for both residents and visitors alike.  In between the big chains, of course I support filling up with local businesses.

 

And there better be a Skyline or Gold Star, Graeter's or UDF, etc...

i think you're all wrong.

^I actually don't think there should be.  The Banks should be a high energy place with significant nightlife offerings, and destination places.  The whole city is covered with Skyline, Gold Star, Graeters, and UDF, I think this area of the city, the most prime real estate in the region, should be a little more upscale than what these places offer.  There is a Graeters on Fountain Square, multiple skylines in downtown, and unfortunately a Gold Star downtown too. 

 

This development should be Cincinnati's attempt to go big, and shed it's conservative and provincial reputation, not reinforce it by filling the sweetest real estate in the region with chili parlors and convenience stores.

How about a Dollar General?

^LOL I think DT does need a Dollar General or a Family Dollar store(s) that has more appeal than the gritty location on Reading Road near Interstate 471. They offer a lot of basic necessities to all income levels.

It is amazing what you can find there!

 

^Agree!

 

Isn't their going to be a Dollar General in Tower Place

Isn't their going to be a Dollar General in Tower Place?

 

That came and went already (shocker).

Are we playing what we want to see at the Banks or what we reasonably expect at The Banks?

Its going to be things that cater to the masses.  Hofbrahaus would be perfect for the area.  They should relocate.  Yes, we all want those types of things in OTR, but OTR should be the local flavor and let the banks be the place that pleases the masses. 

^ Hear, hear

 

Better yet, Moerlein House.

And there better be a Skyline or Gold Star, Graeter's or UDF, etc...

 

Actually, the UDF really should be in QCS...

How about a check cashing place?

I have heard rumors that the Montomery Inn may relocate from the Boathouse to a Banks location.

^ I think that would be great. Montgomery Inn would be an excellent anchor to the Banks and give the neighborhood instant credibility.  Your typical Cincinnatian that has a negative view of downtown and the Banks loves the god-awful microwaved ribs they serve at Montgomery Inn.

...microwaved?

^ I think that would be great. Montgomery Inn would be an excellent anchor to the Banks and give the neighborhood instant credibility. Your typical Cincinnatian that has a negative view of downtown and the Banks loves the god-awful microwaved ribs they serve at Montgomery Inn.

 

Here's the real question: would you like to see Montgomery Inn or a City BBQ???

 

This reminds me of awhile ago when I was listening to Sports Talk (mods please don't axe me), and Paul Daugherty received an email from an out-of-towner coming in for a Bengals game asking for some dining recommendations.  People called in and were recommending places like City BBQ, Chili's etc.  (You could hear the frustration in Doc's voice as he continued to harp on these people for a local establishment).

 

Unfortunately, I think this makes up a large part of the demographic that the powers that be are catering to.  Those who live there will be upper-scale IMO, but those who go down there for entertainment will do so for City BBQ, a TGI Friday's, etc.  I think Carter/Dawson "gets it" more so than other developers and would like to see a bunch of local anchors, but also lives in the real world of real estate development: you can't get by without those staple tenants that will (sadly) bring in the most customers.

^ not too thrilled about this.  I totally agree with atlas.  It sounds commercial, contrived and not like a genuine neighborhood.

 

 

 

Not trying to being a pest but what would be a genuine sounding name (for the Banks and/or Freedom Way)?

 

Of the names that were available for voting North Shore was the only one that sounded authentic to me (reminded me of Chicago). Roebling Point sounded like a subdivision and The River District sounded just awkward. 'Riverfront' seemed like the most viable and logical alternative b/c its on the river, its the name of the park, and it was the name of the baseball stadium it is replacing. Had that been an option like it was originally I think people would've voted for it.

 

I'm sure it has been said.  But I have always thought that "The Banks" name was just a thinly veiled facsimile of Cleveland's "The Flats".

Here's the real question: would you like to see Montgomery Inn or a City BBQ???

 

City BBQ is pretty damn good.  Much, much better than Montgomery Inn.  But Montgomery Inn, for better or worse, is a local staple.  I would rather see Montgomery Inn even though I would personally never go there unless I was with people that wanted to go. 

Wow, I've never seen so much loathe for Montgomery Inn. While a tad overpriced, I've always enjoyed the food and atmosphere of The Boathouse. I really can't see them vacating that site.

 

Perhaps a smaller venue for The Banks? Similar to the Comerica Park location?

I say: Hoagies! FAR better than City BBQ.

Burbank's

Speaking of family dollar, I just noticed the one on Central parkway near Findlay market the other day.  i've driven and walked past it at least 100 times and have never noticed it.

Yeah, I found that by accident a few weeks ago. It was like the one on Reading at Broadway Commons: out of the blue, hidden and in a really trashy building.

Sherman, you're out of the blue, hidden, and usually in a really trashy building. 

I know we have some good venues already but I wouldn't mind seeing a House of Blues down there.  Deck area that opens with views of the river and NKY or something.  We already have a solid music scene here and it would just help draw more national acts.

 

And how about bringing shopping back downtown?  I'd love to see a street of higher end shopping, similar to the stores in Kenwood mall.  Model it after King St. (I think that's right) in Charleston, that place is always packed and a great area.  I know it's historic but I could see the Banks pulling it off if done right by making it an extension of the city and not to "new."

I say: Hoagies! FAR better than City BBQ.

 

Isn't it Hoggy's...and why am I correcting you on the name of your place?

City BBQ is a Cbus chain so that isn't as corporate. BBQ Revue on Madison in Oakley/Madville is quite good, though not at all classy enough for the Banks. I do think some sort of live popular music venue would do well downtown - perhaps the Banks or OTR or something. The couple that have tried have always claimed it was too expensive to do on the Ohio side. Southgate House is great, but something a little less indie might be good in the Banks.

I think City BBQ looks so generic and boring. Nothing compels me to eat there.

I think City BBQ looks so generic and boring. Nothing compels me to eat there.

 

What about the food at City BBQ?  It is pretty good (real) BBQ. 

 

Montgomery Inn ribs are boiled and finished off on a grill, then lathered with sauce to cover up the fact that it isnt smoked.  I commend them for their success, but I honestly don't understand it. 

I think City BBQ looks so generic and boring. Nothing compels me to eat there.

 

What about the food at City BBQ? It is pretty good (real) BBQ.

 

Montgomery Inn ribs are boiled and finished off on a grill, then lathered with sauce to cover up the fact that it isnt smoked. I commend them for their success, but I honestly don't understand it.

 

I love it that way ...

 

We're getting way off topic here, but I'd love to hear some feedback press about who they're trying to lure.

Unimpressed Cincinnati critics: Banks lacks ‘Wow!’

http://cincinnati.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/stories/2009/04/27/story2.html

 

The man who helped craft the original vision for the Banks riverfront development doesn’t like what he sees in the latest design for the billion-dollar project...

Its going to be things that cater to the masses.  Hofbrahaus would be perfect for the area.  They should relocate.  Yes, we all want those types of things in OTR, but OTR should be the local flavor and let the banks be the place that pleases the masses. 

 

Hofbrau Haus is fine right where it is.  Open something new to the area instead.  Moving attractions from one spot in the urban core to another isn't a net gain for the region.  Also, I'm with xumelanie on this one.  Let's hope for a mix of local and national chains.  I still like ESPNzone, despite what critics say.  There isn't a sports bar in this town that is even close to what ESPNzone offers.  Also, ESPN often broadcasts on location from those restaurants when something of interest is happening in that particular city, which would be very cool to see in Cincinnati.

 

I'm sure it has been said.  But I have always thought that "The Banks" name was just a thinly veiled facsimile of Cleveland's "The Flats".

 

Totally agree.

We transplanted Clevelanders are well aware of Cincinnatians "Little Brother" complex!

We transplanted Clevelanders are well aware of Cincinnatians "Little Brother" complex!

 

Ha! The Cleve only wishes it had something of this scale like the Banks! ;)

I've removed several posts regarding poaching, Northern Kentucky versus Cincinnati discussions, and off-topic comments.  Great that you can share your opinions (i.e. statements not validated by facts nor statistics) on whether you think Northern Kentucky stole businesses from Cincinnati, and vice versa, but it is completely off-topic for The Banks, a very lengthy thread as-is. Let's keep this on-topic and relevant to the matters at hand. Thank you.

 

Hofbrauhaus would be a perfect fit, and I definitely would not mind that being part of the mix.  Something with a beer garden would be great for that location.  I think many of the earlier opinions can easily be found to be true with a little research but no big deal.

I didn't see this rendering before!    Was this released with the last batch?

yes, that is 100 Walnut

Cincinnati Business Courier Poll:

 

Business Pulse: What do you think of the Banks design?

 

 

I was in Atlantic Station briefly last week, and had not been there since it was completed. I was pleasantly surprised at the quality of the buildings. I was expecting worse, especially compared to the renderings I saw as the project was evolving. It was one of the few times in my life that I can recall the finished product exceeding my (maybe low) expectations. I hope I can say the same for the Banks in a few years.

^ I agree Civvik. That's why I'm optimistic about the 100 Walnut rendering. It looks almost exactly like the renderings for Atlantic Station's office buildings, and those turned out to be very nice in person.

The 100 Walnut Street rendering is just a placeholder. There is no tenant (they need a 75% pre-sell), and any tenant that does come in will most likely modify the design. It was kept as basic as possible for that reason alone.

^ I agree Civvik. That's why I'm optimistic about the 100 Walnut rendering. It looks almost exactly like the renderings for Atlantic Station's office buildings, and those turned out to be very nice in person.

 

The office buildings at Atlantic Station are very nice and work well at street level.  This appears to be very similar in design, at least initially, as those at Atlantic Station.  I think Cincinnatians will be treated to a different style of office building that will be liked.

County adds debt to cover Banks project

http://cincinnati.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/stories/2009/05/11/daily23.html

 

Hamilton County Commissioners will vote tomorrow on a $12.5 million bond issue for the Banks riverfront development project...

Mayor Mallory & Commissioner Portune to Tour The Banks

 

Media to be Allowed On Site

 

 

 

Mayor Mark Mallory and Commissioner Todd Portune will tour The Banks construction site on Friday.  The Mayor and Commissioner will be joined by Bailey Pope, Vice President of Design and Construction, The Dawson Company; John Deatrick, Project Executive for the City and County; and Tom Bell, Project Executive for Messer Construction.  The project team will be briefing the Mayor and Commissioner on the progress of the project as well as the plans for the overbuild, which will begin construction this summer.

 

 

 

This tour marks the first opportunity for media to see The Banks construction site from the inside.

 

 

 

Event:            On site tour of The Banks

 

 

 

Date:              Friday, May 15, 2009

 

 

 

Time:              12:45 pm

 

 

 

Location:        The Banks Construction Site, Messer Construction Field Office

 

                        10 East Mehring Way Lot A

 

                        Cincinnati, OH 45202