Crane Watch: $356 million in development coming to Blue Ash 

 

 

While the core of the region has seen a flurry of development, it is far from the only part of Greater Cincinnati that is seeing millions of dollars in investment.

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2018/10/08/crane-watch-356-million-in-development-coming-to.html

Somebody jumped to his death off the tower in Summit Park:

 

$100 million residential development coming to Blue Ash

 

A high-end custom homebuilder plans to start development of a $100 million residential project next to Blue Ash’s Summit Park.

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2021/02/14/100m-residential-development-coming-to-blue-ash.html

 

17 hours ago, ColDayMan said:

$100 million residential development coming to Blue Ash

 

 

Anybody have a site plan for this project? It's an interesting mix of units, and could be very nice if the site plan handles the common/public/street spaces well. 

 

Three 36-unit condo buildings (108 total units)

36 single-family attached units in 11 buildings

36 single-family detached units

Total: 180 units

 

Average cost ~$555k/unit.

 

 

I believe this is it.

 

https://cms4.revize.com/revize/blueashnew/document_center/2021 Council Minutes/1-14-21 Council Minutes - FINAL.pdf

Thanks @tonyt3524 - I pulled the site plan from that doc:

 

 

 

50 minutes ago, jwulsin said:

Average cost ~$555k/unit.

 

Any sign of Josh Spring or Margie Waller? 

I wonder if this development is successful (all indications are that it will be) if some of the smaller office buildings along Carver Rd. will be redeveloped into residential and connected to this development. There’s kind of a creek/ditch separating the old airport land where the new development is from the office park buildings along Carver. I wonder if we’ll see additional connections across it (would be good for office workers to access the restaurants and walking trails.) 
 

also that bottom street should be extended across the “future development” area to meet the traffic circle

2 hours ago, jmecklenborg said:

 

Any sign of Josh Spring or Margie Waller? 

 

While I find them annoying sometimes, I doubt they'd ever weigh in on a development in Blue Ash since they don't live anywhere near there. 

 

On other other hand, certain Blue Ash politicians love to weigh in on all things Cincinnati.

2 hours ago, thebillshark said:

I wonder if this development is successful (all indications are that it will be) if some of the smaller office buildings along Carver Rd. will be redeveloped into residential and connected to this development. There’s kind of a creek/ditch separating the old airport land where the new development is from the office park buildings along Carver. I wonder if we’ll see additional connections across it (would be good for office workers to access the restaurants and walking trails.) 
 

also that bottom street should be extended across the “future development” area to meet the traffic circle

I doubt you will see it extended to the traffic circle. No one will want that kind of traffic directly linked to the residential subdivision

 

Hate this headline that makes it seem negative. Even Blue Ash chili is excited for the development that will take over their current location. 

 

https://local12.com/news/local/blue-ash-chili-says-its-forced-to-relocate-cincinnati
 

 

Yeah I'm curious to see what's next for that corner and if the old bowling alley is included. Prime piece of property. 

Did a little digging and found some more information on page 6-7 here

 

https://cms4.revize.com/revize/blueashnew/document_center/2021 Council Minutes/1-28-21 Council Minutes - FINAL.pdf

Edited February 24, 20214 yr by tonyt3524

58 minutes ago, tonyt3524 said:

Did a little digging and found some more information on page 6-7 here

 

https://cms4.revize.com/revize/blueashnew/document_center/2021 Council Minutes/1-28-21 Council Minutes - FINAL.pdf

The idea of placing a library on the second floor sounds self-defeating. I thought the reason the existing library is going to be moved is because of accessibility issues. They also clearly want to create a sense of place to be occupied by people and libraries seem to do a good job of that.

The anti-apartment and anti-density comments are also disappointing but not surprising although obviously Blue Ash will never be a high density city. I drive through downtown Blue Ash pretty regularly and it always feels completely forgettable and extremely pro-auto. Hopefully this development will help fix that. 

12 minutes ago, tonyt3524 said:

Did a little digging and found some more information on page 6-7 here

 

https://cms4.revize.com/revize/blueashnew/document_center/2021 Council Minutes/1-28-21 Council Minutes - FINAL.pdf

This area has been a challenge for the city. At one time, they had Dorothy Lane market set to open a store there but they could not get Ringo Lanes to sell

 

 

1 hour ago, Dev said:

The anti-apartment and anti-density comments are also disappointing but not surprising although obviously Blue Ash will never be a high density city. I drive through downtown Blue Ash pretty regularly and it always feels completely forgettable and extremely pro-auto. Hopefully this development will help fix that. 

The local Blue Ash Community has been anti apartment for a loong time. They had major issues trying to get the place off of Cooper and Hunt developed years ago because neighbors in the subdivision did not want lights from the parking lot or to look out their back yard and see a 5 story apartment building there.

 

They even had struggles with the Summit Park apartments where there was no neighborhoods in the area. Part of that reason I understand is the fear that it will bring a ton more students into the schools. The problem wiht that is that the area is getting older and the schools are not growing there anymore. So to have something to keep families coming into the area only sustains the schools

City, developer could transform key corner of downtown Blue Ash

 

A local commercial real estate developer and the city of Blue Ash have plans to reshape a key corner of the city’s downtown district.

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2021/02/25/city-developer-could-reshape-corner-of-downtown.html

 

38 minutes ago, ColDayMan said:

City, developer could transform key corner of downtown Blue Ash

 

A local commercial real estate developer and the city of Blue Ash have plans to reshape a key corner of the city’s downtown district.

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2021/02/25/city-developer-could-reshape-corner-of-downtown.html

 

He may be working on his plans, but if I were a betting man it will involve some combination of apartments and a Red Dog Pet Hotel. 

Some early conceptual designs presented from Circle Development. As expected, Blue Ash residents not happy about the possibility of more apartments. 

 

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/qu3xsqmub00zvr9/AABIBm9LsGxX7iKYPV8yqyxZa?dl=0&preview=CDC_BlueAsh-20210408.pdf

 

 

Additional Info: https://www.blueash.com/news_detail_T2_R769.php?fbclid=IwAR3Da9uFagGocn5fRr9bjJpPsH_mOyGlEJgoVzq3z50ulsGTW7IEh2xEgs0

by "boutique hotel" they mean pet hotel. lol

1 hour ago, tonyt3524 said:

Some early conceptual designs presented from Circle Development. As expected, Blue Ash residents not happy about the possibility of more apartments. 

 

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/qu3xsqmub00zvr9/AABIBm9LsGxX7iKYPV8yqyxZa?dl=0&preview=CDC_BlueAsh-20210408.pdf

Anybody who designed a splash park "for kids" directly adjacent to two fast streets without any proper buffering... does not have kids. I'm pretty laid back as a parent (kids are 4 and 2), but that splash park setup seems like a terrifying test of vigilance to make sure the kids aren't chasing each other right into the street (or heaven forbid a reckless driver hop the curb). "Hey honey, let's go to Newbrew Coffee and we can take turns keeping the kids out of traffic." Unless Blue Ash is committed to seriously slowing traffic on Kenwood and Cooper (which I doubt), I'd recommend moving the building out to the corner curb and then creating buffered interior spaces for outdoor dining and/or splash park. 

 

 

ha. that sits on the site of the old hosbrook motors. The mechanic for all my high school beaters.

11 hours ago, jwulsin said:

Anybody who designed a splash park "for kids" directly adjacent to two fast streets without any proper buffering... does not have kids. I'm pretty laid back as a parent (kids are 4 and 2), but that splash park setup seems like a terrifying test of vigilance to make sure the kids aren't chasing each other right into the street (or heaven forbid a reckless driver hop the curb). "Hey honey, let's go to Newbrew Coffee and we can take turns keeping the kids out of traffic." Unless Blue Ash is committed to seriously slowing traffic on Kenwood and Cooper (which I doubt), I'd recommend moving the building out to the corner curb and then creating buffered interior spaces for outdoor dining and/or splash park. 

 

 

I do like the concept. However, I cant see it flying very well with the neighborhood behind the railroad tracks. Heck, Blue Ash residents were upset at the apartments at Summit Park because they did not want to attract renters with families. Problem is, outside of Blue Ash, there really is not much developable land in Blue Ash, Montgomery or the townships and if they cant continue bringing in residents, the schools will shrink and they will be over built on schools in the area in the coming future. They need some of the lower price points to attract families to replentish the school system. 

9 hours ago, Brutus_buckeye said:

they will be over built on schools in the area in the coming future. They need some of the lower price points to attract families to replenish the school system.

What do you mean by "over built on schools"? 

10 hours ago, zsnyder said:

ha. that sits on the site of the old hosbrook motors. The mechanic for all my high school beaters.

I'm happy they held out from selling for so many years.  Also glad Blue Ash Chili seems to be happy with their move across the street as well.

 

 

That development looks like something my kids would design in Roblox.  Only missing a Chipelto.

 

 

1 hour ago, jwulsin said:

What do you mean by "over built on schools"? 

 

More facilities/infrastructure than is necessary for the number of kids they serve.

1 hour ago, DEPACincy said:

More facilities/infrastructure than is necessary for the number of kids they serve.

 

My understanding of public school finance is that municipalities are more than happy to have wealthy residents (empty nesters, retirees, DINKs) who don't have school-age kids since they contribute to the tax base without adding to the school's burden. I don't think Sycamore School District is going to be concerned if some parts of Blue Ash are too expensive for families with school aged kids. More money with fewer kids is a "problem" most school districts would be thrilled to have. It's not a big deal for a school to leave a few classrooms empty if their enrollment goes down, as long as the total funding remains sufficiently high to cover their fixed and variable expenses. If property values are going up so much that families with school-aged kids are priced out, there shouldn't be a revenue problem for the schools.

 

Now from a morality/efficacy perspective, I agree that we should advocate for adding more affordable housing to school districts that are "highly sought after". We should add affordable housing (at all AMI levels) to places like Sycamore School District, but we also know how the local politics of that plays out. 

 

 

6 minutes ago, jwulsin said:

 

My understanding of public school finance is that municipalities are more than happy to have wealthy residents (empty nesters, retirees, DINKs) who don't have school-age kids since they contribute to the tax base without adding to the school's burden.

If this gets too extreme, will it not result in levies failing because too many residents looking for tax relief will vote against renewals?

38 minutes ago, jwulsin said:

 

My understanding of public school finance is that municipalities are more than happy to have wealthy residents (empty nesters, retirees, DINKs) who don't have school-age kids since they contribute to the tax base without adding to the school's burden. I don't think Sycamore School District is going to be concerned if some parts of Blue Ash are too expensive for families with school aged kids. More money with fewer kids is a "problem" most school districts would be thrilled to have. It's not a big deal for a school to leave a few classrooms empty if their enrollment goes down, as long as the total funding remains sufficiently high to cover their fixed and variable expenses. If property values are going up so much that families with school-aged kids are priced out, there shouldn't be a revenue problem for the schools.

 

Now from a morality/efficacy perspective, I agree that we should advocate for adding more affordable housing to school districts that are "highly sought after". We should add affordable housing (at all AMI levels) to places like Sycamore School District, but we also know how the local politics of that plays out. 

 

 

 

Yea, I think you're basically right here. 

1 hour ago, jwulsin said:

 

My understanding of public school finance is that municipalities are more than happy to have wealthy residents (empty nesters, retirees, DINKs) who don't have school-age kids since they contribute to the tax base without adding to the school's burden. I don't think Sycamore School District is going to be concerned if some parts of Blue Ash are too expensive for families with school aged kids. More money with fewer kids is a "problem" most school districts would be thrilled to have. It's not a big deal for a school to leave a few classrooms empty if their enrollment goes down, as long as the total funding remains sufficiently high to cover their fixed and variable expenses. If property values are going up so much that families with school-aged kids are priced out, there shouldn't be a revenue problem for the schools.

 

Now from a morality/efficacy perspective, I agree that we should advocate for adding more affordable housing to school districts that are "highly sought after". We should add affordable housing (at all AMI levels) to places like Sycamore School District, but we also know how the local politics of that plays out. 

 

 

The thing is Sycamore over the years has developed a large infastructure to support. During the 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s they were booming as a ton of empty land was developed there. Now, the main development there is tear downs which generally are not sustaining the student threshold in the schools as people who live in the more expensive houses are likely having fewer kids, and these houses are just replacing existing houses and not actually adding to the housing stock.  Blue Ash is the only real area where there is developable land from the airport area, at a price point that will attract families with school aged children at mid level price points to the area. 

 

That is why having updated apartments is an important tool to getting and keeping families in the area. 

Edited April 28, 20214 yr by Brutus_buckeye

Blue Ash could be to Cincinnati what Dublin is to Columbus. I know for a fact that there are companies out there trying to recruit as many smart young people to the area that they possibly can. 

http://bridgestreet.dublinohiousa.gov/

$80 million development planned to bring life to downtown Blue Ash

 

A local commercial real estate developer is working on plans to bring a mix of apartments, retail, restaurants and office space to a key corner in downtown Blue Ash.

 

Circle Development, which developed the RED in Madisonville, is working with the city of Blue Ash to develop the BLUE, a mixed-use development located at the northwest corner of Kenwood and Cooper roads. The development is expected to be an investment of at least $80 million.

 

Ray Schneider, president of Circle Development, said the vision for this project is to rejuvenate downtown Blue Ash.

 

“Our goal is to make downtown Blue Ash alive after 5,” Schneider told me. “This project will truly enhance the downtown and Blue Ash itself.”

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2022/03/09/the-blue-planned-for-downtown-blue-ash.html

 

 

19 hours ago, ColDayMan said:

$80 million development planned to bring life to downtown Blue Ash

 

A local commercial real estate developer is working on plans to bring a mix of apartments, retail, restaurants and office space to a key corner in downtown Blue Ash.

 

Circle Development, which developed the RED in Madisonville, is working with the city of Blue Ash to develop the BLUE, a mixed-use development located at the northwest corner of Kenwood and Cooper roads. The development is expected to be an investment of at least $80 million.

 

Ray Schneider, president of Circle Development, said the vision for this project is to rejuvenate downtown Blue Ash.

 

“Our goal is to make downtown Blue Ash alive after 5,” Schneider told me. “This project will truly enhance the downtown and Blue Ash itself.”

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2022/03/09/the-blue-planned-for-downtown-blue-ash.html

 

 

 

A new breeding ground for karens and karens in training...

 

46 minutes ago, savadams13 said:

 

A new breeding ground for karens and karens in training...

 

surprisingly the apartments have been received well by people. This is quite a change from the resistance in the past with apartment developments by Hills in the towne square and the Summit Park Apartments. 

I can't wait for the inevitable sequel in Green Township called GREEN and the maybe one in northern kentucky called YELLA. 

Little two-bay garage Hosbrook Motors, which used to sit on this corner, is where I took my beater cars in high school. What a change in scale.

It's a shame that the Indiana Ohio railway isn't able to be used for transit since it runs right next to this development but it should be a huge improvement to that intersection anyway. I dont' see a site plan but I assume this includes the Ringo Lanes property? 

58 minutes ago, ucgrady said:

It's a shame that the Indiana Ohio railway isn't able to be used for transit since it runs right next to this development but it should be a huge improvement to that intersection anyway. I dont' see a site plan but I assume this includes the Ringo Lanes property? 

Yeah - it does include the old Ringo Lanes property. Here's a site plan (from April 2021... so I think some things have changed slightly since then), taken from the presentation posted on by the City of Blue Ash website. 

 

Edited March 11, 20223 yr by jwulsin

Blue Ash's Ringo Lanes demolished to make way for over $75 million development

 

The demolition of a longtime bowling alley in Blue Ash is finishing up to make way for a mixed-use project that’s expected to transform the Cincinnati suburb’s downtown.

 

Ringo Lanes, which was purchased by developer Ray Schneider, began demolition about three weeks ago, Schneider told the Courier Dec. 2. At that time, demolition was expected to wrap up in a few days.

 

The former bowling alley, located at 9651 Kenwood Road, is now completely gone as work winds down on the site. Evans Landscaping demolished the bowling alley.

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2022/12/05/ringo-lanes-bowling-alley-demolition-blue-ash.html

 

 

 

On 3/11/2022 at 9:22 AM, ucgrady said:

It's a shame that the Indiana Ohio railway isn't able to be used for transit 

 

I believe that Metro Moves planned a station right here at Cooper Rd.  

 

The whole branch only has three customers north of Norwood.  The northern section of this line, which is no longer contiguous with the Blue Ash section, still has about seven customers.  

 

16 hours ago, ColDayMan said:

 

 

 

The first rendering looks different, and better, from the bottom two. I hope the later aren't the updated, value-engineered, new renderings. Love how the top plays with height and feels less monolithic from Kenwood Rd. I hope this adds as much character as it does density when it's built... but I'm not holding my breath

1 hour ago, küshner said:

I'm not holding my breath

 

Chipelto Fabuloso 

20 hours ago, küshner said:

The first rendering looks different, and better, from the bottom two. I hope the later aren't the updated, value-engineered, new renderings. Love how the top plays with height and feels less monolithic from Kenwood Rd. I hope this adds as much character as it does density when it's built... but I'm not holding my breath

I think the first image is mid-block, possibly near Myrtle, not at the corner with Cooper

Office building at the corner.  Retail all along Kenwood.  Tons of apartments hiding a parking garage.  The renderings above definitely make it more exciting that it will turn out, but overall a solid development in this current market.  

no retail on the corner? that's a shame. 

When I was in high school, my  beater car spent a lot of time on that corner at Hosbrook Motors. 

edit: it does actually look like first floor retail, office above. cool.

Edited December 9, 20222 yr by zsnyder

3 minutes ago, zsnyder said:

no retail on the corner? that's a shame.

When I was in high school, my  beater car spent a lot of time on that corner at Hosbrook Motors. 

From the renderings there looks to be retail on first floor of the building at the corner with offices above. 

Moeller High School football stadium proposed for Summit Park by the ubiquitous Robert Smyjunas:

https://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2023/01/27/blue-ash-football-stadium-summit-park-moeller.html

 

 

 

Was so excited for this whole development, but it seems to be spiraling into a disjointed hodgepodge with no clear connective tissue or master plan.

On 1/28/2023 at 1:09 AM, Lazarus said:

Moeller High School football stadium proposed for Summit Park by the ubiquitous Robert Smyjunas:

https://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2023/01/27/blue-ash-football-stadium-summit-park-moeller.html

 

 

 

I cant wait for the future residents in the "luxury" apartments to bitch and moan so much about the lights and sounds that Moeller ends up having to do Saturday day games instead. Even though these people will be renting units full well knowing they look over the field, its going to happen. Just like people who bitch when they move near Lunken about the sound, sorry folks airport was here before you...

2 hours ago, küshner said:

Was so excited for this whole development, but it seems to be spiraling into a disjointed hodgepodge with no clear connective tissue or master plan.

 

It's not attractive.  The new apartments that look over the park look a little cheap/scary.  

 

They didn't do the most basic thing - build a walking/biking trail around the entire perimeter of the site, which would have been about 2.5 miles.  Instead, any walk/run/bike in the park involves a mix of trail types, or some out-and-back.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited January 30, 20232 yr by Lazarus