Clifton firms envision Ludlow Ave. makeover

 

By Jennifer Edwards

The Cincinnati Enquirer

 

Lisa Storie, who owns Sitwell's Coffeehouse in Clifton, is part of an effort by business owners to revitalize the corridor with such things as a small courtyard area along Telford Street to provide outdoor seating for several restaurants.

The Cincinnati Enquirer/GARY LANDERS

CLIFTON - Business operators along the Ludlow Avenue neighborhood district are planning to revitalize the corridor to attract more customers and new businesses.

 

No link available for article.

This plan will probably receive support from businesses and opposition from residents. And don't let the article lead you to believe that business is bad down here. On nice weekday evenings, there are lots of people out. There was even a line at Ambar India last night. On the weekends, its often hard to navigate the sidewalks between 7 and 11.

 

The strip has grit; you actually feel like you're not at a "lifestyle center" or traditional mall. If the businesses want more trees, plant more, there's room. Brick pavers can be done relatively quickly too, as can lighting. But tearing out the trees and sidewalks for relocating the utility lines goes too far.

 

I honestly think those who come down here aren't looking for a sterilized lifestyle center atmosphere, they can get that at Hyde Park square or Rookwood. They want to feel like they're in the city - for the residents, because that's where they like to live, and for the suburbanities, because they miss the liveliness or maybe even sometimes regret leaving the city.

A little sprucing up never hurts.

 

Has anyone seen the streetscape improvements in O'Bryonville and Mt. Washington?

The O'Bryonville one will be a great improvement in about 10 years when the trees fill out. The brick sidewalks are nice. I'd say in the short run OBville definitely took a risk in being torn up so long and not having any green buffer between the sidewalk and Madison Rd. But in the longer-run it was a good investment.

i drive through o'bryonville every day and although it's a pain in the ass now, and has taken way too long IMO, it should look good down the road as kendall said.

 

on the other hand, ludlow does not need it, for the reasons stated above. i think their main priority should be on capitalizing on their success with what exists as well as adding to the mix. (new residential and business space.)

UPDATE:

 

Clifton Town Meeting and the Clifton Business and Professional Association are holding a creative work session to discuss ideas for the Ludlow Revitalization Project.  It'll be April 9, 2005 from 9 AM to noon at Clifton United Methodist Church, 3416 Clifton Ave. (Clifton and Senator Pl).

 

In other words, expect further word on this in about a month.

Here is an update on last night's meeting, from the 4/10/05 Enquirer:

 

 

Clifton Ave. dilemma: Revitalizing 'funk'

By Gregory Korte

Enquirer staff writer

 

Clifton's Ludlow Avenue business district is primed for a $1.5 million makeover that will give it new sidewalks, new benches, new streetlights, new trees and new signs.

 

But you can't buy funky - and Ludlow Avenue has funk to spare.

 

Click on link for article.

 

http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050410/NEWS01/504100389/1056/news01

 

a street named ludlow and funk mentioned more than once, and we aren't talking about dayton?....well, same metro....or not...but it really is...just not really............

 

To emphasize that, some people are proposing a new pedestrian plaza at Ludlow and Telford Street, allowing for outdoor tables for sipping coffee or eating ice cream.

The proposed plaza would include a community kiosk for residents to post notices of lost cats, guitar lessons, political events and community happenings.

 

Why not just close the first quarter or half block of Telford off to traffic?  Convert it to a large pedestrian gathering area...most of the worst traffic comes from folks turning either right or left off Ludlow onto Telford - folks who live on Telford could get there just going up Clifton to Bryant or down Ludlow to Middleton, where there's already a light...

excellent quotes from Menelaos and Kiril, two excellent professors.

I thought that's what they were planning to do, mainly because I don't see how they would have room for a pedestrian plaza with kiosks, etc without closing down telford.

 

To emphasize that, some people are proposing a new pedestrian plaza at Ludlow and Telford Street, allowing for outdoor tables for sipping coffee or eating ice cream.

The proposed plaza would include a community kiosk for residents to post notices of lost cats, guitar lessons, political events and community happenings.

 

Why not just close the first quarter or half block of Telford off to traffic? Convert it to a large pedestrian gathering area...most of the worst traffic comes from folks turning either right or left off Ludlow onto Telford - folks who live on Telford could get there just going up Clifton to Bryant or down Ludlow to Middleton, where there's already a light...

Yes does anyway know anyone on the committee they would have some thoughts on Telford.

Here's what arrived in my e-mail regarding the meeting.  I wish I had an author at Clifton Town Meeting to attribute it to....:

 

 

LUDLOW REVITALIZATION WORKSHOP:

 

On Saturday, April 9, 2005, over thirty Clifton residents gathered in the meeting room of the United Methodist Church to discuss ideas about the revitalization of Clifton’s neighborhood business district.  The group was divided into four teams.  Each team engaged in a one-hour brainstorming session with the goal to identify, prioritize and layout ideas for the solution of the main problems to be addressed in the Ludlow Revitalization Project. Each team then presented their ideas for general discussion.

 

During the course of the meeting, it became clear that some issues consistently reappeared on the list of each team.  The different issues identified and strongly expressed by the residents could be summarized broadly as follows:

 

* Preserve the character and identity of Clifton as a unique and diverse community

* Improve the quality of Ludlow as a pedestrian-friendly environment

* Enhance public space and identify a community gathering space

* Improve sidewalks and street furniture / signage / trees

* Address traffic and parking concerns

* Promote the economic vitality of neighborhood businesses

 

Most of the residents felt strongly that Clifton has a unique character due to its diverse and eclectic nature, which should be preserved and highlighted through appropriate design solutions.  Some of the design ideas referred to a clear definition of the business district by using a distinct surface treatment on the sidewalks and crosswalks, and by emphasizing the entry points on Ludlow. One of the teams suggested the idea of introducing a color palette that unifies elements such as building facades, street furniture and utilities, while maintaining the diversity and organizing various elements so that the area is perceived as one with a distinct identity.  Overhead wires could be consolidated, color-coded and thus turned into an artful element of urban design.  Another team proposed the introduction of a common element that is repeated through the entire stretch of the district that would become its recognized symbol. 

 

There was a clear consensus among the participants regarding the need to make Ludlow a more pedestrian friendly area within the neighborhood business district. Several ideas were discussed as critical for the achievement of this goal.  These included the design of a centralized community gathering spot, the improvement of the sidewalk system, the construction of more and better-defined crosswalks, rethinking of bus-stop design and locations, and streetscape furniture improvements. 

 

All of the participants felt a strong need to create a centralized public gathering space within the neighborhood business district. The intersection of Ludlow and Telford was recognized as a natural gathering place as it already serves as the most popular hang out spot.  Concerns regarding the safety of the public space were expressed as well.  Residents felt that it should be promoted as an artists’ place allowing live music performances and works of art to be displayed on surrounding building walls, display windows and specially designed stands.  Several teams spoke of the need for outdoor dining places as well as covered and semi-covered public areas.  In addition, an alternative idea for the location of a public plaza was discussed at a site across from Telford as that property is currently underutilized and the parcel is in community ownership.

 

A main problem unanimously recognized by all teams is the condition of the sidewalks along the main stretch of the business district and the need for adequate street furniture, signage and landscaping. The participants pointed out that the streetscape improvements should include wider sidewalks with better surfaces, minimizing the clutter of trashcans, newspaper boxes, randomly placed benches and tree surrounds.  It was noted that there is a need to streamline the system of street furniture and signage and eliminate visual clutter in the form of overhead wires and signage.  The kiosk at Telford was liked by everyone as a place for community announcements and gatherings, but it could be more carefully redesigned. The gaslights were pointed out as another area of concern as a critical element for retaining the identity of the neighborhood. It was recommended that they be improved to provide more light and enhance their presence as a distinct community design characteristic.  The trees within the business district were pointed out as another element of the urban design deserving attention.  Some participants felt that while it was important to preserve older trees, a greater variety could be achieved through the introduction of native species.  Other related suggestions included artistic pruning and better maintenance.

 

Another area of discussion was centered on the need to improve traffic and parking facilities along Ludlow.  It was pointed out that some of the demand for additional parking could be met by reorganizing existing parking patterns.  It was suggested to consolidate segregated parking lots and restrict them in specific zones making the rest of the area pedestrian. By designating restricted parking hours in some areas, some of these lots could be used for other purposes in the evenings. It was pointed out that the goal to make Ludlow more accessible for both pedestrian and vehicular traffic could be achieved while simultaneously employing traffic calming devices to slow down through traffic and improve pedestrian safety.

 

Another important aspect under consideration was maintaining and improving the economic vitality of Ludlow. The new commercial development on Calhoun Street was pointed out as an emerging new competitive business district in the area and one that could have a negative impact on Ludlow.  It was felt that in view of the new developments on Calhoun and in the Uptown district, the Ludlow revitalization plan should provide strong measures to support the existing businesses on Ludlow and encourage new businesses to locate in the area.  A good retail mix was seen as a key feature of the continuing vitality of the business district. It was also felt that innovative ideas should be explored such as creating Wi-Fi hotspots to attract more customers to the area. It was proposed that the old businesses that have been in the area for a long time should be recognized and marked appropriately, and that a medallion or a plaque could be put up for the business inventory.  The residents felt that they should ‘celebrate’ the tradition of Clifton, and use that as a tool for marketing of the business district. 

 

The meeting demonstrated that the residents of Clifton share a great deal of  concern for the wellbeing of their neighborhood business district and that the Ludlow revitalization plan is a timely and needed initiative with broad community support. The ideas shared during the meeting will provide critical guidance in the development of the new plan. As the plan evolves into the next phases, the Ludlow Revitalization Task Force would like to thank the participants for their most valuable input and encourage all Clifton residents to take part in the future discussions of the plan.

 

I wonder where this project lies in relation to the line between fixing actual problems and just looking for something to do.  When you've got a problem, a brainstorming session is great - but Ludlow isn't de-vitalized, and sure as hell doesn't need revitalization.  It's vital already.  Yes, there are some things to improve, and some of these ideas are great - I like adding Wi-Fi, I like maybe shutting off Telford and making a cool pedestrian area.  I guess my main worry is that someone's going to come along and try to sculpt a gaslight district out of the gaslight district, you know?  Like, you don't need a nine person committee to figure out how to promote a diverse, eclectic neighborhood - you just have to get the hell out of the way and let Ludlow be what it grew to be.  If you tried to build it, you'd end up with Crocker Park.

 

It was pointed out that some of the demand for additional parking could be met by reorganizing existing parking patterns.  It was suggested to consolidate segregated parking lots and restrict them in specific zones making the rest of the area pedestrian. By designating restricted parking hours in some areas, some of these lots could be used for other purposes in the evenings.

I assume the first line is a disconnected thought from the next two, because I don't understand how restricting parking helps relieve the need for more parking.

Now I love pedestrian-friendly areas.  I loved the two years we rented right on Ludlow, being able to walk to the IGA and the wine shop.  I loved car-free living, even if that just meant the car stayed parked for the whole weekend.  But too much parking ain't Ludlow's problem.  I think the parking squeeze is a good thing - the place is consolidated, not built high but still dense.  But I don't know that restricting parking further is going to do much to help things out.

 

It was pointed out that the goal to make Ludlow more accessible for both pedestrian and vehicular traffic could be achieved while simultaneously employing traffic calming devices to slow down through traffic and improve pedestrian safety.

I hate to point this out, but Ludlow Avenue is a major artery linking uptown to the west side.  Yes, traffic and pedestrians need to play nicely together - but you've got to throughput traffic on that road, there's just no two ways about it.

All good points.

 

As for your last point, through traffic has always been a major issue.  Many years ago, there was a plan to divert through traffic onto Howell Ave. and then reconnect with Ludlow/Jefferson after passing through the northern portion of Burnet Woods.  I'm glad that didn't happen.

 

I have no idea how to calm traffic with speed bumps or whatever since, as you mentioned, it's a pretty busy through street.

^And not only busy, but with all the hospitals, the fire station, plus District Five police, any physical impediments to moving thru there impacts emergency services.

^ Since you were mentioning traffic on Ludlow, I thought I'd post an e-mail I got from Clifton Town Meeting:

 

"Clifton Town Meeting has learned this week that the City of Cincinnati will install a traffic light at the corner of Ludlow and Whitfield Avenues. This is being done to reduce speeding on Ludlow Avenue, and to improve safety at the intersection. The construction will take place during the week of May 23-27 (next week) and, according to the City's traffic engineer, will require the installation of two signal poles."

^ This is good news. I used to live at that intersection and it can be a real bottleneck.

I used to live at the house right on that corner - if you were driving up Whitfield and pulled out in front of someone on Ludlow, they would swerve into our lawn, or hit you and get knocked into our lawn.  Seemed like there were accidents there every couple months.  I know I have pictures of one guy's car on our lawn, but I can't find it - this will have to do:

 

 

If they're able to time that light in coordination with the one at Middleton, I would think things could still move smoothly.  The north end of Whitfield doesn't need it - we could run over to Middleton to turn left, or pull out onto Ludlow, left onto Whitfield and thence to points east - but definitely on the south end - it was really dangerous coming up Whitfield and turning left on Ludlow.

^Is that an action shot? Cool pic!

No, sorry, not an action shot...probably only a few minutes after they hit...I've gotta find the shot with the car on our front lawn, though...

Since this hasn't been updated or discussed since May, I thought I'd go ahead and post the newest information.  By "newest" I mean "from early October".

 

No design documents are available.  A few drawings from Vivian Llambi & Associates have been out for quite some time and were displayed in windows in Clifton.  I don't know if they're still there.

 

I wouldn't expect a whole lot of news for a while.

 

 

Phase I: Realignment/redesign of Ludlow/Morrison and Ludlow/Brookline intersections

STATUS: Canceled for this year.  Was supposed to begin in late October, but will likely commence in 2006

 

* All of the bidders for the projects came in too high, so no money was budgeted for this item.  The Roadway Operations Division will most likely put together a bid estimate and take it to the city at an undetermined time next year.

 

 

Phase II: Telford Avenue plazas

STATUS: Will begin at an undetermined time in 2006

 

* Telford North plaza: Design outline has been defined.  There will be bumpouts and a widened sidewalk going northward up Telford.  Closing Telford or creating a raised crosswalk were ruled out for safety reasons.  The width of Telford will be 18 feet.  Temporary tables and seating will be allowed.  Placement of tables, trees, and the kiosk is not yet decided.  Pedestrian lighting will be at the north end of the plaza.

 

* Telford South plaza: I'm not sure I'm getting this correctly, but it sounds like they might want to tear down the blue building at 333 Ludlow to create a larger focal point with better access to the parking areas between Ludlow and Howell.  This would create a covered, open air plaza and steps would be created from this plaza to the Clifton Merchants parking lot.  Issues with environmental review, abatement, property ownership etc., could hold this portion of the design back and could eat up a significant portion of the total project cost.

 

 

Phase III: Utilities, sidewalk, lighting, street furniture

STATUS: Will begin in 2007

 

* Utilities: The RFP for undergrounding of utilities came back at $49,200.  The engineer who submitted this bid has been hired.  Utility lines crossing Ludlow Ave. and those along the north side of the street will be undergrounded between Middleton and Clifton.  Lines along the south side of the street will remain, but will be cleaned up.  Undergrounding all lines was cost-prohibitive.

* Sidewalks/pavers: Materials for a unified sidewalk system have not been selected.  Materials will be selected based upon what will fit within the final working budget.

* Street lighting: A decorative, gaslight-style lighting system will be put on the south side of Ludlow between Middleton and Clifton.  Current gaslights will be "updated" (whatever that means).  Cobra lighting is out for the overhead lighting system.

* Signals: Mast arm traffic signals are likely for the Ludlow/Telford and for the Ludlow/Middleton intersections.  These could cost up to $100,000 each.  The Ludlow/Clifton intersection will not have mast arm traffic signals due to "site constraints".

* Bus stops/benches/etc.: A site satisfactory to business owners has not been found yet.  A site in/around the alley to the east of the Esquire has been ruled out.  Telford Plaza North is the frontrunner here, but it hasn't been decided.

 

Merchant Lot Development Project

(Jack Brand Developer)

 

On 2/6/06 Mr. Jack Brand made a presentation to CTM showing the attached architectural renderings for the development of the Clifton Merchant Parking Lot on Howell Avenue, the Clifton Community LLC (CCLLC) site and four adjacent properties on Howell and Ormond Avenues. The plans were very preliminary and did not include elevations or dimensions but did convey a feel and scope of the proposed development. A similar presentation was made to the Clifton Business and Professional Association (CBPA) on 2/21/06.

 

The proposed development, as presented by Mr. Brand would include a new 8000 sq ft Hamilton County Library Branch, 4 levels of underground parking with up to 400 parking spaces (approximately 300 new parking spaces), 38-40 condominium units and an undetermined amount of space for commercial/retail development.

 

Both the parking and library portions of the project were represented as being subsidized by the balance of the project. The library's rent would be maintained at its current level, even though its space would be increased three fold. Mr. Brand committed to maintain the level of revenue paid to the CBPA for parking while maintaining current parking rates. The CBPA uses the parking lot revenue to provide cleaning and additional police patrols for the business district.

 

Mr. Brand indicated that there would be an eight story office tower as part of the development. It would be in the center of the merchant lot and would be stepped back from the edge of the development to allow the project to better fit into its surroundings. He indicated that such mass was required to cover the costs of the subsidized parking and library.

 

Before any decision can be reached on the proposal, architectural plans with full elevations and models showing its relation to the surrounding community will be needed. Additionally Mr. Brand will need to get agreement from the following vested parties: CTM (as part owner of the CCLLC and steward of the community), CBPA (as owner of the Merchant Lot and part owner of the CCLLC), The City of Cincinnati (for the Merchant Lot land transfer, TIF financing for the new parking and zoning changes) and the Hamilton County Library.

 

If you are not already a CTM e-mail subscriber and want to receive e-mail notification of any special meetings or important actions regarding the proposed development, please subscribe to the CTM e-mail list.

 

 

http://www.cliftoncommunity.org/pdfs/MerchantLot1.pdf

I've heard about Mr. Brand's proposal for the merchant lot.  It is an impressive proposal.  Very large, dense proposal on what is now a mostly residential street.  Personally I think it would be fantastic.  The Ludlow business district is booming, and this will only add to it.  However, the architecture in the drawing kinda reminds me of one of my most disliked buildings in the city:

I'm still un sure as to if i like the proposal or not. They would have to change zoneing laws witch could hurt the area in the long run.

I dont know if I agree with 40 condos that seems like alot to sell, esp since they not going to be affordable at the ctm meeting the other day jack was saying that they would start @ 400k plus the building would be 8 stories.

In my opinion, condos at this location will sell like hotcakes. 

I agree, that would be an excellent location for condos.  Clifton needs more diversity in the age and characteristics of its housing stock.

 

But an eight story tower?  That is four or five stories taller than the next tallest building in the Clifton business district.  I'm afraid it would look out of scale and would be viewed as a mistake as soon as it was built.

It appears that it would be tall on Howell, but the first 3 stories would be lower than the street level of Ludlow.  Remember, this is only one block or so from the huge additions to Good Samaritain Hospital, which is very tall.

I don't really see how the tallness of the building could be looked at negatively, I mean downtown Cincinnati has many 2 story row houses near skyscrapers and I think it looks great.  Certainly you'd agree that those highrise apts/condos in East Walnut Hills don't look bad.  Condos would do really well in Clifton.  Real estate generally sells extremely well in that area.

^Have you seen the Louisville tower thread?

^Yes I have. I highly doubt they'd build anything that ugly.  That building in Louisville was just a proposal anyway.  I've never heard anyone complain about the Calhoun dorms or the ones on Jefferson being out of place with the neighborhood.  I live in Clifton and if they built a highrise that I could afford, I most def would be living in it.

sounds good to me.  building diversity is important in a neighborhood, though not quite as important as social diversity obviously.  i have no problem with the condos starting @ $300k either.  as a frequent apartment hunter myself (with many friends around ludlow) i know there is no shortage of affordable units.

 

therefore, the only debate in my view is architecture, which these renderings curiously leave to the imagination.

http://www.marketwatch.com/News/Story/7CC7dhzKzP9lVFLDqk1RZKS?siteid=mktw&dist=morenews

 

 

"The number of new homes on the market increased 4.4% to a record 548,000, representing a 6.3 months supply. The months' supply is the largest in a decade."

 

 

why build more if we are allready at such high levels of housing supply?????

^yes the housing market in the whole country is weakening, but that does not necessarily reflect on Cincinnati, much less Clifton in particular. 

 

How much housing has been built near this project in the past decade?  The answer: not nearly enough, as evidenced by high housing prices.  There may be too many new houses in Mason, and too many cheap apartments in Price Hill, but this area is a completely different story.  The developer will easily sell these, because people want to live here.

 

The more I think about this project, the more excited I am.  I can't think of any negatives.  It will be built on an overcrowded parking lot, will have three levels of garage, and retail and condos.  It would be a fantastic addition to the Ludlow business district. 

 

We must build on our sucesses.  The Ludlow business district is one of the best in the City, but it can be bigger and better, and more residences and businesses will help do that.

You make some valid points but just to add they will also be tarring down these 3 house's so its not just the lot that's getting replaced, if it was

a smaller project 5-6 storeys 1 story retail, 3-4 storeys of mix prices/ size condos, 4 level underground garage on just the parking lot i would be all for it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Are these the three houses along Howell that would be demolished?

 

What about the two on Ormond? Are they to stay?

Sucks that those buildings woud be demolished but I'm still for the projeect.

The debate over the height of the proposed bldg sounds much like the debate over the residential bldg on Michigan Ave.  I believe that bldg has turned out nicely with its surroundings and I also feel that a bldg of 8 stories would be fine along Ludlow.

That building is only 3-4 stories high, and only has 15 condos, not 40 condos and 8 stories.

 

Actually I think it is 6 stories. The top two are recessed though.

I could handle 6 storey's from the howel side then it would be 4 storey's from ludlow. this would blend in more with the neighborhood.

Here's an update from the CTM ListServe:

 

 

Background

 

Jack Brand has proposed a project to build a combined retail and housing development on the site of the current Merchant Lot and several adjacent properties. One of the components of this proposal is a new, subsidized facility for the Library. Recently Jack presented his proposal to the Library Facilities Committee. The decision of the Facilities Committee is presented below.

 

 

Information Received from the Library

 

On April 11, the Library Board of Trustees approved Library participation in a development in Clifton that would include a new Clifton Branch Library.  Jack Brand, Hank Schneider, and Steve Schreiber presented their proposal to the Committee that would include construction, at no cost to the Library, of a new branch facility of up to 8,000 square feet as part of their development project on Ludlow and Howell avenues in Clifton.  The mixed-use development would include retail, housing, parking, the Library and a community space.  The location of the Library would meet the criteria established by the Board in 2001 of visibility from Ludlow with easy pedestrian access.  Given the Library’s current financial constraints the proposal includes leasing the expanded facility to the Library at the same monthly rent as our current lease.  The project is expected to take about two years to complete.

 

 

Information from the President of the CTM Board of Trustees

 

This is to communicate the following news concerning the proposed development of the Merchant Parking Lot and adjacent property in Clifton’s business district.  As you will note the Library Board of Trustees has voted in favor of the library’s portion of the proposed development.  This information clarifies one portion of the proposed development, namely that the Library is interested in pursuing the proposed development.  Before any decisions can be made on the whole project by the involved Clifton Community Groups, Clifton Town Meeting and The Clifton Business and Professional Association, a complete, concrete proposal from the developers needs to be received and analyzed.  This review as well as reviews by the City of Cincinnati will take place prior to any decision on the project being made.

 

Clifton plan would bring condos to gaslight district

Project includes underground parking, library space

Cincinnati Business Courier - May 12, 2006by James RitchieStaff Reporter

 

A development partnership wants to put an eight-story residential, retail and office project in the center of the Clifton gaslight district.

 

Initial plans call for about 40 condominiums with prices ranging from $275,000 to $1 million along with 35,000 square feet of retail and as much as 120,000 square feet of office space.

 

Click on link for article.

http://cincinnati.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/stories/2006/05/15/story3.html

The designs that I saw on the Clifton Town mtg website do leave a lot to the imagination (as someone said above) - I think they will also remove the optical shop and Clifton business office (now a vacant storefront) as part of the project.  In any event - if it is approved it would be nice to get some type of restaurant use or something that provides outdoor seating - that is something that Ludlow lacks.

^Doesn't Arlin's still have outdoor seating out back?

 

They do - though they only served food on the weekends in the summer, last I was there.  But that was probably three or four summers ago - have they started serving food more frequently?  That would be very cool - it was a great spot, as long as they didn't have a band playing (I hate going to dinner and being unable to talk with my tablemates - I know, other folks love it, it's just not my thing).

I love the entire situation about the library.  The developer has certainly done a good deed by allowing a cash-strapped public library to continue its operations, in a newer, larger, and overall better environment for the same costs it currently pays.  It is just a pleasant part of the story that you dont hear too often anymore with all of the eminent domain debacles and what not.

They serve food everyday now. 

New development would dramatically change the look of Clifton's business district.

By Kevin Osborne

By Jack Brand

 

Major changes could come as soon as next year to one of Cincinnati's most eclectic and cherished neighborhoods. But whether it will ensure the Clifton Gaslight District's prosperity or permanently destroy its character is hotly debated.

 

A developer is proposing a large project between Ludlow and Howell avenues, near the center of the business district, that would include condominiums, office space and a retail area. Jack Brand's project also would include a new public plaza and a larger space for the Clifton branch library, now located in a cramped storefront, at a reduced rental rate.

 

Click on link for article.

http://www.citybeat.com/current/news.shtml

 

This was the best image/rendering accompanying this project that I could find:

 

EDIT: Photo removed