I love the Gaslight District for what it is. I'd much prefer seeing some of those old apt buildings turn into condos than to see new construction catering to people looking for the 125-250k range. I think people would be disappointed in how the building turned out. People are already throwing a fit over what's happening to nearby Corryville.

 

I don't know though...I think it's important to ADD housing, not convert existing housing into upscale condos. Students are KEY to this area's success, as well as young professionals and there needs to be enough housing to cover both these groups of people. So keep the students in the moderately priced apartments and attract more wealthy people with trendy, exclusive, loft style condos. and keep the cash flowing with designer boutiques, a trendy ultra lounge, or a great, new restaurant. I think this area has the potential of becoming the 'Hyde Park Square' for the young.

 

Corryville is another story because of the surrounding area and the amenities offered in that area, not just the build quality.

Is there a strong concensus or data showing that a lot of students moved out? I would expect foot traffic to be down because it's freezing outside. I assumed Clifton never had that high of a student population to begin with (compared to UH, CH) because the neighborhood is more expensive and farther from campus. I'm just saying, at the same time, they're trying to market new housing in Clifton Heights and Corryville to older professionals instead of students. Are we trying to engineer an equilibrium throughout all of uptown? I only went to one Clifton Mainstreet meeting; is that generally what the neighborhood wants?

I actually think the energy of Ludlow has been lost to Northside. The hot restaurants, the cool bars, the great music store are all still on Ludlow they just happen to be a couple miles down the road when it is called Hamilton Avenue. The Ludlow strip will always have a barrier to growth in that the permanent (non-student) community will always be much larger than the students who live around the 'hood. Cliftonites want a nice business strip not a hot strip. In a perfect world there would be a cutesy trolley (maybe even a cable car that basically just started in Northside at the far end of the business district climbed the Ludlow hill and (either continued on Ludlow to MLK or preferrably went up Clifton to campus). It would be massively used by students and make the neighborhoods feel more quaint and allow the whole area to play to their strengths.

 

There are plans for new energy on Ludlow if they would unleash the developers who would like to do something.

Northside is impossible to get to from I-75 south.  I wish Hamilton/Ludlow had an interchange.

Northside is impossible to get to from I-75 south.  I wish Hamilton/Ludlow had an interchange.

 

It's very easy, just take Mitchell to Spring Grove and you're there. 

 

Although Northside has its share of gas stations and the like, much of its older stock has been spared because of the fact that there isn't an exit there.  Compare it to the wasteland that is Hopple/MLK.

In a perfect world there would be a cutesy trolley (maybe even a cable car that basically just started in Northside at the far end of the business district climbed the Ludlow hill and (either continued on Ludlow to MLK or preferrably went up Clifton to campus). It would be massively used by students and make the neighborhoods feel more quaint and allow the whole area to play to their strengths.

 

I am glad you pointed that out.  Here is my streecar phase 2 plan with Ludlow included.  Phase 3 to northside will be later.

 

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=en&ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=106516343889698696857.000445755f09d5300b21b&ll=39.126065,-84.520569&spn=0.052069,0.106602&z=13&om=0

From CTM:

 

Cliftonites:

 

As you are undoubtedly aware, there currently is a vacant lot in the

heart of the Ludlow Business District where the Bender Optical Building

once stood. Earlier this year when the City demolished the building it

was with the clear understanding that a plaza would be built on the

site; and that the plaza would be build in conjunction with the street

improvement currently underway on Ludlow.

 

Only after the building was torn down was the Clifton community informed

by City administration that there were funding and other issues which

essentially put the construction of a plaza on the site "on hold", thus

leaving the site essentially as it is today for an unknown period of

time. CTM finds this unacceptable.

 

CTM has sought the assistance of City Council member John Cranley. Mr.

Cranley has stated his intention to introduce a motion calling for the

City to properly fund the construction of the Plaza on the former

Bending Optical site; and also to commence construction of the plaza

this Fall. In order for this motion to pass it will require the approval

of at least 5 City Council members.

 

Because CTM believes that the status quo is unacceptable and that the

construction of a plaza on the Bender Optical site is in the best

interests of the Clifton community, CTM is encouraging all Clifton

residents to support Mr. Cranley's motion; and to make your support

known to members of City Council. It is very important to the success of

the motion to construct the plaza that City Council members are aware of

the importance of this issue to the Clifton community and the high level

of support among Clifton community members for it.

 

On Sunday, *August 3rd at 2pm* there will be a press conference at the

Bender Optical site.

 

The following day, *Monday, August 4th, at 1pm* it is expected that Mr.

Cranley's motion will be considered by the City Finance Committee. The

Committee meets at the Myron Bush Recreation Center, 2640 Kemper Lane in

Walnut Hills;

 

On *Wednesday, August 6th at 1:30pm*  it is expected that Mr. Cranley's

motion will be considered by the full City Council. City Council meets

at the Woodward Career Technical High School, 7005 Reading Road in Bond

Hill.

 

*CTM is encouraging Clifton Community members to attend as many of these

events as possible to show your support for the plaza issue*. We realize

that due to the time of day or location of the meetings that many of you

may not be able to attend. You may also write, phone, or e-mail members

of City Council to indicate your support for the construction of the

Clifton plaza. I have attached contact information for members of Council.

 

Since not every Clifton resident is subscribed to this list serve,

please forward this e-mail to other Clifton residents who you feel have

an interest in this issue.

 

Gary Eby

Secretary -CTM

 

 

This News is brought to you by the Clifton Town Meeting, your neighborhood community council. Please visit us at www.cliftoncommunity.org.

Interesting...thanks for the information.

This plaza is interesting,  I just hope it doesn't become a hang out for bums

City says chemicals from dry cleaner stalling plaza

http://news.cincinnati.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080801/NEWS01/808010415/1168/NEWS

In a perfect world there would be a cutesy trolley (maybe even a cable car that basically just started in Northside at the far end of the business district climbed the Ludlow hill and (either continued on Ludlow to MLK or preferrably went up Clifton to campus). It would be massively used by students and make the neighborhoods feel more quaint and allow the whole area to play to their strengths.

 

I am glad you pointed that out.  Here is my streecar phase 2 plan with Ludlow included.  Phase 3 to northside will be later.

 

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=en&ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=106516343889698696857.000445755f09d5300b21b&ll=39.126065,-84.520569&spn=0.052069,0.106602&z=13&om=0

 

While I do think it is important that Phase 2 of the street car get close to East Campus and perhaps the zoo, I don't think there is any way they don't bring it down the Calhoun/McMillan corridor and then in front of Main Campus on Clifton Ave on the way to Ludlow.  There's just not enough on the Jefferson/MLK side of Campus to go that route and skip the S/W sides

There is plenty on the jefferson/mlk side of campus.  Marriott, all the hospitals all which have have thousands of employees.  I think ti would be foolish to disregard the impact of east campus on uptown.

I think it would be foolish to skip ANY major street in Uptown.

Cincinnati votes to fund Clifton Plaza

http://www.building-cincinnati.com/2008/08/cincinnati-votes-to-fund-clifton-plaza.html

The total cost of the ludlow ave streetscape will be about 2 million.  are there any figures on the economic impact of that spending? 

We should spend that money on schools and cops.

is it me or does anyone else think Ludlow didn't really need it.  Put the money in areas of Clifton that do need it.

Ludlow has been in decline for at least the last five years. It is a quite tired strip at this point. They needed to finish the project.

Ludlow has been in decline for at least the last five years. It is a quite tired strip at this point. They needed to finish the project.

 

I agree. The tenants and foot traffic are there, but it is very tired. The University is growing and cleaning up their act, and Ludlow should follow suit.

 

Could anyone briefly tell me what else (besides the plaza installation) is being done as part of the streetscape project?

How should plaza look?

 

CLIFTON -- Now that activists here have convinced Cincinnati City Council to mandate the building of a plaza on two vacant Ludlow Avenue lots, they want to know what other residents think the plaza should look like.

 

Click on link for article.

http://news.cincinnati.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080827/NEWS01/808270415/1168/NEWS

did anyone else notice they tore down the former funeral home on clifton avenue, right behind skyline.  All of a sudden, on Tuesday, the property was fenced off.  When I was headed to class yesterday morning, walked right by, and it was completely gone.  I know this property has been a hot topic in Clifton and been debated about what to do with it, but if this becomes more parking...

 

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=cincinnati+ohio&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=34.861942,78.75&ie=UTF8&ll=39.144145,-84.51912&spn=0,359.995193&t=h&z=18&layer=c&cbll=39.144058,-84.519133&panoid=gAkkmU9xRx6rMofEZ-kI6g&cbp=12,71.07653191304467,,0,-1.6470000663145885

 

 

It was supposed to have been torn down a few years ago, to make way for a mixed use streetfront building.  I saw the drawings for it somewhere, it wasn't the prettiest of places, and it was quite large, but it was built up to the sidewalk, had storefronts, and rental units above.

Thank god it's finally gone. The Clifton folks have been holding it up, but it caught fire. I'm guessing the city started breathing down the owner's neck.

Funds in place for Clifton plaza

http://www.building-cincinnati.com/2008/12/funds-in-place-for-clifton-plaza.html

 

Funds are in place for a new community plaza on the former site of Bender Optical on Ludlow Avenue in Clifton, and work could be completed before next fall.

 

KZF Design has been retained to work with the Plaza Committee of Clifton Town Meeting to design and manage construction of the plaza, which will serve as a connection between the Merchants' lot and the business district.

 

The project had stalled due to a gap in financing, but, in August, Cincinnati City Council adopted a motion to fill the gap using Cincinnati Neighborhood Business Districts United funds following a Clifton Town Meeting rally.

 

Later that month, more than two dozen residents attended a plaza brainstorming session, with major themes including a place for group activities, permanent seating, an information kiosk, a music/performance platform, lighting, food vendors, and an uncluttered, traditional appearance.

 

The design team is still seeking ideas for the plaza, which can be submitted by e-mail to [email protected] with "Plaza" as the subject line.

Meeting seeks input on Clifton Plaza design

http://www.building-cincinnati.com/2009/02/meeting-seeks-input-on-clifton-plaza.html

 

Clifton Town Meeting (CTM) will hold a community meeting to review and discuss designs for the Clifton Plaza project this evening at 7:30 PM at the Clifton Recreation Center, 320 McAlpin Avenue.

 

Architects from KZF Design and the CTM Plaza Committee will seek community input into preliminary designs for the new public space on the former site of Bender Optical, on Ludlow Avenue across from its intersection with Telford Street.

 

Resident feedback will be used to develop a final design.

 

The new plaza is meant to serve not only as a connection between the Merchant's Lot and the Ludlow Avenue business district, but also as a functional community space that could feature permanent seating, an information kiosk, a performance platform, lighting, and other built elements.

 

Those who cannot attend the meeting can still submit feedback to the CTM Plaza Committee by e-mail to [email protected] with "Plaza" as the subject line.

 

The $300,000 construction cost is fully funded.

 

 

I hope this plaza surpasses my expectations and actually does something to breathe new life into Ludlow.  I really think Ludlow would be a gold mine for a Hookah Bar.  The one on Calhoun is always slammed, and has expanded like 4 times in the past 2 years.  That one is basically all highschool kids, and if one opened on Ludlow that aimed at being a little nicer, I think they could attract an older crowd that Ludlow draws.

I thought there are 2 hookah bars on Calhoun, the Gypsy Cafe and another. 

 

The existing stair from the parking lot should be moved adjacent to the ramp so all people go through the plaza to get to Ludlow.  Not much to the plaza itself, hopefully some good suggestions at the meeting will give it more character.

What I want to know is why Gypsy Cafe hasn't removed the Deja Shoe sign yet?  They took over that space months ago.

Is anyone else a little disappointed in the streetscape project? Or was all that work just for new sidewalks?

Is anyone else a little disappointed in the streetscape project? Or was all that work just for new sidewalks?

 

about $2.1 million plus whatever the cost of the plaza is.

Well no answer in that response and $2.1m seems a bit high for new sidewalks to me. Am I missing something?

Well no answer in that response and $2.1m seems a bit high for new sidewalks to me. Am I missing something?

 

sorry, I think they did some utility bundling and they also built out the curbs on Telford, and replaced a few trees, otherwise yeah I think that is about it.

Ludlow Avenue is getting a makeover

http://www.uptownconsortium.org/uptown_rebirth

 

An exciting renaissance has also begun in Clifton. The proposed Ludlow revitalization project will consist of new sidewalks and curbs, more and brighter gas lamps, new street furniture, replacement of dead or diseased trees, and a new gathering place on Telford Avenue. The project will extend from Whitfield to Clifton Avenue on the south side of Ludlow and from Middleton past the fountain on the north side of Ludlow.

 

The project is a joint venture of Clifton Town Meeting and the Clifton Business and Professional Organization. Funding for the project ($1.8 million) has been provided by the City of Cincinnati. Art will be incorporated into the design so that it will reflect Clifton’s unique identity.

 

“The residents of Clifton appreciate the City of Cincinnati’s investment in our traditional, pedestrian-oriented business district,” said Linda Goldenhar, president of Clifton Town Meeting. “Their involvement of community members and business owners in the planning is going to allow us to showcase Clifton’s unique atmosphere.”

Clifton Plaza in final design phase

http://www.building-cincinnati.com/2009/06/clifton-plaza-in-final-design-phase.html

 

Clifton Town Meeting (CTM) reports that the final design for Clifton Plaza is being developed by KZF Design in conjunction with CTM's Plaza Committee, with the goal of putting the project out for bid within the next few weeks.

 

In development since 2007 and refined through several public meetings, the plaza will replace the demolished Bender Optical building on Ludlow Avenue with a functional community space that could feature permanent seating, an information kiosk, a performance platform, lighting, and other built elements.

 

Decorative elements will tie the space to the adjacent Merchant's Lot.

 

In December 2008, CTM reported that the $300,000 project cost was fully funded.

 

 

I'm a bit sick of these garbage projects.  Do we *not* have enough public performance spaces in many of our neighborhoods?  Why do we need them in *every* neighborhood?  Money would be better spent on further remediation of the site and building an actual mixed use building there.  This is an awful design to say the least.

I'm a bit sick of these garbage projects.  Do we *not* have enough public performance spaces in many of our neighborhoods?  Why do we need them in *every* neighborhood?  Money would be better spent on further remediation of the site and building an actual mixed use building there.  This is an awful design to say the least.

 

A few months ago I would have agreed with you, but what they did to Telford (widened sidewalks and benches added) has injected so much life into Ludlow its crazy.  It was such a simple thing and yet, every time I go down Ludlow the area is packed with people.  I think this plaza will compliment that vitality and add street life to the other side of the street, giving Ludlow serious activity on both sides.  I used to be against this plaza.  Now I am all for it.  What they need to do is put a mixed use project in Burnet Woods directly behind the fountain, complete with outdoor seating feet from the fountain.  This would be very piazza-esque. 

Clifton probably needed its Hyde Park Square, but since Ludlow is so narrow, a square would never work but a pedestrian first space certainly would.

A few months ago I would have agreed with you, but what they did to Telford (widened sidewalks and benches added) has injected so much life into Ludlow its crazy. It was such a simple thing and yet, every time I go down Ludlow the area is packed with people. I think this plaza will compliment that vitality and add street life to the other side of the street, giving Ludlow serious activity on both sides. I used to be against this plaza. Now I am all for it. What they need to do is put a mixed use project in Burnet Woods directly behind the fountain, complete with outdoor seating feet from the fountain. This would be very piazza-esque.

 

See, I actually think the created public space on Telford is amazing, and it has the potential to be even more amazing.  It's nice to see what great things they were able to do to complement the existing fabric.  I just don't know if we need yet another public space, when we already the Telford space and the corner fountain area at Clifton.  The Ludlow NBD is relatively short, and it would seem to be oversaturated.

A few months ago I would have agreed with you, but what they did to Telford (widened sidewalks and benches added) has injected so much life into Ludlow its crazy.  It was such a simple thing and yet, every time I go down Ludlow the area is packed with people.  I think this plaza will compliment that vitality and add street life to the other side of the street, giving Ludlow serious activity on both sides.  I used to be against this plaza.  Now I am all for it.  What they need to do is put a mixed use project in Burnet Woods directly behind the fountain, complete with outdoor seating feet from the fountain.  This would be very piazza-esque. 

 

See, I actually think the created public space on Telford is amazing, and it has the potential to be even more amazing.  It's nice to see what great things they were able to do to complement the existing fabric.  I just don't know if we need yet another public space, when we already the Telford space and the corner fountain area at Clifton.  The Ludlow NBD is relatively short, and it would seem to be oversaturated.

 

I agree, but the ideal space for a public place seems to be at the intersection of Telford and Ludlow, as this seems the natural spot where people come together.  Plus, there are a number of popular institutions right around the intersection.  The fountain area seems forced and is out of the way and thus goes underutilized.  I absolutely love the fountain and think the plaza is pretty, but we need to rethink that public space, and maybe turn it into a mixed use development. 

 

 

It's a good plan because it takes the place of the Bender Optical building which was not an asset to the neighborhood.  If they were going to add a mixed use building instead of a plaza, there probably wouldn't be a retail tenant willing to take it at the moment.  A number of Ludlow businesses have closed down in recent months, and adding more street life is probably the best thing the neighborhood can do to revive the street.  Let's fill in the existing spaces where Spiral Lights and Norka Futon used to be.

It's a good plan because it takes the place of the Bender Optical building which was not an asset to the neighborhood.  If they were going to add a mixed use building instead of a plaza, there probably wouldn't be a retail tenant willing to take it at the moment.  A number of Ludlow businesses have closed down in recent months, and adding more street life is probably the best thing the neighborhood can do to revive the street.  Let's fill in the existing spaces where Spiral Lights and Norka Futon used to be.

 

The Spiral Lights space is occupied and soon to open.  Plus, the district just got an Ace Hardware.  If the Norka Futon space is filled in soon, I think it will be a sign the retail scene is strong.  I do think the district could use new construction.  Concentrate it on Clifton where the old funeral home was and behind the fountain.

It's a good plan because it takes the place of the Bender Optical building which was not an asset to the neighborhood.  If they were going to add a mixed use building instead of a plaza, there probably wouldn't be a retail tenant willing to take it at the moment.  A number of Ludlow businesses have closed down in recent months, and adding more street life is probably the best thing the neighborhood can do to revive the street.  Let's fill in the existing spaces where Spiral Lights and Norka Futon used to be.

 

The Spiral Lights space is occupied and soon to open.  Plus, the district just got an Ace Hardware.  If the Norka Futon space is filled in soon, I think it will be a sign the retail scene is strong.  I do think the district could use new construction.  Concentrate it on Clifton where the old funeral home was and behind the fountain.

 

Great, I'm glad to hear those spaces are recovering so quickly.  It's going to be especially awesome if Blue Wisp ends up relocating below Ace Hardware.

 

If there's going to be new construction, I'd like to see it improving the walkability on the other side of Ludlow Ave (near the Skyline and Subway).  Of course, building walkable developments along Clifton Ave would be awesome as well, maybe taking the place of some of the parking-oriented businesses.  I doubt Burnett Woods is going to give up any more real estate, either near the fountain as you suggest or near the MLK/Clifton intersection as jmeck has suggested.

The Fountain is part of the park, there isn't going to be development there. The fountain is an improvement over the grassy slope that was there before. I would hope that the funeral development gets going.

The Fountain is part of the park, there isn't going to be development there. The fountain is an improvement over the grassy slope that was there before. I would hope that the funeral development gets going.

 

Why can't there be development in Burnet Woods behind the fountain?  They are proposing a restaurant in the park close to the intersection of Dixmyth and the new realignment of Burnet Woods Drive.  The concept would make more sense in the Ludlow NBD. 

A park cafe type place would make great sense there.  Similar to the cafe in Bryant Park in NYC.

Why can't there be development in Burnet Woods behind the fountain? They are proposing a restaurant in the park close to the intersection of Dixmyth and the new realignment of Burnet Woods Drive. The concept would make more sense in the Ludlow NBD.

 

I don't think you want to raise that question with the Cincinnati Park Board.

Why can't there be development in Burnet Woods behind the fountain?  They are proposing a restaurant in the park close to the intersection of Dixmyth and the new realignment of Burnet Woods Drive.  The concept would make more sense in the Ludlow NBD. 

 

I don't think you want to raise that question with the Cincinnati Park Board.

 

Why not?

Only because it's a fat chance.

 

Two things I wish upon our city:

1) No more lots converted to greenspace!

2) No desecration of our existing parks.

 

 

The CPD has been very vocal about any removal of any of its park space, considering how much was removed for highway development and etc. during the 1950s through the 1980s.

But they plan on putting in a restaurant IN the park up around Dixmyth.  I filled out a big survey about it.  Clearly they are open to putting a restaurant in the park, and the restaurant might have this treehouse vibe that goes with the park, or it might be super green to go along with the park.  I am saying it would go better at the corner of Ludlow and Clifton than Dixmyth and Clifton.