'Uptown Cincinnati' booming

But neighborhoods around UC still need help, city told

By Gregory Korte Enquirer staff writer

 

Cincinnati's "Uptown" district functions almost as a second downtown. Consider:  There are 40,000 people who work in and around Uptown, making it the second biggest economic engine in the region, after downtown.  More than 300,000 vehicles travel in, out or through Uptown on any given day - more than twice the number crossing the Brent Spence Bridge.

 

The six business districts in the Uptown area contain 533,000 square feet of retail space - 64 percent more than Rookwood Commons in Norwood. Three more developments - the Calhoun Street Marketplace, Uptown Crossings and University Village - will push that number to 698,000.  There's more than $3.5 billion in development started in the seven neighborhoods surrounding the University of Cincinnati - a place its champions like to call Uptown Cincinnati.

 

New student housing complexes such as Stratford Village and retail projects such as Calhoun Street Marketplace are reinventing entire blocks at a time.  Still, leaders in that development told Cincinnati City Council Monday that many of those Uptown neighborhoods - Avondale, Clifton, Clifton Heights, Corryville, Fairview, Mount Auburn and University Heights - are struggling.

 

Read full article here:

http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051012/BIZ01/510120334/1076/rss01

 

There are 40,000 people who work in and around Uptown, making it the second biggest economic engine in the region, after downtown.

I always thought it was Blue Ash. Blue Ash has more workers and ALOT more corporations.

Yeah, I think Blue Ash has a bit more workers than Uptown.  Isn't it around 70,000?

^ Yep...the Blue Ash website estimates it at 70K (bottom of page):

http://www.blueash.com/index.php?module=pagemaster&PAGE_user_op=view_page&PAGE_id=9&submenu=8&db4bfc141cb71ef17887af2820a7d345=3d5ea33625c3554aa4ff69e5b46b993c

Uptown area gets big boost

By Michael Collins Post Washington Bureau

 

The push to revitalize Cincinnati's Uptown area is getting a significant boost from the federal government, which will announce today that it has approved $52 million in tax credits for the effort.  The credits will open the door for the Cincinnati Development Fund and its partner, the Uptown Consortium, to pursue a number of long-range projects for the low-income area.

 

The credits will be used to leverage up to $200 million in private investment and create more than 2,000 jobs in the Uptown area, including the communities of Avondale, Clifton Heights-Fairview, Mount Auburn and Corryville.  "This is a tremendous shot in the arm," said Tony Brown, president and CEO of the Uptown Consortium.

 

Read full article here:

http://news.cincypost.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050511/NEWS01/505110364

From today's Post: <a href="http://news.cincypost.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050513/NEWS01/505130333">$500M goal set for Uptown</a>

I don't think this has been posted, but it's the strategic opportunity plan that was finished in December.  It's a 52-page PDF but it's got some really interesting stuff in there:

http://www.uptownconsortium.org./strategic_opportunity.pdf

 

Uptown group hires two to improve area

Development consortium responds to residents

By Marla Matzer Rose Enquirer staff writer

 

The nonprofit Uptown Consortium has made two new hires as it steps up its programs in a cluster of neighborhoods north of downtown Cincinnati. Dwendolyn Chester has been appointed director of neighborhood services for the community development corporation, while Alan E. Jones has become director of public safety.

 

Tony T. Brown, president and CEO of the year-old organization, said adding the two positions was an idea that came out of several meetings with neighborhood representatives.  "It's part of our overall strategic plan," Brown said. "Our residents told us that the renaissance of Uptown had to be about more than buildings, just bricks and sticks. It had to address the needs of the neighborhoods, in particular in having a plan for education and safety."

 

Read full article here:

http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051012/BIZ01/510120334/1076/rss01

How do I get my name on these list for "available for hire"?

For those of you who commented on Blue Ash as having more workers there.  This may be true, but the article said second largest economic engine.  This goes far beyond the amount of workers that are there.  The types of institutions and the clout they hold is what is important.  Uptown consists of the University of Cincinnati, the Cincinnati Zoo, the Health Alliance (amoung many other nationaly acclaimed hospitals), Xavier University, and the federal Environmental Protection Agency.  These are major institutions that Blue Ash cannot compare to.  There may be more workers in general, but the trickle down affect that the institutions Uptown have is far greater than that of any in Blue Ash.

^ With that said and done  then why isn't Cincinnati doing better than Blue Ash financially?

Is Xavier University in the Uptown area?  That would be news to me.

Is Xavier University in the Uptown area?  That would be news to me.

 

XU is actually in Evanston.  I think a few of their buildings are in Norwood. 

evanston is included in the "Uptown" area as far as studies and such go.

The Uptown Consortium covers Avondale, Clifton, CUF, Corryville and Mt. Auburn.  However, the Uptown Transportation Study includes Avondale, Clifton, Corryville, East Walnut Hills, Evanston, Mt. Auburn, North Avondale, Walnut Hills and CUF.

 

So it depends what you're talking about.

yeah, i was thinking of the transportation study.

The Uptown Consortium put out a Request for Proposals in mid-September to prepare a feasibility study of the potential for developing a research and related commercial ventures park in Uptown.  This could be part of their future land use plan, and they're selling the idea of the University. the hospitals, and related businesses to take part.

 

Here is the schedule on this:

• RFP Issued: September 16

• Deadline for receipt of letter of intent: October 7

• Deadline for receipt of completed proposal: November 9

• Notification to finalists of selection for interview: November 18

• Announcement of selected firm: December 21

• Contract negotiated, commencement of study: January 27.

 

The Uptown Consortium anticipates that this project will be completed on or before June 1, 2006.

 

You can read this RFP if you're really interested:

http://www.uptownconsortium.org./documents/RFP_ResearchVentures.pdf

 

There is also a Burnet Woods redesign in the works.  That RFP is here:

http://www.uptownconsortium.org./documents/Burnet_Woods_RFP_Final.pdf

 

Parks spur areas in Uptown

BY MARLA MATZER ROSE | ENQUIRER STAFF WRITER

 

Some of the most desirable urban residential areas around the country line city parks. In Uptown - including the neighborhoods of Mount Auburn, Avondale and Corryville - dozens of boarded-up buildings surround parks that have spectacular views but need some upgrades and tender, loving care.

 

The Uptown Consortium, along with the Cincinnati Parks Board, is starting work on a master plan to enhance Uptown parks, including the 89-acre Burnet Woods on Clifton Avenue, along with smaller neighborhood parks such as the 8-acre Jackson Hill Park in Mount Auburn. The mission: Improve the parks and create programming from concerts to farmers markets to draw people from around the area.

 

Read full article here:

http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060226/BIZ01/602260344/1076/BIZ

Uptown plots its course

As clock ticks, development group examines its spending, strategy

By Dan Monk & Lucy May | Cincinnati Business Courier, May 18, 2007

 

The Uptown Consortium has 16 months to spend $16 million, or it could lose portions of the $52 million in federal tax credits it won in 2005 from the U.S. Treasury Department.  At the same time, the agency has hired a consultant to examine its mission and strategy and offer recommendations to help it operate more effectively.  Under rules of the federal New Markets Tax Credits program, the consortium must spend at least 60 percent of its allotment - $31 million - by September 2008 or it can be forced to return the federal credits.

 

The Uptown Consortium, a nonprofit economic development agency, so far has invested $16 million, with most of the money geared toward the revitalization of the Burnet Avenue corridor near Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center. But the consortium has reserved another $22 million for McMillan Park, a $100 million condo project planned by a nonprofit development group affiliated with the University of Cincinnati. McMillan Park has stalled. UC has invited developers to make new proposals for the vacant land that now dominates the Calhoun Avenue corridor.

 

Read full article here:

http://cincinnati.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/stories/2007/05/21/story2.html

Developers see potential in Uptown hotels

By Dan Monk | Cincinnati Business Courier, May 25, 2007

 

Hotel deals are percolating in the Uptown neighborhoods surrounding the University of Cincinnati, with at least three different developers eyeing potential projects.  A deal involving the Ackermann Group appears the farthest along. The Norwood-based developer has been talking with city officials and the Clifton Heights Community Urban Redevelopment Corp. (CHCURC) about a mixed-use project that would include a hotel of up to 150 rooms, a 400-car garage, a Gold's Gym and an undetermined mix of office or retail space at the corner of Calhoun and Vine streets.

 

"It seems to make sense for the area," said Gerald Siegert, an associate vice president for community development at UC, who adds city officials are exploring the use of tax increment financing and other tools. UC is involved in the project because it loaned $5 million to CHCURC for land acquisition.

 

A second project is being explored in Corryville by JFP Group, the real estate development company owned by Cincinnati entrepreneur Terry Jacobs. Siegert said JFP is contemplating a hotel/entertainment project on Martin Luther King Boulevard east of Vine Street. The idea is to link the new Village at Stetson Square housing development to the Short Vine entertainment district, Siegert said.

 

Read full article here:

http://cincinnati.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/stories/2007/05/28/tidbits1.html

I have lived in Clifton for 10 years the only thing i see is a constant decline of good retail stores SAFE shopping areas and a flow of violence and crime that the city and the university along with the media due a extravagant job of hiding from the general public. I don't understand Cincinnati's leaders nor will i ever. Why instead of cleaning up garbage they build nice new condos over it and hope no one will notice. Why are the jails full but no one will vote for a new tax that will save them money in the long run. People are educated and people know better , so that excuse is all used up. I am not an evil person nor will I ever be but this city is pushing it's good residents away .

^That was definitely a weird and rushed post.  Some commas would be nice.  Anyways, I don't know the numbers off the top of my head, but I'd be interested in seeing the crime reports for Clifton. 

 

 

^^I don't know if I have EVER heard of anyone accusing the media of hiding crime from the general public.  I'm not entirely sure what the point of that post was...but it seems to me that you have a particular bent that is being clouded by your emotions.  Look at the changes in the Uptown area with a level head, and tell me that you honestly think they are making the area worse off.

^That was definitely a weird and rushed post.  Some commas would be nice.  Anyways, I don't know the numbers off the top of my head, but I'd be interested in seeing the crime reports for Clifton. 

 

 

 

I see them every month.  the only real problem areas are the motels on central parkway and car break ins around burnet woods.

I don't know where else to put this, so here goes...

 

There is a new clothing store open on Short Vine at the corner of Corry and Vine (across from Kroger).  The name of the place is Merch Underground...this is a collaborative effort by a group of 'young professionals' from the University of Cincinnati community.

 

"Merch Underground is a unification of designers, musicians, artists, and extreme athletes aiming to illustrate passions."

www.cincymerch.com

 

These are the types of these we need to embrace/continue embracing in our communities.  These grassroot efforts are unmeasurably valuable when it comes to the rehabbing of our inner-city neighborhoods.  I say at least go give it a look...and tell 'em UncleRando sent ya (just kidding), but seriously GO CHECK IT OUT!

 

2601 1/2 Vine Street

www.cincymerch.com

www.myspace.com/cincymerch

I like the idea but that's quite possibly the cheesiest execution I've ever seen.

I like the idea but that's quite possibly the cheesiest execution I've ever seen.

 

I second this. Man, they need to hook-up with someone in design.

and ditch the suburban-kid-turned-urban "we're on church retreat and loving it" photo shoots.

pretty harsh...don't you say

And lose the Celtic D&D font.

I'm not sure how many other 21-23 year olds are out there actually acting on their intentions, but I thing this is a fantastic effort.  Many people talk about what they're going to do...they went out and did it.

 

The graphics/images may be cheesy, but who gives a crap...that will work itself out over time.

pretty harsh...don't you say

 

Werd.

Im kinda concerned about the location...it would be visible to more college students if it was on McMillan. I wish them the best of luck though. Seeing young motivated people do stuff like this; its inspiring.

Perhaps it's harsh, but consider it constructive criticism.  It seems to me that the market they're aiming for is one that values authenticity.  The website doesn't do a good job of conveying authenticity.  That said, I like the idea and wish them luck.

>Look good, do good, give good, feel good.

 

Go team!

 

 

>And lose the Celtic D&D font.

 

If these guys were old enough to remember the first Weezer record, they would have been playing "In My Garage" in the background.

 

 

>Many people talk  about what they're going to do...they went out and did  it.

 

Their myspace page reminded me of a recent observation of mine, that aside from higher gas prices, the biggest difference in the gas station aesthetic from 10 years ago is the proliferation of energy drink advertisements.  This coming from someone who has binders full of b&w negatives of gas stations from the 1990's.   

 

 

 

^Are you saying energy drinks are making young people more motivated?

Private developers ready to snap up UC-owned sites

At least seven firms consider making play for parcels

By Dan Monk | Cincinnati Business Courier, September 21, 2007

 

Slowly but surely, the University of Cincinnati is wringing the risk out of its real estate investment portfolio - a process that could spark a wave of new development in the blocks surrounding the school.  At least seven different developers are now talking with UC-financed nonprofit development corporations about the sale of land purchased for development projects that later stalled. School officials won't discuss the deals in detail, but sources involved in the process indicate discussions are under way with local developers Towne Properties LLC, Vandercar Holdings Inc., North American Properties and the Ackerman Group.

 

Dallas-based Trammel Crow Co. is said to be pursuing two sites, while JFP Group and MG Securities Inc. of Cincinnati are close to acquiring two parcels at the end of the Short Vine business district.  "What we're trying to do is get things moving. These things have been sitting there for too long," said Gerald Siegert, UC's associate vice president for community development.

 

Read full article here:

http://cincinnati.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/stories/2007/09/24/story6.html

Very interesting article Randy.  This will go a long way in reducing UC's additional debt!  Maybe they can put this money towards the new basketball arena! (joke!!!!!!!)

 

The only question I have, correct me if I'm wrong (& I know you will)  :wink:, weren't some of the property owners on Calhoun forced close their businesses and sell to UC?  If so, I feel badly for them that UC would now turn around and sell back to private developers.

 

 

The only question I have, correct me if I'm wrong (& I know you will)  :wink:, weren't some of the property owners on Calhoun forced close their businesses and sell to UC?  If so, I feel badly for them that UC would now turn around and sell back to private developers.

 

That is the very debate going on right now with the eminent domain lawsuit.  The holdings group that owns the Arby's and Hardees properties is in the midst of a legal battle with the City of Cincinnati over this action that was taken.  The others took the money offered and sold the properties and/or left peacefully.

 

This particular article is somewhat vague on the properties under discussion.  There is another group of properties that is owned by CHCRUC (aka UC) just further east of where you are talking about.  It is where the McDonalds and run-down parking garage thing existed.  It is part of the overall redevelopment plan, but a later phase (as outlined by CHCRUC and the Uptown Consortium).  I wonder if that too is up for grabs here.  I think it is a good move on UC's part...they have demonstrated that these projects can be and are successful.  Now the private developers are less wary to come in and invest millions of dollars...let them take it from here (mission accomplished).

I think that Short Vine has gone downhill over the past year. Top Cat's and Sudsy Malone's both closed, two local restaurants have gone out of business and a cell phone store also closed (no big loss there). It seems every time something worthwhile closes, something like a Rob 'N Go or a cheap jewelry store takes its place (that is, if anything goes in at all). The clothing store highlighted above is a nice addition though.

Short Vine probably needs to go ahead and hit bottom before it can be really redeveloped in any sort of successful way. As the redevelopment of Corryville continues apace, I'd imagine Short Vine will eventually return to its '80s audience, but that may take a few years.

the university village plaza with the kroger has to go if short vine is going to bounce back

I think Club D'zire on Short Vine is new. I was supposed go to my friend's party there yesterday. Im curious to check it out. I don't think Kroger is as bad for Corryville as cell phone and clothing stores (obvious fronts for drugs, open 24/7). You never know when you need to buy a pear of Timberlands at 2 in the morning!!!

I think that Short Vine has gone downhill over the past year. Top Cat's and Sudsy Malone's both closed, two local restaurants have gone out of business and a cell phone store also closed (no big loss there). It seems every time something worthwhile closes, something like a Rob 'N Go or a cheap jewelry store takes its place (that is, if anything goes in at all). The clothing store highlighted above is a nice addition though.

 

I agree. When I was young, I used to drive down to Short Vine and see shows at Bogart's & Top Cats, shop at Scentiments Rock City, get coffee over at The Buzz, and I remember buying cds at various shops on the street. This was probably 2000 or so. By the time I transferred to UC for school, which was January 06', it had already reallllly gone done hill. All the places I used to shop were closed forever or had moved to Northside (Scentiments Rock City).

 

In September 06' I moved over to Short Vine (cheap rent), and the general atmosphere got worse in my time living there. It got to the point where I couldn't keep my windows open at night because of the noise, and I was calling the police when I'd look at my window and see fights breaking out just so I could sleep. My landlord was also basically a slumlord, and another building on the street was ordered to be vacated by the city. I moved as soon as feasibly possible.

I was hoping the new development in Corryville would make a difference but it doesn't seem to be doing anything.

 

Oh hey, check out this statement from the uptown consortium website:

 

"Currently undergoing an exciting revitalization, Uptown offers a progressive urban lifestyle with space, greenery and convenience more commonly associated with the suburbs".

 

Wow.

I just sent them a letter.

I live right off of Short Vine. It's funny that that so much of the area east of Short Vine is full of med school people, college kids, young doctors and all that -- many more peaceful folks than troublemakers -- that you never see. It's like they just watch TV or something during their free time and drive out of the area to run errands or go to the bar. It's almost like a suburban lifestyle in the city. You only ever see such a small percentage of the college students/YPs on the street. C'mon people, take advantage of the fact that you can walk places.

^Same thing with Main Street in OTR!!!

*puts both hands on top of head*--holy sh!t, why don't people that LIVE on Main street walk around more?! So I guess it's just really cool to live in OTR in an old italianate building but not going outside and being a part of the community? All I saw, going to Kaldi's and Nicola's for my interview was thugs, people smoking crack and kids waiting for the bus from SCPA. I remember looking up the demographics of those streets specifically and they're VERY white, and there are a lot of middle class people but you wouldn't know that by noticing who actually walks around.

The smoking ban helps, Kaldis always has at least one person out front smoking now.

^Same thing with Main Street in OTR!!!

*puts both hands on top of head*--holy sh!t, why don't people that LIVE on Main street walk around more?! So I guess it's just really cool to live in OTR in an old italianate building but not going outside and being a part of the community? All I saw, going to Kaldi's and Nicola's for my interview was thugs, people smoking crack and kids waiting for the bus from SCPA. I remember looking up the demographics of those streets specifically and they're VERY white, and there are a lot of middle class people but you wouldn't know that by noticing who actually walks around.

I'm out walking quite a bit! Even if it's just down to Kaldi's and back, or one of the corner stores, or to friends places over on Jackson, or waiting for the bus. I would be out even more if there were places for me to go too. Some of the businesses aren't open all the time though, and sometimes I feel like a nusiance for just browsing and not buying at the antique store or the vintage poster place, etc.

 

I used to jog down Main and around downtown, but that got old really fast because it's been so hot and smoggy this summer. Maybe when the real fall weather comes and the new bars on Main are open, I will be out more!

^Same thing with Main Street in OTR!!!

*puts both hands on top of head*--holy sh!t, why don't people that LIVE on Main street walk around more?! So I guess it's just really cool to live in OTR in an old italianate building but not going outside and being a part of the community? All I saw, going to Kaldi's and Nicola's for my interview was thugs, people smoking crack and kids waiting for the bus from SCPA. I remember looking up the demographics of those streets specifically and they're VERY white, and there are a lot of middle class people but you wouldn't know that by noticing who actually walks around.

I'm out walking quite a bit! Even if it's just down to Kaldi's and back, or one of the corner stores, or to friends places over on Jackson, or waiting for the bus. I would be out even more if there were places for me to go too. Some of the businesses aren't open all the time though, and sometimes I feel like a nusiance for just browsing and not buying at the antique store or the vintage poster place, etc.

 

I used to jog down Main and around downtown, but that got old really fast because it's been so hot and smoggy this summer. Maybe when the real fall weather comes and the new bars on Main are open, I will be out more!

 

You are a great American :)