Got my two sense in!

The jumbotron was broken couldnt see the Daschund races. Sucked.

They got it working after you left then. It was working for the Beer Stein Races.

They got it working after you left then. It was working for the Beer Stein Races

 

Oh man!  Yea,  I left right after the hotdog races...That's cool they got it working  I couldnt see the races there were too many people watching, that is a good thing though.

And the argument continues...

 

http://frontier.cincinnati.com/comments/threadview.asp?threadid=379

 

Please respond and put these people in their place

 

The way I look at it, is the square speaks for itself. Rock Bottom's business will pick up (if it hasn't already), we have Via Vite moving in, Palominos and Joseph Bank to the left, McCormick and Schmicks/Weston to the south, a giant video board, and an improved public transportation hub at government square just a hop skip and a jump away. Honestly, what the hell do these people want, that are complaining?! These people are trying to validate their pessimistic attitude about Cincinnati and speficially, downtown and are running out of excuses FAST. The square is VERY inviting, much more than it ever was. If people don't like it, it's best that they stay in the suburbs, as it's obvious they can't cope with "change".

Overall I liked the previous incarnation of the square better.  They shouldn't have moved and turned the fountain, they shouldn't have torn down the skywalk.  The screen is obnoxious.  A public square should be about things people can't do in their own home.  The emphasis should be on live music and performances, not TV.  The square used to have live programming all the time, this is not a new thing.  I played on the old square's stage with two different groups. 

 

Basically I don't see any single advantage to the new square that overwhelms something that lacked in the previous square.  If they were so intent on moving the fountain to allow the ice rink, they could have reconstructed the 5th St. esplanade and moved the fountain there.

 

Also I find the glass panels to be quite stark during the day and the kool-aid colors at night reminiscent of the old glass block strobes at Forest Fair Mall circa 1989.  It's going to be hilarious when pixels start burning out on the jumbotron and lights burn out behind the glass panels.  Hopefully they will be routinely replacing those bulbs before they burn out.   

 

Definitely some planters or something are needed on the 5th St. landing, as is it's too stark.  And maybe start growing some ivy on the glass panels!

 

The increase in foot traffic speaks for itself!    IMO

The square has a much more open feeling. There are more things to do around the square, meaning people are more likely to go there. I barely ever watch TV but if it brings people there, I have no problem with it. There's still many events, live music etc that take place on the square so it's not as if it's the main attraction. Probably the worst part of the videoboard is the lack of productivity at 5/3rd. As much as people procrastinate with AIM messenger and forums at work, the video board playing sports and news certainly won't help people with an office view of fountain square lol.

If you haven't seen the thread on the Enquirer site, you must read it in its entirety.  The discussion is in full fury now!

I like the new square better.  Jake you don't live in the area or get to appreciate the daily foot traffic that has increased.  Yes we can debate if  it was wise to move the fountain but in the end, the overall product is a big improvement and part of the Square's success is the Jumbotron so while it might be tacky to some, it brings a new element to the Square that brings people together.

^ Well said Monte.

Ok, these are not very good but a few pics from today's "Gemuitlicheit Games" to kick off Oktoberfest.  First photo is of the replay on the screen but hard to tell.  Stayed only through the Beer Stein Races.  And did you see the new 5/3 signage in that last photo?

 

 

 

 

 

Not sure how I feel about the 5/3 signage.  Smart on their part, but I had hoped for something different. In some of the old renderings there was lighting with the word "Cincinnati" on it.  It would be great if there was a clock or something, but hey, can't have everything the way I want it... at least it's colorful.

 

Speaking of color, I hope they have some color incorporated with Via Vite.  I'm sure they'll have some flowers or hanging baskets or something else.  Looks good otherwise.

I like the new 5/3 logo.

 

Of course, I'm a 5/3 customer.

The logo does look great on the new facade...I'm continually impressed with the stuff going on/around the square.

And the argument continues...

 

http://frontier.cincinnati.com/comments/threadview.asp?threadid=379

 

Please respond and put these people in their place

 

I added my thoughts:

 

The new square has more shaded areas, a more intimate setting for the fountain, new retail/restaurants, more usable space for events/activities, multiple elements for people to get engaged with and a softer/more humane/more natural feeling design than the previous bunker-style square that existed.

 

All in all, I don't know how you could see a better end result.  Especially considering it only took $4M in taxpayer money...which has resulted in well over $40M in private investments.  A 10:1 return on investment is pretty good...that is unless you are comparing it to the streetcars conservative estimate of a 14:1 return on investment.

 

It just makes cents!

OT, but the new 5/3 logo is terrible.

>The emphasis should be on live music and performances, not TV.

 

My beef with the screen is mostly my beef with television, period.  We have one of the best music schools in the country right here, why not pay the various CCM groups and solo players $100/hr to come down in play on a daily basis?  Oh yeah, people are much more comfortable with Alf and American False Idol and America's Next Topless Model than classical music or God forbid jazz, one of the greatest American contributions to world culture. 

>The emphasis should be on live music and performances, not TV.

 

My beef with the screen is mostly my beef with television, period.  We have one of the best music schools in the country right here, why not pay the various CCM groups and solo players $100/hr to come down in play on a daily basis?  Oh yeah, people are much more comfortable with Alf and American False Idol and America's Next Topless Model than classical music or God forbid jazz, one of the greatest American contributions to world culture. 

 

Jake,

 

Preface:  I love your website and respect your sharp intellect. But I think you are being a little obtuse (heard that on Shawshank Redemption) on this.

 

The square has accomplished Job 1:  Create buzz and foot traffic during non-business hours. Assuming those were the goals - it is a success.

 

I appreciate your view that TV is bad and other forms of art/entertainment are good.  But quite frankly you have the minority opinion in this country (for good or bad).  The way you indict TV seems ranty and snobby.  Don't get em wrong, I loves me some brass and strings.  If CCM groups bring souls to FS, then I am all for it but I think Bengals games probably will do better.

I think what jmecklenborg means is that theres more to our city than just orange stripes and german beer parties. having a square thats only active during big sporting events and seasonal celebrations is like opening up a store that has no regular hours...it would do poor business because nobody would want to gamble the trip if they knew nothing may be there but if there were regular daily activities on top of the big events people would start to think "hey the square always has cool stuff going on...lets see whats happening downtown tonight" and thats the attitude that will make it thrive. also some people may actually like good music and sports *gasp* imagine that.

Sports are kinda boring for me, whats the excitement?  watching big men in tights kicking and throwing balls.  :? oh well I guess if it gets people downtown and spending $ I can't complain too much.

I don't understand people who say "I don't like sports" nor can I understand people who say "I don't like the arts" 

For Jake and friends.

 

Area Man Constantly Mentioning He Doesn't Own A Television

February 9, 2000 | Issue 36•04

 

http://www.theonion.com/content/node/28694

 

I wonder if granite tiles will need to be replaced after the daschund race yesterday.

 

 

^Yeah I don't have and never have had a TV.  I've had a few years where I've watched less TV than some do in a single day.  I hate going to see movies too, I haven't been to one this year and maybe saw 2 last year.

 

Here's the central issue -- entertaining and being entertained by real people by things they came up with and worked on themselves is a lot more uh...entertaining than the product of some big media company.  All a movie or a TV show is a calculated emotional swell device, one overwhelmingly produced by California companies in California. 

 

 

Sports are kinda boring for me, whats the excitement?  watching big men in tights kicking and throwing balls.

 

Yup, especially when it comes to baseball  ;)

People relate to each other easily through tv because so many people watch the same shows. It's the same with sports, politics, etc. Thank God people on this forum are a little too enlightened for America's Next Top Model. Jesus, this reality show bs has to go. People realized soaps didn't look real enough and ran with the concept. I am a sucker for good dramas like Nip/Tuck though.

I don't see why we can't have sports, the CSO and a weekly plays on the Square.  I say bring them all... 

 

Here's the central issue -- entertaining and being entertained by real people by things they came up with and worked on themselves is a lot more uh...entertaining than the product of some big media company.  All a movie or a TV show is a calculated emotional swell device, one overwhelmingly produced by California companies in California. 

 

I honestly can't handle all those ups and downs in two hours. It's more natural for people's moods to change more slowly. Older movies (pre-1985) seem to be easier for me to watch. With sports, since the ups and downs are happening as a natural progression of the game or race, it's much easier to digest.

So after Oktoberfest on Saturday night, I went out to some of the bars in the Fountain Square district.   :drunk:

 

It seemed that the bars - McFadden's, Lodge Bar and Cadillac Ranch - were for the most part the same.  In order for it to be a vibrant district, we need something else there, but I couldn't put my finger on it.  :wtf:

 

I would llike to see something local there, or a bar with local ties.  What else is needed?  What would you like to see there?  BTW, I'm going to post this topic on my blog later, so check there for discussion too!

A couple small-scale bars would be nice...just bar type places like Crowleys in Mt. Adams.

I'd like to see another Northside Tavern ...

 

We really need NADA. I think lounge bars mix very well with concrete jungles. Gives it a metropolitan feel.

via vite will help, as will Jean Robert's new bar

In the same vein, the Ruby/Bootsy Collins place would be a different vibe, if that is still happening.

what about more of a nightclub-type?  Like Bang?

what about more of a nightclub-type?  Like Bang?

 

Yeah, I've thought about this too. We need something very modern and large, where the design is cutting edge and is lit up pretty well. Where DJ's play electronica ONLY (no hip-hop or rap, or I'm gonna buy you a drank sh!t). House on Friday or Saturday's and D&B on another night, etc ... We could bring in known DJ's and if it were up to me, it'd be as close to the city-center as possible. I'm also thinking a couple of spot-lights on top or in front, so when you're heading into downtown you can see that there's def something going on.

 

I've been to a few good shows here and the area will support this. Most notably was a few years back. DJ Keoke did a show in Arnies and the place was SLAMMED. I'm talking a few thousand at least. It was the largest turnout I've ever seen there. People partied until the sun came up and came decked out in costumes. That's what I'm talking about.

>McFadden's, Lodge Bar and Cadillac Ranch - were for the most part the same.

 

Duh.  Any of these areas that attract multiple chain bars have totally interchangeable crowds and can even be playing the exact same song at the exact same time.  These places are part meat market part places for people who don't go to real bars to go to.  The music is always too loud and few people seem to actually meet people outside the group they came with.  And geesh, with Jillian's gone, where have all the bachelorette parties where the bride-to-be wears a tiara and veil and her girlfriends all try to mask their intense jealousy been going?

^ Arnie's

"And geesh, with Jillian's gone, where have all the bachelorette parties where the bride-to-be wears a tiara and veil and her girlfriends all try to mask their intense jealousy been going?"

 

 

LOL.

 

 

Well, all chains are predictable and people who like "predictable" tend to not want to meet new people as much (I assume). So I guess it makes sense.

 

what about more of a nightclub-type?  Like Bang?

 

How about just walking a couple of blocks to Club Bang?

David I'm sure you've witnessed the Arena District and Gateway bachelorette party phenomenon...in Columbus at least many of them wear white t-shirts and let people write all over them.  I don't know if this is a nationwide trend (i.e. something they saw on TV) or if it's confined mostly to this region.  These bachelorette groups seem to be almost totally indistinct from each other too, and so many of them have this really bitchy mood.  I stopped striking conversations up with the girls (not the brides-to-be, the various other girls)...paradoxically they're out there on the town (and lots of them look like they don't get out much) but then they don't seem to want dudes (and please no jabs at me here, I've talked to other people who share this opinion) to talk to them.   

what about more of a nightclub-type?  Like Bang?

 

How about just walking a couple of blocks to Club Bang?

 

You need more than one, plus Bang's not open on Fridays.

what about more of a nightclub-type?  Like Bang?

 

How about just walking a couple of blocks to Club Bang?

 

You need more than one, plus Bang's not open on Fridays.

 

That's what I was getting at. 

 

But really what else could go in that district?  I mean really think about it. I've posted the conundrum in more detail on my blog, feel free to leave feedback on there, too!  :-Dnatilife.blogspot.com

David I'm sure you've witnessed the Arena District and Gateway bachelorette party phenomenon...in Columbus at least many of them wear white t-shirts and let people write all over them.  I don't know if this is a nationwide trend (i.e. something they saw on TV) or if it's confined mostly to this region.  These bachelorette groups seem to be almost totally indistinct from each other too, and so many of them have this really bitchy mood.  I stopped striking conversations up with the girls (not the brides-to-be, the various other girls)...paradoxically they're out there on the town (and lots of them look like they don't get out much) but then they don't seem to want dudes (and please no jabs at me here, I've talked to other people who share this opinion) to talk to them.

 

Great observation. There is a distinct air of velvet rope/VIP/Cristal slurping faux importance among this species.

I noticed a Jone's Florist coming soon sign where Potbelly's is supposed to be ... not sure what's going on here, but we sure as hell need a less-expensive restaurant 10X more than we need another florist. Especially on the square. Wow.

 

Come on folks, get it together...

A Florist on the Square?  Snooze...

 

I was down there for the Downtown Living Tour and saw the Graeters coming along nicely.  The McAlphin looks amazing, just wow!  It was by far my favorite condo on the tour.  I did like the 800K condo on 6th street with a view of the Jumbotron but in the end I would take the McAlphin.  Overall I still like Park Place the best out of all the condo's I have toured over the last few years.  Le Brittany had some quint condo's but were too small for us.

A Florist on the Square?  Snooze...

 

AGREED. Terrible utilization of prime space. Florists belong up in Tri-County with the vinyl siding office parks and smut/tatoo parlors if you ask me. Oh well, at least it's not a curves.

 

^Last time I checked, a florist on the Square is a good thing, since it implies that enough people are living and working downtown to enable a specialty shop to exist in a prime retail location.  This signifies a healthy and living downtown, not some soulless dead zone whose streets resemble something out of The Omega Man and whose buildings are filled only by worker bees who never venture outside their offices or parking garages.  But if that reasoning isn't sexy enough for you, maybe you can see if Jones will patch into Cadillac Ranch's sound system so you can listen to "Sweet Caroline" while you are picking up a dozen carnations for Secretary's Day.

 

Now that's sarcasm.

There used to be a florist more or less where Cadillac Ranch is now. I wonder if they had an agreement all along to return to the area. I seem to recall an idea to have a florist near the tunnel to 6th Street.

 

I'm sure if it's revealed as part of the plan all along, you guys will be all for it.

^Yeah, it was Jones the Florist on the 6th Street side of the Square, next to Servati's.

Florists are a waste of money and space.  Grow your own roses in your backyard or flowers in a windowbox. Anybody need some?  I give away flowers for free.