^From what I've read, banks tend to kill foot traffic.  But I don't think it is bad.

 

The 5/3 location up on Calhoun Street in University Park typically has quite a bit of activity outside.  Even after hours, people are typically hitting up the ATM location right there.

Fifth Third cut a check for $16.2 million for improvements to their buildings on the square.  I think they can put their bank center anywhere they want!

 

Great Point!!

And they will have the living center or whatever it is called which will showcase local downtown and OTR properties for sale. I think this will be a great asset to encourage people to move back to the center city.

jones florist is coming along btw.  the interior looks colorful and nice.  very bright green. 

What about Chipotle? Aren't they supposed to open a store on the Square?

^

yeah i was under the same impression. It only makes sense to have a Chipotle Downtown. I know every other one is booming at lunch time, and you would think with a lunchtime market like downtown they could support 1 or even more like 3.

Burrito Joe's is pretty good, and they're slammed every day during lunch.  I imagine Chipotle would be the same way, if not more so, especially if it's on the Square.

^

yeah i was under the same impression. It only makes sense to have a Chipotle Downtown. I know every other one is booming at lunch time, and you would think with a lunchtime market like downtown they could support 1 or even more like 3.

 

a chipotle downtown is a license to print money as far as i'm concerned

Burrito Joe's is pretty good, and they're slammed every day during lunch.  I imagine Chipotle would be the same way, if not more so, especially if it's on the Square.

 

What about the new location on Main?  Is it getting good business?

Burrito Joe's is pretty good, and they're slammed every day during lunch.  I imagine Chipotle would be the same way, if not more so, especially if it's on the Square.

 

What about the new location on Main?  Is it getting good business?

 

Don't know, I've only been to the one on 4th.  But it's pretty damn good, so I imagine so!

the 5/3 place is open on the square.  looks good.  also, jones florist is almost open.  that little corridor there on the east corner of the square looks so much better and open now that these 2 businesses have opened, along with potbelly. 

^yup

And they will have the living center or whatever it is called which will showcase local downtown and OTR properties for sale. I think this will be a great asset to encourage people to move back to the center city.

 

Has anyone checked this out yet?

Jones the Florist is supposed to open today.

And they will have the living center or whatever it is called which will showcase local downtown and OTR properties for sale. I think this will be a great asset to encourage people to move back to the center city.

 

Has anyone checked this out yet?

 

I noticed it but didnt really have any thoughts about it besides "oh, that room is well lit"

I went into the new 5/3 Banking Center today to make a deposit, and I must say that this is the coolest bank that I've ever been in.  I know...kind of lame right, but really...this place was cool.

 

It is large on the inside with a couple of flat screen TVs with MSNBC on and there are 3 elevators that open up into the bank's lobby area.  It was VERY active with workers going in to use the elevators, and the many Downtown workers taking advantage of the convenient location.  This definitely seems like a model banking center for 5/3...kind of like a flagship location of sorts.  Very nice.

Jones the Florist back in bloom downtown

April 2, 2008 | CINCINNATI BUSINESS COURIER

 

DOWNTOWN - Jones the Florist will reopen its downtown Cincinnati store Wednesday, having moved from its former Sixth Street location during the Fountain Square renovation project.

 

The store, to open at 9:30 a.m., is in the breezeway above the Fountain Square garage entrance on Walnut Street.

 

It is Jones' only retail location. The locally based florist in September said it would close two of its three stores to focus instead on its events, corporate accounts and online sales. The store on Madison Road in Oakley closed in September, but the location in Deerfield Township remains open.

 

That leaves the downtown store, along with the decorating center in Sycamore Township, still operating.

 

As part of its reopening, Jones is offering a stem special for the month of April, giving those who buy two stemmed flowers a third one for free.

I think a bank makes for a great tenant in that location. They tend to not leave fast like some retailers. Lots of foot traffic as well. I wonder if they're open late; that would be a positive statement regarding perception of safety downtown.

you know your neighborhood hasn't quite hit that critical mass when you're getting over-excited about a banking center.  just my opinion though. 

Or a florist...

I went into the new 5/3 Banking Center today to make a deposit, and I must say that this is the coolest bank that I've ever been in.  I know...kind of lame right, but really...this place was cool.

 

It is large on the inside with a couple of flat screen TVs with MSNBC on and there are 3 elevators that open up into the bank's lobby area.  It was VERY active with workers going in to use the elevators, and the many Downtown workers taking advantage of the convenient location.  This definitely seems like a model banking center for 5/3...kind of like a flagship location of sorts.  Very nice.

 

Rando, the padded column looking thing in the front will be a water/fountain structure. It is going to look very cool.  What is going to go next to it?

you know your neighborhood hasn't quite hit that critical mass when you're getting over-excited about a banking center.  just my opinion though.

 

I was commenting on the design/look of the place.  I do not get hot in the pants over a new banking center (or a florist for that matter), but rather I get hot in the pants for good design and stuff that goes well with the urban fabric.  Hence why I tend to come across excited about various things that would otherwise be non-exciting - i.e. signage, streetscaping, zoning code

 

Rando, the padded column looking thing in the front will be a water/fountain structure. It is going to look very cool.  What is going to go next to it?

 

That's cool...I did notice that and was wondering what the plans were for that as it did not have that finished look.  Eeery though that you knew I was wondering about that without me mentioning anything about it.

I went into the new 5/3 Banking Center today to make a deposit, and I must say that this is the coolest bank that I've ever been in.  I know...kind of lame right, but really...this place was cool.

 

It is large on the inside with a couple of flat screen TVs with MSNBC on and there are 3 elevators that open up into the bank's lobby area.  It was VERY active with workers going in to use the elevators, and the many Downtown workers taking advantage of the convenient location.  This definitely seems like a model banking center for 5/3...kind of like a flagship location of sorts.  Very nice.

 

I agree that it is a nice space, but you would have been disappointed if you had seen the original drawings.  Since this was the last item 5/3 paid for, it had quite a bit of value engineering implemented. 

 

As far as I can see, there are only two empty store fronts left.  One next to the bank center and one next to Graeter's at the corner of 5th and Walnut.  Any ideas?  They both seem too small to be a Chipotle!

As far as I can see, there are only two empty store fronts left.  One next to the bank center and one next to Graeter's at the corner of 5th and Walnut.  Any ideas?  They both seem too small to be a Chipotle!

 

Knock down a wall and make one really big Chipotle?

Actually, the old bank center on the second floor would be a nice big space to make some burritos.  I bet George would love to smell that up on the 6th floor.

As far as I can see, there are only two empty store fronts left.  One next to the bank center and one next to Graeter's at the corner of 5th and Walnut.  Any ideas?  They both seem too small to be a Chipotle!

 

Isn't there also the space west of Rock Bottom?  It's tough to see from Fifth because it's blocked by Via Vite.  I imagine that's why it's still vacant - due to minimal exposure.

 

Are they definitely closing the second floor location?

^That space West of Rock Bottom does have great visibility from Vine Street though.  So with that spot I count 3 spaces left...as for what goes in them - I have no idea.

Actually, the old bank center on the second floor would be a nice big space to make some burritos.  I bet George would love to smell that up on the 6th floor.

 

George has been gone for about a year now, Kevin Kabat is the new guy in charge

The 2nd floor will be become the Private Wealth area for high rollers.

The part of the square backing Walnut needs to be redesigned to bled in better.  It's killing continuity.  I'm talking about the side directed towards Govt Sq.

^That space West of Rock Bottom does have great visibility from Vine Street though.  So with that spot I count 3 spaces left...as for what goes in them - I have no idea.

 

I forgot about the Vine St. side.  I always come in from Walnut under that ugly skywalk to the 580 building.

 

As far as the Walnut St. side goes, the fountain square garage entrance and the 6th street garage exit really kill any decent redesign options.

 

Finally, George is Chairman of the Board, so I'm sure he pops in on the 6th floor from time to time.

what all is currently in fountain square? i, sadly, haven't been there in over a year so i don't know what all is down there...

 

will they be putting the many trees in that were in the original drawings?? i think this was my favorite part about it...

 

do they have a bakery/coffee shop there? something that always goes well here in europe are bakeries/coffee shops. or i can't remember where i saw this, but some city has a "restaurant" that serves cereal. i'm not sure how well this would do on fountain square...but i think it would definitely be a unique place for a restaurant like that (or maybe under the university park apartments. cereal=cheap=students).

Potbelly

Graeters (have basic coffee and hot chocolate)

5/3 Banking Center - City Living Office

Rock Bottom Brewery

Via Vite

Jones the Florist

 

There are definitely a lot more trees on FS than what were there previously...and during the Summer time you see people gravitate towards those shaded areas.  However, the renderings made it look as if there was going to be a forest of sorts on FS (which some did not like), but it is really not like that at all.

BTW, if anybody is interested in a great happy hour spot...try Via Vite.  Their happy hour is from 3-7pm EVERY day.  You should note that they don't have draft beer, but they do carry OTR Ale (as well as many other non-locals).  UCPlanner and I were up on their roof level over looking the square on couches!  The weather was great, we got an occasional mist from the fountain, and got to see all the stuff going on below on the square.  Plus it was $3 OTR Ales...we eventually ran them out of their entire cold stock of OTR Ale - good time.

The renderings were more like what the trees would look like in 15 years, and I won't mind it.  I was kind of disppointed with the age of the trees planted - I was expecting them to be more mature.

^ i agree.  with all the hoopla they made about tree selection i assumed they would be more substantial...then again it was probably just a slow news day.

^

When you get into significantly larger trees your cost increases greatly. the difference between a 3 inch caliber tree (diameter around the trunk at breast height) and a 5 inch caliber tree is astronomical in price. Depending on the tree it can be double the cost.

BTW, if anybody is interested in a great happy hour spot...try Via Vite. 

 

Do you have any idea if they offer food specials during happy hour?

^Yes it does, we shared the Prosciutto and Mushrooms wood fired pizza:

http://www.viaviterestaurant.com/happy_hour_menu.htm

 

This happy hour menu lists it as being 3-6pm, but we definitely were told 3-7pm and were given happy hour prices until 7pm.

BTW, if anybody is interested in a great happy hour spot...try Via Vite.  Their happy hour is from 3-7pm EVERY day.  You should note that they don't have draft beer, but they do carry OTR Ale (as well as many other non-locals).  UCPlanner and I were up on their roof level over looking the square on couches!  The weather was great, we got an occasional mist from the fountain, and got to see all the stuff going on below on the square.  Plus it was $3 OTR Ales...we eventually ran them out of their entire cold stock of OTR Ale - good time.

 

It is a nice happy hour, and I like the couches.  On Sundays and Mondays they also feature 1/2 off select bottles of wine!  I'm glad we didn't have to drive anywhere tonight.  :drunk:

you know your neighborhood hasn't quite hit that critical mass when you're getting over-excited about a banking center.  just my opinion though. 

 

I have ulterior motives [thesis]

The word is ulterior -- just trying to help you out. 

The word is ulterior -- just trying to help you out. 

 

Thanks, I hope you don't think less of me as planner since I'll never cut it as a speller

Do you think this thread should be moved to completed projects?  All square construction is complete.  The only stuff left is with a few retail spots inside the 5/3 building.

I was thinking so too.              MISSION ACOMPLISHED!!!!

NOOOO, I was hoping noone would go there... BAH!!!  IT HURTS MY EYES!!!!

Here are some pics from Via Vite's rooftop terrace...

 

 

1.

 

2. Rock Bottom's outdoor seating is amazing.

 

3. There were some guys playing chess on the square...taking advantage of the nice weather.

 

4.

 

5. So far I've been to Via Vite twice for happy hour...and twice we have run them out of their cold stock of Moerlein OTR Ale.  :drunk:

give me a heads up next time you go

Finished square beckons

BY KEITH T. REED | [email protected]

http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/AB/20080522/BIZ01/305220047/

 

Fountain Square restaurants are gearing up for their busiest summer ever with construction of the square finally complete and an increasing number of places to eat and things to do drawing people downtown.

 

A plethora of new restaurants have opened since the square’s $42 million renovation – from Italian eatery Via Vite to Brazilian steakhouse Boi Na Braza and the only Graeter’s Ice Cream downtown.

 

Within a block, there’s also French-inspired JeanRo Bistro, the American fare of Cadillac Ranch and Latin fusion restaurant Nada. A new upscale seafood restaurant, Oceanaire, will open in early June.

 

 

Managers at many of those restaurants said they get a boost when there are public events on the square and this summer, the Cincinnati Center City Development Corp., which controls it, is tweaking its lineup of free events to draw more foot traffic to the area.

 

Some entertainment is being scheduled later in the evening to accommodate downtown workers who have proven willing to return to the square after going home to dress down.

 

And instead of monthly large-scale events, 3CDC is focusing on daily entertainment to draw downtown workers and those in the city for events on weekends.

 

“After the first year, we found out what types of programming does better and what times do better,” said Bill Donabedian, the square’s managing director. “We always wanted to do one big event per month, but to be honest, we are not there in our fundraising to do that yet.

 

But what we did find was that people like the series,” he said, referring to a slate of free concerts that began last year.

 

3CDC plans to expand its PNC Music Series to five days a week, incorporating new genres, from salsa to soul to country.

 

The organization just held the first of seven “Reds Hot Weekends,” which will bring musical acts and food to the square on weekends when the Cincinnati Reds play at home.

 

The Taste of Cincinnati food festival, which will feature dozens of restaurants offering samples of their cuisine, will be on the square and along Fifth Street this weekend.

 

Donabedian said he expects the new events to attract far more people than last year, when construction was still ongoing.

 

In another boost to the square, the Ohio Legislature last year passed a law permitting 3CDC to obtain a license to sell beer and liquor at its events on the square.

 

But Donabedian can’t quantify how many people visit the square in a typical day. 3CDC will try to count attendees at square events for the first time this year, using aerial photography to estimate how many people are on the quadrangle at different times of the day.

 

He estimated that as many as 500 people were on the square at any given time last weekend.

 

Restaurant managers don’t need to be told how many people are outside to notice that business picks up when it’s warm and there’s more activity outside.

 

“When sunlight gets longer, people tend to go out later than usual. Downtown is really event driven. If there’s something going on at the Aronoff or there’s something here on the square, we see more people,” said Pete Sedgwick, Via Vite’s general manager.

 

But that doesn’t mean everything 3CDC does makes square tenants happy. Events bring in business to the new Graeter’s store, but the ice cream chain’s owners are cold on 3CDC’s deal with competitor United Dairy Farmers. UDF is serving free ice cream during Reds Hot Weekends.

 

“It’s like come on. They’re coming up on our turf and serving ice cream. We’re paying good rent here,” said Chip Graeter, Graeter’s vice president of retail sales.

It can also be tough to tell whether those businesses are feeding the square or vice versa.

 

“I think this restaurant in particular gave a huge shot in the arm to Fountain Square,” said Soloman Mohamed, a manager at the seafood restaurant McCormick & Schmick’s.

 

The eatery, part of a national chain, opened at the southeastern corner of Fifth and Vine streets in November 2006, directly across from Fountain Square.

 

Mohamed, who also lives downtown, said he’s watched the evolution of the square as its massive fountain was moved and a nearby garage was renovated.

 

“Pretty much all the time something was shut down; something was always being worked on,” he said. “But now that it’s fully open, it’s…pretty much busy all the time, and that’s been good.”

 

The work on the square, which began in 2005, was intended to make it more accessible and welcoming to pedestrians.

 

Its centerpiece, the Tyler Davidson Fountain, was moved, and a granite wall that used to line its periphery was removed.

 

A 24-foot by 42-foot video screen was hoisted and fastened atop the Macy’s building on the northwest corner of Vine and Fifth streets, so movies and Reds games could be shown to square crowds across the street.

 

An elevated promenade that connected office buildings around the square – and kept many workers from ever going outside, was torn down.

 

Most of that work was finished by 2006, but the finishing touches – including the dramatic lighting on the new façade of the Fifth Third Center building along the north side of the square – were still being added last summer.

 

Most of those changes were welcome ones to Rob Marsh, 32, who lives in the suburbs but works downtown.

 

Eating lunch on the square on a breezy Wednesday afternoon, Marsh said his only complaint was that there weren’t more tables.

 

“They should add more tables since they took away the wall,” he said. “Before, people would sit up there if they couldn’t find a seat, but now there’s just not enough places to sit down.”

 

Newer restaurants such as Brazilian steakhouse Boi Na Braza weren’t around for the slower days that preceded the square’s makeover.

 

But general manger Neimar Hensel said there’s a noticeable difference in business when there are activities on the square, a trend he hopes will continue in summer.

 

“I’m not saying 100 percent that the square brings in the business, but we are certainly busier when there are things going on the square,” he said.