I just dont understand....they aren't putting a sign on the fountian to say: "Fountain Square"....of course that would be stupid, but if it is fine for a business to use that design 20-30 ft. away then why is it a problem to use that design on a banner/poster that isnt even on the square?  Maybe I'm just missing your point because I just dont see the issue here.

My initial reaction is... i'm not crazy for it.  However, I think it might grow on me...and I'm not really sold on those little icon thingies, either.  But whatever.  If it works, fine by me.

Also, the new logos don't really seem to fit with the cool new work and design being installed on Fountain Square and Government Square.

 

 

How so.....just curious?

 

To me, they just look a little childish, more at home at King's Island's kiddie area than at Fountain Square.  I think they should have kept in unison with the cool architecture at Govn't Square and the steps/breezeways on Second St.  The glass panels and attaching hardware seem to flow with the areas mentioned above, but the signage just jumps out as very odd.  Probably belongs down at the base of the Purple People Bridge with that used car lot artwork! :lol: :lol:

It looks like the same logo as the Southbank logo in Newport/Covington.  1990's and lame.  What about the fountain.  Let's be honest, that is the main attraction of the FOUNTAIN Square. The colors are dated, the font is boring, and it doesn't excite me in the least.  Something classier would have been better and frankly, Fountain Square doesn't need a brand.  It just is.  The logo should be --"Fountain Square - You won't find it in the suburbs."

I don't have a "graphics design" degree and I could come up with something better than that.  I have to agree with SSSCincy, I would have prefered something a little classier.  Some like the silhouette of the Tyler Davidson Fountain.

 

Oh well, I just want my square back.  Summer feels so weird without Fountain Square.  Grrrr...  I know, we have to sacrifice in the name of progess.  I can't wait though...

Fountain Square logo: unity

Circle within a square symbolizes community

BY JOHN ECKBERG | ENQUIRER STAFF WRITER

 

The revamped Fountain Square is getting a new logo.

 

The Cincinnati Center City Development Corp., the nonprofit that is undertaking the square's $42 million renovation and will manage it after the work is completed in September, hired Metaphor Studio to create the logo.

 

http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060701/BIZ01/607010323/1076/BIZ

First, it's absurd to respond to criticism of design by saying "Your design principles need to be sharpened" or "you must not be familiar with branding identity and marketing." This sort of claim to authority is always a weak way to make a case, but especially so since we all can see and make aesthetic judgments. Since we've been bombarded for the past, oh, century by ads, marketing, and branding, I think we're all familiar with it and can relay our opinions without being derided as ignorant amatuers.

 

To me, the logo isn't necessarily childish as much as it looks like it's trying to be a Web 2.0 company, when it's a 19th century public space. I realize they're trying to update and invigorate the image of the square, but I think this misses the mark. The circle in the square is an iconic figure, but here it feels like it could be for anyplace -- I don't feel like it means anything to the place it's representing. At least the design is flexible enough to denote events, and can easily lose those colors, which already are starting to look dated. I also don't like the heavy-ish weight sans serif typeface and the small leading. I think a serif could have done the work of making it seem new while still staying classy.

 

I can't recall it now, but I vaguely remember a bicenteniial era logo of the fountain that i much prefer.

 

(Side note, Macintosh is not a company, Apple makes iPods. For all their ad budget, they still haven't delivered that message to you. Hmm... so much for the power of brandng :))

Speaking of those colors... where have I seen them before...

 

Oh yeah, http://www.3cdc.org/

I think it's a cool idea to have the different icon depending on planned events at a particular time (if I'm reading that right).  As for the design of the logo, it doesn't stir any emotions in me one way or the other.  I guess I wouldn't want to see it placed too close to the actual fountain, though.

Sorry, this design is uninspired.  Images are supposed to stir something within you.  This does nothing for me.

 

It's only slightly better than the Paul Brown Stadium logo that was created by some graphic design cat from UC:

 

 

I'm feeling nothing other than the feeling of my eyes rolling up and around their sockets.  Put the damn profile of the fountain on there. 

 

 

^^Actually, I kind of dig that Paul Brown logo...but then, I've never had very good taste!

I like the PB logo.

 

The colors for the fountain square logo look like they're from the clothes Will Smith is wearing during the title open for "Fresh Prince of Bel Air."  Very mid-90's.

 

I wonder how much that contract paid.  I would have loved to had it.  That, and the $30,000 contract for UC's bearcat logo a couple of years ago.

LOL, I like the Paul Brown logo too.  Maybe it needs it own thread.

Speaking of those colors... where have I seen them before...

 

Oh yeah, http://www.3cdc.org/

 

That is kinda the point.....it all goes with the Cincinnati USA Regional Tourism marketing strategy.  That is what I have been supporting/defending this entire time (creating a marketable brand).  If you do not like the FS logo/colors then your beef should be with the entire campaign (Convention Center, Nky, various festivals, tournaments/events).  This is not the cornerstone of a tourism campaign, but rather another proverbial piece to the puzzel.

 

Sorry if I have offened you with my comments but the purpose was to shed light on what the UO group often doesnt realize.  We often get into these threads and pat each other on the back and say how great or terrible something, as if there is NO middle ground.  We also tend to forget what the average person might get out of a project, design, policy.  I was simply trying to challenge what we often hold true/near and dear to our hearts on UO.  Because lets be honest we are not your average person when it comes to these issues (for the most part).

I don't like it.  Seems cheesy to me.  If anything, it looks a poor attempt at modern branding.  Perhaps we should be using iFountain?

You're right.....and I Love NY is the least cheesy thing around!

You're right.....and I Love NY is the least cheesy thing around!

 

Dude.  Give it up. Don't go all Spencer on us.  I "Heart" NY might be the quintessential example of modern branding, but that doesn't mean this Fountain Squaring the Circle of shopping, music-listening and fountaining is going to compete for the title.

If you do not like the FS logo/colors then your beef should be with the entire campaign (Convention Center, Nky, various festivals, tournaments/events).  This is not the cornerstone of a tourism campaign, but rather another proverbial piece to the puzzel.

 

It also good to hear that there is a Spencer action.  It is also good to know and also a point of pride that I am the first to hold that title of going all Spencer on a forum.

^It also good to hear that there is a Spencer action.  It is also good to know and also a point of pride that I am the first to hold that title of going all Spencer on a forum.

 

Aside from the master himself.

I don't like it.  Seems cheesy to me.  If anything, it looks a poor attempt at modern branding.  Perhaps we should be using iFountain?

Dude that's genius. They could put a billboard up off of i75 that looks like this:

 

too busy waltzing around OTR I guess - I never even thought about Fountain Square having a logo.  It looks a little cartoonish to me - but if they go with it, I hope they STAY with it and it doesn't become a vestige / curiosity in 5 years,  like those purple "Queen City Tour" signs I see around.  Do those even relate to an actual tour anymore?

like those purple "Queen City Tour" signs I see around.  Do those even relate to an actual tour anymore?

 

Good question....what the heck are those for?  I am also befuddled by those.

^have you guys ever followed them?  I have seen them around and just hopped on the tour.  Kinda cool I thought.  Saw some stuff I had never seen before. 

^I have seen them for years, and of course they are typically around places of interest, but never took the time to see if there is some kind of brouchure or map you can get from where ever to follow along.

not sure if i misread your comment, but its not necessarily around points of interest.  The way I have followed the tour is by following the arrows...it is a driving tour to show off the area.  So the arrows are at points where you would make a turn, etc. that you otherwise wouldn't know to turn there.  Someone correct me if I am wrong here, I have follwoed the tour twice and lost the arrows in downtown each time. 

The People’s Fountain: Library celebrates 135th Anniversary of Tyler Davidson Fountain

From:  cincynation.com

 

 

The Tyler Davidson Fountain's "Genius of Water" is the best-known and most beloved symbol of Cincinnati.

 

In preparation for the reopening of Fountain Square and the Tyler Davidson Fountain, the Main Library is featuring an exhibition that includes a wide array of visual images and material culture from its unveiling in 1871 to the present.

 

The People’s Fountain: Images of the Tyler Davidson Fountain at its 135th Anniversary is curated by Theresa Leininger-Miller, Ph.D., associate professor of art history in the University of Cincinnati College of Design, Art, Architecture and Planning. It runs through September 20.

 

The most significant feature of the display is the private collection of the descendents of Henry Probasco (1820-1902), who funded the fountain in honor of his brother-in-law and business partner, Tyler Davidson (1808-1865). The collection includes two red leather-bound scrapbooks filled with information that Probasco collected about fountains while in Europe, as well as a spectacular 39-inch by 25-inch scrapbook containing family photos and memorabilia about the work of public art.

 

Other items of note are an original invitation to the unveiling, a souvenir book of the event, a portrait miniature of Probasco, some remarkable 19th century images, a print from Harper’s Weekly form 1871, large albumen photographs of the esplanade on Probasco Place, handwritten correspondence between Probasco and city officials, a city directory from 1851 featuring Tyler Davidson & Co., a bronze medallion from the centennial, a key chain from the restoration in 2000, and several of Probasco’s personal effects, such as his monogrammed handkerchief, vanity set, and traveling cards.

 

Drawn from the Library collection, private collections, and the Rare Book Department of the University of Cincinnati, are books in both English and German (ca. 1872-2001), with reproductions of the fountain, the artist, August von Kreling (1819-1876, and the man who cast it, Ferdinand von Miller (1813-1887), at the Royal Bronze Foundry in Bavaria.

 

The exhibition also features many vintage black and white, sepia, and color postcards (ca. 1900-1980s), as well as several stereographs of the fountain and photographs by Charles Waldack, Paul Briol, Landy, Michael Isaacs, and others.

 

In addition to 19th century souvenir albums of Cincinnati, there are original prints and reproductions of works by Ehrgott & Krebs, Edward T. Hurley, J.W. Hart, Louis Vogt, Leon Spiegel, Leon Lippert, and Caroline Williams, as well as cartoons by L.D. Warren and Jim Borgman.

 

There are also multiple souvenir items such as a sterling silver spoon, coffee mugs, serving trays, drinking glasses, and a Wedgwood plate.

I don't like it.  Seems cheesy to me.  If anything, it looks a poor attempt at modern branding.  Perhaps we should be using iFountain?

Dude that's genius. They could put a billboard up off of i75 that looks like this:

 

 

Haha, that's great.

not sure if i misread your comment, but its not necessarily around points of interest.  The way I have followed the tour is by following the arrows...it is a driving tour to show off the area.  So the arrows are at points where you would make a turn, etc. that you otherwise wouldn't know to turn there.  Someone correct me if I am wrong here, I have follwoed the tour twice and lost the arrows in downtown each time. 

 

Nope, you're right.  Checked it out with my parents back in the day.

Just to let you guys know before we bring this thread back on topic, you can buy the "Queen City Tour" purple booklets at Joseph Beth Bookstore in Rookwood for $3.95 with some great detailed information about the sites on the Queen City Tour.  It also includes a map. 

Chip Graeter was on a local business show this morning.  He said they would be opening up a new location in the near future, he didn't say where, but let's hope it's downtown on Fountain Square!

Hmm.

 

I think someone has removed a couple of posts that were here a few days ago.

 

Anyway...

 

It looks like they have taken care of the weird slope/grade on the square that ran toward 5th street.  It had me worried for a while. I was afraid it was going to be a permanent feature.

Renovation keeps flowing

Work on Fountain Square, surrounding area on schedule

Cincinnati Business Courier - July 7, 2006by Lucy MaySenior Staff Reporter

 

Fountain Square parkers take heart: The renovation remains on schedule and on budget, and planners expect to reopen the plaza and garage Sept. 9.

 

Already, the concrete base for the fountain's new location has been poured. And crews are finishing up the underground parking structure so that the remaining work on the plaza can begin, said Stephen Leeper, president and CEO of the Cincinnati Center City Development Corp., which is overseeing the $42.7 million project.

 

http://cincinnati.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/stories/2006/07/10/story4.html

Oh?  I must get back to the Art Museum soon to get the some better shots of the Queen herself.  This could be the last time she is ever indoors in our lifetime. 

Readying Fountain Square

Downtown renovations now set to debut in October

BY JON NEWBERRY | ENQUIRER STAFF WRITER

 

LINK:  Fountain Square Renovations: http://news.enquirer.com/assets/AB34374716.PDF

 

For months Fountain Square has been a pallette devoid of the color and character that made it the focal point downtown.

 

But the $42.7 million redevelopment of the square and its environs, a hoped-for catalyst for boosting downtown retailing and quality of life, is rising from the rubble at Fifth and Vine streets.

 

http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060716/BIZ01/607160347

The fountain won't be turned on until October 14?? So the hundreds of thousands who come downtown for Oktoberfest and Tall Stacks won't be able to see it?  They should turn it on as soon as it's ready, not wait until the reopening ceremony.

By seeing the square progress, my gut always told me that there was no way the square was going to open in time for Oktoberfest.  I was hoping my gut was wrong...

Okay Coldayman, you were right. :-(

Doug Bolton announced the two new Tower Place restaurants this morning on the 5/3 Hometown show: Morton's and Boi Na Braza, a Brazilian steakhouse.  Either way, both are uber-expensive.

Ugh ... I would rather have a BW-3's.

^I agree that the Square could use something like a BW-3 and it's a little disappointing that one of our "new out-of-state" restaurants is Morton's from around the corner, but I think Boi Na Braza will be a major draw.  I've been to a couple Brazilian steakhouses in larger cities and they appear to be pretty popular spots.  I just wish they weren't so darn expensive.  You're talking a $40/person minimum at dinner and that's before tips and drinks. 

Okay Coldayman, you were right. :-(

 

Of course I am.

 

Oh, and a Brazilian steakhouse?  WAHOO!!!  Screw a Buffalo Wild Wings...VIVA BRASIL BABY!!!

Boi Na Braza, a Brazilian steakhouse.

 

Interesting, there are two other locations in the US (Grapevine, TX & Buckhead, Georgia) and it looks like this will be their first urban restaurant.

 

http://www.boinabraza.com/

 

OK now I am still waiting on Graeter's & Joseph Beth's and I will be happy. 

 

 

Screw Joseph Beth.  I'm awating a downtown Cheesecake Factory!!!

"Rolling re-opening" is a BAD idea.  Why?  Because people will come down as soon as the fountain is turned on expecting something spectacular and half the attractions won't be ready and will be sporting "coming soon" signs.  People will then get back in their cars, drive to Mason and bitch that there is nothing on the Square.  You will hear nothing but negative bs that it was a waste of money to plant some trees, and there is more to do at xyz lifestyle center than on Fountain Square.  I have lived in this town long enough to know what will happen.  Major mistake not to finish this thing in mid-September and re-open it fully committed.  Mark my words, they will still be leasing the place next Spring.  I hope I am wrong.  Rolling re-opening is stupid.  It doesn't work and especially with people who have a hard enough time getting in their cars and coming down from xyz suburbs anyway.  Booooooooooooo!!!  Why does everything in this town take so long to complete?

This is a big-time fuck up.  Having the new square, complete with fountain on and trees planted, ready in time for Oktoberfest and Tall Stacks would have added so much more value.  Apparently the planners don't get the concept of synergy - that the sum can be much more than the individual parts.  Instead of half-assing it, they should have had work crews out there 24/7.

The 7,140-square-foot rink will be a temporary unit, as before, but it will be larger, with a more permanent look. It'll go up in November before Thanksgiving and remain in operation into early March, staffed by the Cincinnati Recreation Commission. Plans are in the works for broomball and curling leagues.

 

I hope this is true...curling rocks!  And no, that is not a joke.

Just a thought here.The fountain is going to be repositioned so that it faces south,right?Does that seem like a good idea to anyone? What sort of backdrop does that afford?Great photo-op-the genius of water's @$$ end to the Carew or the Westin. Seems like someone didn't do their homework. I could be wrong tho.I'm no photographer ,but IMO the best vantage point was with the fountain facing east and Carew looming in the background.

I am starting to get very concerned about this whole thing.  So they couldn't fininsh this before over a million visitors come downtown.  What a showcase that could have been.  Instead, they will see nothing but a half-assed mess.  Are they supposed to be intrigued to come back? Is that the plan.  They won't come back.  You have only one opportunity to make a first impression. A bunch of signs saying "coming soon" doesn't do it.  It doesn't take long to get a lease inked up - maybe 3 to 4 months from conception to execution.  There must not be much interest in the surrounding store fronts.  Why the hell couldn't 5/3 coordinate its building renovation with the Square completion?  What is the problem people????!!! 

Nothing's going to get acclomplished by just bitching here; bitch at them!

 

http://www.3cdc.org/content.jsp?sectionId=9

 

Hell, I'll even do it even though I'm not from there, basically it's just that they should have put in some elbow grease and gotten it finished before the large, upcoming festivals downotwn, right?