Newly found ballroom pictured as arts venue

BY JOE WESSELS | November 29, 2007

 

An old ballroom uncovered during the renovation of a downtown building would become the city's next new arts space if developers get their wish.  Urban Sites, a downtown and Over-the-Rhine developer, has been removing an eight-foot drop ceiling and office walls in the rear of the old Republican Club building on East Ninth Street.

 

Greg Badger, a downtown developer who has been working with Urban Sites to gut the interior of the building, discovered the nearly 4,000 square-foot room with a 19-foot ceiling and ornate moldings.  As soon as he figured out what he had, he knew what he wanted to do.

 

Read full article here:

http://news.cincypost.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071129/NEWS01/711290364

I really hope that someone, especially a company like Urban Sites that has done some very cool projects, can come up with better ideas than condos.  It seems everyone with more money than originality is following the herd and building condos in old buildings.  At some point the people living in the 100+ condos per year from C3DC and the 300 in phase one of the banks are going to want to do something other than eat at a restautant.  Hopefully a beautiful space like this can become something special.

I completely agree.... It is great seeing the urban core rejuvenating with residents, but it is necessary to provide some more retail and entertainment venues for the residents that have invested in the area

Hopefully a beautiful space like this can become something special.

 

Any suggestions...I'm actually quite interested to hear some ideas.  I personally think Downtown could use a movie theatre, bowling alley or sorts (ie Lucky Strikes), full-scale grocery, book store, and some other random retail related stuff.  Obviously many of these could not be done in this particular structure, but what do you guys think?

BTW, here are some photos of the exterior of this structure:

 

 

Some detail action

This building just says Georgetown to me. Walking down Q street this looks like all the buildings that have been converted into upscale retail. At some point i would love to see Cincy create this type of retail district. Obviously we dont have the buying power of Georgetown and couldn't support all the upscale retail that is there, but i think that in the near future it is something that needs to happen to create a dynamic urban environment and to do that we need this type of retail district.

I can see its highest and best use as almost a large boutique-type retailer i.e. Urban Outfitters, etc.  Not sure if the location fits, however.

Obviously we dont have the buying power of Georgetown and couldn't support all the upscale retail that is there, but i think that in the near future it is something that needs to happen to create a dynamic urban environment and to do that we need this type of retail district.

 

Yup...this is what the Gateway Quarter is quickly becoming.  Very similar to Virginia Highlands in Atlanta...something that I went to and brought people from Cincy to and were very impressed.  Little do they know that they have their very own district like this popping up right here in Cincy.

We used to live in Atlanta and Virginia Highlands was our favorite place.  The Q is becoming similar and will get there as mass builds in the area.

 

I think what downtown needs is a bedand breakfast (other than the one over by music hall).  I know of a couple buildings that would be great for it.  They have a good retail space on the first floor and a separate entrance to the upper floor for direct after hours room access.  One was on the market and I had talked to developers who said that making it a business would require ADA compliance including an elevator.  That would push remodeling costs well beyond the feasibility point.  The state of Ohio doesn't help when it forces all hotels who have 6+ rooms to pay the same fees.  The break even point for rooms for B&Bs tends to be closer to 10.  That may explain why most downtown weddings choose to stay in B&Bs in NKY instead.

 

It's a growing market, especially because guests of the condo owners have to stay somewhere.

 

I think the Q has it right.  People moving in need furnishings and decor.  Remember, during the gold rush the guy selling picks and shovels made the most.

Lawyers Title Building looking to sing a new tune

By Randy A. Simes, Soapbox Cincinnati | January 19, 2010

http://soapboxmedia.com/devnews/0119lawyerstitlebuilding.aspx

 

When Urban Sites purchased the Lawyers Title Building in downtown Cincinnati in 2007 they never imagined they would discover a large ballroom inside that had been covered by drop ceilings during a later renovation.  The discovery of the 4,000 square-foot ballroom immediately changed Urban Sites' plans for the building.

 

It has been just over two years since the discovery was made. During that time, Urban Sites has also discovered former showers, bathrooms and even a six-lane bowling alley that was used by the Republican Party which owned the building for some time.

 

The 120-year-old structure currently boasts close to 20,000 square feet of space and looks to be perfect for an entertainment venue according to Urban Sites property manager Kris Sommer.

 

"The ballroom that was built on to this building in the 1920s tells me there's an awesome opportunity to create an entertainment venue here," said Sommer.  "The building is also located in a 'destination location' downtown and has lots of available parking surrounding it."

 

The ballroom, with its 19-foot ceilings and beautiful crown molding, could easily be transformed into a top-notch live music or theatre venue.  Upper floors seem perfect for the addition of bars, gathering spaces, rooftop patios, offices or even apartments for visiting artists.

 

Urban Sites purchased the building for just over $400,000.  Sommer estimates that it will take $2 million to get the building refurbished and ready for use once again, but that with the preliminary work already done it could be a quick process.

 

View related photos with story here:

http://soapboxmedia.com/devnews/0119lawyerstitlebuilding.aspx