March 24, 20169 yr UC has the money and the backing to finance the renovation, and furthermore they can keep the theater programmed throughout the year due to CCM. They could host concerts and events of a caliber that surpasses anything on campus, both due to the quality of the theater and its location in OTR. I bet UC began to see this potential over the past few years and thus wanted to get Requiem out so that UC could maintain control. It's sad that it got ugly, which resulted in a few year of stagnation. But I suspect UC will move forward with the renovation, as opposed to selling it to somebody else. Santa Ono is a huge classical music supporter and I imagine he would love to be able to bring the Emery back to life. Don't forget that Ono is an accomplished cellist. It would be great if they regularly used the space for CCM performances. Think about it: Ono recently announced that he supports bringing the streetcar uptown, the College of Law is looking to move to The Banks, and UC owns the Emery Theater at the streetcar's midpoint.
March 24, 20169 yr But they had the theater for like 20 years and didn't so anything at all with it. I didn't even know it existed in the years I lived in Cincinnati! I'm skeptical, it seems like the whole thing is a money making plan for the university and they don't care about anything else but that. As usual Cincinnatians don't give two @#4@% to actually promote an underutilized asset. No offense, but OTR was still ranked as the most dangerous neighborhood in all of America back in 2009. It's no surprise they sat on the property for so long. OTR was still a major wasteland in terms of activity up until 2012 anyway. So, I feel like we need to be a little patient when it comes to these things. We've come a long way, but it was only a few short years ago since there were constant shootings on streets like Vine and Race. It really wasn't - http://www.urbancincy.com/2009/06/intellectually-dishonest-report-claims-otr-is-nations-most-dangerous-neighborhood/ http://www.urbancincy.com/2010/10/over-the-rhine-is-not-one-of-the-nations-most-dangerous-neighborhoods/
March 25, 20169 yr But they had the theater for like 20 years and didn't so anything at all with it. I didn't even know it existed in the years I lived in Cincinnati! I'm skeptical, it seems like the whole thing is a money making plan for the university and they don't care about anything else but that. As usual Cincinnatians don't give two @#4@% to actually promote an underutilized asset. No offense, but OTR was still ranked as the most dangerous neighborhood in all of America back in 2009. It's no surprise they sat on the property for so long. OTR was still a major wasteland in terms of activity up until 2012 anyway. So, I feel like we need to be a little patient when it comes to these things. We've come a long way, but it was only a few short years ago since there were constant shootings on streets like Vine and Race. It really wasn't - http://www.urbancincy.com/2009/06/intellectually-dishonest-report-claims-otr-is-nations-most-dangerous-neighborhood/ http://www.urbancincy.com/2010/10/over-the-rhine-is-not-one-of-the-nations-most-dangerous-neighborhoods/ Does it matter if wasn't THE most dangerous neighborhood in all of America? The point still stands that walking down through the 1200-1500 block of Vine was still a dangerous ordeal back then. Especially after sundown. Things have only gotten better as of late, so this huge urge for movement to happen is a bit silly. We need patience here folks. We need to chill, and appreciate what has occurred. Okay, it sucks the Emery is still laying dormant, but lets focus on other OTR projects shall we? Lets focus on the massive empty sycamore lots. Lets focus on getting Pendelton up and running in fulll force. Lets focus on shortening Liberty Street. Lets focusing on getting North of Liberty properly stocked with resturaunts/bars/shops/apartments/condo's. Lets focus on getting more Breweries and Distilleries back in OTR like how it was back 100 years ago. Point is, there's alot of moving parts going on with OTR. Lets be patient.
March 25, 20169 yr No, we should focus on bringing these assets to light as they highlight how unique Cincinnati is among its peers. The emery is an important asset and should be treated as such, not allowed to remain mothballed due to dumb political reasons.
March 25, 20169 yr No, we should focus on bringing these assets to light as they highlight how unique Cincinnati is among its peers. The emery is an important asset and should be treated as such, not allowed to remain mothballed due to dumb political reasons. I feel like Music Hall, and Memorial Hall are just as vital assets and you've seen how long it's taken to get something done with those projects. Yes, different in scope and scale but regardless, were at the cusp. We need to stay vigilant and be patient that good things are in store. Regardless if it's 5 or 10 years from now, it will eventually come, everything does. We can't less pessimism take our spirits over. Patience.
August 4, 20168 yr UC preparing to sell Emery Theatre The University of Cincinnati is preparing for the sale of the embattled Emery Theatre months after settling a lawsuit with a group that wanted to renovate it. More below: http://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2016/08/04/uc-preparing-to-sell-emery-theatre.html "You don't just walk into a bar and mix it up by calling a girl fat" - buildingcincinnati speaking about new forumers
August 4, 20168 yr Whoa - this seems like big news: UC is planning to sell the Emery. Anybody a subscriber who can share details? http://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2016/08/04/uc-preparing-to-sell-emery-theatre.html
August 4, 20168 yr Not much new info, just a lot of detail about all of the lawsuits over the past few years between the group that wanted to renovate the theater, the company that runs the apartments upstairs, and UC. And this tidbit: "Mary Emery said in her will that the theater must remain open for public use." I have no idea whether that is legally binding in anyway, but I would guess not.
August 4, 20168 yr Instead of the city and Promo West trying to open a new music venue down at the banks, how about they open a new venue in here? It already exists, has great acoustics and is right on the Streetcar line.
August 4, 20168 yr Not much new info, just a lot of detail about all of the lawsuits over the past few years between the group that wanted to renovate the theater, the company that runs the apartments upstairs, and UC. And this tidbit: "Mary Emery said in her will that the theater must remain open for public use." I have no idea whether that is legally binding in anyway, but I would guess not. I'm sure lawyers would love to take it to court to find out!
August 4, 20168 yr Instead of the city and Promo West trying to open a new music venue down at the banks, how about they open a new venue in here? It already exists, has great acoustics and is right on the Streetcar line. The acoustics aren't just great in the The Emery. They are perfect. It's one of 3 (or 4) acoustically pure theatres in the US.
August 4, 20168 yr Not much new info, just a lot of detail about all of the lawsuits over the past few years between the group that wanted to renovate the theater, the company that runs the apartments upstairs, and UC. And this tidbit: "Mary Emery said in her will that the theater must remain open for public use." I have no idea whether that is legally binding in anyway, but I would guess not. I'm sure lawyers would love to take it to court to find out! If it's part of the deed of the building/property then it should be enforceable. If it's just in a will, probably not so much, unless her will also gifted the building with those stipulations, at which point it would become part of the deed again.
August 4, 20168 yr Instead of the city and Promo West trying to open a new music venue down at the banks, how about they open a new venue in here? It already exists, has great acoustics and is right on the Streetcar line. The acoustics aren't just great in the The Emery. They are perfect. It's one of 3 (or 4) acoustically pure theatres in the US. We've been hearing that (get it?!) for decades, but I've seen no proof of it, or what that even means, outside of the repetition of the sentiment. It's like the Mark Twain quote that Mark Twain never said. I don't think almost anyone can tell the difference between a good or bad live music environment. And it always varies wildly depending on what seat you're sitting at or where you're standing on the floor at a place with no seats like Bogart's.
August 4, 20168 yr I've been in an acoustically perfect auditorium before. It was a newer one, but you could stand at the far rear entrances and hear someone talking in a low voice on stage perfectly clearly with no amplification whatsoever. There was no echo or anything like that either.
August 4, 20168 yr I've been in an acoustically perfect auditorium before. It was a newer one, but you could stand at the far rear entrances and hear someone talking in a low voice on stage perfectly clearly with no amplification whatsoever. There was no echo or anything like that either. That's exactly what the Emery is like. You can hear a whisper on the stage ANYWHERE in the auditorium as if the person were whispering directly in to your ear. I was so amazed by this that we tried it from numerous points in the theatre at varying volumes. Even from the very top of the second balcony, you could hear the smallest sounds from the stage.
June 27, 20177 yr You would think with almost every single major theater or concert venue undergoing renovation in OTR something has to happen with the Emery... “All truly great thoughts are conceived while walking.” -Friedrich Nietzsche
June 21, 20195 yr Children's Theater might be potential new home for Emery Theater? https://www.cincinnati.com/story/money/2019/06/17/childrens-theater-eyes-emery-building-new-home/1479876001/
September 3, 20195 yr UC sells Emery Theater to Children's Theater or Cincinnati for 8.5 million https://www.citybeat.com/news/blog/21085016/university-of-cincinnati-sells-emery-building-for-855-million?utm_source=featurefollow&utm_medium=home&utm_campaign=hpfeatures
September 3, 20195 yr 26 minutes ago, troeros said: UC sells Emery Theater to Children's Theater or Cincinnati for 8.5 million https://www.citybeat.com/news/blog/21085016/university-of-cincinnati-sells-emery-building-for-855-million?utm_source=featurefollow&utm_medium=home&utm_campaign=hpfeatures Nope. Sold to Chris Frutkin and Dave Neyer. CTC may become a tenant in the future.
September 3, 20195 yr 9 minutes ago, mcmicken said: Nope. Sold to Chris Frutkin and Dave Neyer. CTC may become a tenant in the future. My mistake but great news regardless. I was sort of being pessemestic, thinking it would be quite some time until we would see any movement with the Emery, so its great that it seems like there is an outline for the future for this historic theater.
September 3, 20195 yr Another similar article. UC sells historic Emery Theater in OTR By Andy Brownfield – Reporter, Cincinnati Business Courier Sep 3, 2019, 9:17am EDT Updated 3 hours ago The University of Cincinnati sold an Over-the-Rhine apartment complex that houses the historic, and embattled, Emery Theatre to a development partnership for $8.5 million. UC announced Tuesday the sale of the Emery Center at 100 Central Parkway to 100 Central Parkway LLC, a development partnership led by Dave Neyer and Chris Frutkin, for $8.55 million. The sale includes the retail storefront for Coffee Emporium and the Emery Theatre at 1112 Walnut St. MORE
September 3, 20195 yr 12 minutes ago, jmecklenborg said: Awesome. Theater shifts from one mysterious ownership situation to another. I was under the impression that the developer that has purchased the property has completed quite a few otr/downtown projects and is considered a very reliable developer.
September 3, 20195 yr Just now, troeros said: I was under the impression that the developer that has purchased the property has completed quite a few otr/downtown projects and is considered a very reliable developer. To quote my uncle: "Real estate guys, developers --- they all lie".
September 3, 20195 yr Chris' most recent project is the Williams YMCA 1228 McMillan. A fantastic renovation. But, he did maybe 20 in OTR and Clifton in various levels of renovation. Here is the web page: https://www.citycenterproperties.com/apartments/Ohio/Cincinnati/the-williams Edited September 3, 20195 yr by 1400 Sycamore
June 3, 20223 yr Included in the latest Ohio capital budget: Quote $650,000 for the Emery Theater restoration in Over-the-Rhine.
June 3, 20223 yr $650,000 isn't a ton of money but anything helps I guess. I haven't heard any updates on the Children's theater's plans but this implies that it's still moving forward.
June 8, 20223 yr On 6/3/2022 at 3:14 PM, ucgrady said: $650,000 isn't a ton of money but anything helps I guess. I haven't heard any updates on the Children's theater's plans but this implies that it's still moving forward. I've heard they are poking around the building and finalizing a renovation budget. I've also heard a single donor is covering the complete renovation cost for the Children's Theater.
June 8, 20223 yr The City's Planning Dept will be hosting a public engagement session at some point in July in advance of a request for TIF funding from the City. Date/time TBD.
March 29, 20232 yr Children’s Theater of Cincinnati to renovate Emery Theater, $48 million campaign underway The Children’s Theater of Cincinnati is coming home. The Children's Theater has launched a $48 million campaign to renovate Over-the-Rhine's Emery Theater, its former home 50 years ago. The theater has a 112-year history, including a major sale and lawsuit in recent years. To date, the campaign has raised just shy of $29 million, or 60% of its overall goal, Kim Kern, managing director and CEO of Children’s Theater, said during a Wednesday press conference. Those funds include money from 91 donors, a state federal budget allocation of $650,000 and a $1 million in tax-increment financing money from the city of Cincinnati. “This project … promises to be transformational — not just for the Children’s Theater of Cincinnati but for the city as a whole as we help in revitalizing Over-the-Rhine and honoring Mary (Emery) and Mary’s wishes,” Kern said. More below: https://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2023/03/29/childrens-theater-cincinnati-funds-emery-theater.html "You don't just walk into a bar and mix it up by calling a girl fat" - buildingcincinnati speaking about new forumers
March 29, 20232 yr ^A stage lift? For productions by/for kids? Next they'll need stage lifts for puppet shows.
March 31, 20232 yr On 3/29/2023 at 5:12 PM, Ucgrad2015 said: Wonder what the will do with their current location along Red Bank. Will be used for practice, acting camps, and offices.
April 3, 20232 yr On 3/29/2023 at 5:12 PM, Ucgrad2015 said: Wonder what the will do with their current location along Red Bank. There is just a small theater in that location. They use the Taft Theater for their big performances. One wealthy benefactor paid for the Red Bank location and is the main source of funds for the Emery renovation as well.
April 21, 20232 yr Here are two recent drone photos of the theater that I saw on a real estate listing:
April 21, 20232 yr 3 hours ago, Lazarus said: Here are two recent drone photos of the theater that I saw on a real estate listing: Love how dense these photos make OTR/downtown look. Now to just redevelop these small lots and Salvation Army.
July 31, 20231 yr The Children's Theater of Cincinnati receives $1.5M anonymous donation, contribution from Ludacris By Andy Brownfield – Managing editor, Cincinnati Business Courier Jul 31, 2023 The Children's Theater of Cincinnati has received a $1.5 million donation for its renovation of the Emery Theater, as well as a contribution from rapper Ludacris. MORE
October 11, 20231 yr Awesome news! Carl, Martha Lindner give $5M to the Children's Theatre Emery restoration By Nikki Kingery – Projects editor, Cincinnati Business Courier Oct 11, 2023 The Lindners have made a multimillion-dollar gift toward the renovation of a landmark downtown building that will be home to one of Cincinnati’s major arts organizations. Carl and Martha Lindner have donated $5 million to the restoration of the Emery Theater, which will become the Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati’s (TCT) permanent main stage home. The donation helps further the $49.5 million campaign – A Crown for the Queen City – that’s underway to fund the Emery’s transformation. It adds to other major donations – including a contribution by rapper Ludacris. The theater's primary public entrance on Walnut Street, where patrons will enter for main stage productions and special events, will be officially named the Martha S. Lindner Grand Entrance. MORE
October 30, 20231 yr I was just there for one of, if not the last midnight flashlight tour on Friday and they were pretty sure that work was kicking of the first week of November. I was glad to get in one last time to see it in it's current state. It is beautiful in abandoned ruin, but crumbling fast.
December 8, 20231 yr Construction soon underway on Emery Theater restoration for Children's Theatre of Cincinnati Inside the historical Emery Theater, the paint is peeling. The seats are worn and broken. Light fixtures dangle from sockets. A railing comes off in my hand. There’s no heat on the coldest day so far this fall. Yet the beauty of the long-neglected theater in Over-the-Rhine still shines through. You need only see the graceful curvature of the balconies, the architectural details of the proscenium arch over the stage and the majestic height of the ceiling to know that the venue is a Cincinnati treasure. Now, finally, after decades of failed attempts to save it, the Emery will become the new stage of the Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati. Children’s Theatre, the oldest professional theater for young audiences in the nation, is nearing its $51.7 million campaign goal for the theater’s complete renovation. Construction will begin in January. If all goes as planned, the Children’s Theatre will mount its first production there in October 2025. “My absolute favorite thing about the campaign has been how the community has rallied around it,” said Kim Kern, managing director and CEO. “There are obviously those that support the Children's Theatre, but there are also those who are interested in historic preservation or continuing to revitalize Over-the-Rhine. It's been a constant support.” More below: https://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2023/12/08/emery-theater-restoration-childrens-theatre.html "You don't just walk into a bar and mix it up by calling a girl fat" - buildingcincinnati speaking about new forumers
November 16, 2024Nov 16 Gift pushes Children's Theatre near $51.5M goal to restore the Emery A major gift from a local foundation has helped push the Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati close to its goal for restoring its future home in the landmark Emery Theatre. Children's Theatre has received a $500,000 donation from the Farmer Family Foundation, its second such gift in that amount to the arts organization. The contribution brings what is the oldest professional theater for young audiences in the nation within $3.25 million of funding its $51.5 million effort to revitalize the Emery. The renovation aims to preserve the history of the venue while including modern upgrades to create a state-of-the-art performance space. “With this gift, we are within reach of a landmark cultural center designed with families in mind. We hope this inspires others to join us in realizing this dream for Cincinnati’s youth and families,” Allison Kropp, campaign co-chair, said in a news release. More below: https://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2024/11/15/childrens-theatre-emery-donor-farmer-foundation.html "You don't just walk into a bar and mix it up by calling a girl fat" - buildingcincinnati speaking about new forumers
November 17, 2024Nov 17 Does anyone know if the Emery will host other types of events when it reopens, or will it solely be used for Children's Theatre performances? If the Taft closes so it can be redeveloped/incorporated into the W&S hotel proposal, it seems like some of the comedy and music events held there could be moved to the Emery as well.
November 17, 2024Nov 17 I was under the impression that the Taft would remain, and would couple with the Temple to be a larger entertainment complex.
March 10Mar 10 Children’s Theatre lands $2M gift as move to restored historic Emery Theater nears By Liz Engel – Digital editor/Cincy Inno editor, Cincinnati Business Courier Mar 10, 2025 The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati is now mere months away from its return to the historic Emery Theater in Over-the-Rhine, and thanks to a new multimillion-dollar gift, it’s also one step closer to securing the funds necessary for the move. The Children’s Theatre announced March 10 its receipt of a $2 million anonymous gift – funds that will inch it closer to its capital campaign goal for the restoration of the Emery. The organization now has just a $2 million gap toward its $51.5 million target. The anonymous donor hopes to “inspire” others looking to contribute, the Children’s Theatre said in a news release. MORE
March 11Mar 11 That place is a gem and I'm glad it's getting renovated. I wonder if this could be a Sundance venue.
March 18Mar 18 The Masonic building with renovation plans tailored to it by Western Southern would be featured prominently for Sundance multiple theater venues dining options ect.Sponsorship money is also in play here
May 22May 22 I am really excited to see this space finally getting the treatment it deserves!Children's Theatre of Cincinnati's $51.5M Emery Theater renovation nears completion: PHOTOSThe Children's Theatre of Cincinnati at the EmeryCorrie Schaffeld | CBCBy Lara Schwartz – Staff reporter, Cincinnati Business CourierMay 22, 2025Construction at the future of home the Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati is well underway.The Emery Theater, originally built in 1911 and located at 1112 Walnut St., has been a construction zone since the Children’s Theatre’s $51.5 million renovation project started in February 2024. Now, it's slated to be completed in October.The theater is starting to come together as Terrex Development & Construction works to make it the most technologically advanced proscenium-style venue in the nation, according to the Children’s Theatre’s consultant, a national expert on theater infrastructure with Aperio Design.MOREFlip through the photos above for a look at the renovations.The building and theater were purchased by Dave Neyer and Chris Frutkin in 2019 for $8.55 million and donated the theater to the Children’s Theatre after being long-vacant and experiencing a few failed starts.
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