Here are the details...

 

• Developer Rolling Hills Properties will replace the former Red Cross location with a 13-story hotel with 200 guest rooms, an indoor pool and spa, exercise room, meeting space, lobby cafe, and penthouse-level restaurant, atop a 150-car parking structure. (this has gained preliminary approval from the Cincinnati Planning Commission)
  
• While not in a historic district the developer pledged to design the building with the architectural elements of neighboring historic structures in mind. Those include manufacturing facilities-turned-apartment properties the Power Building and Sycamore Place at Xavier Park and St. Xavier Church.  He already has named PDT Design pro-ject architect and D.A.G. Construction construction manager to work with the city and neighboring property owners on a design that matches the flavor of the district.
  
• Developer's contract for the property is pending upon a zone change approval by City Council to Planned Development.
  
• Gains in convention traffic (occupancy rates at highest in over a decade), great visibility/access to I-71 were key selling points.
  
• Because most of the larger-name hoteliers are already located downtown, one local hotel developer, unnamed for competitive reasons, expected Patel to attract an upper-scale Sheraton or Holiday Inn, properties geared toward business or leisure users rather than convention visitors.  “They may think the luxury market is not being served,” he said.
  

 

 

Checking in downtown Cincinnati: new hotel

http://cincinnati.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/stories/2008/08/11/story1.html

Sweet!  Very unexpected but welcome.

The good news keeps rolling in. Although I wish they were going to get rid of the giant surface lot across the street, this is still great news

While this isn't a surface lot, it is probably the next best thing.  That Red Cross building is like 1.5 stories and is uuuggllyyyyy.  I'm hoping they also take out that hideous parking structure adjacent to the Red Cross building.

While this isn't a surface lot, it is probably the next best thing. That Red Cross building is like 1.5 stories and is uuuggllyyyyy. I'm hoping they also take out that hideous parking structure adjacent to the Red Cross building.

 

Very true! This is equally ugly ...

 

 

... and like BDRUF said ... it keeps coming and coming. What's next, P&G needs more room and builds a 1,000 footer? ha, I'm getting carried away now. Sh!t though, we are about to see cranes all over the place.

wow, things are going to start heating up in the hotel industry downtown....great to see such an influx of news in late.

While Hyatt, Millennium, and Hilton could use some major renovation, my guess is Terrace Place is eventually closing? and then the Bartlett Renaissance, Humana SpringHill, and possibly something in Newport will make for some great new additions to this rather stagnant market...

Anyone have a pic of the red cross building or where this corner is? my mind is working for shit this morning lol.

Great news! I'll try to grab a pic of the Red Cross Building today before I depart.

Oh I remember now! yea that building is fuggly times ten.  Well, hopefully it can spark development in those two gigantic lots across the street.  Those lots have potential too have something massive.  Maybe QCS will spark more HQ's to come in.

One more thing. YOu guys ever hear about plans to build a condo tower on top of that white colored building on Broadway and 7th? it was build to house a taller building on top.  It's adjacent to that big parking garage behind the red cross.  There are renderings I think.

One more thing. YOu guys ever hear about plans to build a condo tower on top of that white colored building on Broadway and 7th? it was build to house a taller building on top.  It's adjacent to that big parking garage behind the red cross.  There are renderings I think.

 

Yup...project information and renderings can be found here:

http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php/topic,198.0.html

Good riddens!!!

now if we can get broadway tower, fifth and race, one river plaza and the brent spence bridge replacement a'diggin' this place will look like dubai with all the construction (but with more trees obviously). this is amazing.

Doesnt seem like there is enough contextual influence at that location to necessitate a more traditional design.  If they truley were to make it fit in, they might as well build a 13 story parking lot.  Not that i would mind a more traditional building...if it was done well.  I think this could really be great for this section of downtown.  Its been a loooong time since anything of significance has been built there.  Maybe it will motivate St. Xavier to do something with their land...probably not. 

The day st x will do something is the day the Bengals and Reds when a championsip together.

well that sure as hell isn't likely

Gotta have it.........

Great news! Let the construction begin...:)

Here is a photo courtesy of the Hamilton County Auditor...

 

Looks like there is still a lot of hair on this and it is not nearly a done deal, but let's hope it goes through!

 

Checking in downtown Cincinnati: new hotel

Business Courier of Cincinnati - by Laura Baverman

 

Plans for downtown’s first new hotel in 24 years are quietly taking shape for the corner of Sycamore and Eighth streets. The 13-story structure would replace the old brick home of the American Red Cross.

 

Fort Mitchell-based hotel developer Rolling Hills Properties has received preliminary approval from the Cincinnati Planning Commission for a full-service hotel with 200 guest rooms, an indoor pool and spa, exercise room, meeting space, lobby cafe and penthouse-level restaurant, atop a 150-car parking structure. The total project cost could top $30 million, local real estate sources said.

 

Read full article here:

http://cincinnati.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/stories/2008/08/11/story1.html

This is certainly a positive development but ideally, I would loe to see Metropole coverted into a hotel.  Talk about a perfect location.  The Sycamore locale seems a bit isolated but it would be exciting to see that part of town develop as well.  I know I sound like a broken record but with everything goig on around Arnoff know, Metropole is screaming to be converted into a higher end hotel.

Yuk that'san ugly building.  That's a great spot for a hotel.  I really hope that sparks more development in those two gigantic lots.

To clear things up, the lot immediately north of the church is owned by St. Xavier High School, the much bigger lot between 7th & 8th is owned by...Columbia Oldsmobile.  Maybe there was once an Oldsmobile dealership there, after all the current Blue Wisp building was a car dealership, but the current situation is totally ridiculous.  There was a rendering published for apartments on the St. Xavier High School property about 10 years ago but I didn't save them. 

To clear things up, the lot immediately north of the church is owned by St. Xavier High School, the much bigger lot between 7th & 8th is owned by...Columbia Oldsmobile.

 

It has been my understanding that the lot you identify as being owned by Columbia Oldsmobile, was and possibly still is being eyed out by those who did much of the rehab work around that area.  I remember speaking to someone a couple of years ago and they mentioned that if occupancy rates were doing well enough (in those surrounding buildings) that there were investors interested in building an infill apartment building there.  Who knows what has ever happened to that, but it is something to keep in the back of your mind.

Given the new need for hotels and more people coming in, I wouldn't be surprised if this has a positive snowball affect on the surrounding area.  We have the two huge lots across the street, then we have that one gigantic one next to where The Edge will be...ya know the way everyone uses to park for Sawyer Point.  That whole area could be a cool section of different hotels because they would all be super close to 71.

Some unrelated comments inspired by various earlier postings...

 

1).  This location is only two blocks from the Aronoff and the rest of the backstage district. A development like this in that corner of downtown can only result in infill of supporting businesses. This is exactly what that area needs.  Existing entertainment venues like the Blue Wisp will benefit from this.

 

2) While I agree that the Hyatt and Millennium could use some work (as well as the Westin), Hilton has already sunk some significant $ in a much need renovation of the rooms and freshening up of the common areas. It was looking really bad after the Omni group had it after the 1980's renovation. I cant believe the Terrace is still in business, that place is a dump.

 

3) It would be nice to see the Metropole upgraded, but I doubt it would ever be a real hotel again. Maybe some decent condo's, or entry level apartments like the old Broadway Hotel. If I were a developer, I'd probably build new on an existing surface lot (like Parker Flats) before doing anything with that building.  It's not really interesting from an architectural point of view, and conversions are too expensive relative to new construction.

 

4) I can't express how amazed and excited I am over the explosion of new development downtown. Also, the number of people downtown on weekends is just amazing.

Here is a panoramic view of the area:

Let's face it.  Our downtown is so badass!

Let's face it. Our downtown is so badass!

 

Let's not get carried away here! lol

Oh I've already been carried:)

Yep, a little bit of infill could do amazing things for that area.

I always envisioned a major HQ needing two towers and just have a cool skywalk connecting the 2 over 7th or something.

I think the two towers connected by a skywalk would be a bit redundant that close to p&g

I'm wondering that too.  Since downtown is seeing a new resurgance, I wouldn't doubt developers wanting to put something there or at least begin serious talks soon.  It's such a big space.  Not only that space but the huge parking lot that people use for Sawyer Point too.  This new hotel(this is long shot), could potentially spark more hotels or some kind of entertainment along that entire part of downtown.

What's the story with 800 Broadway these days? Please tell me that it still is being used.

 

I thought there was an UDF there.  ;)

LOL a UDF.  I still think it should be the building for the Streetcars and repairs.

EDC to hear proposal for new Downtown hotel

http://www.building-cincinnati.com/2008/09/edc-to-hear-proposal-for-new-downtown.html

 

***3 images with article link***

 

An ordinance to rezone property at 720 Sycamore Street for a new hotel will be heard by Cincinnati City Council's Economic Development Committee next Tuesday.

 

The 0.60-acre Downtown property, currently owned by the American Red Cross, is zoned DD-C Downtown Development District, the only DD subdistrict that doesn't allow for hotels or commercial lodging.

 

Rolling Hills Properties, LLC has submitted a preliminary concept plan that seeks a change to PD Planned Development District (PD-55).

 

"It is the developer's/future owner's belief that there is a need for a new hotel in this area of downtown to help service the current business and tourist climate of the city in addition to the planned future growth within the downtown community," says Tony Tuttle of Bayer Becker, in a letter to City staff dated June 25, 2008. "Recently we have witnessed robust growth on both sides of the river, and we want to ensure that continued growth is led by the many different types of businesses and institutions within the Downtown Core of Cincinnati."

 

The new hotel would contain 13 stories (139 feet) - 8 floors containing around 200 guest rooms, and 5 floors containing the lobby and approximately 150 enclosed parking spaces.

 

The hotel would also include:

• A top-floor restaurant and bar
  
• A lobby lounge/café
  
• Meeting, conference, and banquet space
  
• An indoor pool and spa
  
• An exercise and fitness room
  
• Flat-panel LCD televisions
  
• Room service
  

 

The main pedestrian entrance will front on Eighth Street, and the building will have zero setback from both Eighth and Sycamore streets.

 

The City Planning Commission unanimously approved of the zone change on July 11.

 

Creation of PD-55 would allow the City Planning Commission to have greater control over the building's design and site elements, ensuring that it's compatible with the adjacent Cincinnati East Manufacturing and Warehouse Historic District.

 

Rolling Hills Properties has a purchase agreement with the American Red Cross that is contingent on the rezoning.

 

The current building will be demolished when the Cincinnati chapter of the American Red Cross moves to its new facility at Keystone Parke in Evanston, which is now in the design phase.

 

The developer plans to break ground in spring 2010, with construction lasting 18 months.

 

A hotel operator will be secured pending rezoning approval.

Wow....even though the images are not very clear....this project seems to be moving in the right direction.  The building addresses each of the streets (as far as setback and massing) exactly as it should within the context of downtowns density.  It would fit in seamlessly.  I think this will really be a great addition to that area and hopefully can spark a lot more investment.

^True.  The cool thing is the Blue Wisp is supposedly still kicking after all these years and bringing in top blues talent.  I wouldn't doubt that this little area will take off and the Wisp will start booking more and more musicians.  I mean c'mon it's within walking distance to the hotel which is awesome.

^The Blue Wisp is in the best shape its been in for quite some time.  Probably since they moved to their current location on 8th.

Wow....even though the images are not very clear....this project seems to be moving in the right direction.  The building addresses each of the streets (as far as setback and massing) exactly as it should within the context of downtowns density.  It would fit in seamlessly.  I think this will really be a great addition to that area and hopefully can spark a lot more investment.

 

what about the parking garage in those images?  Is that existing?  If not, it looks to me to be dead to the street.  Can't really tell whats going on there though. 

Parking is at the interior of the site, and the garage is accessible from Sycamore, which is not the main pedestrian entry point to the building (Eighth).  The first five floors would include the parking garage, with a lobby that fronts on both Eighth and Sycamore.

^The Blue Wisp is in the best shape its been in for quite some time. Probably since they moved to their current location on 8th.

 

Glad to hear that they're doing well, but I still miss the old location.  It felt more authentic somehow.

^The Blue Wisp is in the best shape its been in for quite some time.  Probably since they moved to their current location on 8th.

 

Glad to hear that they're doing well, but I still miss the old location.  It felt more authentic somehow.

 

To which former location are you referring?

 

The one that was completely below streetlevel.  I think it was on Garfield.  It moved shortly after I turned 21, so I only got to go there a few times, but it was very cool.  Was there a location prior even to that?

Yeah it was in O'Bryonville originally.  The Garfield Place location was fantastic, despite there only being 2 or 3 good tables.  Most of the tables did not have good views or even any views of the band.  The sound was definitely better than the new location, which is very quiet and flat by comparison.  The way the tables were oriented, everybody looked at whoever was walking down the steps, so you had to make a confident entrance.  It had an odd T-shaped layout with a big pillar that blocked everyone's views on the right side.  It also had a really obnoxious air conditioner that scared anyone who was sitting by it when it clicked on. 

 

Oh yeah, and of course you could smoke then and it was extremely smokey.  Also, they famously served underaged, and I definitely was getting served there at age 17 and might have even snuck a few at 16.  That now-closed Thai restaurant on 7th used to serve underaged all the time too.     

The one that was completely below streetlevel. I think it was on Garfield.

 

Like Cheers?    That would be cool nonetheless!!

The one that was completely below streetlevel.  I think it was on Garfield. 

 

Like Cheers?    That would be cool nonetheless!!

 

Yeah, but not nearly as nice.  It sort of felt like you were listening to jazz/blues in someone's basement.  It definitely wasn't the fanciest place in the world, but it seemed very "real", if that makes sense.

Yea, I know what you mean!

Are there enough hotels?

By Keith T. Reed • [email protected] • September 27, 2008

 

Two new hotels could be on the drawing board for downtown, raising the question of whether several hundred new rooms - added to the just over 3,000 already there - are needed, and whether they can be built given the national squeeze on lending.

 

Downtown's last new hotel, the 488-room Hyatt Regency Cincinnati, opened in 1984. For most of the years since, hotel managers said, downtown occupancy has hovered around 50 percent.  Downtown hotels, which include such large properties as the Hyatt, the Hilton, the Westin Hotel Cincinnati and the Cincinnatian, were 59.6 percent occupied January through July, compared with 55.7 percent over the same time a year ago, according to industry tracker Smith Travel Research.

 

Read full article here:

http://news.cincinnati.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080927/BIZ01/809270328/1076/NEWS