I found this website on another blog - http://otrbrewerydistrict.com/

 

The videos are interesting. Someone has big ideas. Anyone know how realistic this is?

I've always felt that the Metal Blast building would be great for a restaurant and entertainment venue, while the Brewery District could become one of Cincinnati's premiere attractions.  There  were once several castles along this hillside, rising above Central Parkway  and into Over-the-Rhine, the home of Cincinnati's brewing industry.  Some structures still exist and many more could be recreated and embellished, while interfacing with the proposed tramway.

 

From what I understand, the most promising redevelopment is occurring in the Findlay Market area, about two blocks from the hillside.  The Christian Morelein Brewery is the focus of a prospective redevelopment north of the market.  Recently, the Dunlop Lofts opened nearby: 

http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php?topic=3859.0

 

I would love to see 3CDC put  some resources into this area.  The so-called Beer Hall of Fame would be great in the Brewery District, surrounded by the rebuilt castles in the form of urban condominiums throughout this historic area.

My wife and I almost bought the Christian Moerline Executive Office on Elm.  That area has a few good people,  John Donaldson is one of those who is really pushing the Brewery District hard.  Denny (I can never remember his last name owns Metal Blast) He would like nothing better than to see restraunts and condos to go into that building but some serious investors are needed.  Dunlop is a great condo dev. that has popped in the heart of the Dist. and hopefully in the KD lamp building we eventually will see some market rate condos there. 

I will keep my fingures crossed for the brewery dist. but they need some help from the police.

The name "Metal Blast" is just a great name for a building. I hope it lives on in one form or the other. Maybe after I win the $340 million Powerball tonight, I'll help out. ;-)

A Brewery District is a nice idea and is on the right track for what OTR really needs.  OTR was settled by the German imigrants in Cincinnati.  This area grew and thrived while being occupied by bierhauses, theatres, galleries, and shopping.  It was once known as the "Paris of the West" for its culture.  This area should be returned to its former glory as a Germantown for Zinzinnati.  This would be uniquely Cincinnati and would be a boom for tourism.  You could hold Oktoberfest there every year, have authentic German style restaurants/shopping, and reinvent OTR back to its glory days when it was named for its beauty and striking resemblence to the Rhine River Basin in Germany.

A Brewery District is a nice idea and is on the right track for what OTR really needs.  OTR was settled by the German imigrants in Cincinnati.  This area grew and thrived while being occupied by bierhauses, theatres, galleries, and shopping.  It was once known as the "Paris of the West" for its culture.  This area should be returned to its former glory as a Germantown for Zinzinnati.  This would be uniquely Cincinnati and would be a boom for tourism.  You could hold Oktoberfest there every year, have authentic German style restaurants/shopping, and reinvent OTR back to its glory days when it was named for its beauty and striking resemblence to the Rhine River Basin in Germany.

 

Interesting. . . Maybe the German Herritage of Cincinnati is one of its untapped recources. Cleveland has little italy, we could have little germany. How cool would it be to walk down Vine and see a brewery followed by a biergarden, followed by a restaurant, all following the german herritage of the area. THAT would be something that would be a draw to downtown.

 

Over-the-Rhine is a great name and it has some functional sub-districts such as Pendleton and  Main Street.  The key is to knit the pockets of revitalization into a cohesive whole, stretching from Downtown up to the university.

 

I understand how people have a certain image of an area, but that can be changed.  I remember walking around Newport-on-the-Levee when it opened in 2001.  It was amazing to see how the development embraced being in Newport.  Before the Levee, Newport was known for strip clubs, blight, and municipal corruption.  Now it has become a jewel in the crown of Greater Cincinnati.

 

Here is my vision of the Brewery District:

 

 

Would you like to live there....I would

 

 

 

 

You would need some major political support to transform Over-the-Rhine into a dynamic neighborhood north of Downtown.  We have that...in fact 3CDC was created to do just that.

 

So that means that 3CDC would need to bring together some developers and architects to draw up the plans as outlined in this vision.  Then 3CDC would need to provide a hefty subsidy in order to jumpstart this development.  3CDC has millions of private and public dollars...so what do you think?

Initially 3CDC could focus on the hillside leading up to Clifton Heights, which has many potential areas for redevelopment.  Very little would be demolished, and this district would stretch from the parking lot north of Findlay Market, through northern Over-the-Rhine, and up the hillside.

 

Do we have some supporters out there....

 

 

 

 

 

I am amazed more development is not being done around Clifton & Ohio.

There is a seriously cool view there.

This place is right behind Church of Christ on McMicken

3CDC has millions of private and public dollars...so what do you think?

  I think It's scary.  3cdc should stick to downtown and stay away from OTR. 3cdc recommended an area that included an entire block of 22 buildings to be demolished for the new washington park school. As far as I am concerned Hart Realty the old otr slumlord was better for OTR than 3cdc. That was a poor decision by them that changed my opinion of them drastically.

 

3CDC has millions of private and public dollars...so what do you think?

  I think It's scary.  3cdc should stick to downtown and stay away from OTR. 3cdc recommended an area in the heart of OTR that included an entire block of 22 buildings to be demolished for the new washington park school.  That was a poor decision by them that changed my opinion of them.

 

I think the jury is still out on 3CDC.

 

It will be interesting to see what they do with the Washington Park area.  Hopefully, they will come to understand that the greatest attribute of Over-the-Rhine is its historic architecture.  If not, then I would certainly agree with you.

I think the jury is still out on 3CDC.

 

It will be interesting to see what they do with the Washington Park area.  Hopefully, they will come to understand that the greatest attribute of Over-the-Rhine is its historic architecture.  If not, then I would certainly agree with you.

 

And I think an announcement should be coming soon! I believe Nick Spencer's blog indicated they are putting the finishing touches on the plan. I'm very curious what they have in mind.

I guess no one on this forum knows if the plans on http://otrbrewerydistrict.com/ are a real possibility or if it's all pie in sky dreaming?

Max,

I just got out of an OTRCC meeting and 3CDC was there presenting. A good point came out of the whole meeting and that was 3CDC was not the one proposing to do the teardowns, it was up to CPS.  Their plan is the only thing on the table right now for that area.  I understand some of the opposition to it but what is your alternative solution.  Maintaining the Status Quo is not a viable solution.  So what say you man?

I guess no one on this forum knows if the plans on http://otrbrewerydistrict.com/ are a real possibility or if it's all pie in sky dreaming?

 

To accomplish their plans they will need more resources, but look at what happened with Mount Adams.  Once the momentum starts, they may be able to find all kinds of investors.

 

Right now, the area north of Liberty is improving one building at a time.  You can see the progress occurring, especially to the east of the Brewery District in the Mulberry Hill area.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Max,

I just got out of an OTRCC meeting and 3CDC was there presenting. A good point came out of the whole meeting and that was 3CDC was not the one proposing to do the teardowns, it was up to CPS.  Their plan is the only thing on the table right now for that area.  I understand some of the opposition to it but what is your alternative solution.  Maintaining the Status Quo is not a viable solution.  So what say you man?

 

Exactly, and Mr. Redmond said it far more politely than I ever could.

1) I worry about CPS's plans for Washington Park.  If that goes through, then who really knows.  I don't have an opposing plan, but I reserve the right to dislike this one.

2) I worry about 3CDC becoming such a large landholder and turning this into a massive, "planned" project.  Planned projects usually turn out bland and the effects are difficult to reverse.

3) In 3CDC's progress report, they mention Phase II of the Vine St. project would be starting soon.  (Phase I is the Gateway condos).  Phase II is housing and retail in existing structures.  What their definition of "soon" is, I don't know.  Vine St. is key to the Brewery District coming to fruition.

 

I agree with #3 however with no other plan on the table soon is better than never.  Nothing much is going on over there and 3CDC has met nothing but opposition.  I have been amazed that there is a concerted effort by some to keep it that way, but 3CDC at least has something not only on paper but actually has control of the buildings.  I do not know how many have seen the map (grasscat if you have one please post) of the planned development by 3CDC.  The section above Washington Park which will be mixed use will save a number of buildings that do not have many years left in them.  Only 3 buildings in this section will be torn down and that is due to structural problems.  We talk about saving buildings, bringing back the neighborhood, and restoring order to OTR, perhaps this planned development may act as a catalyst beyond the plan and attract more investment, more police presence, more residents and businesses alike because now the brewery dist. and lower Elm is now a viable area in which to live and work. 

I see plans come and go, much like Citirama at the top of Hughes, I hope this plan stays because this could be a beginning into the redevelopment of not only Vine, but Republic also.  All I know is that I have heard nothing else on how to get this job done and  I would prefer not to have this same discussion 20 years from now when the next development is proposed for this area and it is even worse off then it is now.

Grasscat,

what specific parts of the plan are you concerned with?  Perhaps you know something I do not.

I do not know how many have seen the map (grasscat if you have one please post) of the planned development by 3CDC.

 

I have not seen a map.  If anyone knows of one, I'd sure like to see it.

 

Grasscat, what specific parts of the plan are you concerned with?  Perhaps you know something I do not.

I just worry that 3CDC will get demolition-happy.  I also see that the residents have a lot of concerns and it doesn't seem like they're being addressed.

I can probably get a copy of the 3CDC proposed map, but it might be a few days before I can get it.

 

Also I went to the Visions for the Findlay Market Neighborhood meeting last night and Mike Moose from Glaserworks presented a plan for the Moerlein building that he came up with.  Said something in the line of somebody who has pledged the money to make it work.  The plan was pretty sweet, but I forgot to bring my camera.  Also he talked about the trolley that would link Uptown, Brewery Distirct, Fountain Square, and The Banks.  Said that he expects it to be up and running in 3-5 years with private monies.

Here is a quote from the October 26 edition of City Beat, "A laid-back, jovial Stephen Leeper, president of 3CDC, had joined up. He said 3CDC is working with several small entrepreneurial developers to rehab about a dozen buildings around Vine and 12th streets, at a total cost of $13.5 million to $15 million.

 

Each redeveloped building will feature ground-floor commercial space and condos ranging from $80,000 to $200,000. Of the 60 housing units, about 10 will be rental, some possibly to space-crunched Art Academy students. Leeper hopes to start construction in January 2006 and finish within the year."

 

http://www.citybeat.com/2005-10-26/news.shtml

 

 

 

I spoke with John Donaldson today about another matter but the trolley came up, it was my understanding that the funds would come from a tiff tax.  Also Leeper addressed the otrcc and it was my understanding that there was no definitive time table on the beginnings of construction.  I am getting a little confused, there seems to be several different versions of the same stories out there.  Anyone have any insight?

Mike Moose said that it was going to be all privately funded and copied off of the Portland trolley system.  He said there would be a fee the riders would pay and that at every stop the radio on the trolley would say something like "this stop is funded by ___."  He didn't really say when construction or when the system would begin aquiring the trolleys, just said that it will be 3-5 years when a system will be up and running.  I don't recall him ever saying anything in the line of a TIFF being created for the funding. 

 

I'm not an expert and I don't even really know Mike Moose but I'm just going with what was presented last night.

More potental development ideas. I hope it's more than just talk.

 

<b>Fortifying Findlay Market</b>

Those who love the neighborhood talk about saving it

By Chris Charlson, CityBeat

 

Developers, business owners, community groups and residents gathered Oct. 26 at Memorial Hall to take part in an annual forum sponsored by Friends of Findlay Market. More than 100 people heard speakers discuss their "Visions for the Findlay Market Neighborhood" along with current projects and programs considered vital to the area's rebirth.

 

The evening covered a number of successful nonprofit projects already in the works, including Smart Money's home ownership program for residents of Over-the-Rhine, which helps low-income residents save for a home by teaching them how to manage their money (see "Dollars and Sense," issue of Nov. 25-Dec. 2, 2003). While helping many, the agency is barely scratching the surface due to constant competition from predatory lenders such as check cashing businesses, pawn shops and loan sharks, according to Smart Money President Darrick Dansby.

Read full article here:

http://www.citybeat.com/current/news3.shtml

Brewery District Tries to Get Over-the-Rhine Hopping

By Chris Shaw, Fox 19 | Jan 12, 2007

 

Can the future of Over-the-Rhine really be seen through beer goggles? A group of residents and developers hope the answer is yes.  The Over-the-Rhine Brewery District would like to see the northern part of that neighborhood go back to the 1800's. 

 

"We are trying to re-create a modern version of what this neighborhood was in the 19th century," Mike Morgan, of the Over-the-Rhine Brewery District says.  Back then, the buildings north of Liberty Street made up what was known as the "Brewery District." And a string of breweries in that several block area, made Cincinnati one of the top brewing cities in the country.

 

Read full article here:

http://www.fox19.com/global/story.asp?s=5928303&ClientType=Printable

^the tunnel's under denny's house are amazing.  Take a brewery tour this bockfest and check them out.  I believe Bockfest is MArch 2nd and 3rd.

Are they going to bing back the regulated prostitution ?

Are they going to bing back the regulated prostitution ?

 

That is funny! 

"Back then, the buildings north of Liberty Street made up what was known as the "Brewery District." And a string of breweries in that several block area, made Cincinnati one of the top brewing cities in the country."

 

But, if this area becomes a successful, then our Brewery District will be 2nd place (in Ohio). NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!111

Just kidding, I'd be happy for Cincinnati. But someone please come up with a different name, we had it first! (a revitalized and gentrified one, I mean)

^Uhhhh....I would venture to say that OTR's Brewery District came about before Cbus's Brewery District.  Not to mention that name is not unique to either place, so no name claiming is neccessary.

I'm sure that's true, hence the specification of ours being the 1st revitalized one. No one visits a potential district...except for us UrbanOhio forumers. Even though the name is nowhere near unique to Columbus outside of Ohio, once revitalized the Cincy one would no doubt be compared to the other "Brewery Distrtict" just and hour and a half away. Though we should have enough time to get more going on to compete with a larger one down south.

If Cincinnati's Brewery District works and reaches its full potential it would undoubtedly have more character than Columbus'. The McMicken corridor is intense. I agree with Columbusite that it would be great if they came up with another name besides "Brewery District" for the sake of both Ohio cities maintaining their separate identities. If this project ends up being as great as it sounds, I think it would spur a little migration of UC students and professionals on down past university heights to be closer to the district. That would be fantastic...hopefully they can get the money they need.

Actually the Brewery District wants to re name McMicken St. to  Brewer's Blvd, which has a nice ring to it, so there might be a little different name.

Actually, if Cincinnati's has a unique name, it'll sound better than ours...damn you (in advance) Cincinnati!!!

Actually the Brewery District wants to re name McMicken St. to  Brewer's Blvd, which has a nice ring to it, so there might be a little different name.

I think this would be a disservice to Mr McMicken

I think the hall at UC would do enough for his ego and the several miles of his street outside of over the rhine that would be unaffected.  Also he is dead.

Well, yeah, he's dead. You wouldn't name the street after him if he were alive.

Lemme guess, you are the type who would move a burial ground for a suburban housing project.

And we all know how that turns out !

:-)

Mike Fox has a highway named after him and he's still alive and well and rounding up illegals by the truckload :lol:

I doubt any ego is as inflated as Stan Aronoff's. He has a world class design school and theater named after him.

In cincinnati it is illegal to name a street after a living person, this is why we have Dixsymith instead of a street named after Richard Smith.  I wouldn't move a boulder or a single acre of sod for a suburban housing project.  I don't support the racial segregation of the suburbs.

I don't support the racial segregation of the suburbs.

 

 

Didn't Clifton serve that purpose at one time?  :-P

Posted on: Today at 01:11:30 AMPosted by: thomasbw 

Insert Quote

In cincinnati it is illegal to name a street after a living person,

 

How do you figure we got Pete Rose Way then???

 

I wouldn't move a boulder or a single acre of sod for a suburban housing project.  I don't support the racial segregation of the suburbs.

Well, actually, I was makingan admittedly obtuse referesnce to the movie Poltergeist where a deeloper had no respect for the dead & it kinda came back to bite folks in the ass.

Anyway, McMicken isn't even a boulevard.

It is a dumb, rude & pointless idea to change the name of the street.

I don't support the racial segregation of the suburbs.

 

 

Didn't Clifton serve that purpose at one time?  :-P

 

yes it did, then it was annexed. now its pretty mixed.

Changing McMicken is a terrible idea. It runs counter to the very idea of historic preservation. To take a name that represents an historical figure and replace it with one that is so generic as to be nearly meaningless, well, it's just a bad, bad move.

 

At least changing Eastern to Riverside (which I also didn't like) doesn't strip away a historic tribute.

Posted on: Today at 01:11:30 AMPosted by: thomasbw 

Insert Quote

In cincinnati it is illegal to name a street after a living person,

 

How do you figure we got Pete Rose Way then???

 

Yeah...and how about UncleRando Way??

Yeah, your right about Pete Rose way, maybe that changed, but i read it on a sign in clifton and believed it.