Surrounded by Cincinnati’s grand Music Hall, Memorial Hall, three historic churches, the city’s largest homeless shelter, a new K-12 arts school (currently under construction), and a fine collection of Italianate rows, Washington Park dates back to 1855. The park is one of the most notorious spots in Cincinnati, but also one of the most beloved. A center in the 2001 disturbances in Over-the-Rhine, the historic park is, perhaps, the most contested public space in the city as development pressures call for an enlarged and renovated park. Some suggest that gentrification of the park is aimed at removing the current daily element of activity.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

First English Lutheran Church

 

 

Nash Trinity Methodist Church

 

 

Emmanuel Center

 

 

 

 

OTRCH Offices

 

 

Elm

 

Winner streetscape

 

Memorial Hall

 

Music Hall

 

 

Cincy Parks

Photo Thread Index:

 

Vol. 1: Piatt Park

Vol. 2: Ault Park

Vol. 3: International Friendship Park

Vol. 4: Bicentenial Commons

Vol. 5: Eden Park

Vol. 6: Mount Echo Park

Vol. 7: Mount Storm Park

Vol. 8: Alms Park

Well done!

Absolutely beautiful park that will only get better with the expansion and renovation that is planned.  Thanks for keeping the park series going ink.

Thanks for sharing Ink :)

 

 

What on earth is she wearing, walking her dog and all that!?

Such potential in Washington Park.

Wonderful urban space!

Such potential in Washington Park.

 

Much of it already realized.

^Eh, I wouldn't say much.  The surrounding buildings still need to be rehabbed, and it's pretty lawless and unable to be safely enjoyed by many.

Good shots.

This picture has me really worried:

 

When that construction bin moves, Washington park is going to flow right into Central parkway.  They really ruined the fourth wall of the park.

^Can you explain that? The new SCPA is right there, and there was previously a parking lot.  I'm not sure how it is anymore ruined now then it was before.  I think the school is a VAST improvement.

but the school turns its back on the park.  the school is a vast improvement over the surface lot that used to be tere, but it should have also been oriented towards the park, much like music hall and memorial hall do.  instead, we get the back of a building with a small surface lot.  I like the 'front' of the building along Central Parkway.  I just wish they would have created 2 'fronts.' 

Well there is a rear entrance, and I believe the playground is in the back facing the park as well.  It's not ideal, but it will certainly have a positive influence on the park and that portion of OTR.  To say they "ruined the fourth wall of the park" seems like a bit of an over reaction, especially when the school is replacing a surface lot.

Oh, I realize that it's definitely an improvement over what was there, but now it's no longer potential development space.  That school is here to stay and they did a horrible job making the park side good looking.  Now, the only chance of framing in the park is by erecting a tall, good looking fence on that corner of the lot.

SCPA design turns its back to the park, but it is too late to change that. 

 

Went to a meeting yesterday wherein they discussed construction of the park starting in April 2010 and ending taking 18 months.  Also said 13th street will be made two-way to facilitate exiting from the underground parking.  IMO that is a big mistake, but the rest of the design is very good.

 

Also Emmanuel is spearheading a crowdsourcing website to begin programming the park.  Stay tuned.

SCPA design turns its back to the park, but it is too late to change that.

 

Went to a meeting yesterday wherein they discussed construction of the park starting in April 2010 and ending taking 18 months. Also said 13th street will be made two-way to facilitate exiting from the underground parking. IMO that is a big mistake, but the rest of the design is very good.

 

Also Emmanuel is spearheading a crowdsourcing website to begin programming the park. Stay tuned.

 

That's exciting news.  I hope they'll be able to stick to the construction schedule.  I'd really hate to have the World Choir Games come while Music Hall is under construction and the "viewing area" for Music Hall to be under construction as well.  I don't really see a problem with that block of 13th being two-way. 

I love Cincinnati's seal.

 

 

 

I wish it was displayed more prominently throughout the city.  Same goes for the flag.

^Atlanta displays their city seal on most every streetlight post.

^Atlanta displays their city seal on most every streetlight post.

They have a neat one:

 

A great way to increase the sense of place in a city.

Does anyone know what happened to the totem pole that used to stand at 14th and Elm?

Nice!  The Memorial Hall is stunning.

I can't wait to see a streetcar on the streets around the park.