>More than a dozen groups were shown computer-generated images of how the bridge would look painted a variety of colors, including dark purple, green, rust, orange and white. In every group, purple and green were among the top choices.

 

Yeah right.  This either didn't happen or the so-called computer renderings were of a different bridge, weighted so that certain colors looked better than others, etc.  And besides, who's ever seen an end product that really looked like the computer rendering said it would?

 

>At Xavier University, Bushelman studied how people relate to colors, even writing his master's thesis on "The Psychology of Color."

 

There's a little bit of a difference between getting something published on color theory and having a master's thesis gathering dust. 

 

 

Anyway, here's a shot of the old Saratoga St. approach which someone emailed to me that I thought I'd post here:

 

Almost every building in that photo (on the Kentucky side) is gone.

 

Anyway, here's a shot of the old Saratoga St. approach which someone emailed to me that I thought I'd post here:

 

Any guesses on what year this picture was taken?  I'm not so good at recognizing cars, but I'm guessing mid 70's

Almost every building in that photo (on the Kentucky side) is gone.

 

Progress...

The file name had 1981 in it, so that's my guess.  I don't think I ever went to Newport as a kid so I don't remember seeing these tracks firsthand.  I do remember seeing the viaduct coming off the north side and remember when Bicentennial Commons was kind of a scrap yard or something.   

 

Almost every building in that photo (on the Kentucky side) is gone.

 

Progress...

 

LOL...yeah, that's exactly what I was thinking!  I'm sure that's what they were telling themselves at the time.

 

Now it's nothing but surface parking lots and lots that are just plain vacant.

 

Think of how many potential shoppers for Newport on the Levee could have been living within a short walk!

Dang, that's an awesome find JMeck; for a second I had to think about what city that was. If that were all still intact it would undoubted have helped NOTL. What a shame.

Holy mother of god...  I barely recognize anything outside of the Times-Star building and what appears to be a fully operational L&N Bridge.

 

I cannot believe the place could look so different in just over 25 years.

Is there a photograph from today to compare? If not, what side street was that taken from? I might try for a shot the next time I'm up there.

Incredible Photo!  I can't remember it looking like that, although I was 1 yr old if that is from '81.

Purple People Bridge Climb Could Be Making A Comeback

Contributor: Ian Preuth

wcpo.com

Last Update: 1:10 pm 

 

The Purple People Bridge Climb could be making a comeback.

 

The Enquirer reports the bridge company is looking for another vendor to operate the bridge climb next summer.

 

Its operators are looking to make the bridge a venue for events as well.

 

The climb closed in May due to low attendance. 

 

 

I HOPE!!!!

 

"One of the coolest things I have ever done!"       

                  -  some kids from Cleveland in town for Bengals/Browns game last year!

 

 

I will second that!

don't make people wear purple jumpsuits and you may have something.

don't make people wear purple jumpsuits and you may have something.

 

And allow people to take their own cameras up to take pictures.  That would sell me on it instantly.

And don't brief people for what seems like hours on the OMG safety hazards. The damn thing has handrails for pete's sake.

don't make people wear purple jumpsuits and you may have something.

 

And allow people to take their own cameras up to take pictures.  That would sell me on it instantly.

 

BINGO

don't make people wear purple jumpsuits and you may have something.

 

And allow people to take their own cameras up to take pictures.  That would sell me on it instantly.

 

BINGO

 

Amen.  I'd probably go back regularly if I could take pictures...

 

And don't brief people for what seems like hours on the OMG safety hazards. The damn thing has handrails for pete's sake.

 

that is why god invented liability waivers

I'm not surprised that it might come back, as it's a great concept.  The group that ran it into the ground seemed like they didn't have their shit together.

 

Here is a recap of what should be done. 1) $29.95 Max price. 2) No Purple suits 3) Personal cameras allowed. 4) No long safety talk 5) No breathalyzer.  If all these are implemented, I will fork over the $ and climb. Then tell everybody how cool it was.

Damn Maximillian, why can't you run the damn thing...  or are you?  I look forward to you implementing these changes we discussed.

 

I would also like to suggest a "Bridge Climb Season Pass".  It would enable someone to go up numerous times at a reduced rate, helps out when trying to plan for those photo moments (since we could now bring our camera, in theory) and when family is in town, you don't have to fork over full price when you have already been several times during the year.

 

Seems like a win win for everyone...

Here's a photo of the turnout to the L&N Bridge approach viaduct.  This land to the right is now the Montgomery Inn Boathouse and its large parking lot.  Beyond is now Friendship Park.

 

 

And here's another photo of a train chugging up Monmouth St. in Newport:

 

 

 

And I want to retract my previous statement about having not been to Newport as a kid.  I've since remembered that I went to Pompellio's restaurant at least twice and once when I was little went with my mom to some kind of warehouse they'd turned into a small indoor mall.  Also I drove across the Central Bridge at least once and walked out on it with my grandfather once.  But I don't remember these tracks and definitely never saw a train on them.   

 

 

 

 

Great pics!!

 

And here's another photo of a train chugging up Monmouth St. in Newport

I think you meant Saratoga

You're right, the official caption on the site said Monmouth.  And I posted that at 2:49am after getting back from a 4 mile run. 

Damn Maximillian, why can't you run the damn thing...  or are you?  I look forward to you implementing these changes we discussed.

 

I would also like to suggest a "Bridge Climb Season Pass".  It would enable someone to go up numerous times at a reduced rate, helps out when trying to plan for this photo moments (since we could now bring our camera, in theory) and when family is in town, you don't have to fork over full price when you have already been several times during the year.

 

Seems like a win win for everyone...

 

A link to this thread should probably be emailed to the prospective operators.

Too bad the Chevrolet Citation wasn't in front of the train, it would have removed one off the road a little quicker than the normal two year lifespan.

That looks suspiciously like a Yugo but those weren't out until maybe 1987.  I've looked them up on Ebay a few times and never seen one for sale, there might very well be under 10 still running.  Right now there's a roof rack for sale but that's it. 

 

And check out the grille of the white boat peaking out from behind the dumpster on the left.  I can't tell what kind that is, but I'm sure it ruled, whatever it was. 

 

That's a 1970 Nova to the right of the Citation!

And check out the grille of the white boat peaking out from behind the dumpster on the left.  I can't tell what kind that is, but I'm sure it ruled, whatever it was. 

 

 

I would guess it is a 1972 Ford Thunderbird.  I thought the red car was an old Impala/Caprice but I couldn't find one that looks like it, my money is on it being GM though.  The blue car in the right rear is a Plymouth Horizon/Dodge Omni.

I've looked them up on Ebay a few times and never seen one for sale, there might very well be under 10 still running.

There was a rare Yugo convertible on ebay about 2 years ago  it sold for about  $15,000 it had under 100 miles on it.

 

The only thing I don't like  about the train coming up saratoga is that Strohs truck  that should be Wiedemann!!  who drinks strohs in newport?

Just allow climbers to bring up their own cameras and we'll be set.

 

Bridge climb may be back

Purple span seeks new operator

BY MIKE RUTLEDGE | CINCINNATI ENQUIRER

October 25, 2007

 

NEWPORT - Operators of the Purple People Bridge that spans the Ohio River from Newport to Cincinnati hope to have people climbing the bridge again this spring.

 

 

You mean, it wasn't the...

 

1. Stupid purple jumpsuits that screamed "LOOK AT ME IN THIS STUPID BARNEY-FLAVORED JUMPSUIT!!!!"

2. No cameras allowed; buy our postcards instead!

3. Tether yourself like an umbilical cord to the handrails so that you don't slip and die!

Anyone else noticed that the bridge isn't purple anymore?  It only lasted 4 years.

Paint fades. That's expected.

 

We have a bright green and blue bridge here in Ashland, Kentucky if you want to see.

Bridge becomes an art venue

BY SARA PEARCE | [email protected]

 

 

http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080621/NEWS01/806210357/1056/COL02

I realize One River Plaza will beuilt to the west of the Purple People Bridge landing.  Are there any plans for the actual landing i.e. right accross Riverside Dr? It is such an eyesore yet seems to have some potential.  I am wondering if you guys know anything.

What do you mean?!? There's already a great art feature on the Cincy side of the bridge! I kid, I kid....

 

As for what is now parking across from what will be One River Plaza, I think it is owned by One River Plaza folks (although it could be the owners of the Sawyer Point Building, my memory is a little fuzzy.) The problem is, it is also in the path of the proposed rail of the Eastern Corridor project (A train would have to go through that property to be able to maneuver through the bridges and into the riverfront transit center) so I haven't heard of any real plans yet.

 

Also I think that is Pete Rose Way right there, it changes to Riverside Drive further east

Dining a possibility for bridge

By Scott Wartman • [email protected] • May 22, 2009

http://news.cincinnati.com/article/20090522/ENT01/905230362/Dining+a+possibility+for+bridge

 

NEWPORT - The Purple People Bridge Climb remains closed, but the managers of the pedestrian bridge continue to explore new attractions.

 

Management of the Purple People Bridge and the Syndicate restaurant in Newport are working out a way to offer dining on the bridge.

 

Just setting up some movable tables and chairs would be quite cool.  This would generate any revenue, but would spur higher rates of use along the pedestrian span.

Eh, the bridge is congested enough as it is that we don't need tables and a dining facility blocking the bridge.

Just a sandwich cart at one end might allow folks to get a light bite and stroll across the river, hand and hand gazing longingly at the rising of the QCS, dreaming of streetcars zipping through the streets, and the Banks filled with YPs from across the world meeting their future mates and discussing whether to move to OTR for the rich urban experience or PRidge for the more laid back vibe.

Eh, the bridge is congested enough as it is that we don't need tables and a dining facility blocking the bridge.

 

I agree.  I've  had problems trying to ride my bike across the bridge as is.  Also, I went to the sculpture event on the bridge last year.  It was very windy, and I can't imagine trying to sit at a table trying to eat.  But, I do give them credit for brainstorming.

 

Just a sandwich cart at one end might allow folks to get a light bite and stroll across the river, hand and hand gazing longingly at the rising of the QCS, dreaming of streetcars zipping through the streets, and the Banks filled with YPs from across the world meeting their future mates and discussing whether to move to OTR for the rich urban experience or PRidge for the more laid back vibe.

 

I could see this working.

 

Would it be possible to make the more narrow passing a bicycle only section and then open up the other portion to be used for more programmed purposes (artist displays, some tables, maybe some vendors with coffee, sandwiches, etc) like they had originally envisioned?

 

The one problem I would see with this is that the particular passage (see image below) I'm talking about may be too narrow for the amount of bicyclists using the bridge.  Maybe this could be remedied somehow?  Any thoughts?

 

The passage is too narrow- bike lanes should be at least 4 ft each. Maybe retrofit the old L&N bed for bike lanes?

Could a second level be added so that there would be one direction of bicycle traffic on each level, or is this getting to be too difficult at that point?

yes

I think putting a new deck on the old L&N right-of-way would be far less cumbersome than creating a miniature Brent Spence.

The bridge is also privately owned, so a deck on the old railroad ROW would be far cheaper and less cumbersome.

 

Too bad the Chevrolet Citation wasn't in front of the train, it would have removed one off the road a little quicker than the normal two year lifespan.

 

That is most definitely a Chevette and not a Citation.

Lots of great images with article link.

 

Soapdish: A bridge over sculpted waters

http://soapboxmedia.com/features/0616riverspan.aspx

 

Not to get all mushy and metaphorical on you (and casting aside any aspersions of avoiding the predictable flourishes of hyperbole), but the 1872-era Purple People Bridge (switching now to basso profundo voice), with its majestic (albeit lavender), Pennsylvania Pratt trusses spanning the muddy banks and turbulent currents of the Mighty Ohio, stretching all the way from the pastoral meadows of Sawyer Point to the thriving Levee of Newport, represents nothing less than a physical and spiritual manifestation of the link between these two great states of Kentucky and Ohio, between the bustling burg of Newport and the big city northern lights of Cincinnati.  This veritable iron-enforced, half mile pedestrian walkway of inter-state unity has proven to be a popular attraction since its opening in 2003 (other than that ill-conceived “bridge climb” business).  Notwithstanding the accolades, many local wags continue to seize upon and draw corollaries among the symbolism inherent in what lies at the bridge’s two termini; i.e. on Cincinnati’s bank, the failed condo project One River Plaza; whereas on Newport’s end, the thriving Levee.

 

Naturally, it is not so black and white, notwithstanding the fact that critics like to carp and point at the Levee as an example of “Cincinnati screwing up as always,” proclaiming (to no one in particular) “why can’t we do something like that in Cincinnati?”  Aside from the fact that there is a prime piece of cleared land on Cincinnati’s side awaiting a future project, I actually like both sides of the river.  I enjoy the park, the serpentine wall, Sawyer Point and the trails.  The Newport side offers its own unique twist of a different variety.  Sure it can be a bit crass, over-commercialized and over-festivalized at times (Inland Seafood anyone? What does that even mean?), but then again, who doesn’t like a little crass commercialization and spoon fed entertainment? Each side has its own purpose, and I think there’s a nice asymmetrical distinction between the two. Besides, once the Banks project is up and running in a few years, people will cease casting a crooked digit across the river and, well, all will be forgiven (as long as there’s some patented crass commercialization and on our side as well).

 

In the meantime, however, many will trundle onto the bridge as we make our way south to Newport for movies, eatertainment and assorted other diversionary activities, while others will head north for Reds games, swimming, parks and recreational escapades.

 

That is, however, except for this weekend.

 

Beginning this Friday, and continuing through Sunday, the main thoroughfare of the Purple People Bridge will be taken over by the Riverspan Sculpture Exhibition and Sale, a merry and very talented band of national and international sculptors, each displaying their diverse works in a variety of media, all with the backdrop of the bridge, the skylines and the Ohio River for added aesthetic enhancement.  It really is a unique venue, fully tented for both the artists’ as well as the patrons’ enjoyment and protected from the elements, albeit in an open-air setting above the water.  There’s only one similar event out there in the art world, and that’s in Loveland, Colorado.  Accordingly, a successful Riverspan could be the type of name-brand, hang-your-hat on style of event that is identified solely with this region.  Moreover, it’s something both Cincinnati and Newport can share equally.  Methinks that’s a pretty good thing.

 

This is only the second year for the Riverspan event, the brainchild of local fine art broker and consultant, Bruce Olson.  Last year’s inaugural event was five years in the making for Olson, and he’s hoping to build on the momentum of the first year and establish this as a destination event in the region for years to come.  Although, as a new event attempting to elbow its way into the crowded jumble of mid-June Cincinnati calendars, Riverspan failed to hit its (perhaps over-optimistic) attendance targets for last year, the event was more than successful enough to warrant a return engagement, and the hope is, with more  familiarity and better advance publicity (ahem), the 2009 event will prove to be even more successful.

 

This year, 80 sculptors were juried into the exhibition, representing four continents, six nations and 27 American states, with approximately 800 original works of fine art sculpture on display for your viewing and purchasing pleasure.  [note of full disclosure here in order to avoid any accusations of bias or favoritism in a column which always runs full throttle with naked bias and unabashed favoritism: my eldest brother displayed at Riverspan last year and will do so again this year].  The regular admission price for adults is $15, and free for children under 15 with an adult.  The event also features a $75 per person charity preview on Friday night, dubbed the “Patrons Walk,” with the usual food, entertainment and high-end refreshments provided for those patrons so inclined.  That said, however, just for being a super-special Soapbox reader, be sure and read to the end of this column for an ultra-wunderbar deal of the century.

 

This is no art fair with garden sticks.  The artists are serious and highly acclaimed, and the works run the gamut from bronze busts of stoic American Indian figures to monumental pieces of pure abstract expressionism, ranging in price from $225 to $90,000.  Moreover it’s for a good cause.  Funds raised go to support the maintenance and operation of the bridge, which is maintained by the non-profit Newport Southbank Bridge Company.

 

Holding the show on the bridge, the country’s longest, all-pedestrian bridge that links two states (for those of you that keep track of such things) is truly one of those unique events that can make a lasting mark here.  Although the region’s beer and knockwurst festivals are highly successful, they generally tend to draw from the immediate region.  (And don’t get me wrong, folks…I’m not looking to knock the bocks and knocks…I love the bocks and knocks….hey even some of my best friends are bocks and knock…yet I digress.)  Riverspan has the potential to draw from the entire Midwest and Eastern Seaboard as it grows into its own, just as the event in Colorado has done, now in its 26th year.  Here’s hoping this year’s event continues the streak and establishes roots for years to come. With assorted politicians, celebrities and glitterati in town for the Civil Rights Game on Saturday night, this is truly the region’s moment to shine. Having a world class event such as Riverspan in the epicenter of the festivities can only burnish that shine.

 

But wait.  That’s not all!

 

The “Soapbox Riverspan Deal of the Century™” is as follows:

• Although it costs $75.00 at the gate the night of the Patrons Walk, if you, dear Soapdish readers, enter and apply the patented Soapbox discount code of  RS-2709 (exclusively assigned to Soapbox!), you will receive an amazing discount of 20%, which is equally applicable toward the general admission for Saturday/Sunday as well.
  
• The Patrons Walk card serves as a weekend pass card, which is transferable.
  
• The Patrons Walk cards also provide a 10% discount on sculpture purchases, the cards’ face value is $100.00 so holders can save $100.00 on a $1000.00 purchase or save $25.00 on four, $250.00 purchases. Again the card is transferable.
  
• Those purchasing any artwork for $90,000 or more (individually or collectively) receive a  free set of high end steak knives.
  
• That last bullet point was a joke.  See you at Riverspan.