May 5, 200619 yr Hopefully this will be the last time the subject of Covington Landing comes up. Hopefully all future stories in this thread will be about new construction. R.I.P., piece of crap. Landing barges sink in Ohio Craft goes down at Owensboro BY MIKE RUTLEDGE | ENQUIRER STAFF WRITER Two barges that once supported an Ohio River entertainment spot, Covington Landing, accidentally became riverbed debris Wednesday in Owensboro. "The word is that they're now at the bottom of the Ohio River," said Covington City Manager Jay Fossett. "And thank God it's in Owensboro and not Covington." The bad-news barges had been a Covington albatross for several years, after the city bought the floating facility out of bankruptcy and had trouble selling it. Covington Landing through the years housed several restaurants and bars, including Howl at the Moon Saloon, TGI Friday's, Applebee's, Sleepout Louie's and Yucatan Liquor Stand. Read full article here: http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060505/NEWS0103/605050387/
May 6, 200619 yr "The word is that they're now at the bottom of the Ohio River," said Covington City Manager Jay Fossett. "And thank God it's in Owensboro and not Covington." :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: Having a City Manager say that is some funny shit.
May 6, 200619 yr Landing's problems live on Support barges sank this week By Dan Hassert Post staff reporter Even in its death, Covington Landing is a source of consternation. At one time, the big question was why the floating entertainment complex wasn't succeeding financially at its mooring spot near RiverCenter in Covington. Now the question is why did the barges that formed the foundation for the landing sink this week while waiting to be cut into scrap at a barge terminal near Owensboro. The company that owns what's left of the Landing, essentially two barges welded together, says it's not sure why it sank, but it wasn't because its workers didn't know what they're doing. Some people familiar with the leaky history of the complex suggested Thursday it went down because dock workers weren't prepared to handle the leaks, but that wasn't true, said Rick Rainey, a spokesman for Kinder Morgan, the owner of the western Kentucky terminal. In fact, Rainey said, the leaks everybody was talking about were unrelated to the sinking, according to dock workers' accounts. Read full article here: http://news.cincypost.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060506/NEWS02/605060341/1011/
May 16, 200619 yr From the 5/15/06 Cincinnati Business Courier: Q&A: Mike Hammons, A.J. Schaeffer Vision 2015 must translate into economic leverage Cincinnati Business Courier - May 12, 2006 Now that Northern Kentucky has a new vision for the region's future, the pressure is on. And few people feel that pressure as much as A.J. Schaeffer and Mike Hammons. Schaeffer, a partner with the law firm Greenebaum Doll & McDonald PLLC, is chairman of the Regional Stewardship Council formed to oversee implementation of the region's Vision 2015 plan. Hammons will lead the organization that will staff the council's work. Formerly known as Forward Quest, Hammons' organization will adopt a new name in the coming weeks to reflect the work that will become its focus. The Vision 2015 strategic plan was developed after talking to nearly 2,000 residents over the course of a year. It calls for changes in education, economic development and even the cultural climate of Northern Kentucky to position the region for growth and prosperity. MORE: http://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/stories/2006/05/15/story7.html?from_rss=1
May 16, 200619 yr From the 5/16/06 Enquirer: State grant helps arts district Money will help to building that will house studios BY MIKE RUTLEDGE | ENQUIRER STAFF WRITER COVINGTON - The city and an architectural firm have won a $450,195 state grant for the Covington Artisans' Enterprise Center, which is to have up to 20 artist studios at 25 W. Seventh St. "We are accomplishing three or four major things with this grant," said Covington Renaissance Manager Kathie Hickey, who wrote the grant request. ... http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060516/NEWS0103/605160347/1059/rss13
May 19, 200619 yr From the 5/18/06 Campbell County Recorder: Bellevue park location raises concerns BY KATIE WEITKAMP | COMMUNITY RECORDER STAFF WRITER BELLEVUE -- The quick sale of condominium units at WatersEdge at Bellevue has developers changing their plans. On Wednesday, May 10 Bellevue City Council approved an amendment to the site plan for phase one of the project that added a third 12-unit building to the development. But that requires a move in the site of Taylor-Snodgrass Park, which has upset some residents. The city required the developers to build the park as part of the approval process. Dave Boguszewski, who lives on Washington Avenue, said the park relocation to the eastern-most side of the eastern-most building, would cause problems for his property. He said when the park was located at the end of Washington a path was worn through his yard that people would use as a short cut. He said he put up a fence on his property to deter this, but people would walk around that fence and still cut through his yard. Council asked staff members to research what value the park would be in that location, or if the city would be better served with a park in another location. http://news.communitypress.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060518/NEWS01/605180480/1077/Local
May 19, 200619 yr i agree with councilman vic camm. there is no need/demand for a park there. it will be yet another underutilized piece of "greenspace" that i whine about so often.
May 22, 200619 yr I don't know if anyone's seen these, but the developers of WatersEdge have pics of what the views will look like from the buildings posted on their website. Here are a few. More can be found here: http://watersedgeatbellevue.com/views.htm First floor, east building Sixth floor, east building Sixth floor, west building
May 26, 200619 yr An article on the townhomes being built on the east side of Bellevue from the 5/25/06 Campbell County Recorder: Residents unhappy with development BY KATIE WEITKAMP | COMMUNITY RECORDER STAFF WRITER BELLEVUE -- Residents near the Bellevue Hilltop Development are not happy with the effect construction is having on their property. But the developer of the property says the problems are being addressed. At the Wednesday, May 10 city council meeting Ross Avenue resident Mary Hill asked the city to help solve problems between the developers and current residents. The development is two sets of three townhomes in the area of Ross Avenue, Lake Street and Robson Alley. http://news.communitypress.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060525/NEWS01/605250463/1077/Local
June 20, 200618 yr Starbucks! Taco Bell! THE MOST CONTEMPORARY DOWNTOWN IN AMERICA!!! Aging Mall Road rejuvenated Starbucks a start in city's plan to spur the strip's development BY BRENNA R. KELLY | ENQUIRER STAFF WRITER There's a lot of development brewing on Mall Road including the city's first Starbucks. Along the aging retail strip, new buildings are popping up, old buildings are being renovated, and new stores are opening. All signs that the city's plan to revitalize Mall Road is taking hold. "We are very pleased with the amount of progress," said Rick Lunnemann, Florence's community development director. "And we believe as progress continues, additional development or redevelopment will occur." http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060619/NEWS0103/606190329/1077/rss02
June 21, 200618 yr "new buildings are popping up" and "It will be larger than most Starbucks, offering more food options and a drive-through." are among the many things that contradict: "the entire face of the road would change from a 1970s type of design into a modern, urban village design." All the trees, sidewalks, bike paths, street lights, entry signs, and large roundabouts in the world will not create an "urban village." Without having a complete plan for retrofitting the area at the beginning, this will become just as dated as it is now in 15-20 years time.
June 22, 200618 yr From the Campbell County Recorder, 6/22/06: Bellevue's Harbor Greene tweaks plans BY KATIE WEITKAMP | COMMUNITY RECORDER STAFF WRITER BELLEVUE -- Residential units in a new riverfront development are selling well, but office space hasn't made much of a splash. City council unanimously approved changes to the Harbor Greene development Wednesday, June 14. Developers said the change is needed because of lack of interest in office space. Dobbs Ackermann, president and CEO of the Ackermann Group, which is planning the project, said after four years they need to change plans for the second stage of development. Originally, plans called for a building housing retail shops, a restaurant, a Gold's Gym and 91,000 square feet of office space. "We've had great success in finding a retail partner with Gold's Gym," Ackermann said. "Unfortunately, that hasn't been the case finding an office partner." He said because the Ackermann Group is interested in continuing with development and being a good partner with Gold's Gym, they would like to start developing a different building. The building will keep the two-story Gold's Gym, retail area and 25,000 square feet of office space. It will not include a restaurant. http://news.communitypress.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060622/NEWS01/606220450/1002/RSS01
June 26, 200618 yr From the 6/26/06 Enquirer: Proposed studio up for sale BY MIKE RUTLEDGE | ENQUIRER STAFF WRITER COVINGTON - The downtown building that city officials hope someday will house a Covington Artisans' Enterprise Center with studio spaces for 17-20 artists was put up for sale Friday. That could complicate a move into the 20,000 square feet of space at 25 W. Seventh St., including possibly forcing a move elsewhere in the city's new arts district, officials said. ... http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060626/NEWS0103/606260365/1059/rss13
July 9, 200618 yr Author Open-air mall for Florence Mall Road Shoppes gives breath of fresh air BY JAMES MCNAIR | ENQUIRER STAFF WRITER FLORENCE - With all the people and money pouring into Boone County in recent years, a "lifestyle" center is probably long overdue. The Mall Road Shoppes of Florence will be a step in that direction. It's not a Crestview Hills Towne Center or a Streets of West Chester. But when it's completed this fall, it will sport a look similar to the open-air mixed-use centers popular in so many suburbs. http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060709/BIZ01/607090314/1002
July 9, 200618 yr Trash. "You don't just walk into a bar and mix it up by calling a girl fat" - buildingcincinnati speaking about new forumers
July 13, 200618 yr YAY! A f$&king food court. PHOTO: The renovation of the Florence Mall food court is almost complete. LINDSAY KOTTMANN/COMMUNITY RECORDER STAFF Finishing touches being made to food court BY LINDSAY KOTTMANN | COMMUNITY RECORDER STAFF WRITER FLORENCE -- It's only a matter of weeks before Florence Mall shoppers will have access to the new food court, carousel and spacious family bathrooms that have been in the works since January. The two-story, green and purple glass entrance visible from the parking lot between JC Penny and Macy's is still surrounded by a fence; however, shoppers will soon be able to see a double-decker carousel through its colored windows. http://news.communitypress.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060713/NEWS01/607130469/1002/RSS01
July 31, 200618 yr Mall renovations praised BY BRENNA R. KELLY | ENQUIRER STAFF WRITER FLORENCE - Bright, spacious and modern. In the new Florence Mall food court, 320 square feet of skylights let the natural light pour in. Music plays as the double-decker carousel spins against a rounded glass wall. Most importantly, shoppers grabbing lunch should have no trouble finding a place to sit. After more than seven months of construction, Florence Mall will celebrate the food court's grand opening Thursday. http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060731/NEWS0103/607310357/1077
July 31, 200618 yr Here is a link to some photos: http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/gallery?Avis=AB&Dato=20060731&Kategori=NEWS0103&Lopenr=607310804&Ref=PH&Profile=1059&SectionCat=rss13
August 5, 200618 yr From the 8/4/06 Enquirer: PHOTO: Florence Mall's carousel features 24 animals on two levels. Three rides cost $5. Provided photo Come to the carousel Rare double-decker is crowning jewel of mall's new food court JIM KNIPPENBERG | ENQUIRER STAFF WRITER As of right now, life at the mall is a little bit tastier and a little more festive. That's because Florence Mall's multimillion dollar Food Court renovation (owners General Growth Properties won't say exactly how much it cost) is finished and being unveiled during a Renovation Celebration Weekend. http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060804/ENT09/608040331/1059/rss13
August 26, 200618 yr Construction continues on Planetarium Despite setbacks, opening still set for January 2007 Brianna Bodine Issue date: 8/23/06 After an investment of $2.35 million, Northern Kentucky University is months away from sporting a state-of-the-art planetarium, one of six like it in the United States. In May 2005, construction began on the Haile Digital Theater, which will serve as a digital classroom and a venue for educational outreach. The planetarium first show, "Imagination, Art and Science," is scheduled for January 2007, followed by "Secret of the Cardboard Rocket" in March or April. Besides some minor setbacks, the project is mostly on track. "I think we will definitely be using it sometime in the spring semester," said Charles Hawkins, chair of NKU's Physics and Geology Department. "I'm not sure, at this point, whether I'll be able to schedule classes in there or not." Read full article here: http://www.thenortherner.com/media/storage/paper527/news/2006/08/23/News/Construction.Continues.On.Planetarium-2239105.shtml
September 2, 200618 yr Greenhouse nearing completion Water leaks faculty's main concern Brianna Bodine Issue date: 8/30/06 If construction remains on schedule, the Northern Kentucky University botany department will move into the new rooftop green house by October. The greenhouse will function as a hands-on lab for students, a production site for general lab specimens, and a research facility for faculty. Tours for school groups and special interest organizations will also be scheduled. "Since the greenhouse is on the roof, we will not be able to develop theme gardens outside the building as we had hoped," said biology professor Larry Giesmann, "but individual laboratory classes can visit the facility, and small off-campus groups can be accommodated for educational outreach." Read full article here: http://www.thenortherner.com/media/storage/paper527/news/2006/08/30/News/Greenhouse.Nearing.Completion-2250868.shtml
September 5, 200618 yr From the 9/5/06 Enquirer: Duveneck awaits unveiling Statue to invite visitors into arts district BY MIKE RUTLEDGE | ENQUIRER STAFF WRITER COVINGTON - Artist Frank Duveneck is finished and waiting for his pedestal. The highly regarded 19th- and early-20th century painter's sculpture - which stands about 6-foot-6, including its attached base - has been completed by Union artist Matt Langford. It now awaits its granite platform that will occupy a small triangular garden between Covington's Seventh, Washington and Pike streets. It is to be unveiled Oct. 6. "It's finished," Langford said. "It's at the foundry in Louisville. We've been waiting for the site to be prepared." Construction was to start this week on what will be a pedestal for an image of the Covington-born man. It shows him holding a portrait he painted of his wife, Elizabeth, who died in her early 40s, two years after their wedding. The statue's unveiling is set for the evening of Oct. 6 during the Art Off Pike reception at 25 W. 7th St., the future home of the Covington Artisans Enterprise Center. The event is open to the public and will feature entertainment, finishing touches for the nearby millennium mosaic bench project and announcement of winners of a juried art show. The enterprise center, which has won $450,000 from the state, will help local artists market their work, particularly over the Internet. MORE: http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060905/NEWS0103/609050348/1059/rss13
September 11, 200618 yr From the 9/9/06 Enquirer: PHOTO: Construction continues on the western portion of Harbor Greene in Bellevue. For the second time, a court ruling told Bellevue it must hold a hearing whether it can take a house on the easternmost portion of the project. The Enquirer / Patrick Reddy Domain battle stays in court BY MIKE RUTLEDGE | ENQUIRER STAFF WRITER BELLEVUE - For the second time, an appeals court has told Campbell Circuit Court it must hold a hearing on whether Bellevue had enough evidence to force Florence Matthews to sell her house near the Ohio River. The property is on the easternmost part of the Harbor Greene mid-rise condominium and retail project site that Norwood-based Ackermann Group is developing. Construction has started on the western area, and will move eastward toward the contested property, said Bellevue Mayor Jack Meyer. "Her building would be taken more for a road reconstruction, actually, in my opinion, more than where a building's going to sit," Meyer said. "So it's not really anything of immediate concern - the project's not ready to get that far, anyway." In 1981, Bellevue created an urban renewal plan, designating Matthews' land and other parcels as blighted. In 1989, the city adopted a new plan, and Matthews' property was scheduled to be taken. After the city tried to take her house in 2002, Matthews argued the city never told her the house was in the area. But a Campbell Circuit judge discarded that argument, noting that as a member of the Planning and Zoning Commission in 1989, she voted for the plan. The Kentucky Court of Appeals last year said Matthews' argument about being uninformed was "without merit and borders on being totally frivolous." http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060909/NEWS0103/609090387/1059/rss13
September 15, 200618 yr From the 9/13/06 Kentucky Post: Vision 2015 to seek funding By Dan Hassert Post staff report The group that wrote a 10-year strategic plan for improving Northern Kentucky will soon be asking local businesses and individuals to help fund its projects. Vision 2015, which released a 63-page report this spring advocating everything from more-focused business recruitment to more government cooperation to a center for teacher excellence, is working out the details of its first fund-raising campaign, expected to begin in the next month or two. MORE: http://news.cincypost.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060913/NEWS02/609130356/1011/RSS02
September 17, 200618 yr Author 17 upscale homes to be built in Fort Thomas BY JAMES MCNAIR | ENQUIRER STAFF WRITER What home-building slowdown? Ashley Development of Edgewood is proceeding with plans to build 17 houses in Fort Thomas for $500,000 to $900,000 each. The single-family homes will be part of a development called The Pinnacle, adjacent to Highland Country Club on Alexandria Pike. The project is going through the governmental approval process. Through July 31, building permit issuances in Northern Kentucky were down 26 percent from 2005, and builders are concentrating on finishing projects that are spoken for and finding takers for those that aren't. Ashley, however, sees an opening at the high end of the market. Jason Yeager, Ashley's sales and marketing manager, said the homes planned for The Pinnacle will be designed by Studer Residential Design of Alexandria. They will have features that people expect in an expensive house: high ceilings, custom cabinets, granite countertops and mahogany front doors, to name a few. MORE: http://news.nky.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/AB/20060917/BIZ01/609170303
October 5, 200618 yr Center reflects arts district growth BY AMANDA VAN BENSCHOTEN | COMMUNITY RECORDER STAFF WRITER A few years ago, the three-story building at 31-33 W. Pike St. was just another one of Covington’s vacant, historic buildings. Today, it’s the Passionate Arts Center – a thriving cultural center in the heart of the Covington Arts District, which is generating buzz and growing rapidly. "We’re stepping out and hoping other people catch the vision. I think Covington has the opportunity to be a really unique thing in Northern Kentucky," said owner Barb Ruh. It’s one of few places in Northern Kentucky where people can rent space and work alongside fellow artists. But the city and its artists are working hard to bring more to the area. Read full article here: http://news.nky.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061002/NKY/310020006
October 9, 200618 yr From the 10/5/06 Enquirer: Movie theater breaks ground Project will further develop Mall Road BY BRENNA R. KELLY | ENQUIRER STAFF WRITER FLORENCE - By late next year, what is now a grassy area next to Florence Mall will be a 16-screen, state-of-the-art movie theater. But it won't be a typical theater. The Cinema de Lux will include an in-house restaurant with a full bar, a luxurious lobby with a piano, rocking, reclining seats, a food court and waiters who bring food right to your seat. The theater will be the first Cinema de Lux in Northern Kentucky. National Amusements operates two of the theaters in Louisville and one in Springdale, Ohio, about 40 miles north of Florence. http://news.nky.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/AB/20061005/NEWS0103/610050406
October 10, 200618 yr Why would anyone go to FM when we have Kenwood Towne Centre? To see the water tower in person!
October 11, 200618 yr Fair paints Covington's future BY SCOTT WARTMAN | ENQUIRER STAFF WRITER COVINGTON - With dancing, singing and painting, Covington lured artists to its Westside neighborhood this weekend to show off what the city hopes will become an expanded arts district. The second annual Art Off-Pike Neighborhood Art Show and Music Festival Friday and Saturday carried much of the eclectic creativity and energy city leaders say they want to bring to Covington's art district permanently. About a year ago, the city created the Covington Artists Residential District and Covington Arts and Technology Zone on the west end, where the city plans to market properties to artists and technology companies. The efforts have paid off with more than 20 artists moving to Covington and setting up galleries or displaying their work in existing ones, said Jean St. John, director of community arts initiatives at the Center for Great Neighborhoods of Covington, one of the main organizers of Art Off-Pike. MORE: http://news.nky.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/AB/20061008/NEWS0103/610080403
November 1, 200618 yr Gateway center on rise BY PATRICK CROWLEY | ENQUIRER STAFF WRITER It's not that the Rev. Richard Fowler isn't thankful for the $16 million in state money being used to build Gateway Community and Technical College's new Allied Health/Sciences Center. But during Thursday morning's ceremonial groundbreaking, Fowler, pastor of Covington's Ninth Street Baptist Church and a member of the Gateway board, figured while offering thanks he may as well push for more cash. Gov. Ernie Fletcher, who arrived late because his flight was delayed, was amused to hear about Fowler's divine plea for funding. "I leaned over to (U.S. Rep.) Geoff Davis and said 'What's this about the prayer and the reverend?' " Fletcher said with a smile. "He said he prayed for $500 million. We fell a little short so I guess there are a lot of projects in the future that will be developed." Read full article here: http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061020/NEWS0102/610200388/1058/NEWS01
November 10, 200618 yr From the 10/26/06 Cincinnati Post: Expansion of center could be problem By Greg Paeth Post staff reporter Northern Kentucky officials and the federal government's General Services Administration will have to do some serious negotiating if the Northern Kentucky Convention Center is going to expand. The center is landlocked at the southwest corner of Madison and RiverCenter Boulevard in Covington, surrounded by the two public streets and the Internal Revenue Service Center, which has its sprawling offices to the south and west of the 204,000-square-foot convention facility.
November 11, 200618 yr From the 11/4/06 Enquirer: Residents complain of project runoff BY SCOTT WARTMAN | ENQUIRER STAFF WRITER WOODLAWN - Woodlawn hasn't changed much in 40 years. A passerby wouldn't even know he entered the tiny town of about 100 homes, the newest built about 40 years ago. It is sandwiched along a hillside between Newport and Fort Thomas. But right outside Woodlawn, on Fort Thomas' northern border, trees are being uprooted and soon 106 new single-family homes will be going up. The 10-acre Fischer Homes development has some Woodlawn residents concerned about the future of their town. They say runoff from the construction site has washed down their streets and ash from burning trees has coated the town. Fischer Homes representatives say they are meeting standards. They say the hill is stabilized, roads are being constructed and work on the homes will begin within two weeks. The worst, they say, is behind them. Woodlawn residents are skeptical. MORE: http://news.nky.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/AB/20061104/NEWS0103/611040408
November 15, 200618 yr First off, love this forum/website. Secondly, I moved to the area last year and have heard some coworkers talk about tax/general incentives for buying/rehabbing/residing in homes in Covington and Newport. Any information would be greatly appreciated. Also, are there Kenton or a Cambell county websites for foreclosure/tax sales or are these notices simply listed in the newspaper? Louisville has a nice one for anyone who has time to kill http://www.jcomm.org/default.asp Thanks, John Miller
November 15, 200618 yr I can't help you with your requests, but I can gleefully welcome to UrbanOhio! OK, "gleeful" is an overstatement, but welcome nonetheless!
November 15, 200618 yr Secondly, I moved to the area last year and have heard some coworkers talk about tax/general incentives for buying/rehabbing/residing in homes in Covington and Newport. Any information would be greatly appreciated. Check these links for some info: Covington, KY: Tax Incentives Newport, KY: Tax Incentives BTW, welcome to the forum!!!
November 22, 200618 yr From the 11/4/06 Kentucky Post: Mall Rd. trying to stay on top By Greg Paeth Post staff reporter The sometimes maddeningly dense traffic, overflowing shopping carts and the third highest sales tax receipts for the state would seem to provide ample evidence of the economic good health of the City of Florence, Northern Kentucky's unrivaled retailing hub. But city officials seem to realize that once you're on top, there's nowhere to go but down. http://news.cincypost.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061104/NEWS02/611040333
November 22, 200618 yr From the 11/18/06 Enquirer: Mall Road takes new turn Old retail district is reinventing itself BY BRENNA R. KELLY | ENQUIRER STAFF WRITER FLORENCE - Last year it was a vacant Chi-Chi's restaurant; today it's a busy retail center with modern buildings, outdoor seating and popular tenants. On Friday, the first Starbucks in Boone County outside of a grocery or bookstore opened at the Mall Road Shoppes of Florence. It joins the Family Christian Store and Kids 'N' Clay in the center the developer says is exceeding expectations. http://news.nky.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/AB/20061118/NEWS0103/611180376
November 30, 200618 yr From the 11/14/06 Kentucky Post: $8M office building planned Post staff report Crestview Hills-based Paul Hemmer Companies plans to build an $8 million office building on Chancellor Drive in the company's Thomas More Centre in Crestview Hills. The 9-acre site for medical and professional office space will be called Chancellor Commons Building C. It will be visible from Interstate 275 near the Turkeyfoot Road exit, a prime location, said Jack Levermann, the companies' vice president for real estate and development. "Demand continues to be high for office space in Thomas More Centre, and we have reached the final phases of development," he said. Construction is expected to begin next spring. MORE: http://news.cincypost.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061114/NEWS02/611140358/1014/NEWS02 From the 11/14/06 Kenton Community Recorder: Subdivision set to go forward BY AMANDA VAN BENSCHOTEN | COMMUNITY RECORDER STAFF WRITER INDEPENDENCE -A subdivision of 174 new homes in southern Kenton County has gotten the go-ahead. Fiscal court unanimously approved a zone change for the 94-acre tract on November 14. Richwood developer J.J. Miller said he'll first work to improve the intersection of Ky. 16 (Taylor Mill Road) with Manor Lake Drive. Residents have called the intersection dangerous, and the Kenton County Planning Commission suggested improving it when it recommended the zone change for approval in September. MORE: http://news.communitypress.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061114/NEWS01/611140380/1063/Local From the 11/11/06 Enquirer: City council OKs new park construction Kenton County to help give neighboring Doe Run Lake makeover BY SARAH HARDEE | ENQUIRER CONTRIBUTOR ERLANGER - While this city is breaking ground on a new park project, work is also under way to give an older, neighboring park a makeover. Erlanger City Council passed a resolution last month that paved the way for construction to begin on Lakemont Park, which will be on 32 acres in the Lakemont subdivision off Richardson Road. Meanwhile, the city also has been working with the Kenton County Parks and Recreation Department to update Doe Run Lake Park, which is mainly located in Erlanger but covers other parts of the county. The county received a $39,000 matching grant to update the park's hiking trails in spring 2005 through a federal Recreation Trails Program, said Scott Gunning, the county's parks and recreation director. MORE: http://news.nky.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/AB/20061111/NEWS0103/611110387
December 2, 200618 yr From the 11/24/06 Enquirer: Offices to replace swim club BY SARAH HARDEE | ENQUIRER CONTRIBUTOR City Council is expected to vote next month on a zone change that would pave the way for an office complex to replace the Triple-E Swim Club property on Commonwealth Avenue. The Kenton County Planning Commission recommended approval of a zone change on a small portion of the 2.2-acre site from multi-family residential to professional office in September. The majority of the property, which is located next to the Erlanger City Building, is already zoned for professional office. The property is currently under contract to be sold by the end of the year to developers Phil Drees and Adam Chaney of Terrace Holdings, LLC. Plans for the site include two buildings that would total about 40,000 square feet of office space, said Dave Hahn, Erlanger's economic development director. MORE: http://news.nky.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/AB/20061124/NEWS0103/611240394 From the 11/18/06 Kentucky Post: I-71/U.S. 42 connector open Post staff report A new road that connects Interstate 71 to U.S. 42 in Gallatin County is now open. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet announced the completion of the $16.8 million Ky. 1039 project on Friday. The new road provides a much safer route for drivers, Transportation Secretary Bill Nighbert said. "This road is also much better for race fans heading to the Kentucky Speedway, and it provides new economic development opportunities," he said. For most of its 4.7 miles, the new road is two lanes with 10-foot shoulders. At the north end of the road, near the Markland Dam, there are four lanes with a barrier wall. At the southern end, near Interstate 71, there are four lanes with a turning lane. MORE: http://news.cincypost.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061118/NEWS02/611180334/1014
December 5, 200618 yr Author Well, I was driving down Columbia Parkway this afternoon and got some good looks at these two developments. They are mostly topped out and the exterior cladding appears to be mostly in place; and I have to say that I am completely UNDERWHELMED. These things look like they belong in a suburban office park, what a waste. On the bright side, at least the Ascent and the Newport towers should offer some architectural interest.
December 5, 200618 yr doesn't surprise me in the least. that's the one thing that bothers me the most about the amount of development happening in and around the core right now. the level of architecture and building standards are years behind what's happening in other cities Not that everything being built elsewhere is exceptional either, but it's disheartening to know that so much prime real estate is being consumed in cities like Bellevue where they're desparate for development of any kind.
December 5, 200618 yr i think harbor green looks really good...i dont care for the others. but come one, i think underwhelming, while probably not the intention is perfectly acceptable for both of these projects. they are limited in height to preserve views and they blend in better with their surroundings. i would expect a building such as the ascent which is nestled among other (granted terrible) taller buildings to put forward a little more sex appeal. i think the southshore buildings will have a nice flare about them if they are ever built.
December 7, 200618 yr Pissed off residents, lawsuits and legal battles, and cheap crappy looking architecture. Doesn't surprise me in the least. Anyone know if they have gone after Don Martin with Bellevue yet?
December 7, 200618 yr Author i think harbor green looks really good...i dont care for the others. but come one, i think underwhelming, while probably not the intention is perfectly acceptable for both of these projects. they are limited in height to preserve views and they blend in better with their surroundings. i would expect a building such as the ascent which is nestled among other (granted terrible) taller buildings to put forward a little more sex appeal. i think the southshore buildings will have a nice flare about them if they are ever built. I was not referring to the height of the buildings at all, just the boring drabness of the architecture and urban design principles used. If anything, I hate how NKY jams all of their high rise stuff on the riverfront, blocking established residents' views. And as far as "blending in with their surroundings" what exactly do they blend in with?
December 7, 200618 yr ^ i realize you werent talking specifically about the buildings height...i was simply making a point. i also think we have established that none of these projects are high rises. and as for blending in yes. imagine the ascent sitting right next to these. would you not say that one blends in a little better than the other? maybe its only through material selection but there is a sensitivity in the designs on these buildings (albeit boring and mundane) to their architectural context. but thats what we do around cincinnati right? everything has to be brick!
December 8, 200618 yr FYI: When one reads the title of this thread at first glance it almost looks like it reads: "Believe in KY Development"
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