Celebrating Independence Day in Over-the-Rhine
In observance of Fourth of July, some OTR businesses are not open while others are celebrating the holiday and the kickoff of the 2012 World Choir Games with special events. Here’s an incomplete list of today’s observances in OTR: Taste of Belgium Bistro at 12th and Vine is open and invites you to “Celebrate July … Continue reading
Cintrifuse to grow city’s startup community, create campus in OTR
According to the Enquirer, Cincinnati’s top CEOs have announced a plan to boost high tech growth in the city by supporting startups and luring venture capital to the Queen City. The effort is called Cintrifuse. Here’s an excerpt from Laura Baverman’s exclusive report outlines key components of Cintrifuse: • Venture capital of at least $55 … Continue reading
Final Friday – June 2012
Another Final Friday is upon OTR. Here are a couple things going on tonight in the neighborhood: Reser Bicycle Outfitters at 1419 Vine Street is hosting a grand opening reception with food, fun and drinks! Stop by tonight and enjoy the new shop and its nice back alley patio. Nearby at 1409 Vine is the grand opening … Continue reading
Glimpses of the new Washington Park
Follow the updates of the renovated and expanded park on facebook at facebook.com/WashingtonParkOTR, on twitter @WashingtonPark, on flickr at flickr.com/photos/washingtonpark, and at its website washingtonpark.org Special thanks to photographer Cheriese Lindsey.
Symphonic Stylings at the Electric Warehouse
Symphonic Stylings at The Electric Warehouse is a collaborative event between Sloane Boutique + Jonathan Mezibov, ARTAYA, The Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, concert:nova, NVISION, and the good folks of Bertke Electric. The mixed media event of fashion, art, and music performance is sure to be a stunning fashion show experience. Soapbox, iSPYCINCY, and AEQAI all provide more info here, here, and here, respectively. More info via … Continue reading
The Bellevue Incline and Elm Street Steps
The Cincinnati-Clifton Incline Plane, better known as the Bellevue Incline, connected Elm Street in Over-the-Rhine to Ohio Avenue in Clifton Heights. It was touted as “the only direct route to Burnet Woods Park, Zoological Garden, and Clifton.” The Elm Street steps used to run adjacent to the incline from McMicken to Clifton avenues where the … Continue reading
Rise of the Cool Kids
Rise of the Cool Kids
Washington Park Grand Opening Celebrations and Free Concerts
The official ribbon cutting ceremony to mark the reopening of Washington Park will take place on the bandstand in the center of the park at 10:00am Friday, July 6. Parks Director Willie Carden will emcee the event, with speakers Mayor Mark Mallory, City Manager Milton Dohoney, and officials from 3CDC and PNC Bank. The day’s festivities include free parking in … Continue reading
OTR is Ready to Rock And Bowl
It’s a simple idea: OTR could really use a space that doubles as a bowling alley and live music venue. Several friends agreed and suggested a few possible OTR locations that could accommodate bowling lanes and a place for performances: Greg’s Antiques (formerly The Woodward) at the corner of Main Street and E. 14th Street. … Continue reading
Canal, Subway, Parkway: The History of Cincinnati’s Central Parkway in Images
The “Rhine” of “Over-the-Rhine” was the Miami & Erie Canal. The canal was replaced by Central Parkway and the subway line. Here are a few images of Central Parkway’s history. In a forthcoming post, I’ll delve deeper into the more recent history of this definitive border of OTR. Unless otherwise noted, all images are credited … Continue reading
OTR Update: This Is OTR
It’s been two weeks since the last OTR Update. This post will share some (hopefully most) of the highlights of the last two weeks. If you’d like to stay abreast of OTR related news as it happens, connect with OTR on facebook, twitter, tumblr, pinterest, flickr, vimeo, and stellar. 1. #THISISOTR – a simple, beautiful community … Continue reading
Bill Cunningham Praises Progress in OTR
On May 29, conservative Cincinnati radio talk show host Bill Cunningham praised Over-the-Rhine for over three minutes on his show. Cunningham joins a growing list of local mainstream media outlets that have caught on to Over-the-Rhine’s renaissance. The person who manages the Walnut Hills Redevelopment Foundation’s twitter account heard the comments on the air and then … Continue reading
Brewery District Heritage Trail to Become Reality
As part of the OTR Brewery District‘s Master Plan, a coordinated strategy is proposed with eight main ideas. Two ideas are projects the Brewery District Community Urban Redevelopment Corporation (BDCURC) will implement on its own. Three of the other ideas will be achieved through partnering, and the remaining three will be encouraged by the BDCURC. … Continue reading
CODE: Cincinnati Open Design Event
Author’s note: The following information about CODE: Cincinnati Open Design Event was collected from its facebook page. Like it here. At first glance, I assumed CODE was scheduled to coincide with the Western and Southern Open (aka Cincinnati Masters or Cincinnati Open), which is the biggest summer tennis event in the United States and is … Continue reading
Final Friday May 2012
Tonight is Final Friday. The shops, bars, restaurants and galleries of OTR and Pendleton will all be open to celebrate this beautiful Final Friday. A lot is going on so grab a couple Streetpops and begin your journey. Here is but a small sampling: Park + Vine is celebrating its 5th anniversary tonight 6pm-11pm. Cash … Continue reading
The Crown OTR Revitalization
The old Crown Furniture Company building has a new lease on life. Now known as Crown OTR, the building at 1739 Elm Street is located on the streetcar line and directly across the street from Findlay Market. Crown OTR’s facebook page describes itself as “One family’s personal journey through their contribution to the revitilization of a … Continue reading
The Gradual Hollowing Out of Urban Cincinnati
*Editor’s Note: This piece was originally published under the title “The Gradual Detroitification of Cincinnati.” The term “Detroitification” was used to mean “hollowing out” or “demolition of urban fabric to make room for vacant lots.” In order to be clear and not perpetuate a negative term, the title of this piece was changed. The title … Continue reading
2012 Cincinnati Streetfilms Film Festival
Streetfilms Workshop: When: May 30, 7pm – 9pm Where: Emery Theatre, 1112 Walnut St. 45202 Info: http://www.streetfilms.org/ Streetfilms Film Fest and Party: When: May 31, 8:30pm – 10:30pm Where: Emery Theatre, 1112 Walnut St. 45202 Info: http://www.streetfilms.org/ Email: cincystreetfilms@gmail.com Submissions! If you’ve made a streetfilm (any theme, any length), e-mail cincystreetfilms@gmail.com for info.
OTR Update: See Cincinnati With New Eyes
CEOs for Cities held its national meeting at the Contemporary Arts Center this week. The theme was “The City as a Start-Up.” This amazing video was produced to introduce the attendees to Cincinnati. It stars a little boy who lives on Orchard Street riding around Over-the-Rhine and downtown on his Prince Lionheart balance bike. “See … Continue reading
Steam Whistle Letterpress Short Documentary
Brian Stuparyk of Steam Whistle Letterpress is the subject this short documentary. Learn more about Steam Whistle by visiting it at 1342 Main Street, visiting its website, signing up for a workshop, liking it on facebook, or reading this OTRview with Brian Stuparyk. Video produced by Matthew Dugger.
OTR Updates
There is so much happening in Over-the-Rhine it’s nearly impossible to keep up with it all. Here’s a sampling of current events and things to look forward to: Tanya O’Rourke at WCPO Channel 9 reported on downtown Cincinnati’s rise. The three page story and accompanying video is indisputable proof that the secret is out. The … Continue reading
Arnold’s Is First Cincinnati Location Featured on Google Business Photos
Arnold’s Bar and Grill, the city’s oldest tavern, is the first business in Cincinnati to be included in Google Maps Business Photos. Business Photos shares 360° views inside businesses as part of Google Street View. Owner and head chef Ronda Androski announced the news on the My Life At Arnold’s blog today. The photographs were taken … Continue reading
Final Friday OTR – April 2012
This Friday (tomorrow) is yet another Final Friday in Over-the-Rhine, and its set to be a great one. In addition to the standard Final Friday happenings, there are some unique offerings. First up is another edition of OTR Skate featuring You, You’re Awesome and Automagik. This takes place at the Over-the-Rhine Recreation Center from 8:00-11:00 pm. … Continue reading
Cincinnati Streetcar Designs Released at 2012 State of City
Mayor Mark Mallory used his 2012 State of the City address to unveil design renderings of the Cincinnati Streetcar among other things. A color scheme has not been selected yet. It would be nice to see some elements of the city’s flag incorporated, however. UrbanCincy has a nice rundown of the entire address here. State of … Continue reading
A Walk Around Washington Park
Washington Park‘s progress is impressive, and the activity around the park is just as remarkable. Let’s take a virtual walk around Cincinnati’s second oldest park starting at 210 West 14th Street. The Symphony Hotel expansion and renovation is well underway. Keep up to date by connecting with the hotel and restaurant on facebook at facebook.com/symphonyhotel and on twitter … Continue reading
Over-the-Rhine: Best Neighborhood of Cincinnati 2012
Two years in a row! Cincinnati CityBeat’s 2012 Best of the Cincinnati issue is out and Over-the-Rhine was chosen by readers as Cincinnati’s best neighborhood. What a nice recognition of Over-the-Rhine’s flourishing community especially coming on the heels of last year’s first place ranking. Many OTR businesses, restaurants, merchants, places, and vendors were ranked in … Continue reading
Friday on Vine in OTR
Two pictures from Vine Street in Over-the-Rhine yesterday. The first is Taste of Belgium bistro‘s new patio at 12th and Vine. The second is the street scene in front of Senate and the other restaurants and shops up the street. The Ferrari in the picture might be, in the words of 5chw4r7z, “Jay Bruce living … Continue reading
Spring in Our Steps Cleanup III: Peete Alley at Vine Street
Spring in Our Steps has partnered with Keep Cincinnati Beautiful to clean up Peete Alley in OTR at Vine Street this Saturday anytime between 9am and 3pm. Keep Cincinnati Beautiful is providing supplies for the cleanup including gloves, bags, rakes, trowels, loppers, and SuperCans. The goal is to return Peete Alley to a walkable and … Continue reading
RIP Raymond Buse III: “Cincinnati’s Best Friend” and Creative Champion
https://twitter.com/#!/prbuz/status/120121946426970112 It is with great sadness that I write this post. Raymond “Buz” Buse III died early yesterday morning at the age of 57. Both the Business Courier and Enquirer have covered his death. Buz was a consummate PR professional and an incomparable champion of Cincinnati. He spent 17 years as vice president of public … Continue reading
How the Arts Enrich and Enhance OTR
LPK created this short video about the art’s transformative effect in OTR and how you can help contribute to the thriving community by donating to ArtsWave. “Anchored by the Art Academy, the Know Theatre, the Ensemble Theatre, and Music Hall, Over-the-Rhine is a testament to how the arts enrich and enhance a community. Ten years … Continue reading
OTR Brewery District Master Plan: “A Strategy for Repopulating Our Neighborhood”
With (hazy) memories of Bockfest fresh in our memory, now is a good time to take a serious look the OTR Brewery District‘s future. Thankfully, the Brewery District Community Urban Redevelopment Corp. (BDCURC) has taken an important step toward that end by creating the 2011 Brewery District Master Plan. The plan was professionally prepared by glaserworks, a … Continue reading
Broadway Lofts Tour
Last Saturday, a group of photographers and bloggers was given a tour of a new loft project at 1304 Broadway and 400 E. 13th Street. Chris Reckman’s Urban Expansion is developing the spaces into four market rate apartments: one 3 bedroom, two 2 bedroom, and one 1 bedroom. 5chw4r7z explains the pricing: If you’re looking for something … Continue reading
Spring in Our Steps: A Citywide Initiative to Take Back Pedestrian Infrastructure
Spring in Our Steps (connect on facebook and twitter) is: “a consortium of committed Cincinnati residents, who feel that forgotten pedestrian spaces can become some of the city’s best assets. The group initiates community-oriented projects in Cincinnati’s alleyways and city steps, as well as its most neglected sidewalks.” Spring in Our Steps (SiOS) is the brainchild of Christian … Continue reading
Plan Build Live: Your Ideas Matter
This is the second in a series about Cincinnati City Planning and Building Department’s Plan Build Live project. The first post in the series is here. Participate Citizen participation in the Plan Build Live matters. To participate and share your ideas, register or sign in via facebook at planbuildlivecincinnati.com. The first phase of Plan Build Live will culminate … Continue reading
Form-Based Codes: A Paradigm Shift in Cincinnati Planning
This is the first in a series about Cincinnati’s Plan Build Live project. Plan Build Live is a project of the Department of Planning and Buildings made possible by a $2.4 million grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Plan Build Live is the designed to bring citizens into the process of reviewing, … Continue reading
Marta Hewett Gallery’s “Art and Soul” Lecture Series
The Marta Hewett Gallery was established in 1990. The original location was at 1209 Main Street, the first fine art gallery in historic Over-the-Rhine. The Gallery is now located in the Pendleton Art Center, also in OTR. This morning, it is presenting Eric Standley as its second speaker in its Art and Soul lecture series. More details … Continue reading
On the Map interviews A Tavola
In this interview, Matt Bentley of On The Map interviews Jared Wayne and Sam Ginocchio of A Tavola Pizza:
Smart Growth America Interviews Mayor Mallory
Smart Growth America launched a new video interview series titled “Smart Growth Stories” with an interview of Cincinnati Mayor Mark Mallory. The essence of the series is this: Real people, real stories Why smart growth, and why now? That’s the question Smart Growth America is posing to elected officials and local community leaders as part … Continue reading
Tilt Shift Cincinnati
One week ago, I shared the following video on facebook (via Randy Simes from UrbanCincy.com) with the tagline “OK, who wants to make a sweet tilt shift video like this in Cincinnati?” And to my great surprise one week later, Justin Todhunter replied with “Challenge accepted” and posted the following tilt shift video of Cincinnati … Continue reading
Cincinnati Startup Community Heading SXSW
Cincinnati’s startup community is hitting its stride tonight as the Cincinnati StartUp bus (one of only 10 nationally) launches from The Brandery for South by Southwest (SXSW) in Austin, Texas. The Brandery is a seed stage venture accelerator (ranked top 10 nationally) located in the heart of Over-the-Rhine at 1411 Vine Street. While in Austin, … Continue reading
The 2012 Bockfest Parade in Photos
Bockfest 2012 began yesterday with the annual parade from Cincinnati’s oldest bar, Arnold’s, up Main Street to Bockfest Hall in the OTR Brewery District. The parade was delayed a short amount of time by a violent storm system that swept through the tri-state and spawned deadly tornadoes. Our thoughts and prayers are with those devastated … Continue reading
20th Annual Bockfest!
Bockfest 2012 is here! The festivities begin with the Bockfest Parade! Via Bockfest.com: The Bockfest Parade will be held on Friday March 2, 2012. The parade will start to form in front of Arnold’s Bar and Grill, located at 210 East 8th Street, at 5:30PM and steps off on Main Street at 6:00PM. The Bockfest Parade is Cincinnati’s funkiest and … Continue reading
Epiventures Breaks Down Local Food Scene with “Cincinnati Deconstructed”
Chef and writer Courtney Tsitouris runs Epiventures which tells “stories about food.” She has joined forces with local film director, Michael Holder, to produce Cincinnati Deconstructed – a video series about Cincinnati’s food scene and the people who make it interesting. Like the Queen City Project, Cincinnati Deconstructed showcases unique, local people and places that are taking … Continue reading
Civic Iconography: Raising The Queen City’s Standard
This is the second in a series of posts about civic design, iconography, and branding. Some of these ideas I’ve had for awhile, but now with GOOD Ideas for Cities coming to Cincinnati I figure it is a good time to share. The first post in this series was about Cincinnati’s own typeface. Read it here. The … Continue reading
Could Cincinnati Benefit from Its Own Typeface?
This is the first in a series of posts about civic design, iconography, and branding. Some of these ideas I’ve had for awhile, but now with GOOD Ideas for Cities coming to Cincinnati I figure it is a good time to share. The question comes by way of Chattanooga, Tennessee where two out of the … Continue reading
GOOD Ideas for Cities Coming to Cincinnati
GOOD Ideas for Cities is coming to Cincinnati! A few of the upcoming posts on this blog will focus on the importance and potential good civic design and branding has for Cincinnati. Read all about it in this post from GOOD: GOOD Ideas for Cities taps creative problem-solvers to tackle real urban challenges proposed by civic … Continue reading
Moerlein Lager House Grand Opening
Today marks a milestone in Cincinnati’s history: the opening of the Moerlein Lager House! Situated between Great American Ballpark and Paul Brown Stadium, downtown and the mighty Ohio, The Banks and Smale Riverfront Park, the Moerlein Lager House is positioned to become the newest jewel in the Queen City’s crown. The story makes it shine … Continue reading
2012 Bockfest Tours
Bockfest kicks off with its signature parade that starts in front of Arnold’s Bar and Grill downtown at 5:30pm, Friday, March 2. On Saturday and Sunday, several tours of unique Over-the-Rhine locations are being offered. Historic Churches of Over-the-Rhine Buy tickets here, $20 Tour begins at Bockfest Hall, 1619 Moore Street Saturday, March 3 – … Continue reading
Over-the-Rhine is Cincinnati’s Restaurant Hot Spot
Over-the-Rhine is staking its claim as Cincinnati’s restaurant mecca with a variety of high quality dining experiences. The long waits just to be seated at these establishments tell the story. OTR is in high demand. Wine Me, Dine Me has the scoop on Cincinnati Magazine‘s Top Ten restaurants of 2012 as well as Best New restaurants: … Continue reading
Smartfish Studio’s February Boat Shoe Workshop
Update: The workshop is full. Smartfish is planning more workshops for the future. Tomorrow. Not sure if there are any openings left… via Smartfish: One 6-hour workshop (includes 30 minute break for exploring OTR) 12pm – 6pm Sunday, February 26th $225 covers all supplies & the cost of your pair of shoes The workshop will … Continue reading
OTRview XV: Brian Stuparyk of Steam Whistle Letterpress and Design
Brian Stuparyk of Steam Whistle Letterpress and Design is the subject of this OTRview. Stuparyk has mastered the art of letterpress printing and opened up shop at 1342 Main Street in Over-the-Rhine. His shop is showcase for a form of printing that is as much about art as it is about ink. The products he … Continue reading
Jumping for Joy in Parvis Alley
This fun photograph was taken by freelance photographer Cat Doan. The location is Parvis Alley next to very popular Parvis Lofts and the under construction Parvis Lofts II. 14th and Vine is visible in the background. I really enjoy this photo. Thanks for sharing, Cat!
The Art and Photography of Marc Wavra
Marc Wavra is an artist and photographer whose work resides at Studio 207 in the Pendleton Art Center. To view or purchase his work visit his website or facebook page, or better yet, stop in during Final Friday (this Friday) at the Pendleton Art Center from 6pm-10pm. The following works showcase Over-the-Rhine. Wavra’s work is also … Continue reading
The Queen City Project
Update: It should be noted that the two businesses (Bluestone Creative and Alias Imaging) behind The Queen City Project are based downtown. Three of the four businesses profiled so far (Shadeau Breads, Coffee Emporium, Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra) are located in Over-the-Rhine and the fourth (Arnold’s Bar and Grill) is in downtown. Soapbox Cincinnati, which is also … Continue reading
Mardi Gras in Over-the-Rhine!
via Findlay Market blog: This Sunday, February 19th, we again celebrate Mardi Gras at the Market on the south side of the market house along Essen Strasse. Plan to spend the day at this FREE family-friendly event, enjoying four of the best bands in town and sampling a traditional lowland seafood boil. The OTR Biergarten will be open … Continue reading
Cincinnati Streetcar Groundbreaking Photos
A truly historic day for Cincinnati. Do you have photos of the Cincinnati Streetcar? Join the Cincinnati Streetcar Flickr group here! Thanks to all whose photos are used in this post. Names preceded by an “@” indicate twitter usernames
What is Radius?
via whatisradius.com: Ripple FX Films and Possible Worldwide, along with The Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky Film Commission, present a very special evening featuring the world premiere of Radius: A Short Film, a game and crowd-sourced film made in and around Cincinnati during the MidPoint Music Festival and other events. The evening begins with a red-carpet experience … Continue reading
Vote in CityBeat’s Best of Cincinnati 2012
Update: VOTING HAS ENDED Please keep Over-the-Rhine on your mind when you vote in CityBeat’s Best of Cincinnati 2012 Readers Poll. OTR is very well represented in the survey so please show your favorite destinations support! Recall Over-the-Rhine was voted Best Neighborhood 2011 in the Urban Life category. Vote here: CityBeat Best of Cincinnati 2012
OTR Portraits Documentary
Here’s a fun opportunity for everyone who is contributing to Over-the-Rhine’s progress and growth. This is your chance to participate in a photo documentary project about OTR. It comes by way of Becca Hoffman, a photography student at Columbia College in Chicago. (View some of her work here). She is looking to photograph businesses, residents … Continue reading
P&G Old Spice Loft Space in OTR
There are so many secrets to Over-the-Rhine, both new and old. The P&G Old Spice Loft Space is one of them. The gallery at 1423 Vine St. was recently featured in the following video by Soapbox Cincinnati and The Big Media Company. In the video, P&G Associate Design Director Krista Jonesgehring explains that “being in Over-the-Rhine … Continue reading
The Story of the John Breiner Ghost Tile
Editor’s note: This post tells the story of a mysterious John Breiner ghost tile found near Findlay Market and was originally published on the always enlightening VisuaLingual blog. VisuaLingual originally posted the photo and by power of the internet was contacted by a descendant of John Breiner. VisuaLingual is a design studio based in Over-the-Rhine with … Continue reading
3CDC Expands Land Bank with Latest Acquisitions
Editor’s note: Credit for this post goes to contributor RWS. The maps at the end were added by me. 3CDC’s Newest Acquisition After years of acquisitions, 3CDC had taken a major pause (update: other recent acquisitions) from land banking from 2009 through 2011. Looking at 3CDC’s OTR Work Group reports it seemed that the nonprofit … Continue reading
OTRview XIV: Michael A. Uhlenhake – Architect, Developer and OTR Resident
Editor’s note: The following is architect, developer and OTR resident Michael A. Uhlenhake‘s personal history of his past 20 years in Over-the-Rhine. It is an exceptional piece that portrays one man’s intimate interactions with Over-the-Rhine over the course of two consequential decades in Cincinnati history. We publish Mr. Uhlenhake’s story with great pride. All content and … Continue reading
YPCC Happy Hour Choral Concert @ Below Zero Lounge!
Happy Hour Choral Concert: Young Professionals’ Choral Collective presents Sin & Tonic on Valentine’s Day The Young Professionals’ Choral Collective of Cincinnati (YPCC), based in Over-the-Rhine, is made up of over 60 motivated young professionals (ages 21-40), who are excited to make great choral music, support local businesses, meet new people, and reach new audiences. … Continue reading
The Forget-Me-Not Murals: Memorializing Demolished Buildings Through Paint
The art collective Merge Invisible in Budapest, Hungary recently completed its Nefelejcs Project (Nefelejcs is the Hungarian word for the forget-me-not flower). Here is how the group described its project: “We live in Budapest, Hungary. The project was made in the 8th district, in an area of suspicoius reconstructions. Beautiful old buildings are demolished for … Continue reading
Lest we forget…142 E. McMicken
One year ago this week, 142 E. McMicken Ave. was being systematically demolished by Cincinnati Public Schools to make space for a couple dumpsters for the Rothenburg School which is under renovation. Lest we forget the story of 142 E. McMicken’s hasty destruction (click for a report by Danny Klingler of OTR ADOPT and myself). Its … Continue reading
Cincinnati’s 2012 Budget is Balanced & Avoids layoffs
I watched City Manager Milton Dohoney’s press conference this morning and live-tweeted his speech, but here is a summary of the budget he presented to the Mayor. The budget is balance, with no layoffs, no health clinic closures, and includes funding for nurses in the Cincinnati Public Schools. The projected deficit was over $33M, and … Continue reading
Shop Local OTR Gift Guide 2011
The OTR Holiday Gift Guide is out and it’s amazing. The Style Sample (a personal fav) designed and photographed the publication for the OTR Gateway Merchants Group. You can view it online at here and here or scroll through it below:
Sloane Boutique Grand Opening
Cincy Style Edit has a post up about Sloane Boutique‘s grand opening party this weekend. Check it out here.
Historic Conservation Board Rejects Mercer Commons Design
Lisa Bernard-Kuhn reports for the Enquirer that the city’s Historic Conservation Board voted 6-0 to “deny a recommendation for new designs for a four-story condominium and retail building in the 1300 block of Vine Street. The board also voted 4-2 to reject a recommendation for designs for new townhomes proposed along Mercer Street.” Regardless of the Historic … Continue reading
How Cincinnati Defeated the Streetcar Haters … Again
via Kaid Benfield at The Atlantic – Cities: But highly walkable and adjacent to downtown with buildings ripe for adaptive reuse, Over-the-Rhine is perfectly poised to become an exceptional example of restoration and redevelopmentwith a small environmental footprint. It is also a preservationist’s dream, containing the nation’s most impressive inventory of 19th-century Italianate architecture, along … Continue reading
OFFF Cincinnati 2011
How many scenes of OTR can you spot in this video from OFFF?
The Emery Theatre, A Requiem Project
The Emery Theatre The Emery Theatre was built in 1911, and is considered an acoustically pure theatre. It is one of three sister buildings (along with Orchestra Halls in Chicago and Detroit) to New York City’s Carnegie Hall. Cincinnati philanthropist, Mary Emery, bequeathed the entire Emery building to the city in memory of her late … Continue reading
UPDATE on Cincinnatians for Progress’s OEC Complaint Against COAST
I received this from Cincinnatians for Progress Today: COAST Demands Constitutional Right to Lie COAST today filed a suit in federal court in Cincinnati seeking to overturn Ohio’s law against false statements in issue campaigns. Last week, Cincinnatians for Progress filed charges with the Ohio Elections Commission citing COAST’s use of known false statements in … Continue reading
Cincinnatians For Progress Files Charges Against COAST with Ohio Election Commission
Things have gotten even more interesting as today, Cincinnatians for Progress filed a complaint against COAST (Cincinnatians Opposed to Additional Spending and Taxes) alleging that they “knowingly made false statements to affect the outcome of the Issue 48 election vote.” (The full press release is included below) These false statements include falsely accusing the city … Continue reading
Final Friday OTR Skate – Halloween Edition
Join Far-I-Rome Productions in collaboration with the Cincinnati Film Festival and the Cincinnati Rollergirls for the Halloween edition of the Final Friday OTR Skate! The fourth and final OTR Skate of 2011 takes place October 28, 2011 at the Over-the-Rhine Recreation Center, 1715 Republic St., Cincinnati, OH 45202. In the spirit of Halloween, costumes are … Continue reading
Washington Park – Fall, 2011
The entire city should be proud of the progress at Washington Park! Photos via 3CDC
Midpoint Midway and CAC’s Singer Songwriter Stage Launch
…were kicked off with a surprise performance by Bootsy Collins! “Twinkle twinkle, baby! William “Bootsy” Collins just led hundreds of YOU in surprise singing! Thanks Yelp Cincinnati for the great picture!!” Photo via facebook.com/OTR.GatewayMerchants “Nice kick off to the MidPoint Music Festival‘s Midway and CAC singer songwriter stage at 12th and Vine in Over-the-Rhine, Cincinnati. William … Continue reading
On-The-Record with JackBacks Creator Adam Baumgartner
If you are one of the millions of people who read Mashable and Gizmodo or are a savvy shopper at the Final Friday PopShop, then you already know about JackBacks. The idea behind the local business is simple: replace the back of iPhones with attractive wood that can be personalized. You can find JackBacks at jackbacks.com, facebook.com/jackbacks … Continue reading
Ensemble Preview to Benefit OTR Merchant Group Today
Ensemble Theatre‘s upcoming pay-what-you-can preview performance of Next to Normal on Tuesday, September 6 at 7:00 p.m. All proceeds benefit the OTR Merchant Group to assist with marketing all the wonderful business and events going on in the neighborhood. Here’s more about how it works: Pay-what-you-want fine print: General admission seating for each preview is … Continue reading
Washington Park Photo Update – 9.2.11
The latest construction photos of Washington Park via flickr account washingtonparkotr and thanks to 3CDC. Become a fan of the park on facebook at facebook.com/WashingtonParkOTR, follow it on twitter @WashingtonPark, and check out its flickr group on flickr at flickr.com/groups/washingtonparkotr
MPMF’s 10th Anniversary Promo Video
via MPMF: New Video Amps Up MPMF11 MidPoint Music Festival enlisted the help of Dave Morrison and The Big Media Company to produce their promotional video for the 10th anniversary of this amazing Cincinnati event. This montage of downtown life helps people see a part of this city that is on the rise. Enjoy.
OTR’s Axiomatic Alleys
These beautiful pictures came my way thanks to krs of krstype.wordpress.com. krstype‘s tag line is “not the worst blog on the internet” and that’s true. In fact, it’s a rather refreshing read. Enjoy: The following photos were taken just off Main Street near Park + Vine: Thanks very much, krs!
Progress at City Home II
Roger W. Smithson has these few pics to share of City Home II‘s progress:
Final Friday OTR Skate – Part III
It’s time again for Final Friday on Friday August 26. That means its time again also for the Final Friday OTR Skate at the Over-the-Rhine Rec Center. Below is the press release from Far-I-Rome Productions, who is presenting the event. It’s definitely a good time, and every should try to make it out! New features … Continue reading
“Over-the-Rhine Tour Guide” by Dr. Don Heinrich Tolzmann
Dr. Don Heinrich Tolzmann, the award-winning author, German-American historian and President of the German-American Citizens League of Greater Cincinnati, has authored a new book titled Over-the-Rhine Tour Guide: Cincinnati’s Historic German District, Over-the-Rhine, and Environs published by Little Miami Publishing Company of Milford, Ohio. While I cannot review the book yet as its currently being published, … Continue reading
Midpoint Music Festival Grows in OTR
Via KYpost.com: More than 180 bands will be showcased in 18 venues in downtown Cincinnati and Over-the-Rhine. Fourteen of the 18 stages and new festival features are in OTR this year, alone. Dan McCabe, MPMF Executive Producer, says the concentration in OTR acknowledges the area’s growth, particularly Vine Street’s Gateway Quarter, Main Street’s revival with … Continue reading
OTRview XIII: Duru Armagan of Sloane Boutique
Duru Armagan is the proprietress of Sloane Boutique, a new store of women’s apparel and accessories at 1216 Vine Street. The location is a familiar one. 1216 Vine is between A Tavola Pizza and Cincy Haus: Tours and Store to the north and Senate restaurant and the soon-to-open Abigail Street to the south. Duru is a … Continue reading
Over-the-Rhine in July
Photos of Over-the-Rhine via Jayson Gomes of CincyImages.com View his photos on flickr here.
A Two Tire Trip Around Cincinnati
Via cincy two tire trips: Union Terminal to DeSales Corner in Cincinnati and includes views of the Cincinnati Museum Center, Cincinnati Music Hall, Queen City Underground, Coffee-Emporium, Metro, and the new bike lane on MLK. View a map of the ride here (map is not 100% accurate):
World Premiere of First Music Video Filmed Under the OTR Brewery District
Actions-Behind the Scenes from Danielle Driehaus on Vimeo. “Cincinnati is so full of character; we wanted to draw on local resources and make use of as many amazing locations as possible” says Spencer van der Zee, bassist for The Upset Victory. “Our band is proud to call Cincinnati home.” For their second music video, “Actions,” … Continue reading
3CDC’s Gateway Quarter Phase V
3CDC‘s phased approach at development in Over-the-Rhine is moving forward and leaving many successes along the way. To read the sources of the information shared in this post, check out 3CDC’s 2010-2011 Annual Progress Report and July 2011 Work Group Report at the end of this post. Other ongoing projects in Over-the-Rhine include Mercer Commons … Continue reading
Before and After: Musik-Verein Halle
In the 1888 book “Cincinnati in Wort und Bild” by Max Burgheim, there is mention of the Musik-Verein Halle. The Cincinnati Musik-Verein was formed in 1883 by the consolidation of the Maennerchor and the Germania. It is interesting to note that Mr. Burgheim’s book is in German and was printed at the M. & R. … Continue reading
“The Fog Upon Which Cincinnati Prides Herself”
In March of 1905, J.M. Nickes wrote the following in a piece titled “Land-Sculpting Displayed About Cincinnati” for The Teachers’ Bulletin, a monthly publication of the University of Cincinnati: The beauty and picturesqueness of Cincinnati’s situation are well known. The girdle of hills which has vainly striven to confine her within narrow limits is the … Continue reading
OTRview XII: Galen G. Gordon of LAUNCH Cincinnati
Galen G. Gordon is passionate about helping young people achieve their dreams through entrepreneurship. With that passion in mind, Galen teamed up with Kimberly Smith to found LAUNCHCincinnati. LAUNCH is a nonprofit dedicated to educating, mentoring and displaying positive examples of entrepreneurship. Connect with LAUNCHCincinnati on its website or facebook page. Read more about this … Continue reading
Before and After: E. McMicken and Walnut
Update: The source of this photo is the Cincinnati Historical Society Library website. The photo title is “Third German Methodist Episcopal Church, Northwest Corner of Lang Street and McMicken Avenue” and the photo date is 03/16/1916. At the intersection of Walnut Street and E. McMicken Avenue:
The Recent History of Meiner Flats
Meiner Flats, the five-story buidling at E. 15th Street and Vine, is expected to be renovated over the next year according to Lisa Bernard-Kuhn at the Developing Now blog. The 3CDC led project will include 1428 and 1434 Vine on the south side of 15th St. The five-story Meiner Flats building was “saved from emergency … Continue reading
The Most Recent Mercer Commons Renderings
These come by way of the July 2011 OTR Work Group Report. Read more about Mercer Commons, the two buildings that may be demolished (1314 Vine and 1329 Walnut), and older renderings here. See all the renderings in this flickr set. And here is the Work Group’s Report:
“The Ides of March” Trailer
The Ides of March with George Clooney, Paul Giamatti, Ryan Gosling, Philip Seymour Hoffman and others looks pretty good. According to The Guardian, Ides of March will open at the Venice film festival. Lots of familiar scenes of Cincinnati in the trailer: Photo via Sony Pictures:
OTRview XI: Tracey Lynn Conrad of The Young Philanthropist Society of Cincinnati
Tracey Lynn Conrad is committed volunteer and the Founder and President of the Young Philanthropist Society of Cincinnati. She chairs Mayor Mallory’s YPKC Arts and Entertainment Committee, serves on the board of several arts and charity organizations, and is one of the stars of the Cincinnati-based reality show “Queen City“. Somehow, she graciously found the time to … Continue reading
Before and After: 14th & Vine
Learn more about 14th & Vine, located at 1331-35 Vine St., here. See other before and afters here.
Know Theatre’s New Sign
The Know Theatre is installing a large marquee sign. Photos from the Know Theatre facebook page. Hat tip: CityBeat
First Statewide Preservation Connection coming to OTR on August 12
Here’s some information about Preservation Connection: Cincinnati which will be held at the Art Academy of Cincinnati in OTR on Friday, August 12 from 8:30am to 4pm. Here are some details about this affordable and informative event: Preservation Ohio is sponsoring, with the assistance of the Cincinnati Preservation Association, an incredible one-day conference on the latest issues … Continue reading
“Queen City” Reality Show Sneak Peek
The new Cincinnati-based reality show premieres tonight at 11pm on FOX19. It’s expertly produced and the HD footage I’ve seen does an excellent job showcasing Cincinnati’s breathtakingly beautiful urban neighborhoods. Here’s the opening sequence: John Kiesewetter on Cincinnati.com has this to say about the show: “Queen City” follows four women – well-connected volunteer Tracey Lynn Conrad; University … Continue reading
Mercer Commons Renderings
All renderings of Mercer Commons are available on 3CDC.org You can also view them in this Mercer Commons flickr set
Abigail Street’s storefront construction
Connect with Abigail Street on facebook here. Learn more about in this article by Polly Campbell.
The Fate of 1329 Walnut and Mercer Commons
It has come to my attention that 1329 Walnut St. may soon be on the chopping block to make way for the Mercer Commons development by 3CDC. Mercer Commons is a $51 million development that will bring new commercial and residential units to a large area in the heart of OTR. Restoration of over a … Continue reading
A pleasant scene at Frintz and Mulberry
Frintz ends short of Mulberry but the Frintz Street steps continue up to Mulberry. Thanks to Brittany Skelton for sharing her photo.
Putting OTR on the (Google) Map
Considering the speed with which development is occurring in Over-the-Rhine, it doesn’t take long for Google’s understanding of the neighborhood to become outdated. Fortunately, there are a number of ways Over-the-Rhiners can help keep Google up to speed with the changes happening in the neighborhood. OTR Matters is starting a new project that revolves around … Continue reading
OTRview X: Lindsey Lusignolo, Premier Fashion Designer
Lindsey Lusignolo is a premier fashion designer of couture bridal and evening wear. Her boutique showroom and studio is located on beautiful Main Street in Over-the-Rhine. She’s the subject of OTRview X. CityBeat named her Best of Cincinnati 2011. She’s also been interviewed by Metromix, Cincinnati Profile and Cincy Chic. Connect with Lindsey Lusignolo on facebook, twitter, LinkedIn, … Continue reading
City Home on Washington Park Ribbon Cutting July 19
City Home’s phase 1B Ribbon Cutting is Tuesday, July 19 at 10am. Photos via OTR Living and flickr users taestell and 5chw4r7z:
From Over-the-Rhine to The Banks
Jeremy Patrick was kind enough to share his iPhone photos from a recent Queen City Underground Tour and a visit to Current at The Banks. The featured image for this post shows the Moerlein Lager House under construction at Phyllis W. Smale Riverfront Park which buffers The Banks from the riverfront. Christian Moerlein Brewing Co. … Continue reading
OTR Foundation Places 3rd in This Place Matters Competition
Via the National Trust for Historic Preservation: And for coming in third, Over-the-Rhine Foundation will get $5,000 to spend for getting so many citizens in Cincinnati, Ohio excited about Over-the-Rhine neighborhood. OTR didn’t win the top spot and that’s disappointing, but it’s also an incredible honor to place in the top three of 100 preservation organizations nationwide. … Continue reading
OTRview IX: Terry Grundy of The Urbanists
“Where there is no vision, the people perish.” Proverbs 29:18 Terry Grundy is a visionary and the subject of OTRview IX. A decade ago when the fate of Over-the-Rhine was in question, Mr. Grundy was instrumental in creating and articulating a “thought movement” that crafted an enlightened vision of Over-the-Rhine’s future. The group was The Urbanists. To learn more … Continue reading
This Place Matters Community Challenge Official Results
Will be announced today at 5pm on this website!
The Future of Findlay Market
Update: The bullets are not indenting as they should. Please excuse the monotonous appearance. Today’s Enquirer includes this article about Findlay Market by Laura Baverman. In it we learn the following: Parking plan To be presented to the city of Cincinnati within one year Will include proposal to replace the four-story 1930s building at 1634 Central … Continue reading
This Place Matters Community Challenge 2011 Unofficial Results
The 2011 This Place Matters Community Challenge concluded yesterday at 5pm. Official results will be posted on this website today at noon. UPDATE: Results will be posted at 5pm on July 6 From my perspective, yesterday was a day of epic proportions for Over-the-Rhine. The stage couldn’t have been more perfectly set… June 30 2011 was social media … Continue reading
Time’s up!
Voting ends now! Results will be announced by the National Trust for Historic Preservation at noon tomorrow! More to come, but suffice it to say that I’m so proud of everyone and love Over-the-Rhine now more than ever. Unofficial results can be viewed here.
5 Hours Left To Vote for OTR! Voting ends at 5pm EST!
Vote for OTR here: http://www.preservationnation.org/take-action/this-place-matters/community-challenge/places/over-the-rhine.html Voting ends at 5pm EST! If OTR places in the top 3, the OTR Foundation will win anywhere from $5,000 to $25,000. The Over-the-Rhine Foundation is on facebook and twitter. The following photos are from its facebook page:
OTR Down By 1,300+ Votes; Voting Ends Today at 5pm
It’s all up to you. OTR can still win this challenge but only if you make sure your contacts vote. In a stunning turn of events, the Friends of Dreamland Theatre from Little Rock, Arkansas have taken a substantial lead into first place with just hours left in the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s This … Continue reading
The Hasty Demolition of 142 E. McMicken Ave.
OTR Foundation fights to save buildings like 142 E. McMicken with its Legal Defense Fund Vote before Thursday, June 30 to help OTR Foundation win $25,000 142 E. McMicken Avenue was an historic structure in Over-the-Rhine anchoring a highly intact 19th century streetscape. The building was owned by Cincinnati Public Schools, and for years preservationists … Continue reading
Claim your free email address @iheartotr.com now!
IHeartOTR.com is currently being used to spread the word about the Over-the-Rhine Foundation’s chance to win the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s “This Place Matters” Community Challenge. After the competition ends, IHeartOTR.com will continue promoting our beloved little neighborhood. You’re allowed to vote once per email address in the Community Challenge. To that end, we are … Continue reading
OTRview VIII: Chris Seelbach, Candidate for Cincinnati City Council
Chris Seelbach is a candidate for Cincinnati City Council and, to the best of my knowledge, the only candidate who resides in Over-the-Rhine*. This OTRview expresses his personal views and positions as a resident and candidate for City Council. All candidates for city council are welcome to participate in OTRviews. If you or someone you … Continue reading
Washington Park’s Progress
Washington Park continues to make amazing progress and stay on schedule despite less than ideal weather. Check out these photos courtesy of 3CDC. See updated renderings of Washington Park here. Learn more about Washington Park’s expansion and renovation here. You can also find it on facebook, twitter @WashingtonPark, and flickr. Imagine a heavily programmed public space … Continue reading
Japp’s Since 1879 Soft Opening
Japp’s Since 1879, a new bar on Main Street, had its soft opening yesterday. Here are some photos from its facebook page. Follow Japp’s on twitter @Japps1879 and don’t miss its grand opening tomorrow.
Before and After Over-the-Rhine: Lackman Lofts
For more on the Lackman Lofts, go here. Before photo by flickr user 5chw4r7z who blogs at 5chw4r7z. After photo by flickr user TheReina5 who blogs at My Brain Is Leaking.
The Upset Victory “Actions” Music Video Shoot Under OTR
A band took to the underground in the Over-the-Rhine Brewery District yesterday to film part of an upcoming music video and JnicePHOTO and LW Photographics wer there to capture a few pics. The Upset Victory is currently producing the video for their song “Actions”. Check them out on facebook, on twitter @theupsetvictory, youtube, and myspace. Special thanks … Continue reading
Community Challenge Update
The standings as of 5:00AM, June 20 are as follows (votes alone determine which organization wins the challenge but facebook “likes” are another, unofficial barometer): Wellington Ritz Theatre, Inc.: 2,939 votes and 690 facebook “likes” Over-the-Rhine: 2,761 votes and 1,733 facebook “likes” Enterprise Hometown Improvement: 2,706 votes and 250 facebook “likes” The Preservation Society of … Continue reading
“This Place Matters” Community Challenge Tests OTR’s Mettle
Over-the-Rhine needs your help. Voting is quick and easy. The National Trust for Historic Preservation’s This Place Matters 2011 Community Challenge kicked off June 1 at 8am and will end at 11:59pm, June 30. 100 local preservation organizations nationwide were selected to compete. First, second and third places will win $25,000, $10,000 and $5,000, respectively. … Continue reading
Before and After: 14th & Vine
More on 14th and Vine can be found here.
Before and After: 1211 Vine Street
Lavomatic Cafe at 1211 Vine Street
Final Friday OTR Skate is BACK for Round 2!!
Returning to OTR is the Final Friday OTR Skate presented by Far-I-Rome Productions. On Friday June 24, the Over-the-Rhine Recreation Center will be transformed in to a combination roller disco and art gallery. Two new DJs will be featured, Cincinnati’s very own DJ Mowgli and DJ Pillo. The art installation will include art from the … Continue reading
Mercer Commons, 3CDC, and 1314 Vine Street
Mercer Commons and 1314 Vine Street are in the news again thanks to the attention of Lisa Bernard-Kuhn at the Enquirer. The entire article is worthy of your attention but this excerpt sums it up quite well: But now, the 131-year-old purple building simply has to go, 3CDC says. The space at 1314 Vine St. … Continue reading
OTR needs your quick vote in “This Place Matters” Competition
The National Trust for Historic Preservation’s 2011 “This Place Matters” Community Challenge is underway! The Over-the-Rhine Foundation is one of only 100 local preservation organization in the competition. Anyone with an email may vote and the top three organizations will win $25,000, $10,000 and $5,000, respectively. If you’re on facebook, you can attend, share and … Continue reading
Before and After: 1218 and 1220 Vine Street
Today, 1220 Vine Street is home to A TAVOLA PIZZA and next door is The Queen City Underground’s Cincy Haus at 1218 Vine. Before, 1220 Vine Street: And now an interior photo from Katie Clavey as it is today: And these wonderful shots by 5chw4r7z:
Before and After: Bremen Lofts Interior
For more on Bremen, go here
More photos from the City Flea
The City Flea has a great roundup of photos from the Flea. Check them out here. The next Flea is July 9! The following collection of Flea photos is courtesy of LW Photographics
#CycleCincy rides again
CycleCincy started as an idea and has blossomed since its launch earlier this year. We (I use “we” because I’m involved with CycleCincy) have several very exciting projects and partnerships underway and can’t wait to share all the details with you. From new infrastructure improvements to fun fundraisers, ride ideas and community art projects, things … Continue reading
Before and After: Parvis Lofts Interior
For more info on Parvis Lofts, go here.
Before & After: 1222 Republic Street
Learn more about Mottainai here. Mottannai before
The City Flea of June 4, 2011 in Photo and Video
The first City Flea was a big success. A big congrats and thank you are due to Nick and Lindsay Dewald! To learn more about The City Flea check out its website, facebook, twitter, this recent post on UrbanCincy and this blog’s OTRview II with co-founder Nick Dewald. First, a video from Walt Keys at … Continue reading
Welcome to OTR
via Justin Reina at My Brain is Leaking:
Living History Dance Studio’s Grand Opening Today!
Today at 2pm at the Emanuel Community Center you can experience a Blues crash course in swing dancing! All skill levels welcome. Find the Living History Dance Studio on facebook and twitter. Reply to the event on facebook here. The following was written by Mike Leggett (picture at left in the photo below). The Emanuel … Continue reading
Go OTR 5K and Summer Celebration Wrap-Up
The Go OTR 5K and Summer Celebration was May 21. Check out the following links for photos (and a cool timelapse) of the event: via grandman.net: Time-Lapse Test 006 “5K” from Walt Keys on Vimeo. via 5chw4r7z: via photo-cincy.com:
Over-the-Rhine Blog 