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News

Flagship urban Kroger at The Banks?

Local NBC affiliate, WLWT Channel 5, reported last week that the developers of The Banks are planning to release names of tenants later this year. Three tenants in particular that they did mention that they are in negotiations with are an ESPN Zone, Margaritaville, and Kroger.

ESPN Zone and Margaritaville don’t surprise me all that much…Kroger on the other hand is a pleasant surprise and gets my thoughts stirring about what they could do with an urban store in a newly constructed building in the very city they call home.

What I expect is for Kroger to step up and do something truly special. Something that incorporates all of their best store features and incorporates them into an urban model. A store that could become their flagship urban grocery store – an area in which Kroger doesn’t seem to venture too often, but one that they might want to start considering (see gas prices).

I’m thinking of a store that has lots of international foods, organic products, and generally fits with an “urban lifestyle” for those who may be buying in smaller quantities but at greater frequencies. Could there be a better location, time, and/or opportunity? I don’t think so.

Urban Kroger location (GoogleMap) in Atlanta, GA – Photos by Randy Simes
Categories
Business Development News

Calhoun/McMillan development pushes forward

Over the 4th of July weekend, the last two remaining buildings came down in the long-stalled McMillan Park project. First it was the money, then it was the property holdouts, then the bad economy topped it all off. Throughout this process the project was pretty much scrapped and put on the back burner.

That is until the remaining properties were secured. That has happened…enter Towne Properties, a renewed interest from UC, a growing UC student population, and future connection point between the Uptown and Downtown streetcar lines and you have some serious momentum.

Original rendering for McMillan Park – Source Unknown

Some people have criticized the poor design of University Park (across the street), but I’m not sure anyone can complain about its impact on street activity along Calhoun Street. People can be found all over the place doing homework, eating, relaxing, and socializing. So what can be done across the street to compliment those activities and continue to expand upon them?

I think a pedestrian only Hartshorn Street (GoogleMap) would be great for large outdoor patio spaces (see Cadillac Ranch Downtown) that could also make for neat street vending opportunities for students (i.e. artwork, music, maybe even some performance type stuff).

Along with that, 8-10 story buildings would seem to work well. The first two floors should be built out to the street, and then setback for the remaining 6-8 stories…thus creating the opportunity for an amenity deck above the 2-level retail or town homes below. This would then create a new level of activity that would spill onto the street below, while also remaining semi-private for the residents above. What would you like to see?

Example amenity deck – Source, www.1010midtowncondosupdate.com
Categories
News

Get involved on Fountain Square

With the regular programming of events, on Fountain Square, there is a need for volunteers to help staff these events. This has been all well and good…and more than likely you’ve seen these volunteers serving up beer, soda, treats, and ushering people around for various events.

The Square has really been coming into its own and the surrounding area has also been improving with new restaurants, stores, and entertainment. Add in some of the typical big Summer events and you have a slammed Fountain Square almost all the time.

This is creating the need for more volunteers to keep all these events functioning as best they can. This Sunday alone they are expecting around 6,000 people to come out and enjoy the weekly Smooth Sunday concert on the Square. On top of that you know it’s going to be packed for Saturday Night at the Movies (this week featuring Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius & Batman Begins).

If you’re looking for some service hours at school, a unique social experience, maybe some cash (I made some good tips serving beer before a Reds game in a matter of 2.5 hours), or even the excuse to just hang out on the Square with some great entertainment then this is for you. You can sign up to be a Fountain Square Volunteer, or you can offer your time for immediate needs at events like the Sunday evening concerts.

Genius of Water – Image from MyFountainSquare.com
Categories
Arts & Entertainment News Politics

Barack Obama packs Downtown and delivers historic speech

The presumptive Democratic presidential nominee – Barack Obama – addressed the NAACP Convention at 8pm, July 14th, 2008. People started waiting at the Duke Energy Center about 6 hours earlier at 2pm hoping to get into the convention center to be a part of a movement and history in the making. Obama did not disappoint as he dazzled the crowd with a wonderful speech (full text).

Those who weren’t lucky enough to get inside, and others looking for different atmosphere, gathered on Fountain Square – packing it to the gills. Local organizations put together some entertainment for the expected crowd that started gathering en mass around 5pm. Others who wanted to stay at home could do so thanks to the live coverage by local NBC affiliate, WLWT-Cincinnati.

The presumptive Republican nominee – John McCain – will speak Wednesday at 11:30am. You will also be able to catch this on WLWT, Fountain Square, or in person at the Conference. It’s great to see the level of excitement about politics this year. It’s even better to see it first-hand right here in Cincinnati.

Fountain Square Scene – Photo by 5chw4r7z

Categories
News

Know Theatre – What’s the Point?!

What’s the Point?! is soon to be at the Know Theatre of Cincinnati. The production originally opened in 2007 in New York City at The Reprise Room and will return there in September. In the mean time, the Know Theatre of Cincinnati will bring the cabaret musical to another city for the first time ever this Summer.

The musical is based on the popular 1950s and 1960s revue styles, which were known for commenting on popular trends and on society in general. Additionally this particular production has been described as “fast-paced” with each member, of the three-person cast, playing a variety of characters.

The Cincinnati premier will take place on Friday, July 18th and will run through Tuesday, August 12th. Shows on Fridays and Saturdays start at 9:30pm, while shows on Mondays and Tuesdays start at 7:30pm. You can get tickets for a mere $15 by calling 513.300.5669 (KNOW) or by stopping by the box office located at 1120 Jackson Street (GoogleMap).