Tag: economic

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Month in Review

Month in Review – November 2010

This month, UrbanCincy covered a number of new businesses and new living spaces in Downtown and Over-the-Rhine. We also shared news on the modern streetcar that visited Fountain Square, and guest author Zachary Schunn shared his thoughts on good architecture in our city. Our top 5 most popular articles for November 2010 were:

  1. Historic loft renovation project starts anew in downtown Cincinnati
    The redevelopment of downtown Cincinnati’s former industrial buildings continues with the McFarland Lofts, a seven-unit condominium project under construction in a circa 1901 wagon livery and horse stable.
  2. Modern streetcar to be on display in downtown Cincinnati through 11/10
    If you have not been one of the hundreds of Cincinnatians to make the trip to Portland to see modern streetcars in action, or visit one of the many global cities with them in operation, then tomorrow is a great chance to see one up close and in person.
  3. Sushi Bears a new vegan option at Findlay Market
    A new vegan and vegetarian focused Japanese food stand has opened at Findlay Market. Sushi Bears is a food concept run by chef Dan Wells and his business partner Steve Hauck.

  4. Yoga Row creating new business unions along Main Street
    A visit to Main Street between 8th and Liberty streets nowadays reveals a neighborhood not only on the mend, but on the rise. The owners of Main Street Yoga, Yoga Bar, You Do Yoga, and the Joyful Life Yoga Center have collaborated together to form a new project, nicknamed “Yoga Row.”
  5. Successful urban design sets stage for successful cities
    When it comes to local architecture, Cincinnati deserves good design. But with architecture (and urban planning, or any other design-based field for that matter), there is never one particular thing that separates “good” design from “bad” design.
Categories
Business Development News

Construction begins on $47.3M redevelopment of Washington Park

After years of planning, discussion and debate, construction that will renovate and expand Washington Park will officially begin today in historic Over-the-Rhine. The initial work will include excavation on the north end of the park that will eventually house a 450-space underground parking garage.

Project officials say that the underground garage is what sets the stage for the two-acre park expansion to the north. This expanded park area will include, above the garage, will include a 37,000-square-foot lawn, public plaza, and performance space for programming activities.

“We’re dedicated to returning the park to its original stature as a beautiful, public, green space with a variety of features for all neighborhood residents as well as visitors to enjoy,” said 3CDC President & CEO Stephen Leeper in a prepared release. “Creating great civic spaces like Washington Park and Fountain Square is one of 3CDC’s most important goals. They attract residents, businesses and visitors and truly define the character of a neighborhood.”

Over the past several months citizens have also had input on the design and process in which the renovations take place. One of the primary concerns has been around the disruption to the park itself and how nearby residents might be able to avoid total access denial. To address those issues, 3CDC in partnership with Turner Construction Company and Megen Construction Company have developed a plan that will keep the southern half of Washington Park open during the initial construction phase.

“Creating great civic spaces like Washington Park and Fountain Square is one of 3CDC’s most important goals,” Leeper continued. “They attract residents, businesses and visitors and truly define the character of a neighborhood.”

The project start is a realization of a plan first laid out in 2002 by residents, business owners, and other stakeholders in the historic neighborhood. That plan specifically called for the redevelopment of Washington Park, and the addition of a parking structure that could serve future business and residential growth nearby.

Project officials say that additional park renovations will proceed once the garage site is excavated, and that they anticipate the entire project to be complete by late spring 2012.

Categories
Arts & Entertainment Development News

Pop-up shop coming to Over-the-Rhine this holiday season

In a unique twist to this year’s holiday retail offerings, 3CDC and the Over-the-Rhine Chamber of Commerce are opening a pop-up retail shop in Over-the-Rhine focusing on local businesses. Starting November 26 and open 9 days (over 4 weekends) through December 19, 1213 Vine Street is the OTR Pop Up Shop.

The idea of a pop-up shop, or temporary retail space, is not a new concept, but is one that is completely unique to Cincinnati. This trend has originated in larger cities like New York City and London since 2004, concentrating on limited-quantity or unique products and shopping experiences. The OTR shop is no different. The space will house six local businesses and give them a temporary brick-and-mortar setup to sell their locally produced goods.

“Locally owned businesses are the heart of Over-the-Rhine,” said Brian Tiffany, president of the Over-the-Rhine Chamber of Commerce. “All of these vendors are local businesses and have fantastic products but don’t have their own retail locations. Now they will for the next four weeks.”

Six local businesses –Powerhouse Factories, Nati Evolvement Clothing Co, Chocolats Latour, Studio Vertu, Artfully Disheveled, and Green Bird, will be selling a variety of products at the pop-up shop including posters, clothing, handcrafted truffles, fresco tiles, home decor, men’s accessories, and eco-bird friendly wares. They will be selling at the space for just nine days over the course of four weekends ending December 19.

Hours of operation for the OTR Holiday Pop Up Shop vary, but can be found online. Neighborhood leaders and business owners are also planning a full slate of holiday events in the historic neighborhood.

“We’re honored to be a part of this collaboration,” said Colin Groth, co-owner of Nati Evolvement. “It’s a great chance to offer shoppers more unique choices for their holiday gifts this year. We love being a part of the activity going on in the Gateway Quarter and contributing to the amazing retail scene in Over-the-Rhine.”

Photo by 5chw4r7z

Categories
Business News

Cincinnati Unchained event encourages local holiday shopping

The 4th Annual Cincinnati Unchained shopping event is this Saturday, November 20th. Cincinnati Unchained, a BuyCincy.com initiative, releases local shoppers from the chains of anonymous big box stores, and gives them instead a new opportunity to buy unique and interesting gifts for their loved ones from local businesses.

Every dollar spent at a locally-owned business generates approximately three times more economic activity than a dollar spent at a national franchise. By choosing to shop locally-owned for just one day, we can help support the local entrepreneurs in our own neighborhoods who help make Cincinnati unique.

Over 15 neighborhoods and 60 stores are participating in Unchained on Saturday by offering discounts and specials to shoppers. As an added bonus, Yelp and the Crafty Supermarket (an indie craft fair at the Clifton Cultural Arts Center, also on Saturday) has partnered with BuyCincy and is offering a shopper’s “passport” in the back of the craft fair program. Shoppers can have their passport stamped at Unchained businesses — once the passport is full, they can turn it in at any Unchained business to be entered into a raffle for more local prizes. In Bellevue and Over-the-Rhine, Yelp will have information booths for Unchained customers.

“We’re thrilled with the interest and excitement we’ve seen from local businesses for Cincinnati Unchained,” says Sean Fisher, BuyCincy co-founder and creative director. “Since we started it in 2007, Cincinnati Unchained has become not only a day to support local businesses, but a community event to celebrate them.”

Local restaurants are also getting in on the fun, and shoppers are encouraged to make a day of the Unchained event – exploring the city and its unique stores, having a bite to eat, and perhaps ending the evening at the official Unchained afterparty at MOTR Pub in Over-the-Rhine at 8pm.

“Local businesses are an integral part of our Greater Cincinnati economy,” says Kurt Myers, co-founder and business director of BuyCincy. “But they’re often our friends and neighbors, too. We hope that, with the success of Cincinnati Unchained, people will continue to build relationships with their local stores and neighborhoods and continue to shop local throughout the year.”

Categories
Business Development News

Avondale celebrates the completion of Cincinnati’s first LEED certified affordable housing development

The completion of Cincinnati’s first-ever LEED certified affordable housing complex was celebrated with a ribbon cutting in Avondale last week.

Created for seniors, Forest Square Apartments was developed by The Model Group and designed by City Studios Architecture. The new structure is hard to miss at 3511 Harvey Avenue, as its modern design and colorful exterior stands out amidst the numerous historic homes in the inner-city neighborhood.

The $4.3 million dollar development includes 21 two-bedroom handicap accessible units that offer high efficiency heating, air conditioning, and plumbing. Developers also tout the project’s LEED Silver accreditation, its community garden, kitchenettes, community room, on-site parking, and two outdoor patios.

The project was assisted by a $1 million award from HUD Recovery Act Tax Credit Assistance Program funds that were part of the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act. Local leaders and supporters attended the ribbon cutting, applauding the creative financing of such a unique project during these turbulent economic times.

Speakers also pointed out how important projects like these are during an economic recession, highlighting the fact that this project put people back to work, and produced decent, safe, and affordable housing.

“This project is a key indicator that Avondale is on its way back from being an under-served community,” reiterated Councilman Wendell Young. “This project will provide a safe and healthy environment for our seniors to live in the coming years.”

The project was developed with the Avondale Vision Plan and Burnet Avenue Revitalization Plan in mind as well. Both of which outline ways in which to re-establish Avondale as a safe and affordable neighborhood of choice.

Other agencies involved in the development include the Ohio Housing Financing Agency, HUD, PNC Bank, Avondale Community Council, Uptown Consortium, Key Bank, LISC, Ohio Capital Corporation for Housing, and the City of Cincinnati.