Tag: retail

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News

BuyCincy enters the Cincinnati blog scene

I have to say that I’m extremely pleased with the blog scene that is prevalent in Cincinnati. Environmental, design, photography, political, development, art, wine and even more types of blogs solely dedicated to the Cincinnati area. I must say that I think the recent blog competition heightened the level of awareness and has raised the bar for the quality of the many Cincinnati oriented blogs. You can already notice the difference with many bloggers (including myself) working to improve their own sites.

We now have another site to add to the list…a blog that is dedicated to the local shopping/retail that makes Cincinnati so unique. It’s not everywhere that you find neighborhood butchers, bakeries, chili parlors, soft-serve ice cream stores and more. Cincinnatians are very loyal to their local shops and businesses, and even the corporate scene. BuyCincy is taking note of this special atmosphere in Cincinnati, and highlighting those special places that you might not yet know about.

The idea is to shop local and support the hardworking small businesses in Cincinnati. So go and check out the new site, authored by Sean Fisher, at:

www.BuyCincy.com

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Arts & Entertainment Business Development News

The NEW Downtown Cincinnati

Downtown has managed to turn the corner relatively quickly. People who once used to think of downtown as a tired/boring place are now frequenting the new restaurants, clubs, bars and events. New residents are everywhere and visitors are welcomed by something new almost every other week. It’s just past the half way point in 2007 and Downtown Cincinnati has seen the opening of 4 new bars/clubs, 3 restaurants and more events on Fountain Square than you can count.

It’s wonderful to see everything coming together and this is just the beginning. The majority of the tenants in the redone 5/3 building have yet to open, another few restaurants will be opening shortly, and another couple bars/clubs are on the way. This is all before the ball drops for 2008. If you want to think about 3-4 years down the road, then you’ll really be blown away with what Downtown Cincinnati will be like.

3-4 years puts the streetcar in place and the first phase of The Banks. The Banks will most likely attract tenants like ESPN Zone, Hard Rock Cafe, House of Blues, countless restaurants, bars/clubs. Combine that with the activity that the streetcar system will be shuffling around and you have yourself a VERY strong/vibrant urban core. Thousands of new residents and tons of new attractions. The streetcar system will most likely help give the retail scene downtown a kick in the pants…if that doesn’t do it, the thousands of new residents should.

Check out what’s going on in the NEW Downtown Cincinnati!

Need more to eat… MORE RESTAURANTS!!!
Like to shop… MORE RETAIL!!!
Want to be entertained… MORE ENTERTAINMENT!!!

Some more developments (just to name a few):

Now, downtown hasn’t gotten ‘there’ yet, but it is certainly on its way…and picking up speed.

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News

Fountain Square Progress

I must reiterate how much I love the new Fountain Square! It is more open, engaging, and personable. The trees offer an oasis of shade for those lounging on the square, and the water wall/spray features offer something for families. Overall the area is looking great!

Via Vite is progressing quite nicely and should be a great feature on the square. The re-cladding, on the south side, of the 5/3 building is nearing completion as well. I might add that it’s also looking quite nice. Now the north side of the building is another question.

They have put in these colored beams as the source of re-cladding. I’m not a big fan to say the least, but on the bright side it seems to compliment the Cadillac suspended above the entrance to the new Cadillac Ranch Bar & Grill. I don’t know what they were thinking when whoever drew up these designs, but I guess it’s just nice to see more investment in the inner-city. Maybe it’s a good thing I’m getting picky…


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News

3CDC and OTR hitting their stride!

3CDC has been working diligently in Over-the-Rhine rehabbing old structures, creating chic urban living options, and luring new unique businesses to the area. The first piece of their OTR work to come on line is the Gateway Quarter. This is the section of OTR including/surrounding Vine Street from Central Parkway up a few blocks.

The area has seen great successes so far. The Art Academy of Cincinnati has created student housing options in the area, the Gateway Condos have been a success, and multiple new businesses have signed leases. All of this is taking place while more buildings are being renovated with more living and retail options! The other buildings include: Bremen Lofts, Centennial Row, Duncanson Lofts, and Duveneck Flats.

Now the area has seen the influx of new housing before, but what is new is the interest of the retailers. These are not your typical retailers either…these are stores geared towards urban living/lifestyle. City Roots is an urban gardening store, MetroNation offers contemporary home accessories and furniture that is collapsible, Park + Vine is a green variety store, and Jean Robert de Cavel plans to open another restaurant in the city…this one being in the Gateway Quarter.

All in all, there are fantastic changes taking place in Over-the-Rhine. New businesses are opening, new residents are moving in, crime is dropping, and hopefully the neighborhood’s long tainted image will begin to improve. Next on tap for 3CDC in OTR is the Washington Park District. 3CDC has announced that they plan to rehab 100 units per year, for the next 7 years in OTR…the main kicker is that they also plan on doing this through rehabs and NOT tearing down buildings. Good things are in store!

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News

Ready for next week…

Well downtown today heard the announcement that Jalepenos will be closing after being open a mere three months. It seems like some weeks the good news does not stop coming, others you just can’t seem to stop the bleeding.

Downtown is coming off of a few solid weeks of good news. Two law firms and KeyBank announced expansion plans for their downtown offices, the streetcar route has been decided upon, The Banks is getting ready to move forward (for real), and a couple more tenants were announced for Fountain Square. However, this week is one of those weeks that downtown advocates are probably ready to be over.

Now don’t get me wrong; it hasn’t been a terrible week, just not a good one. After the momentum that downtown has building it hurts when you hear any bad news…it seemingly stops that momentum in its tracks. So downtown will take this hit, brush itself off and get ready for the upcoming week. I bet more good news is in store, but then again my view on downtown is that the sun will always come up tomorrow.