Tag: urban design

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Arts & Entertainment Development News

Cincinnati’s new riverfront park immediately exceeding expectations

If you have yet to visit the first phase of the Smale Riverfront Park, then you need to do yourself a favor and go visit the beautiful new park. From a personal perspective, out of all of the new developments along the central riverfront, the new park is by far the best product and is a true civic asset for Cincinnati.

In the latest video update from project manager Dave Prather, he takes viewers on a tour of the now completed features of the Smale Riverfront Park that are open to the public. Prather also gives some insight into the elements that are soon to come including the continuation of the tree grove, Women’s Committee Garden, Adventure Playground, construction of the river’s edge and the transient boat dock.

“We’re proceeding with design and grant application for the transient boat dock, which will be aligned with the Main Street Fountain,” Prather explained in the project video. “That grant application is due the end of July, and award will be announced around early March next year. So we’re planning on next May to present the completed portion of the tree grove and break ground on the boat dock.”

In addition to the boat dock, Prather says that plans call for construction to begin on the Vine Street Steps next May as well, and would complete the framing of the Roebling Suspension Bridge.

One of the attractions of the first phase of the park is the new Cincinnati Bike Center which is now open to bicycle commuters 24 hours a day, and boasts a retail shop that includes merchandise and allows for people to rent various types of bicycles and Segways.

Reports from various media outlets and first-hand accounts highlight the immediate popularity of the park. One problem, according to Prather, has been that visitors want to play in the dramatic water curtain along Mehring Way which was not designed for interaction.

The early summer project update is nearly 13 minutes in length, and is the first video of the series to highlight a finished product.

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News Transportation

Living car-free can help you save money, live healthier

The American Public Transportation Association (APTA), in partnership with The Sierra Club, The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), and public transportation systems across the country will celebrate the 7th annual National Dump the Pump Day tomorrow.

The event is meant to encourage people take public transit instead of driving a car in an attempt to save money. But ditching the personal automobile can not only save you money, it can help you enjoy a healthier lifestyle.

UrbanCincy was recently contacted by creators of an infographic that breaks down the health issues related to driving. It should be something to consider before you hop into that vehicle of yours tomorrow morning, and every morning thereafter.

Killer Commute

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Development News Politics

City officials hoping for surge of resident input on final day of community planning survey

Plan; Build; Live; these three words represent the process of developing and implementing a future vision. Cincinnati recently embarked on an endeavor to reform its land development codes and streamline the process of applying for a building permit.

The initiative which is aptly named, PlanBuildLive aims to achieve comprehensive reforms including the development of the city’s first form-based code.


PLAN Cincinnati Open House. Image provided.

Last month, the city hosted a four-day,city-wide Urban Design Workshop to engage residents in building a better community. One of the exercises from the workshop included a six question survey about city priorities.

The survey, called, What Would You Tell Her?, starts by stating that a friend has recently been elected to City Council, and then lists some options of advice the participant would give to their council friend on certain issues. Participants are also encouraged to come up with their own solutions to the hypothetical problems.

According to Della Rucker, who is working on the PlanBuildLive initiative, the survey “asks people imaginary but pretty real-world-relevant questions about urban development and maintenance regulation issues.”

Rucker went on to say that the survey has received a lot of responses thus far. Those interested in taking the online survey can do so through today. Results will then be released in-person and online after June 20.

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Up To Speed

Portland moves forward with $400M plan to cap Interstate 5

Portland moves forward with $400M plan to cap Interstate 5.

The City of Portland and Oregon Department of Transportation are moving forward with a $400 million plan to cap Interstate 5 through several urban districts. Cincinnati leaders rebuilt Fort Washington Way so that it could be capped in the future, but nothing has come of those investments first made in 1999. More from The Oregonian:

“I-5 has been a huge divide in this community for too long,” said committee member Justin Zeulner of Portland Arena Management.  Zeulner said the freeway lid and new bike and pedestrian bridge would help connect Lloyd District with the Rose Quarter and the riverfront. “This is critical for the future of our community.”
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Business News Politics

Cincinnati’s hillside overlooks profiled in new brochures

The Queen City has long been defined by the Ohio River and its surrounding hills which reminded early German settlers of the Rhine River Valley, but the hills have also provided natural corridors through the city along with valuable real estate for homes and businesses.

In order to help celebrate and promote this unique natural asset, The Hillside Trust is in the process of distributing 50,000 brochures highlighting Cincinnati’s dynamic views from places like Eden Park, Mt. Echo and Bellevue Park.

“These overlooks represent an iconic part of Cincinnati’s landscape and livability,” exclaimed Eric Russo, Executive Director of The Hillside Trust.

Eastern view from Wilson Commons Overlook in East Price Hill [TOP], and Jackson Hill Park Overlook looking southwest from Mt. Auburn [TOP]. Photographs provided by The Hillside Trust.

Russo went on to say that Cincinnati’s numerous overlooks are an asset that can be used to market and promote the city as a unique place to live and work.

The 18 overlooks profiled in the brochures cover the city’s western, central and eastern hillsides. Each of the overlooks were also identified as “high priority” for protection in the 2007 Cincinnati Scenic View Study produced by The Hillside Trust for the City of Cincinnati.

The brochures were funded through $15,000 provided by two family foundations, and are currently being distributed to regional convention and visitor bureaus, the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber, and libraries and parks throughout the city for free distribution to the public.

The family foundations wanted to see the brochures used in a way to attract attention and encourage the public to visit the prominent overlooks. In addition to photographs of the views from each location, the brochures also include unique facts, features and history about the sites.

“These overlooks originate from park lands, dead end streets, roadways and public staircases,” explained Russo. “All offer unique and spectacular viewing experiences.”

The brochures were designed by Cincinnati-based Linserpelle Creative, and include locator maps so that they may be used for self-guided tours. The brochures can also be downloaded for free on The Hillside Trust’s website.