Dusk

Final Countdown: Bockfest

Prohibition Resistance Tour

The Brewery District CURC will present the Prohibition Resistance Tour, Saturday, March 8 and Sunday, March 9, which will be bigger and better this year, as we join with the annual Bockfest celebration.

Included on the tour will be stops at the John Hauck House Museum, a walking tour of the heart of the Brewery District including the Clyffside, Jackson, and Christian Moerlein breweries, and a tour of the subterrainean lagering tunnels of one of Over-the-Rhine's historic breweries. Admission to the Cincinnati History Museum's special exhibit on Over-the-Rhine's brewing history will be included in the ticket price, which will also include a presentation by Christian Moerlein's Greg Hardman.

The tour will take place on both Saturday, March 8 and Sunday, March 9. Tickets will be good for a specific start time. Tours will start and end at the Museum Center, and will be a combination bus and walking tour. Parking is available at the Museum Center and near Main Street, with free shuttle service between the locations.

Tickets available soon here.

Queen’s City Hall

Mayor Mallory delivers his State of the City Address on February 4, 2008 at 6:30 at the Robert Marx Theatre at Playhouse in the Park. Doors open at 5:30. Reception follows. You must RSVP to attend.

I think this post’s mostly filler . . .

Francis & Fairmont

Jackie posted a picture from a recent trip to the old St. Francis Hospital. On my way back to Central Fairmont School a few weeks back I took this photo, thinking I might need a shot of it one day.

Located at 1860 Queen City Avenue and completed in 1889, it was "intended chiefly for chronic and incurable cases". (Wouldn’t you just love being told you were going there?) It was expanded many times, however the original building is attributed to architect George W. Rapp. That fact I didn’t learn until today.

Central Fairmont School at 2475 White Street is also pretty cool looking. Designed by Edward H. Dornette, it was completed in 1908. Stay tuned for more on this school and actually all the Historic Public Schools of Cincinnati in the coming months.

Historic photo from Library’s Cincinnati Memory Project.

Title of the post alludes to a line by Willow in the classic Buffy the Vampire Slayer musical episode, "Once More, With Feeling."

Traffic Alert

All lanes of Central Parkway now open!

The Queen's Dictionary of Architectural Terms

Gibbs Surround

Noun: A door or window framing device with alternating large and small blocks of stone named after Scottish architect James Gibbs (1682 – 1754). Gibbs was an influential architect in England in the early 1700’s. His most influential work is St. Martin-in-the-Fields which employs the motif.

700 Walnut Street (1895)
Downtown

On the same building, the design is incorporated with a segmented arched window pediment.
In some instances the device is elongated from the openings to create further pattern on the elevation.

Sixth District School (1896)
Over the Rhine - 1525 Elm Street
Architect: Henry Siter

Fire Station Co. 34 (1906)
Clifton - 301 Ludlow Avenue
Architect: Hake & Kuck

Weekend Warm-Up: February 1 – 3

My recommendations for something to do this weekend.

While this is the last weekend of Wicked at the Aronoff, this is opening weekend of the Know Theatre’s Topdog/Underdog.

"Topdog/Underdog tells the story of two brothers, Lincoln and Booth, who, abandoned by their parents, have had to depend upon each other for survival since they were teenagers. Now in their 30s, the brothers struggle to make a new life, one that will lead them out of poverty. Lincoln, a master of the con game three-card monte, has abandoned a life of crime for a more respectable job impersonating Abraham Lincoln at an arcade. Booth, on the other hand, earns his living as a petty thief, one who wishes to emulate his older brother’s success by learning how to throw the cards."

(As an aside, the much anticipated – at least by me – Fringe Festival website will not be updated until March but artists will be notified of acceptance on February 1. Announcement of the official lineup is expected March 18.)

It is also the opening weekend of Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park’s Crime and Punishment.

"Before Law and Order, there was Crime and Punishment. In this heart-racing 90-minute adaptation, two elderly women are found murdered and a detective must rely on the information provided by their penniless young neighbor to solve the investigation. A thrilling psychological drama, Dostoevsky’s timeless masterpiece gets a stark, bracing and stunningly theatrical re-visioning in which just three actors portray the novel’s key characters. Journey into the mind of a criminal and his search for redemption."

Then Cincinnati Pops presents Cirque de la Symphonie February 1 – 3 at Music Hall. It is "high-flying action and amusing circus antics" set to the music of the Pops. It sounds pretty interesting. I totally want to go.

"Juggler Vladimir Tsarkov, ‘The Red Harlequin,’ and contortionist Elena Tsarkova, ‘The Lady in White,’ will amaze concertgoers with their juggling mastery and acrobatic prowess. Aerial artist Alexander Streltsov will soar through the air, displaying his natural strength and artistic expression. And strongmen Jarek and Darek, national hand-balancing champions and veteran Cirque du Soleil performers who have captivated audiences around the world, will perform jaw-dropping routines."

Add in the Super Bowl and I just have way too much going on this weekend.

Bearcat Business

The Enquirer had a lengthy article on Brian Kelly's new contract. It is full of incentives but also has some language about practice facilities.

"The new contract commits the school to 'use its best efforts' to build or acquire on campus by Sept. 1, 2009, two practice fields and an indoor facility, 'which shall be understood to include a bubble over Nippert Stadium or some other campus facility,' by Dec. 1, 2009, or by the conclusion of the last home game of that season."

As a season ticket holder, give the man whatever he wants. But I'm not sure where they are going to put everything.


Photo of Nippert Stadium before the UC vs. UConn basketball game.

A Peek at Trinity

So while I was taking photos this evening for the previous post, I got lucky. A contractor was coming out of 118 West Ninth, the former Trinity Methodist Church, and he saw me taking photos of nearby buildings. He asked if I might like a look inside. Are you kidding me? Heck yeah!

Completed in 1859, the Gothic Revival style Trinity is under renovation to house the Uptown Church currently in Over the Rhine. I had never been inside. We went up to the second floor to the Sanctuary and immediately the eye goes upward to the intact barrel vault of coffered wood beams spanning wall to wall. It was in pretty good shape. The plaster walls, however, were not. They and the perimeter of the floor suffered a lot of water damage and they are in the process of being repaired. The other highlight is the alter - a fantastic carved wood railing and backdrop all in front of the pipe organ set in matching wood trim.

Unfortunately my camera was not really equiped for the low light but I tried . . .

Click here for pictures on the church website.

Historic photo from Library's Cincinnati Memory Project.

The Queen's Dictionary of Architectural Terms

Oriel Window

Noun: A type of bay window projecting from a wall sometimes supported by a corbel or bracket but not extending to the ground.

610 Race Street (1865)

The oriel window can be in a multi-story variation.

John Evans House (c. 1840)

The Fort Washington (1897)
The Brittany (1885)
Architect: Samuel Hannaford

Lancaster Building (1898)

Fish Fry!

If there is one thing I enjoy about late winter in Cincinnati it is the Catholic lenten fish fry. Lent is the traditional Christian period of fasting and prayer that lasts for 40 days before Easter, beginning on Ash Wednesday (February 6). For Catholics in Cincinnati is means seven straight Fridays of fish frys! I actually gave up (and not just for lent) all the Catholic stuff years ago . . . but I still enjoy a good parish festival or fish fry and of course I still marvel at the architecture.

So I need some recommendations for good fish frys in the Cincinnati area. I hear St Teresa of Avila in Price Hill has a good one every Friday, organized by their Boy Scout Troop 271. Let me know your favorite!

Photo from the Enquirer's The Foodie Report Blog

Blog Alert: The Black Dog Blog

Queen City Survey named Blog of the Month!

After reading a comment on my post about a skate park, I headed over to The Black Dog Blog. I come to find out that they have named Queen City Survey "Blog of the Month"! I’m honored. The blog is written by Augustus, a downtown resident, and his dog Toby. Augustus (first name Jeff) writes:

"The name of The Black Dog Blog originates from my black lab, Toby, who is my constant companion and traveling pal. (To a certain extent he's me in dog form, and I’ve been told that by way to many people on way to many occasions)."

The blog is generally personal stories from the perspective of a young, urban dweller. His posts touch on issues that matter to him but that are relatable to a number of us. This includes the need for a dog-friendly downtown and his attitude toward Cincinnati as "a city I love as much as I hate." (I know I’ve been there before.) Looks like overall he is trying to post more with some cool photos of Cincinnati, a handy Calendar, and reviews of some bars and events. I've added it to my blogroll so check it out.

Here are some 'Toby in the City' photos I thought were fun from the site . . .

Baedeker: Columbus, Indiana

Columbus, Indiana is a city of 39,000 people. Beginning in the 1950’s, the Cummins Engine Foundation offered to pay the architect's fee for any new school and public building that was designed by an architect selected from a list supplied by the Foundation. The concept being that "the built environment is crucial to a quality community". What has resulted is a fantastic collection of modern buildings by the likes of Eliel and Eero Saarinen, Harry Weese, Richard Meier, and I.M. Pei to name just a few. One can argue that the city though is no different though than any modern city with its share of suburbia, sprawl, and big box architecture just with a few quality buildings scattered about the landscape. One can argue the Foundation did not go far enough and they potentially had an opportunity to go beyond just nice buildings and influence larger issues of growth and planning. It is a point I understand and feel has validity but I also admire what foresight they did have and how a city of under forty thousand residents has a whole industry based on architecture.

Bartholomew County Courthouse
First Christian ChurchCompleted in 1942, the Eliel Saarinen designed church may not look like much from the outside but the interiors and the play of light are fantastic. It is a National Historic Landmark.

Mill Race ParkOne of the coolest city parks.

First Baptist ChurchCompleted in 1965, this church is by Harry Weese and quite wonderful. Some nice person let me in to snoop around . . . Also a National Historic Landmark.

North Christian ChurchCompleted in 1964 and designed by Eero Saarinen this too is a National Historic Landmark. The grounds are pretty nice but the interior was my least favorite of the three churches.

Irwin Union Bank and Trust Yet another National Historic Landmark. This one was also designed by Eero, completed in 1954. Some point to it as the first bank with glass walls and an open plan.

The Republic
Bartholomew County Veterans Memorial
Author's Note: Baedeker was a German-based travel guide begun in 1827 by Karl Baedeker. These comprehensive guides were hugely popular in Europe, the United States, and throughout the British Empire. I have adopted the moniker for all my travel pieces beyond Cincinnati. Given its German history and stately influence, I thought it fitting for the Queen City.

New Fountain Square Tenants

Step Right Up!

So by my estimation we have at least four leasable spaces around Fountain Square.

Space 1: 1st Floor of the far west end the Fifth Third Center, north of Via Vite.
Space 2: 1st Floor of the Fifth Third Center, directly east of the north passageway to 6th Street. (Formerly known as Probasco Market, it is now not mentioned as anything on the map on My Fountain Square.)
Space 3: North of Space 2 in the passageway to 6th Street. Formerly this space was Fabulous Frames & Art. Space 2 and 3 conceivably could be combined into one space.
Space 4: 1st Floor, southeast corner of the Fifth Third DuBois Tower. Formerly this space was one half of the Visitor’s Center.

A Channel 5 report in July 2006 indicated possibly a Dewey’s Pizza for Space 1, a Caribou Coffee or Starbucks for Space 4, and a Maker’s Mark restaurant for Space 2. The report also indicated Sully’s was moving to the former Hallmark space but we know they ultimately decided to locate at 7th & Race. Cadillac Ranch moved in instead. We also know Starbucks ultimately decided not to pursue a Fountain Square location. So where does that leave us?

I personally think Dewey’s would still be great. Feel free to sign that lease any day. I also think a coffee shop might be ok as well but Graeter’s may fill that roll somewhat. What about a two story Joseph Beth with an entrance right in Space 2 where you could have check out and a Bronte Bistro (Space 3) and then internal escalators up to second floor stacks? Just move some Fifth Third people around. I’ll help them move.


Note: If Brentano’s in Tower Place wants to re-brand as a Borders and move to the Square I’m ok with that as well. If Kinko's wants to relocate and a two story bookstore moves in over there, I'm cool with that too.

Blog Alert: BuyCincy

I'm kind of behind the times . . . Finally adding BuyCincy to my blogroll.

From their website:
BuyCincy is an attempt to highlight the best, coolest and most dedicated locally-owned businesses in the Cincinnati area. We hope to inspire you to head to your local grocer, hardware store, furniture store, restaurant, etc. instead of driving to nearest the boring, flavorless, formulated big-box. By choosing to support locally-owned stores, we can contribute to the cool places that help make Cincinnati special while strengthening the local economy.

Historic Catholic Churches of Cincinnati

In honor of Catholic Schools Week, I thought I'd post some photos of random Catholic Churches in Cincinnati. As a product of the Catholic schools I value the education I received. But what I appreciate almost as much is the fantastic architecture of Cincinnati’s Catholic churches!

Old St. Mary’s – Over the Rhine
Built: 1842
Arch: Franz Ignatz Erd
Style: Greek Revival

St. Peter in Chains – Downtown
Built: 1845
Arch: Henry Walter
Style: Greek Revival

Church of the Immaculate Conception – Mt. Adams
Built: 1860
Arch: Louis Picket
Style: Gothic Revival

St. Lawrence – Price Hill
Built: 1894
Arch: Unknown to me at this time
Style: Gothic Revival

Holy Cross – Mt. Adams
Built: 1895
Arch: Louis Picket
Style: Renaissance Revival

Holy Family – East Price Hill
Built: 1915
Arch: J.P. Sheblessy
Style: Baroque Revival

St. Catherine of Siena – Westwood
Built: 1923
Arch: Robert Crowe & Edward Schulte
Style: Romanesque Revival

St. Louis – Downtown
Built: 1928 (From 1870 – 1928, St. Ludwig Church stood on this site.)
Arch: Maginnis & Walsh
Style: Italian Romanesque Revival

St. William – Price Hill
Built: 1931
Arch: Unknown to me at this time
Style: Italian Romanesque Revival

Note: At some point in the future I want to post a multi-part series documenting every historic Catholic church in Cincinnati including date of construction, architect, and architectural style. This is just the beginning . . . and I have a long way to go.

Walking Tour: Arch Street

I can honestly say I’ve never walked down Arch Street near Lytle Park until yesterday. It is only one block long. Historically it was only two blocks long – Broadway to Ludlow and Ludlow to Lawrence. And second block though was very short. Geography of the street changed with the completion of Fort Washington Way and the "tunneling" of I-71 under Lytle Park. Arch makes a ninety degree turn into Ludlow now.

Only three buildings have an Arch Street address and until yesterday, I never knew they existed. 421, 423, and 425 Arch Street were constructed in 1865, 1860, and 1880 respectfully (as indicated on the Auditor’s website). 423 & 425 are nice little Italianate structures. 421 appears to me as it might have been a livery stable or something. A trip to the Cincinnati Historical Society would tell me. On the north side of the street is the back of former Guilford School (1914) by Garber & Woodward and the side of the former 2nd District Police Station (1910) at 314 Broadway. Opposite that is Western Southern’s 1953 parking garage. You know, the one with the big rotating sign.

Broadway north of Arch Street. 2nd District Police Station in foreground.

Detail of 2nd District Police Station

Rear of the Gilford School

Arch Street looking west

Sign on the Western Southern Parking Garage near Arch and Broadway Streets

Western Southern Parking Garage from 3rd Street.