Wednesday, April 30, 2008
P&G in OTR
I had the pleasure of giving a brief tour today around Main Street in OTR to some folks from P&G. Some were from here but many were from all parts of the world. They were meeting at the Excelsior Lofts building which was pretty cool and the tour began and ended there. Here is a building across from Old St. Mary's that we walked by which I think was redeveloped by Urban Sites (the same as Excelsior). It has a great sandstone facade and an oversized bracketed cornice.
Final Countdown: Architreks!
Part V: Mt. Adams
An eight part series leading up to the beginning of the 2008 season of Architreks on Saturday, May 3.
The Mt. Adams tour is held the 2nd Wednesday of the month at 11 AM and the 1st and 3rd Saturday at 11 AM. The tour is approximately 1.5 hours, 0.75 miles and leaves from 1101 St. Gregory Street. Cost is $10 per adult, $5 per child.
Highlights:
Holy Cross Immaculata Church & Monastery • Crowley’s Pub • Ida Street Bridge • Rookwood Pottery Buildings
Mt. Adams Tour Sponsors:
Crowley's Highland Cafe - Cincinnati's Oldest Irish Bar; Koka Coffee; Mt. Adam's Bar & Grill and the Blind Lemon; and The Wine Cellar.
Next - Part VI: Clifton Tour
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
The Queen’s Crown Jewels
The Gwynne Building
Lately I've been struck by the elegance and detail of the Gwynne Building. I guess I've always liked the Beaux-Arts style structure and it has a local following of admirers but looking at it recently I've decided it needed to be highlighted.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Gwynne Building at the corner of 6th & Main Streets was completed in 1914. Developed by Alice Gwynne Vanderbilt, she was the wife of Cornelius Vanderbilt II and the daughter of a prominent Cincinnati lawyer and Judge Abraham Gwynne. The building was designed by her cousin, architect Ernest Flagg. (Alice's mother Rachel was a Flagg.) A New York architect, he is most notable for designing DC's Corcoran Gallery (1897) and New York City's Singer Tower. Completed in 1908 and demolished in 1968 is was the tallest building in the world for a time. Flagg studied at the Ecole des Beaux and began his practice in 1891. Born in 1857, he died in 1947 and is considered one of the most innovative practioners of the classical revival Beaux-Arts style. That fact is evident in the wonderfully detailed Gwynne Building.
Details of the thirteen story office building include an Italian Renaissance inspired tower and recessed casement windows with metal railings and columns. Arches grace the openings above the second floor and mosaics flank upper story windows, all under an fantastic cornice line. Note too the ox heads with garlands and the alternating letters of "G" and "V" in the slight balcony railings.
Upon the building's completion, it was leased to Proctor and Gamble who eventually purchased it in 1935. The site actually was where P&G began, in a building owned by Alice's grandfather Major David Gwynne, an early Cincinnati real estate broker. The Gwynne Building served as their corporate headquarters until 1956 when they moved down and across 6th Street.
The Gwynne Building however remains in all its glory.
References:
Clubbe, John. Cincinnati Observed. Columbus, OH: Ohio State University Press (1992)
Historic photo from Library's Cincinnati Memory Project.
Chili Capital?
Today on MSN, there was a piece on the Food Capitals of America.
The article started off with Cincinnati as the Chili Capital. Here is what they said:
"Cincinnati doesn’t serve up the Tex-Mex chili most are used to, but surely has the most chili restaurants of any city in the United States. Created in the 1920s by immigrant restaurateurs, Cincinnati chili has more in common with a Mediterranean stew, its beef spiced more with cumin and cinnamon than chile peppers. You get it two-way (over spaghetti), three-way (over spaghetti with cheese), four-way (over spaghetti with cheese and beans or onions) or five-way (over spaghetti with cheese, onions, and beans). Empress Chili was the progenitor, but the Goldstar and Skyline chains are the largest, each with dozens of outlets in Cincinnati and elsewhere. Skyline met with such success that it went public in 1986 and was bought up by Fleet Equity Partners in the late 1990s. Of course, the city’s healthy appetite for its beloved creation fosters a trove of independent eateries, still serving it whatever way you like."
I'm sure some city in Texas will dispute that claim. But I'm cool with it.
Here is a photo of the Skyline in Clifton from a California blogger, Adam, who made a visit to Cincinnati. Check out his blog post at Blog Bilong Adam.
Are we the food capital of anything else? Goetta maybe? Should reclaim our authority on any food item that we maybe lost like beer or pork. I'm all for a Porkfest. Or maybe Porkpalooza.
The article started off with Cincinnati as the Chili Capital. Here is what they said:
"Cincinnati doesn’t serve up the Tex-Mex chili most are used to, but surely has the most chili restaurants of any city in the United States. Created in the 1920s by immigrant restaurateurs, Cincinnati chili has more in common with a Mediterranean stew, its beef spiced more with cumin and cinnamon than chile peppers. You get it two-way (over spaghetti), three-way (over spaghetti with cheese), four-way (over spaghetti with cheese and beans or onions) or five-way (over spaghetti with cheese, onions, and beans). Empress Chili was the progenitor, but the Goldstar and Skyline chains are the largest, each with dozens of outlets in Cincinnati and elsewhere. Skyline met with such success that it went public in 1986 and was bought up by Fleet Equity Partners in the late 1990s. Of course, the city’s healthy appetite for its beloved creation fosters a trove of independent eateries, still serving it whatever way you like."
I'm sure some city in Texas will dispute that claim. But I'm cool with it.
Here is a photo of the Skyline in Clifton from a California blogger, Adam, who made a visit to Cincinnati. Check out his blog post at Blog Bilong Adam.
Are we the food capital of anything else? Goetta maybe? Should reclaim our authority on any food item that we maybe lost like beer or pork. I'm all for a Porkfest. Or maybe Porkpalooza.
Blog Alert: I've put on a few
Ok, so I've added a few blogs and a website to the rolls to the right.
Above photo from The Banks Blog
Blogs:
The Banks Blog
cogitation (I'm not sure if it supposed to be named this or cogitatio)
Visualingual
The Banks Blog
cogitation (I'm not sure if it supposed to be named this or cogitatio)
Visualingual
Websites:
Live Green Cincinnati
Live Green Cincinnati
Check 'em out if you are not already. Though I suspect you already are.
Above photo from The Banks BlogClose your eyes . . .
. . . and picture the future of Cincinnati - The Banks!
Now:
Later:
Above image from the Cincinnati Enquirer's The Banks Page and was provided to them. Check it the link for articles, images, and a Banks Webcam. There is also a new Banks blog. Check it out here.
The Tarnished Crown
My rant on what is wrong in the Queen City
Unkept Decorative Sidewalks
Walk around Downtown and you will find a number of decorative sidewalks. Sometimes the sidewalks have pavers the entire width of the sidewalk and sometimes it is just as a border. Sometimes the concrete has a decorative finish. Whatever the case, while I do not mind having decorative sidewalks what irritates me is not properly maintaining them.
There are many decorative sidewalks downtown. In a lot of cases these were installed associated either with adjacent new construction or as part of an entire streetscape project. There are actually a variety of styles around. And as mentioned the extent of the paving varies depending on location. This also includes a very old decorative concrete finish on the sidewalk around the old Terrace Plaza. In some cases, the paving seems to be holding up pretty well. Garfield Place come to mind. But there are other locations were the sidewalks are not holding up and are in need of repair.
And here is most of my issue. They simply are not being repaired. Or if they are they are not making the repairs to match the existing which detracts nearly as much as not doing anything. Walk around and see how many times there are loose pavers or missing pavers that have been filled in with concrete or asphalt and not the original material. The issues are about maintenance and then aesthetics. Along with the safety issues associated with the lack of sidewalk maintenance, it really just makes the streetscape look unkept and neglected.
Chapter 721 of the Cincinnati Municipal Code requires that the maintenance and repair of sidewalks are generally the responsibility of the abutting property owner. I am not sure how this is enforced primarily downtown. But there are many places that could be cited.
In the end if you want or have decorative sidewalks, then take care of them as they are intended. Or to be honest I'd rather have nice, poured-in-place concrete than the pavers. At least it might be easier and more cost effective to maintain in the long run. (See the sidewalks around the 'Kroger' Garage.) Or maybe a compromise of concrete and pavers can be used like at Central Parkway. I think they look pretty good. And future maintenance should be minimized.
So while again there are bigger issues out there, this just bugs me. Carry on.
Unkept Decorative Sidewalks
Walk around Downtown and you will find a number of decorative sidewalks. Sometimes the sidewalks have pavers the entire width of the sidewalk and sometimes it is just as a border. Sometimes the concrete has a decorative finish. Whatever the case, while I do not mind having decorative sidewalks what irritates me is not properly maintaining them.
There are many decorative sidewalks downtown. In a lot of cases these were installed associated either with adjacent new construction or as part of an entire streetscape project. There are actually a variety of styles around. And as mentioned the extent of the paving varies depending on location. This also includes a very old decorative concrete finish on the sidewalk around the old Terrace Plaza. In some cases, the paving seems to be holding up pretty well. Garfield Place come to mind. But there are other locations were the sidewalks are not holding up and are in need of repair.
And here is most of my issue. They simply are not being repaired. Or if they are they are not making the repairs to match the existing which detracts nearly as much as not doing anything. Walk around and see how many times there are loose pavers or missing pavers that have been filled in with concrete or asphalt and not the original material. The issues are about maintenance and then aesthetics. Along with the safety issues associated with the lack of sidewalk maintenance, it really just makes the streetscape look unkept and neglected.
Chapter 721 of the Cincinnati Municipal Code requires that the maintenance and repair of sidewalks are generally the responsibility of the abutting property owner. I am not sure how this is enforced primarily downtown. But there are many places that could be cited.
In the end if you want or have decorative sidewalks, then take care of them as they are intended. Or to be honest I'd rather have nice, poured-in-place concrete than the pavers. At least it might be easier and more cost effective to maintain in the long run. (See the sidewalks around the 'Kroger' Garage.) Or maybe a compromise of concrete and pavers can be used like at Central Parkway. I think they look pretty good. And future maintenance should be minimized.
So while again there are bigger issues out there, this just bugs me. Carry on.
Final Countdown: Architreks!
Part IV - Findlay Market Area
Highlights:
An eight part series leading up to the beginning of the 2008 season of Architreks on Saturday, May 3.
The Findlay Market Tour is held on the 2nd & 4th Sundays at 11 AM. Tour is approximately 1 hour, 1 mile. It leaves from outside the Findlay Market House, North Side of Elder Street and costs $5 per adult, $4 per child.
Highlights:
Findlay Market • Phillipus Church • Christian Moerlein Brewery • Clyffside Brewery • Jackson Brewery
Next - Part V: Mt. Adams Tour
Monday, April 28, 2008
Rumor Central
I was told, heard, or overheard three rumors about new development in Over the Rhine. My response to each was:
- Wow, that would be fantastic.
- We could use that.
- That's interesting and would add a whole new element to the mix.
Restaurant Review: Maribelle's Tavern
2062 Riverside Drive
As I have mentioned on occassion, I have a group of friends that meet every Tuesday for happy hour. We call it DAFT - Downtown After Five on Tuesdays. Well, it has grown from like four of us just a few years ago to about thirteen people on a good week. A few weeks ago a number of us ventured out to Maribelle's Tavern in the East End after drinks and after a couple of people had been there the week before and raved. We've now been back a few times and this last time was to enjoy the patio and Burger Jackpot!
Overall, our experience has always been great. I always expect some craziness with the 10 to 13 people we have, especially when we just show up without reservations. Sometimes we wait briefly to get tables ready and someone may have had an issue getting their meal served with the others. But all-in-all, service and food was reasonable and excellent. Burger Jackpot is their special on Sundays and Tuesdays where you get any kind of burger (Beef, Turkey, or Veggie) with three sides for $6.00. You can't beat that. I too was impressed by the décor of the place.
Our rather loud group has decided that a slot machine-like pull is required when ordering the Burger Jackpot! And yeah, that's me doing the required motion.
As I have mentioned on occassion, I have a group of friends that meet every Tuesday for happy hour. We call it DAFT - Downtown After Five on Tuesdays. Well, it has grown from like four of us just a few years ago to about thirteen people on a good week. A few weeks ago a number of us ventured out to Maribelle's Tavern in the East End after drinks and after a couple of people had been there the week before and raved. We've now been back a few times and this last time was to enjoy the patio and Burger Jackpot!
Overall, our experience has always been great. I always expect some craziness with the 10 to 13 people we have, especially when we just show up without reservations. Sometimes we wait briefly to get tables ready and someone may have had an issue getting their meal served with the others. But all-in-all, service and food was reasonable and excellent. Burger Jackpot is their special on Sundays and Tuesdays where you get any kind of burger (Beef, Turkey, or Veggie) with three sides for $6.00. You can't beat that. I too was impressed by the décor of the place.Our rather loud group has decided that a slot machine-like pull is required when ordering the Burger Jackpot! And yeah, that's me doing the required motion.
The Flower Carpet's Final Day
Photo from Saturday, April 26, 2008 . . . Tear down took place at 7:00 AM on Sunday, April 27.
Final Countdown: Architreks!
Part III: Over the Rhine
An eight part series leading up to the beginning of the 2008 season of Architreks on Saturday, May 3.
Over the Rhine tours are held the 2nd & 4th Saturdays at 11 a.m. Length of each tour is approximately 2 hours, 2 miles. There are two tours available each day - East & West - and tours begin from the Coffee Emporium at the Emery Center Apartments, 110 E. Central Parkway. Cost is $10 per adult, $5 per child. The Over the Rhine West Tour is new for 2008!
Next - Part IV: Findlay Market Area Tour
An eight part series leading up to the beginning of the 2008 season of Architreks on Saturday, May 3.
Over the Rhine tours are held the 2nd & 4th Saturdays at 11 a.m. Length of each tour is approximately 2 hours, 2 miles. There are two tours available each day - East & West - and tours begin from the Coffee Emporium at the Emery Center Apartments, 110 E. Central Parkway. Cost is $10 per adult, $5 per child. The Over the Rhine West Tour is new for 2008!
Highlights: East Tour
Verdin Complex-Pendleton House • St. Paul’s Church • Facades of Main • Old St.Mary’s Church • Germania Building
Verdin Complex-Pendleton House • St. Paul’s Church • Facades of Main • Old St.Mary’s Church • Germania Building
Highlights: West Tour
The Art Academy • The People's Theater • Weilert's Beer Garden • Music Hall • Barlow Motors Building
The Art Academy • The People's Theater • Weilert's Beer Garden • Music Hall • Barlow Motors Building
Over-the-Rhine Tour Sponsors:
designsmithgallery; Enzo's OTR; Gateway Quarter; Lavomatic Cafe; Merchants on Main Street (MoMS); Park + Vine; Urban Eden; US Bank; and Venice on Vine Pizza & Catering.
Next - Part IV: Findlay Market Area Tour
Final Countdown: Architreks!
Part II: Downtown
An eight part series leading up to the beginning of the 2008 season of Architreks on Saturday, May 3.
Downtown tours are held the 1st Tuesday at 11 a.m. and the 1st & 3rd Weekends (Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m.). Length of tour is approximately 2 hours, 2 miles. There are two tour available each day - North & South - and tours begin at the Contemporary Art Center, 44 East Sixth Street. Cost is $10 per adult, $5 per child.
Highlights: South Tour
Carew Tower • Lombardy Building • Gidding-Jenny Storefront • Ingalls Building • Dixie Terminal • Queen City & University Clubs • Guilford School • Lytle Park & Taft Museum
Highlights: North Tour
City Hall • Plum Street Temple • St.Peter in Chains Cathedral • 800 Broadway • Hamilton Co. Courthouse • Piatt Park Complex • Enquirer Building
Downtown Tour Sponsors:
Blue Wisp; Bromwell's; BW Talgood Realty, Cincinnati Arts Association (Aronoff Center/Music Hall); The Cincinnatian Hotel; The Citadel; dunnhumbyUSA; Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza; LPK Building Leadership Brands; The Phoenix; Pigall's/Twist and JeanRo Bistro; and URS Corporation Architects, Engineers, and Planners.
Next - Part III: Over the Rhine Tours
An eight part series leading up to the beginning of the 2008 season of Architreks on Saturday, May 3.
Downtown tours are held the 1st Tuesday at 11 a.m. and the 1st & 3rd Weekends (Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m.). Length of tour is approximately 2 hours, 2 miles. There are two tour available each day - North & South - and tours begin at the Contemporary Art Center, 44 East Sixth Street. Cost is $10 per adult, $5 per child.
Highlights: South Tour
Carew Tower • Lombardy Building • Gidding-Jenny Storefront • Ingalls Building • Dixie Terminal • Queen City & University Clubs • Guilford School • Lytle Park & Taft Museum
Highlights: North Tour
City Hall • Plum Street Temple • St.Peter in Chains Cathedral • 800 Broadway • Hamilton Co. Courthouse • Piatt Park Complex • Enquirer Building
Downtown Tour Sponsors:
Blue Wisp; Bromwell's; BW Talgood Realty, Cincinnati Arts Association (Aronoff Center/Music Hall); The Cincinnatian Hotel; The Citadel; dunnhumbyUSA; Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza; LPK Building Leadership Brands; The Phoenix; Pigall's/Twist and JeanRo Bistro; and URS Corporation Architects, Engineers, and Planners.
Next - Part III: Over the Rhine Tours
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Final Countdown: Architreks!
Part I: Overview
An eight part series leading up to the beginning of the 2008 season of Architreks on Saturday May 3.
As I mentioned on Thursday, today was my radio ‘appearance’ to promote the upcoming season of Architreks, the architectural walking tours of Cincinnati. A program of the Cincinnati Preservation Association, it runs May through October. For the next seven days we will count down to the beginning of the season that starts on Saturday, May 3. This is the 7th season of tours and this year is the first year for the Over the Rhine West Tour. 2009 will include a Cumminsville/Northside tour so there are two weekends of tours there this year in preparation.
Below is a quick overview of all the tours that will be offered in 2008. Details on each tour will follow in the subsequent posts.
Downtown North & South Tours
Held the 1st Tuesday at 11 AM and the 1st & 3rd Weekends (Saturday and Sunday at 2 PM)
Over the Rhine East & West Tours
Held the 2nd & 4th Saturdays at 11 AM
Findlay Market Area Tour
Held the 2nd & 4th Sundays at 11 AM
Mt. Adams Tour
Held the 2nd Wednesday of the month at 11 AM and the 1st and 3rd Saturday at 11 AM
Clifton Tour
Held the 3rd Thursday at 11 AM and the 2nd and 4th Saturday at 2 PM
Northside/Cumminsville Tour
Held on May 31, June 1, August 30 and August 31. Times to follow.
Tomorrow - Part II: Downtown Tours
An eight part series leading up to the beginning of the 2008 season of Architreks on Saturday May 3.
As I mentioned on Thursday, today was my radio ‘appearance’ to promote the upcoming season of Architreks, the architectural walking tours of Cincinnati. A program of the Cincinnati Preservation Association, it runs May through October. For the next seven days we will count down to the beginning of the season that starts on Saturday, May 3. This is the 7th season of tours and this year is the first year for the Over the Rhine West Tour. 2009 will include a Cumminsville/Northside tour so there are two weekends of tours there this year in preparation.
Below is a quick overview of all the tours that will be offered in 2008. Details on each tour will follow in the subsequent posts.
Downtown North & South Tours
Held the 1st Tuesday at 11 AM and the 1st & 3rd Weekends (Saturday and Sunday at 2 PM)
Over the Rhine East & West Tours
Held the 2nd & 4th Saturdays at 11 AM
Findlay Market Area Tour
Held the 2nd & 4th Sundays at 11 AM
Mt. Adams Tour
Held the 2nd Wednesday of the month at 11 AM and the 1st and 3rd Saturday at 11 AM
Clifton Tour
Held the 3rd Thursday at 11 AM and the 2nd and 4th Saturday at 2 PM
Northside/Cumminsville Tour
Held on May 31, June 1, August 30 and August 31. Times to follow.
Tomorrow - Part II: Downtown Tours
GoOTR 5k
OTR Chamber has information on the upcoming GoOTR 5k:
Date: Saturday, May 31, 2008
Park + Vine had a small blurb about it on their email.
Date: Saturday, May 31, 2008
Time: 10:00AM Place: 12th and Vine, Over-the-Rhine.
Info: After a successful 2007, the GoOTR5k returns for 2008 with food, beer and fun. If you haven’t already, please consider coming down to get some exercise and see all the exciting development going on in OTR while supporting the Chamber. The race starts and finishes with a party in the one-year-old Gateway Quarter, the City’s hottest new arts entertainment and living district. Race registration is a paltry $10, which includes a fashionably designed t-shirt. Register online using link provided and select OTR 5k Run/Walk. For more information, please contact the Chamber at 513-241-2690 or by email: otrchamber@zoomtown.com
Park + Vine had a small blurb about it on their email.
I have already registered and this will be my second 5k. I’d like to improve my time . . . but I may get sidetracked by the passing architecture.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Weekend Warm-Up: April 25 – 27
My recommendations for something to do this weekend
I finally have a weekend where I do not have a bunch of events that I have to attend or any scheduled activities planned. (I do have one thing which I will mention at the end.) So I am going to try and get out and just enjoy the city. I might get out and take a bike ride if the rain holds out and/or get some blog photography completed. Oh, and it is Final Friday here in Over the Rhine. (Sara Pearce has a nice blog piece today about getting some comprehensive plan together for Final Friday as it seemingly has expanded beyond Main Street and The Pendleton Art Center.)
Other items still on the to-do list:
Theatre –
- Bare: the Musical continues through next weekend at the Know Theatre.
- Bug closes this Sunday, April 27, at the New Stage Collective.
Nature –
- The Cincinnati Flower show concludes this Sunday as well at Coney Island. Open 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM (6:00 PM on Sunday).
- Krohn Conservatory’s annual Butterfly Show continues through June 15. Open daily 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM, there is a $6.00 Adult admission charge.
Food –
I have yet to go to Nada, Greenup Café, or Lavomatic. I need to check at least one of those off my list. Sunday brunch anyone?
So, in closing I will mention one activity I am doing on Saturday. To promote the opening of the 2008 season of Architreks, the architectural walking tours that run May through October, the Director of Architreks and I will be interviewed on WAIF, 88.3 FM, at 3:20 as part of the ‘Alternating Currents’ radio show. It has been a while since I’ve been on radio so it should be interesting.
I finally have a weekend where I do not have a bunch of events that I have to attend or any scheduled activities planned. (I do have one thing which I will mention at the end.) So I am going to try and get out and just enjoy the city. I might get out and take a bike ride if the rain holds out and/or get some blog photography completed. Oh, and it is Final Friday here in Over the Rhine. (Sara Pearce has a nice blog piece today about getting some comprehensive plan together for Final Friday as it seemingly has expanded beyond Main Street and The Pendleton Art Center.)
Other items still on the to-do list:
Theatre –
- Bare: the Musical continues through next weekend at the Know Theatre.
- Bug closes this Sunday, April 27, at the New Stage Collective.
Nature –
- The Cincinnati Flower show concludes this Sunday as well at Coney Island. Open 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM (6:00 PM on Sunday).
- Krohn Conservatory’s annual Butterfly Show continues through June 15. Open daily 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM, there is a $6.00 Adult admission charge.
Food –
I have yet to go to Nada, Greenup Café, or Lavomatic. I need to check at least one of those off my list. Sunday brunch anyone?
So, in closing I will mention one activity I am doing on Saturday. To promote the opening of the 2008 season of Architreks, the architectural walking tours that run May through October, the Director of Architreks and I will be interviewed on WAIF, 88.3 FM, at 3:20 as part of the ‘Alternating Currents’ radio show. It has been a while since I’ve been on radio so it should be interesting.
Fountain Square Fun
Today . . . and beyond
Here are a couple of shots of, and above, a packed Fountain Square at lunch today.
Here are a couple of shots of, and above, a packed Fountain Square at lunch today.
In addition there are a few Fountain Square items of note to pass along:
Flower Carpet ends on Sunday with Giveaway
"The Cincinnati Park Board and Fountain Square Management Group will give away the potted pansies that have been used to create this year's Flower Carpet. Anyone wishing to take pansies home may line up on the Square prior to the giveaway, which will begin at 7:00 AM and run till 10:00 AM or until the plants are gone. Each person will be given a crate that holds six pots. Anyone who wants to take more than six pots may do so by getting back in line and picking up another crate."
(Photo above and below from the other day.)
Red’s Tickets on the Square
In the Elevator Lobby on the Square, one can now buy Red’s tickets. A kiosk was installed prior to Opening Day and you can buy game tickets with credit card or pick up any pre-purchased tickets. Pretty Cool.
For more on Fountain Square news, check out their website.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Gay Ohio History Initiative?
I was reading a regional newspaper and I saw an notice for GOHI, the Gay Ohio History Initiative. Having never heard of it, I looked them up.
"In January 2006, Outlook Weekly and The Gay Ohio History Initiative [GOHI] formed a partnership with the Ohio Historical Society [OHS] to preserve, archive and curate Ohio's LGBT history and culture. This is a ground-breaking partnership between Ohio's preeminent history preservation organization and LGBT Ohioans."
The article indicated that they were looking for photographs, documents and artifacts related to Ohio GLBT Pride events and other aspects of GLBT life. Collections items may include diaries, family photographs, or moving images.
I thought the project sounded interesting and rather curious that a State agency like the Ohio Historical Society would be involved but fantastic that they are. Click here for more information and how to donate.
Cincinnati's Gay Pride events will be here shortly - June 14 & 15. Check out this video from daninohio (not me) on YouTube:
"In January 2006, Outlook Weekly and The Gay Ohio History Initiative [GOHI] formed a partnership with the Ohio Historical Society [OHS] to preserve, archive and curate Ohio's LGBT history and culture. This is a ground-breaking partnership between Ohio's preeminent history preservation organization and LGBT Ohioans."
The article indicated that they were looking for photographs, documents and artifacts related to Ohio GLBT Pride events and other aspects of GLBT life. Collections items may include diaries, family photographs, or moving images.
I thought the project sounded interesting and rather curious that a State agency like the Ohio Historical Society would be involved but fantastic that they are. Click here for more information and how to donate.
Cincinnati's Gay Pride events will be here shortly - June 14 & 15. Check out this video from daninohio (not me) on YouTube:
Monday, April 21, 2008
Program Alert!
NAMIwalks
There are a number of organizations out there that could always use our help. And I usually mention various arts and architecture organizations. But I wanted to make special mention of NAMI of Hamilton County and let you know about their upcoming fundraiser, NAMIwalks.
NAMI is the National Alliance on Mental Illness. On May 10, 2008, NAMI of Hamilton County will have their 5th Annual NAMIwalks. This is their big fundraiser of the year. The 2 or 3 mile walk begins at Sawyer Point at 9:00 AM with registration beginning at 8:00 AM. Contact NAMI for more information. Even if you do not walk and participate in the event, consider making a donation to a walker or making a general donation on the NAMIwalks website.
People may not like to talk about mental illness but it is sure nice to have someone to talk to about it when you need to.
There are a number of organizations out there that could always use our help. And I usually mention various arts and architecture organizations. But I wanted to make special mention of NAMI of Hamilton County and let you know about their upcoming fundraiser, NAMIwalks.
NAMI is the National Alliance on Mental Illness. On May 10, 2008, NAMI of Hamilton County will have their 5th Annual NAMIwalks. This is their big fundraiser of the year. The 2 or 3 mile walk begins at Sawyer Point at 9:00 AM with registration beginning at 8:00 AM. Contact NAMI for more information. Even if you do not walk and participate in the event, consider making a donation to a walker or making a general donation on the NAMIwalks website.
People may not like to talk about mental illness but it is sure nice to have someone to talk to about it when you need to.
The grass is finally greener . . .
. . . in the middle of Central Parkway.
Sod installation complete. Local dogs rejoice!
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Program Alert!
Society of Architectural Historians Annual Meeting
Cincinnati April 23 – 27
Cincinnati hosts the 61st Annual Meeting of the Society of Architectural Historians (SAH). I am actually kind of excited about that. If you haven’t noticed, I think Cincinnati has a lot of great architecture. So of course I think our city is a fitting location for an international group of Architectural Historians.
Welcome the Queen City!
The event kicks off on April 23 with a half-day Historic Preservation Colloquium on Over the Rhine and Greenhills subtitled “The Contrast and Challenges of Preserving Two Distinctive but Disparate Communities in the Cincinnati Area”. I get the pleasure of giving a short bus tour of Over the Rhine as part of the program. Then the Annual Meeting begins in force on April 24th and continues until the 27th with a number of presentations and local tours.
I find it rather curious that this hasn’t received much notice in the local press. Grant it there will not be huge numbers of people here, but it is certainly a great way to showcase our city to a very interesting and interested group of people. The Enquirer did have one article about the Greenhills portion of teh program last week.
Anyway, if you see a bunch of people walking around looking at buildings say 'hi' and let's make them feel welcome.
Cincinnati April 23 – 27
Cincinnati hosts the 61st Annual Meeting of the Society of Architectural Historians (SAH). I am actually kind of excited about that. If you haven’t noticed, I think Cincinnati has a lot of great architecture. So of course I think our city is a fitting location for an international group of Architectural Historians.
Welcome the Queen City!
The event kicks off on April 23 with a half-day Historic Preservation Colloquium on Over the Rhine and Greenhills subtitled “The Contrast and Challenges of Preserving Two Distinctive but Disparate Communities in the Cincinnati Area”. I get the pleasure of giving a short bus tour of Over the Rhine as part of the program. Then the Annual Meeting begins in force on April 24th and continues until the 27th with a number of presentations and local tours.
I find it rather curious that this hasn’t received much notice in the local press. Grant it there will not be huge numbers of people here, but it is certainly a great way to showcase our city to a very interesting and interested group of people. The Enquirer did have one article about the Greenhills portion of teh program last week.
Anyway, if you see a bunch of people walking around looking at buildings say 'hi' and let's make them feel welcome.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Weekend Warm-Up: April 18 – 20
My recommendations for something to do this weekend
Looks like the big event this weekend is Cincinnati’s Earth Day Celebration on Saturday, April 19th at Sawyer Point.
Festivities begin at noon and end at 7:00 PM. The list of events and activities is quite extensive so check out the website for details. The main stage will include a number of presentations including bands like the Seedy Seeds at 12:30, the Rumpke Mountain Boys at 4:15 PM and Jake Speed & the Freddies at 5:30 along with the recycled costume contest at 3:00 PM and the Environmental Awards at 3:45 PM. Other activities in the park include interactive activities including a rock climbing wall and petting zoo, information booths, and crafts.
So while that sounds nice and all, April 19th is also the Ace of Cakes’ visit to the Newport Aquarium! Yes, Food Network’s Duff Goldman and owner of Charm City Cakes will make an appearance to celebrate Sweet Pea’s birthday. (Sweet Pea is a Shark Ray.) He is bringing a 4’ long cake which will be cut at 1:00 PM AND he will swim in one of the tanks prior. The event will be taped for the show Ace of Cakes. Oh, how I’d love to meet Duff, Geoff, Mary Alice and the gang! They just seem cool.
Looks like the big event this weekend is Cincinnati’s Earth Day Celebration on Saturday, April 19th at Sawyer Point.
Festivities begin at noon and end at 7:00 PM. The list of events and activities is quite extensive so check out the website for details. The main stage will include a number of presentations including bands like the Seedy Seeds at 12:30, the Rumpke Mountain Boys at 4:15 PM and Jake Speed & the Freddies at 5:30 along with the recycled costume contest at 3:00 PM and the Environmental Awards at 3:45 PM. Other activities in the park include interactive activities including a rock climbing wall and petting zoo, information booths, and crafts.
So while that sounds nice and all, April 19th is also the Ace of Cakes’ visit to the Newport Aquarium! Yes, Food Network’s Duff Goldman and owner of Charm City Cakes will make an appearance to celebrate Sweet Pea’s birthday. (Sweet Pea is a Shark Ray.) He is bringing a 4’ long cake which will be cut at 1:00 PM AND he will swim in one of the tanks prior. The event will be taped for the show Ace of Cakes. Oh, how I’d love to meet Duff, Geoff, Mary Alice and the gang! They just seem cool.
Blog Alert: Queen City Survey
Sorry for the lack of posts recently. A crazy weekend extended to Tax Day and then included some recovery time. Here is a run down of what has been going on:
Prohibition Resistance Tour
I was one of the guides on both Saturday and Sunday. However, since I was one of the guides I didn’t take any photos. But I noticed a few folks and bloggers have posted their photos and thoughts of the tour online. Somewhere Over the Rhine has a great post and summary here. Downtown_Jerome posted his photos on Urban Ohio and has all of his Brewery District photos on his flickr account. Below is a great one of the Klotter & Sons or Bellevue Brewery. (The center section was constructed in 1867.) Urban Cincy has a summary of the Clyffside Brewery Open House (which was technically the day before the tours) on his blog and there are additional photos also posted on Urban Ohio.
Party!
The Bockfest Blizzard of 2008 created a personal scheduling conflict. A pre-planned party now coincided with the rescheduled Prohibition Resistance Tours. I couldn’t cancel my party so I hosted a potluck on Saturday evening for about 30 people. It made for a crazy weekend as Friday was spent preparing and any time on Saturday when I wasn’t giving tours was working on setting up. In the end it was all worth it as many said they had a great time. But I was exhausted for days.
Tax Day
Every year I say I am going to do mine early and every year I don’t. They got mailed on the 15th.
Rutherford B. Hayes: Warrior & President
The Curator of Manuscripts at the Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Center suggested the book Rutherford B. Hayes: Warrior & President by Ari Hoogenboom as a comprehensive autobiography that had a good portion devoted to Hayes’s early life. I started reading it this week. It is fairly lengthy but it is proving to be an easy read.
Prohibition Resistance Tour
I was one of the guides on both Saturday and Sunday. However, since I was one of the guides I didn’t take any photos. But I noticed a few folks and bloggers have posted their photos and thoughts of the tour online. Somewhere Over the Rhine has a great post and summary here. Downtown_Jerome posted his photos on Urban Ohio and has all of his Brewery District photos on his flickr account. Below is a great one of the Klotter & Sons or Bellevue Brewery. (The center section was constructed in 1867.) Urban Cincy has a summary of the Clyffside Brewery Open House (which was technically the day before the tours) on his blog and there are additional photos also posted on Urban Ohio.
Party!
The Bockfest Blizzard of 2008 created a personal scheduling conflict. A pre-planned party now coincided with the rescheduled Prohibition Resistance Tours. I couldn’t cancel my party so I hosted a potluck on Saturday evening for about 30 people. It made for a crazy weekend as Friday was spent preparing and any time on Saturday when I wasn’t giving tours was working on setting up. In the end it was all worth it as many said they had a great time. But I was exhausted for days.
Tax Day
Every year I say I am going to do mine early and every year I don’t. They got mailed on the 15th.
Rutherford B. Hayes: Warrior & President
The Curator of Manuscripts at the Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Center suggested the book Rutherford B. Hayes: Warrior & President by Ari Hoogenboom as a comprehensive autobiography that had a good portion devoted to Hayes’s early life. I started reading it this week. It is fairly lengthy but it is proving to be an easy read.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Weekend Warm-Up: April 11 – 13
My recommendations for something to do this weekend
This weekend is all about the rescheduled Bockfest events.
First and foremost (at least to me), that includes the Prohibition Resistance Tour. Tickets are still available for some times on Sunday. Somewhere Over the Rhine has a great summary of all the events so I am just going to send you over there for a run down and summary. I will be one of a few bus guides on both Saturday and Sunday so say 'hi' if you see me . . . and you happen to know what I look like.
If you are looking for an evening activity, the Know Theatre's production of bare: The Musical continues this weekend. It opened last weekend and got a good review in the Enquirer. Check their website for show times. It runs through May 4, 2008.
I might suggest an 'Evening in the Rhine' by combining some Bockfest festivities with a show at the Know (or Bug at New Stage Collective) and then grabbing a drink at Grammer's or Lavomatic.
This weekend is all about the rescheduled Bockfest events.
First and foremost (at least to me), that includes the Prohibition Resistance Tour. Tickets are still available for some times on Sunday. Somewhere Over the Rhine has a great summary of all the events so I am just going to send you over there for a run down and summary. I will be one of a few bus guides on both Saturday and Sunday so say 'hi' if you see me . . . and you happen to know what I look like.
If you are looking for an evening activity, the Know Theatre's production of bare: The Musical continues this weekend. It opened last weekend and got a good review in the Enquirer. Check their website for show times. It runs through May 4, 2008.
I might suggest an 'Evening in the Rhine' by combining some Bockfest festivities with a show at the Know (or Bug at New Stage Collective) and then grabbing a drink at Grammer's or Lavomatic.
118 West Sixth Street
I was walking to the gym from Fountain Square and I noticed that the metal facade at 118 West Sixth Street has been removed from the front of this building. Not sure what is really going on in terms of development but it already looks so much better in my opinion. The Auditor's site indicates the building was sold in fall of 2007 but the Auditor's website also indicates the building was built in 1900 and I certainly think it is older.
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Cincinnati CANstruction
I stopped at the Aronoff on Sunday to take a few pictures of the last day of Cincinnati's CANstruction exhibit. Some of them I thought were pretty good. Here is a nice article on Soapbox if you want to read more about it.
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Cincinnati March(itecture) Madness
Music Hall Wins In Overtime!
2. And today, April 8, 2008, is actually the 130th anniversary of Music Hall’s dedication. (The first performances however would not take place for another month (May 14, 1878) as part of May Festival.)
How could I not select it?
Overall, it was an interesting battle with two very different design styles on display. Any selection was probably just a matter of personal taste and opinion more than which one was really "better". They are both fantastic and deserving of the title.
Both are large buildings, but their design and detailing are direct reflections of the popular aesthetics of the time when each was built. The Art Deco/Art Moderne Union Terminal spoke more to the future than the past. Its detail is stripped down and away and the beauty lies much in the form itself. (Interiors though are fantastic.) Its scale is that of the 20th Century and a nation now on the go. Music Hall on the other hand personifies the High Victorian Gothic aesthetic. A richly embellished façade with various materials and arched window openings create a picturesque building with a more intimate and personal scale than its size would suggest. It was designed for the walking city of the 19th Century and for a use that is nearly unique. Other cities have grand train stations (some are even Art Deco) but no one else has a Music Hall!
To see how we got here, check out the entire 2008 Cincinnati March(itecture) Madness Tournament Bracket.
Thank you all so much for playing along. Maybe we'll do it again next year. Maybe.
The readers of Queen City Survey produced a tie between Union Terminal and Music Hall forcing Queen City Survey to cast the deciding vote for the best building in Cincinnati for 2008 in the inaugural Cincinnati March(itecture) Madness.
I went back and forth, weighing the positives and negatives of both buildings. But in the end, two reasons pushed Music Hall to victory:
1. Comments from cogitation, Kevin, and Nate (I think) stressing the building’s uniqueness and location.2. And today, April 8, 2008, is actually the 130th anniversary of Music Hall’s dedication. (The first performances however would not take place for another month (May 14, 1878) as part of May Festival.)
How could I not select it?
Overall, it was an interesting battle with two very different design styles on display. Any selection was probably just a matter of personal taste and opinion more than which one was really "better". They are both fantastic and deserving of the title.
Both are large buildings, but their design and detailing are direct reflections of the popular aesthetics of the time when each was built. The Art Deco/Art Moderne Union Terminal spoke more to the future than the past. Its detail is stripped down and away and the beauty lies much in the form itself. (Interiors though are fantastic.) Its scale is that of the 20th Century and a nation now on the go. Music Hall on the other hand personifies the High Victorian Gothic aesthetic. A richly embellished façade with various materials and arched window openings create a picturesque building with a more intimate and personal scale than its size would suggest. It was designed for the walking city of the 19th Century and for a use that is nearly unique. Other cities have grand train stations (some are even Art Deco) but no one else has a Music Hall!
To see how we got here, check out the entire 2008 Cincinnati March(itecture) Madness Tournament Bracket.
Thank you all so much for playing along. Maybe we'll do it again next year. Maybe.
Monday, April 7, 2008
Cincinnati March(itecture) Madness
Overtime!
Are you kidding me?! The readers of Queen City Survey have produced a tie between Union Terminal and Music Hall for the best building in Cincinnati in the inaugural Cincinnati March(itecture) Madness Tournament.
Voting at the end of regulation stood at 11 to 11. Union Terminal 'built' an early lead over the weekend but Music Hall closed the gap within the final hours. Interestingly, it got its final vote with about 15 minutes to spare.
So with that we are in overtime baby! Which means that as stated on March 2 for our 'Play In Game', in the event of a tie, I will cast the deciding vote and select the winner.
I am, however, not going to reveal the winner now. I am going to allow the voters one more opportunity to let their voice be heard. By responding to this post in the comments, tell me what building got your vote and why. Let me hear your rationale and persuade me to vote for your favorite. I have a good idea who I think should win (or who I want to win) but YOU put me in this situation so I thought I'd prolong the suspense!
Winner will be announced tomorrow evening at 9:00 PM!
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To view the entire 2008 Cincinnati March(itecture) Madness Tournament Bracket, click here.
Are you kidding me?! The readers of Queen City Survey have produced a tie between Union Terminal and Music Hall for the best building in Cincinnati in the inaugural Cincinnati March(itecture) Madness Tournament.
Voting at the end of regulation stood at 11 to 11. Union Terminal 'built' an early lead over the weekend but Music Hall closed the gap within the final hours. Interestingly, it got its final vote with about 15 minutes to spare.
So with that we are in overtime baby! Which means that as stated on March 2 for our 'Play In Game', in the event of a tie, I will cast the deciding vote and select the winner.
I am, however, not going to reveal the winner now. I am going to allow the voters one more opportunity to let their voice be heard. By responding to this post in the comments, tell me what building got your vote and why. Let me hear your rationale and persuade me to vote for your favorite. I have a good idea who I think should win (or who I want to win) but YOU put me in this situation so I thought I'd prolong the suspense!
Winner will be announced tomorrow evening at 9:00 PM!
To view the entire 2008 Cincinnati March(itecture) Madness Tournament Bracket, click here.
Sunday, April 6, 2008
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