Nordstrom, Fountain Square?

I saw this billboard and I had to laugh a little. They are using Fountain Square in the advertisement. However it clearly says, "Now Open at Kenwood Towne Centre". And had Nordstrom's really wanted their customers to walk to their store from Fountain Square, they had the opportunity at 5th & Race!

Movin' Right Along

Work is progressing at Trinty Flats at Vine Street and Mercer in the Gateway Quarter.

What's Your Sign?

A sweet sign on Walnut Street.

Development II

And what most have known for a week or so, Hamburger Mary's is coming back.

Development I

There is some type of construction going on here at the space to the east of Probasco Market, er that alley next to Rock Bottom.

New Paint Job at the Playboy Building*

Southwest corner of 7th and Walnut Streets

* The Playboy Building is not the building's official name. But but I've dubbed it that after its most famous former tenant . . . and it just sounds sexy. The jury is out on if I like the new colors or not.

The Banks: 2008 vs. 2009

The Banks last year, April 2008.

The Banks this year, April 2009.

Infill! Infill! Infill!

I saw this 'Site For Sale' sign on a parking lot on Walnut Street. Right on the streetcar line, I think it is ripe for a nice, new apartment complex or something.

Per my plan, Court Street could easily be the new Piatt Park.

New Restaurant on 7th

Gilpin's Bagel & Deli

Not sure when it opens but I hear the concept is based on Bagel & Deli in Oxford, Ohio.

Phoenix Rising?

There was some demolition activity in the old Phoenix Cafe. Anyone have the scoop?

Cheapside Demolition

I noticed some demolition taking place on between East and West Cheapside Streets the other day. Kevin at Building Cincinnati did some research and found out they are just creating a surface parking lot for the Blue Wisp and the Justice Center.

Bootsy's

Bootsy's restaurant is taking shape baby!

Blogger Tour of Living

On Saturday, before Oktoberfest, I attended the Blogger Tour of Living. It was organized by Randy at UrbanCincy and then led by a number of folks from the Gateway Quarter, including representatives from both the development and sales teams.

We saw a number of places in various states of construction.

Some were done or trying to get as much done before the Downtown Tour of Living this weekend.
Trideca Lofts at SEC 13th and Vine Streets
Good Fellows Hall Lofts on Main Street
Some were brand-spanking new construction and not to far from getting out of the ground.
14th & Vine at Trinity Flats at SWC 14th and Vine Streets (No photo)
City Home on Pleasant Street north of 14th Street
Some were renovation projects that had started but still in the framing and rough-in stage.
The old Ball Furniture Co. at 1417-1421 Main Street
And some renovations were just underway and we really just looked at them from the street.
Trinity Flats at NEC 14th and Vine Streets
Mottainai just south of 13th and Republic Streets
(I’m not really liking the name but the description of the units sounded cool and affordable.)
Lackman Building at SWC 13th and Vine
There really feels like true momentum. For example Trideca had already pre-sold like six out of nine units. And the momentum is clearly moving north, west, and east from the initial epicenter of 12th & Vine.

Here are some random shots . . .

Check out other blogger photos at UrbanCincy, 5chw4r7z, and seicer at Urban Ohio

Let Them Eat . . . Lunch!

It's Just Crepes: 39 E. Court Street

I headed over to It's Just Crepes for an early lunch today to check it out for the first time. Confession - I've never had a crepe before. Savory, Sweet or otherwise. So I wasn't sure what to expect. In short, it was fantastic.

They have two types of crepes - savory and sweet. So for lunch I tried the Cordon Bleu which had chicken, ham, Swiss cheese and honey mustard inside a folded crepe that you eat sort of like a sandwich or sort of like a burrito. At $6.19 it was the most expensive crepe on the menu but it just sounded good.


Oh, and it was good. Quickly prepared to order, I made quick work of eating it. And it was by no means small. You can get chips to go with your crepe but I decided I didn't need them. With drink and tax my meal was $8.29.


A few additional thoughts . . .
- I really liked the honey mustard on the Cordon Bleu crepe. It added a nice flavor component. Next time I get that, I'm getting extra mustard.
- Interiors were bright, breezy, and clean.
- My only recommendation: I'd like them to carry a Diet Snapple, either Raspberry or Lemon, in addition to the regular.

I might come back tomorrow with friends and if I do I think I'm going to try the Buffalo (Chicken, Bleu Cheese, and Buffalo sauce).

It's Just Crepes
Hours (as of 9/15/08):
Monday - Friday: 7:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Flo's Plate Full of Soul, Court Street

Was going to go to Flo's Plate Full of Soul on Court Street for lunch today but they have no indoor (or outdoor for that matter) seating.

Demolition!

A plus of going to the Red's game is to see the progress on the demolition for Queen City Square.

Coming Soon on Court Street

There is a sign up now in the old Javier's spot . . . It's Just Crepes.

Chipotle . . . Within Reach

Some of the biggest news last week? Chipotle has confirmed they are building out a restaurant on Fountain Square.