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Cincinnati-based Model Group says that construction will start this October on a $4.7 million senior living project in Avondale.  Forest Square Senior Apartments will continue the ongoing success happening along the Burnet Avenue corridor says Model Group vice president of development Robert Maly.

"We've partnered with theUptown Consortium and worked with the Burnet Avenue Revitalization Team (BART) on the Burnet Avenue corridor revitalization; this is the next phase," explains Maly.

Once complete, Forest Square Senior Apartments will have 21 two bedroom senior units that will rent for $500 to $600 a month.  The development will feature on-site parking for residents, a community room, outdoor space, hardwood flooring, storage units, ADA accessibility, high efficiency appliances and elevator access.  A market study showed a need for this kind of a project with unmet demand in the nearby area.

Model Group is working with Over-the-Rhine-based City Studios Architecture to build a LEED-certified project.  Maly says that this will be Model Group's first LEED project and they are working on achieving LEED Silver status.

Forest Square's construction is expected to take approximately 12 months with a late 2010 completion date.  Model Group also estimates that during the construction process 54 full-time job equivalents will be created.

The City of Cincinnati helped with the financing of the project with $2.8 million in private equity and an additional loan.  Maly says that some stimulus money also helped make the finances work on the project.

Model Group states that creating affordable senior housing units is a "key component" of their growth strategy.  In 2007 Model Group completed a 26-unit project in Covington, and earlier this year Model Group completed an 85-unit project in downtown Springfield.

To learn more about leasing opportunities in Avondale's new senior living development contact the Model Group.

Writer: Randy A. Simes
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Stay connected and follow Randy on Twitter @SoapboxRandy

2009 marks the first year that Green Roofs for Healthy Cities (GRHC) offered accreditation in green roof design and implementation.  The comprehensive exam process drew 130 professionals from around the world.  109 passed the "rigorous" exam, including Mt. Healthy resident and associate professor of architecture at the University of Cincinnati, Virginia Russell.

The accreditation process is seen as an important step for a rapidly growing industry.  "If those working in the green roof industry don't know what they're doing, it's bad for the industry, bad for the profession and bad for environmental progress," says Russell who also notes that green roofs have been a passion of hers for years.

In addition to the initial exam process, Green Roof Professionals must participate in continuing education requirements so that they stay up-to-date on any changes happening in the field.  Following her successful completion, Russell has become one of the first Green Roof Professionals (GRP) in North America and part of the first class of GRP in the world.

Green roofs provide numerous benefits to urban environments including, but not limited to, energy conservation, reduced heat island effect and improved stormwater management.  Recently Russell lead a group of UC students in a project that installed a green roof on the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden's giraffe house.

One evolution occurring in the green building design is green walls which provide similar benefits as green roofs.  This approach is currently being implemented throughout Europe and in Canada, and Russell is working to bring it to the United States.

Green roof construction has maintained solid growth even during a relatively slow construction period.  This growth and UC's focus on green roof education is helping position UC students well for growing industry says Russell.

Russell has been teaching green roof classes for the past four years and will be continuing her leadership role in the green roof industry right here in Cincinnati where the impact of her work is already being seen.

Writer: Randy A. Simes
Photography by Scott Beseler
Stay connected and follow Randy on Twitter @SoapboxRandy

Located in the heart of Bellevue's historic business district at 411 Fairfield Avenue (GoogleMap), Twisted Sisters Cafe specializes in gourmet pretzel sandwiches and desserts.

The self-described pretzel shop also offers a variety of lunch time offerings including soups and sandwiches that can be paired or matched with your pretzel creation of choice.

Twisted Sisters Cafe is open from 11am to 4pm Tuesday through Saturday, and offers party trays and boxed lunches for those looking to take the pretzel bliss back to the office or home.

Single pretzels cost between $2 and $3 - additional toppings cost more.  Items like bacon cheddar cheese dip, cream cheese, and glaze  are all available for anyone looking to ramp their pretzel experience up a notch or two.  For those looking to buy in bulk, you can purchase an 8-pack of pretzels, or a pack of 50 'Knots' or 'Bites.'

Gourmet pretzel sandwiches cost $7 and include ham, turkey, roast beef or chicken salad with a host of additional veggies, cheeses and condiments to choose from for toppings.

The cafe also offers a variety of rotating specials.  Right now those consist of a Reuben Pretzel Sandwich, Pizza Pretzel, Spicy Italian and a Knotty Dog.

Guests are encouraged to take some time out and dine in at their Fairfield Avenue shop. Stop by on Thursdays for a $1 off special on any pretzel sandwich.  Additional specials can be found on the Twisted Sisters Cafe website.

Larger orders are encouraged to call ahead at (859) 781-6569, or fax at (859) 581-0200.

Writer: Randy A. Simes
Photography by Scott Beseler
Stay connected and follow Randy on Twitter @SoapboxRandy
 

Potterhill Homes has a long track record building homes in the city.  In 2005 and 2007 Potterhill built the Citirama neighborhoods in Cincinnati, and built another 60 single-family homes at the Mills of Carthage.

"The city holds a special spot in my heart," says Potterhill Homes president Carolyn Rolfes.  The dedication to investing in the city will continue this winter when Potterhill opens the new model unit for their Northwind development in Northside.

The model unit will be LEED-certified and feature energy efficient appliances and geothermal technology that will use the Earth's temperature to naturally heat and cool the home.

Rolfes notes that all homes will have the option to become LEED-certified and built to the same standards as the model home.  The geothermal technology is an additional upgrade, but one that will pay for itself quickly.

The geothermal systems will cost anywhere between $9,000 and $13,000 depending on the house.  "You get a 30 percent tax credit on that and will save about 40 to 50 percent on your utility bill," says Rolfes, who believes the geothermal system pays for itself in savings over one month when compared to the additional costs added to a typical mortgage.

Buyers will be able to choose from 15 different house plans that are approximately 1,800 square feet and will cost about $170,000.  The community is located on a hilly and heavily treed site located across from a 25-acre nature preserve that includes a hiking trail.  Northwind is also just a few short blocks from Northside's popular neighborhood business district.

"I love Northside; we have been talking about this opportunity for a few years now.  It is a really neat community and fits with what Potterhill Homes does," says Rolfes.

Rolfes says the green focus of this project is perfect for Northside because its residents are already some of the most green people in the city, and says that they're not going green because it's trendy, but because it's right.

Writer: Randy A. Simes
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Stay connected and follow Randy on Twitter @SoapboxRandy

The Western & Southern Financial Group Masters is already one of the biggest tennis tournaments in the world, and the largest summer tennis tournament in the United States outside of the US Open grand slam event.  Tournament Director Bruce Flory says that the tournament is expected to draw more than 170,000 this year and grow to 220,000 next year.

With the size and growth of the two separate tournaments, officials have planned to combine the two into a two-week long event next year.  To compliment the combined draws, officials have announced a $10 million expansion and upgrade project designed by Browning Day Mullins Dierdorf Architects that will start immediately following this year's Masters event, and will be completed and ready in time for next year's combined tournament.

The $10 million project will be funded by the United States Tennis Association (USTA), a majority partner in the tournament, and Cincinnati's Tennis for Charity. The upgrade will add an additional 890 stadium seats, 6 new luxury suites, major media facility upgrades, and player amenity improvements that will clear the way for the men's and women's tournaments to be held simultaneously.

The most prominent addition will be the new 52,000 square-foot West Building that will house the new luxury suites, seating capacity, player and media facilities. Tournament officials say that the new West Building will be twice as tall as the existing structure and rise some 97 feet above court level.

The new upgrades will further establish the stadium court as one of the top ten facilities in the world according to Flory who says, "it's more intimate than most and in my opinion the perfect size since tennis can be hard to watchin bigger stadiums."

This initial $10M project will be followed up with additional improvements down the road that will include 6 to 8 new tennis courts following the 2010 event.  From there Flory says that a larger food court, restrooms and support facilities will be needed.

Flory says that it is rewarding to have seen the tournament grow the way it has over the years, but says that "it will be fun to see the tournament continue to grow and bring more and more fans to Cincinnati.".  The Western & Southern Financial Group Masters event is happening now and runs through Sunday, August 23 in Mason at the Lindner Family Tennis Center.

Breakdown of the $10 million upgrades:

• A 21,000 square-foot court-level (below grade) player area with two locker rooms (each accommodating more than 100 players), private training rooms, locker rooms for male and female coaches, and a 2,200 square-foot fitness area among other amenities;
• an 8,000-square foot space on the ground floor which includes a 5,500 square-foot indoor player lounge and offices for the ATP World Tour and the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour;
• an 11,000 square-foot second floor for player dining, a warming kitchen and storage;
• a 4,800 square-foot outdoor player lounge on the roof of the second floor;
• a 6,300 square foot third floor for interview rooms, featuring a main interview room and three additional interview rooms;
• a 4,800 square foot Media Center on the fourth floor with more than 100 stations for writers and photographers;
• six new luxury suites overlooking Center Court;
• 750 new covered loge-level seats; and
• the addition of 140 seats in the northwest corner of Center Court.

Writer: Randy A. Simes
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Stay connected and follow Randy on Twitter @SoapboxRandy

Cincinnati Habitat for Humanity leaders celebrated the kick-off of construction on a new home at 3450 Hallwood Place near Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center.

The new home is made possible by the largest one-time gift to Cincinnati Habitat from Ohio National Financial Services.  The $780,000 gift will eventually produce 10 new homes over the next five years with this current project being the second.  The 10 new homes are meant to symbolize Ohio National's 100-year history with one home for each decade in the community.

Ohio National is also teaming with community members in investing an estimated 500 hours of sweat equity into the new two-story, 1,350 square-foot home.

Once complete the home will be sold to Terelle Scott and Knikita Howard and their two children with a zero percent, 20-year interest-free mortgage that will be payable to Cincinnati Habitat for Humanity.  The family of four qualified for the home by meeting a variety of criteria and will also work with volunteers to help build the house.

“Buying this home from Habitat for Humanity means more to us than anyone would ever know. We're thankful to have the opportunity to give our children something we never had – a home to call our own. We see this as a blessing from God for all the obstacles we've overcome. This is the first step to our brand new life ahead. We're looking forward to working with the volunteers on building our new home,” said Scott and Howard.

Cincinnati Habitat has built 150 homes all across Cincinnati since their founding in 1986.

Writer: Randy A. Simes
Photography by Scott Beseler
Stay connected and follow Randy on Twitter @SoapboxRandy

550 North Third Street used to be a part of Hamilton's robust paper past. Previously occupied by Champion Paper Company, the building could soon be home to an "alternative energy power generation facility" that would be used to support the city's electric system.

Hamilton purchased the site in 2007 with the intention of redeveloping the site to "expand and repower" the existing, adjacent coal-fired municipal power plant.  In order to make that happen officials say that $3,272,605 of Clean Ohio funds is needed to demolish all existing structures and remediate identified areas of concern on the site.

The Clean Ohio Fund is used throughout the State to restore, protect and connect Ohio's important natural and urban places by preserving green space and farmland, improving outdoor recreation and cleaning up brownfields to encourage redevelopment and revitalize communities.

Once redeveloped, Hamilton officials say that the site will specifically be used as the storage and delivery area for biomass and other waste to be used for repowering purposes.  The new alternative energy facility is estimated to process 750 tons per day of biomass, waste and other products that will generate about 150,000 megawatt-hours per year of carbon neutral energy.

The nearly $3.3 million grant would result in an investment of approximately $200-225 million, create 40 new jobs and retain another 50.  It is also anticipated that the project will increase income tax revenues by $40,000 per year.

The City has already begun conceptual planning and will move forward with a preliminary feasibility study this fall.  Additional work will then move forward as early as January 2010, with additional site work to follow.

The remediation process will include asbestos abatement, groundwater contamination and removal of impacted soils.  City officials also say that the demolition of the existing buildings will rid the surrounding neighborhood of deteriorating structures and "alleviate the presence of vagrants."

Writer: Randy A. Simes
Photo provided
Stay connected and follow Randy on Twitter @SoapboxRandy

Over-the-Rhine is not only a regional jewel, but a national landmark neighborhood with one of the most significant historic districts in the entire country as well as one of the largest - even bigger than New Orleans' French Quarter and Charleston's Historic District.  Unfortunately, local preservationists believe the neighborhood is often overlooked by many Cincinnatians.

The Cincinnati Preservation Association (CPA) feels that the neighborhood that was added to the National Trust for Historic Preservation's list of "Eleven Most Endangered Historic Resources" is too important a resource and too great an opportunity to overlook.

As a result, CPA and the Over-the-Rhine Foundation will be hosting "Over-the-Rhine: Cincinnati's Overlooked Opportunity" at Memorial Hall (GoogleMap) on Thursday, August 20 at 5:30pm within the historic neighborhood.  The public presentation will include an overview of the neighborhood's economic potential and its rate of destruction, a summary of why the neighborhood is threatened, and solutions to stop the destruction.

CPA states that studies indicate that historic districts play an important role in economic development by holding their values better in down markets than similarly situated non-historic areas, attracting and retaining skilled professionals, and by creating jobs and wealth.  If Over-the-Rhine were to be approached properly by local officials and business leaders, CPA says that it could "reap huge economic returns" for Cincinnati.

CPA also warns that the historic neighborhood is just four demolitions away from passing 50 percent destruction of its historic fabric. Roughly 200 buildings in Over-the-Rhine are currently threatened by the wrecking ball.

The Cincinnati Preservation Association says that, "every month, salvageable buildings — some with great architectural significance — are demolished. As this happens, the neighborhood’s potential to create jobs and redefine the City of Cincinnati is being lost.  Worse, tens-of-millions of dollars of taxpayer money is being wasted to destroy this economic potential."

"Over-the-Rhine: Cincinnati's Overlooked Opportunity" will have an initial reception at 5:30pm followed by the presentation at 6pm.  There is a suggested donation of $5 with all proceeds going to benefit the Cincinnati Preservation Association and the Over-the-Rhine Foundation.  Drinks will be provided.

For more information contact CPA at (513) 721-4506 or info@cincinnatipreservation.org.

Writer: Randy A. Simes
Photography by Scott Beseler
Stay connected and follow Randy on Twitter @SoapboxRandy

The Northern Kentucky Regional Farmers Market is another one of those great spots around town to grab fresh produce and some good conversation.  Located on the median at Sixth and Main streets in Covington, the market is open on Saturdays from 8am to 2pm through October.

The market is situated perfectly within Covington's MainStrasse Village and offers a wide variety of fresh produce including lettuce, spinach, zucchini, yellow squash, red beets, tomatoes, green peppers, green beans, potatoes, Jerusalem artichokes, cucumbers, onions, herbs, corn, melons, blackberries and other greens.

Vendors reportedly do great business with approximately 100 visitors each week.  "They sell most of their products and have had to increase the amount of inventory they bring to market each week," says Rebecca Volpe who helps oversee the market for the City of Covington.

Vendors sell their products on the shady Sixth Street promenade in a tailgate-style market.  Farmers and other producers from 11 Northern Kentucky counties, including Boone, Bracken, Campbell, Carroll, Gallatin, Grant, Kenton, Mason, Owen, Pendleton and Robertson, are all invited to sell their goods at the market.

The Northern Kentucky Regional Farmers Market also offers a variety of value added products including salsas, herb vinegars, mustards, meat rubs and marinades, jams and jellies, and even gelato.  Spices, honey, soaps, lotions and other hand crafted items are also available in addition to a variety of plants, shrubs and grasses for sale.

Volpe notes that the City of Covington is currently working on a permanent location for the farmers market.  The new location would be called Times Star Commons and would best be described as "Fountain Square meets Findlay Market."

The Northern Kentucky Regional Farmers Market also has live music during special events, and a number of shops in MainStrasse Village display original artwork as part of Covington's Arts District network.

On Saturday, October 31 the farmers market will host a Harvest Festival from 8am to 2pm and will offer lots of family friendly activities with live music.  Free parking is available nearby.  For more information contact Leah Dodson with the City of Covington at (859) 292-2163.

Writer: Randy A. Simes
Photography by Scott Beseler
Stay connected and follow Randy on Twitter @SoapboxRandy

After Jeff Palmieri and his father purchased Findlay Market's Angelina's Fine Italian Foods from Jeff's cousin, they eventually decided to open another restaurant inspired by the European cuisine Palmieri's father, a first generation Italian immigrant, grew up with back home.

As they were looking for a location, the space at 616 Main Street in Covington jumped out at them.  "We loved that there was a courtyard outside next to the space.  It reminded my father of the European courtyards you see so often there," said Palmieri.

Once they got the space it took another nine months before they were finally able to open for business in late June of this year.  Palmieri says that other than significant electrical work, the space was in pretty good shape for what they were looking to do with it.

Now guests can be treated to a "little taste of Europe" and try everything from paninis, crepes, gelato, coffee, espressos, and even full tea service.  Europa's sandwiches go for $6.95, and a medium-sized gelato costs $3.25.

Much of Europa's business is carry-out, but the cafe does also have a dining area in the back that seats about 32 people.

With the new location the Palmieri's are now operating both Europa in Covington and Angelina's in Findlay Market with a staff of about 14 rotating between the two cafes.  Jeff Palmeiri has taken over operations of Europa with his mother as a part-owner, while his father can still be seen running Angelina's in nearby Over-the-Rhine.

"We're content for now, but we will certainly look to expand our businesses," says Palmeiri about future business plans.

Europa is open Tuesday through Thursday from 7am to 10pm, Friday and Saturday from 7am to 1am, Sunday from 10am to 5pm and is closed on Mondays.  For more information call Europa at (859) 916-5511.

Writer: Randy A. Simes
Stay connected and follow Randy on Twitter @SoapboxRandy

Dayton, KY officials have applied for a $1 million Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) that will be used to fund the RayMee Building Redevelopment Project.

The grant uses federal funds that are administered by the State, and can be used for housing, public facilities, community programs and/or economic development.  Local officials believe that the redevelopment project will result in the creation of 50 low to moderate income jobs at around $20,000 – not including the temporary construction jobs that will be needed for the project.  Richard Bragg of the Northern Kentucky Area Development District says that the approval process for such a grant could take several months.

The 1,800 square-foot building is said to be in "sound" condition and should be ready for interior finishing by June 2010.

Local officials have high hopes for the structure as it is prominently located across the street from where the new municipal building will stand.  The corner location also presents an opportunity to connect the historic downtown area to the new businesses opening along the riverfront in the new Manhattan Harbour development project that will become the first "smart community" in the United States when it opens.

"The building is now a white elephant," says Bragg who believes the structure will be the most important preserved building in Northern Kentucky due in part to its location and prominence.

The City believes that the project will help create jobs, provide additional services to the neighborhood and continue the redevelopment efforts in the downtown business district.  To help make this reality the city of Dayton, Kentucky is prepared to provide parking and related amenities to help better serve the residents and businesses in the immediate vicinity.

Writer: Randy A. Simes
Photography by Scott Beseler

Cincinnati-based Brandt Retail Group sees an opportunity in the urban retail market and intends to open a new downtown office led by urban specialist Kathleen Norris.  Norris is responsible for the wildly successful Gateway Quarter shopping district that has evolved over the past couple of years, and is credited with bringing more than 20 new businesses to Over-the-Rhine.

Norris will be joined by research director of the urban division, Doug Brandt who is the son of Brandt CEO Steve Brandt.  Doug says that he intends to work hard to make downtown Cincinnati a "hip, unique place," and that he is driven by the desire to make the city appealing to tomorrow's leaders.

The new urban focus for Brandt Retail Group is a unique change in direction for the company that has specialized in suburban shopping centers for 30 years representing the likes of IKEA, Target, Home Depot, Trader Joe's and Costco.

"Downtown Cincinnati is the heart of this region.  It deserves a bold urban vision, and both within this area and beyond there are neighborhoods, cities and town where Main Street retail is a crucial economic engine – an engine that we know how to fine-tune," says Steve Brandt.

The goal will to be fill empty storefronts and create a market strategy for the center city.  "Cincinnati has a particularly nice downtown.  It’s clean, safe, walkable and it has wonderful amenities," says Norris.  "What it lacks is a retail focus to create unique and interesting experiences and distinct opportunities."

So far the firm has identified roughly 200,000 square feet of available retail space that they hope to match with appropriate retailers that can activate those storefronts and energize the streetscape.  Long-term the retail group would like to assist in developing retail strategies for more than just Downtown, but also other nearby retail clusters and eventually even other cities in the region.

While Downtown has experienced tremendous success over recent years a retail strategy has not yet been developed.  Norris sees this as one of their best opportunities to leveraging the existing success Downtown and in Over-the-Rhine.

"There is a strong re-urbanization movement underway in this country now, and Cincinnati has a chance to be at the forefront.  We have a wonderful downtown and an utterly unique asset in Over-the-Rhine.  That's beginning to be recognized, but untapped potential still exists," says Norris.

As the new urban division of Brandt Retail Group gets settled in to their Downtown offices, they will also be looking to engage the area's stakeholders and come up with that comprehensive retailing strategy for the downtown area.  Steve Brandt says that the division first needs to figure out what people want Downtown to be, and how they can help make that happen.

For that Norris hopes to get input from the community and encourages everyone to share their thoughts with her at Kathleen@BrandtRetailGroup.com.  "I think a thriving Downtown is a significant economic generator.  I’ll help as best I can with some retail recruitment, but this is a team effort."

Writer: Randy A. Simes
Photography by Scott Beseler

In 1925 Cincinnati was the first city in the nation to have a formal comprehensive plan adopted by its city council.  The 1925 plan has only been updated twice, once in 1948 and again in 1980, and will soon be completely updated for the first time in nearly three decades in an effort being dubbed Plan Cincinnati.

Contemporary comprehensive plans are typically updated every five years and are often tied to capital improvement plans so that there is legal standing and financial support for the elements of that plan – something that city officials hope to have done with the City's new comprehensive plan that is currently getting underway.

Current Mayor Mark Mallory pledged his support for city planning when he originally ran for mayor.  That support translated into the recreation of the City’s Planning Department that had been dismantled by the previous administration, and this fall it will continue with a major kickoff to the efforts to have a new comprehensive plan completed by the end of 2010.

The comprehensive planning effort has been allocated $250,000 this year and next year from the City's Capital Budget, and will have work done both in-house and contracted out for more specific elements of the plan that need additional expertise.

Chief Planner Margaret Wuerstle says that the City has been going out to the community councils this summer to make them aware of the process and inform them about the four major meetings that will be held this fall:

• September 30th from 6pm to 8pm at the Corryville Rec Center
• October 5th from 6pm to 8pm at the Price Hill Rec Center
• October 15th from 6pm to 8pm at the College Hill Rec Center
• October 22nd from 6pm to 8pm at the Madisonville Rec Center

Wuerstle says that the City is hopeful it will have an appointed Steering Committee within the coming weeks that will include 31 people who will help lead the process including the plan’s eleven primary elements: Housing & Neighborhood Development; Economic Development & Business Retention; Transportation & Transit; Health, Environment & Open Space; Land Use; Historic Preservation; Urban Design; Utilities & Infrastructure; Institutions; Intergovernmental Cooperation; and Fiscal.

Following the meetings this fall there will be the Neighborhood Summit meeting in February which will almost entirely be devoted to the comprehensive plan and how the various neighborhoods need to be involved.

The 10-year comprehensive plan will create a vision for where the City wants to go and how it intends to get there.  "It’s very important that people are involved.  This is their plan, and is the way they can get involved to help fix the issues they may have in the city," says Wuerstle who also encourages residents, business owners and anyone who shares an interest in the future of the city to get involved.

If you are interested in getting involved you can email Margaret Wuerstle at Margaret.Wuerstle@cincinnati-oh.gov, call the Planning Department at (513) 352-4845, or become a fan of Plan Cincinnati on Facebook.  Once you have shared your interest and contact information, the City will connect with you about future events and engagement opportunities.

Writer: Randy A. Simes
Photography by Scott Beseler