Garden Level bringing Metaphor Flats into 21st century
The Garden Level, part of Urban Sites Properties' $1.5 million conversion of the 15,000-square-foot warehouse at 532-538 Reading Road into four office lofts, is now under construction.
Over-the-Rhine
As more visitors discover — and regional residents rediscover — the charms of Over-the-Rhine (aka OTR), most are delighted to find a neighborhood rich in art, history, and community plus plenty of food and drink establishments and independent retailers. Architectural treasures like Music Hall and Memorial Hall sit side by side with the School for Performing Arts and Washington Park in this neighborhood that's been heralded as a national leader in urban transformation. Vine Street, Main Street, Race Street, and Pendleton are the area's hot spots for an eclectic array of restaurants and shops near the Ensemble, Woodward, Cincinnati Shakespeare, and Know theaters. Findlay Market, between Race and Elm Streets north of Liberty Street, is Ohio's oldest continuously-operated public market where you will find locally sourced food, cafes and restaurants as well as the Rhinegeist Brewery taproom. The community's remarkable 19th-century buildings feature one of the country's largest collection of Italianate architecture and provide a dramatic background to the diverse residents that call OTR home.
Bike Depot brings cycling education to Findlay Market
Just in time for National Bike Month, a vacant storefront at 124 W Elder Street has been reborn as the Bike Depot, which will offer classes on bike safety, bike repair, and other information on how people can incorporate cycling into their daily lives.
CPS on the upswing
The quality of public schools is often cited as one of top reasons for peoples' aversion to urban living, but three recent articles could change some local attitudes.
Driven to the brink
A new study finds that the value of suburban homes is dropping fast, while urban home values are appreciating. One reason is because it’s such a long, expensive drive to work from the suburbs. The group CEOs for Cities, which advocates for revitalizing our core urban areas, just released a white paper that links plummeting suburban home values to the spike in gasoline prices. That, in turn, has made investment in a home in the city more attractive, the study says.
Tender Mercies begins $4M rehab of Harkavy Hall
Tender Mercies has begun the rehabilitation of the historic Harkavy Hall at 24 W 12th Street in Over-the-Rhine, a more than $4 million project that will improve the living conditions of 30 formerly homeless persons with histories of mental and/or emotional disabilities.
Don’t just create new stuff: Innovate!
Companies that are able to integrate innovation can transform their business and make a great difference, according the new book The Game-Changer by A.G. Lafley and Ram Charan.
Upcoming Soapbox Sponsored Events
Soapbox is proud to sponsor the Cincinnati Soapbox Derby “Build-A-Box” competition at the BMW store in Silverton on May 18. Assemble your car faster than the other competing teams and be the envy of all your co-workers as you return victoriously to the office with giant trophy held loftily above your head. Prizes will also be awarded based on how well the companies can trick out their respective “shells.” Judges from branding, graphic design and advertising agencies will determine winners in two categories: “Best Brand Impression” and “Most Artistic.” Corporate teams will be paired alongside a youth from the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Cincinnati.A few openings are still available with cost for businesses wishing to enter the “Build-A-Box” event $1000 which provides everything you need to build your own green machine including a car kit, racing wheels, tools, a “Build-A-Box” t-shirt for each member of your team and the opportunity to work alongside a great kid from the Boys & Girls Club. For more information, please visit the Cincinnati Soap Box Derby for more information and to register.
King Records symposium helps revive another Cincinnati brand
Those attracted to the urban authenticity of Cincinnati – the unique businesses and traditions that helped define and make it unique – are hoping to revive interest in King Records, a post-World War II company whose early rhythm-and-blues and country recordings were precursors of rock ‘n’ roll and its attendant pop culture.
Streetcars approved in concept, hard work begins
Cincinnati City Council has approved a motion to build a streetcar system linking Downtown, Over-the-Rhine and Uptown, but the struggle for its supporters is hardly over.
Port, National City partner on gap financing program
The Port of Greater Cincinnati Development Authority and National City Bank have announced a first-of-its-kind partnership to provide gap financing for small, minority-owned, and women-owned businesses participating in brownfield development projects in the City of Cincinnati and Hamilton County.
