Four of Uptown's communities are in the midst of exciting revitalization projects
“This is a very exciting time,” said Tony Brown, president and CEO of the Uptown Consortium. “The work and extensive planning efforts of many community partners are coming together at one time to help create a bold, new Uptown. We’re reaching a level of activity that is getting noticed by others who want to invest in Uptown. Our catalytic investments will help drive additional private investment.”
Short Vine redevelopment becoming a reality
The Short Vine redevelopment project, which is still in the conceptual stage, includes redeveloping University Plaza and planning for hotel and retail development along Martin Luther King Drive. In recent months, the Uptown Consortium purchased a portfolio of properties around Short Vine from the Vine Street Community Urban Redevelopment Corporation. In total, there is $100 million in the development pipeline for projects slated to redevelop properties on or near Short Vine, with $30 million of that coming through the Uptown Cincinnati Development Fund.
“We have a tremendous opportunity here to create a village and reinvent an area by taking the Corryville momentum created with Stetson Square and extending it to Short Vine,” said Brown.
Towne Properties selected
The Clifton Heights Community Urban Redevelopment Corporation (CHCURC) and the Uptown Consortium have chosen Towne Properties to partner in the development of the area commonly known as Blocks 4 and 5, on Calhoun Street in Clifton Heights.
“Towne Properties has great experience when it comes to urban redevelopment,” said Matt Bourgeois, director of CHCURC. “Our next step is to negotiate a partnership agreement and refine the project’s development plan and financing strategies.”
Plans call for a mixed-use project consisting of office, retail, market-rate rental apartments, a hotel, and parking to support the project. Groundbreaking could occur as
Burnet Avenue revitalization moving forward
Have you driven down Burnet Avenue lately? The community’s commitment to “Take Back Burnet Avenue!” is well underway with the first phase of more than $85 million in new development under construction at Burnet and Northern Avenue.
Construction has started for nearly 200,000 square feet of new office space, including the Cincinnati Herald building, an office building for Cincinnati Children’s, and a parking garage. Development needs and construction timing dictated that the commercial phase of the project be tackled first. Site preparation – including infrastructure work like sewers and utilities – is complete, and now the new buildings are taking shape.
The housing component is moving forward as well. In an area bounded by Harvey and Erckenbrecker Avenues, a residential development will feature more than 30 new units. The housing component – currently known as Harvey Commons – is moving forward. The houses will be contemporary in design while conforming to the principles of the Burnet Avenue Revitalization Plan and fitting within the overall feel of the neighborhood.
The residential development has been boosted by a $13 million award in Low Income Housing Tax Credits and a $100,000 grant by Fannie Mae to the Uptown Consortium to expand affordable housing in Uptown. The grant was used to determine housing needs in Uptown and communicate housing options to neighborhood residents.
“The Uptown Consortium is committed to making sure the neighborhood benefits from the projects in the development pipeline,” said Brown. “Ensuring that residents can afford the new housing is key to that mission. The Fannie Mae grant will help us, and the developer, find the best ways to do that.”
The Model Group has been retained to manage the housing phase of the Burnet Avenue project. They will produce a site plan, construction schedule and streetscape strategy. “The current conditions in the housing market are requiring us to take a more cautious approach,” commented Brown.
Ludlow Avenue is getting a makeover
An exciting renaissance has also begun in Clifton. The proposed Ludlow revitalization project will consist of new sidewalks and curbs, more and brighter gas lamps, new street furniture, replacement of dead or diseased trees, and a new gathering place on Telford Avenue. The project will extend from Whitfield to Clifton Avenue on the south side of Ludlow and from Middleton past the fountain on the north side of Ludlow.
The project is a joint venture of Clifton Town Meeting and the Clifton Business and Professional Organization. Funding for the project ($1.8 million) has been provided by the City of Cincinnati. Art will be incorporated into the design so that it will reflect Clifton’s unique identity.
“The residents of Clifton appreciate the City of Cincinnati’s investment in our traditional, pedestrian-oriented business district,” said Linda Goldenhar, president of Clifton Town Meeting. “Their involvement of community members and business owners in the planning is going to allow us to showcase Clifton’s unique atmosphere.”
