SUMMER 2007

Gregory L. Kiep – Executive Editorgkiep@urbancincinnati.com

C O N T R I B U T O R S Greg HarrisGuy HumphreyRyan A. KieferSam Naser

A D V E R T I S I N G S A L E S ad@urbancincinnati.com 513.333.4803

S U B S C R I P T I O N I N F O R M AT I O N subscribe@urbancincinnati.com

Gregory L. Kiep – Art DirectorMichael Ebbs – Photography

T H E C E L E S T I A L D E S I G N G R O U P1077 Celestial Drive Ste 11Cincinnati Ohio 45202

URBANCINCINNATI.com

A MERICA N S IG N | 19MUSEUM

Inspired style from local boutiques.

F UN & FASHIONABL E | 12

Your guide to a savvy night out in Cincinnati.

URBA N NIGH T L IF E GU IDE | 22

An exciting and vibrant reflection of history, commerce, and design.

Financial advice you can use in today’s real estate market.

URBA N L E NDING | 10

One-on-one with a pioneer in the rebirth of Over-the-Rhine.

URBA N HERO | 2 5

Kyle McCannMichael Sweeney Tod SwormstedtConrad Thiede

money

style

See the exciting revitalization of this historic home on Mulberry Street downtown.

C I T Y T RA NSFORMAT ION | 6

cover story

APP

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First, let me thank all of the supporters and readers from our first issue of Urban Cincinnati! Not only was it met with great success in the pro-moting of events, businesses, and local groups, but also helped endorse the entire identity of the urban core. We hope that all subsequent issues are met with the same excitement and ability to create positive changes throughout the city.

This issue takes a look at further exciting aspects of Greater Cincinnati’s urban life, with a glimpse at fashions found at local boutiques and a guide to nightlife in and around the city. Also, be sure to read about The American Sign Museum, the only one of its kind, found locally in Walnut Hills. There are also editorials from some of Downtown’s biggest supporters and a tribute to one of Over-the-Rhine’s greatest heroes, Marge Hammelrath.

Over the past few months, we have seen many advances in our city’s rebirth with the opening of new restaurants and businesses downtown and final touches added to Fountain Square. The summer season really helps bring our city to life with Party in the Park, Reds games, and tons of other activities that can be enjoyed in the sun. Even taking a walk around the city gives one a chance to meet other urban dwellers and patrons enjoying a Graeter’s ice cream cone or shopping at area stores. As we head into cooler weather, the opportunities continue to experience city life with the Ben-gals, productions at The Aronoff Center and Playhouse in the Park, and many other community endeavors. I hope that you are able to take part in many of these fun activities as our city continues to grow and prosper into an even more amazing place to call, “home.”

Gregory L. Kiep UrbanCincinnati Editor-in-chief

FROM THE EDITORLETTER

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O n a daily basis, a Cincinnati renaissance is being fueled by developers, small business owners, artists and neighborhood activists who believe in this city and whose invest-

ments of resources, talent and energy are revitalizing our neighborhoods in transition.

As a candidate for Cincinnati City Council, I recently added to my campaign website a new page called “Can-Do Cincinnati” highlighting a new generation of urban pioneers whose investments in neighborhoods in transition are wielding incredible results: www.votegregharris.com/CanDoCincinnati. We encourage readers to contribute to “Can-Do Cincinnati” their own examples of Cincinnatians who are transforming our city.

Many examples showcase how the spirit of renewal has overtaken neighborhoods like Over-the-Rhine. There you can find Mark Bernhardt and Vernon Rader pouring their hearts into transforming five vacant buildings and what was a largely dilapidated block into a mixed-use development that will house apartments with great views and new storefronts (including my campaign headquarters!). The revitalized “Vernon’s Corner” will soon serve as a gorgeous gateway into the Eastern potion of Over-the-Rhine.

West of Vernon’s Corner in Over-the-Rhine, a mix of newly constructed and renovated condominiums called the Gateway QUARTER is under development. Its neighbors in-clude the Art of Academy of Cincinnati that recently re-located from Mt. Adams and the cutting edge Know Theatre, which brought and rehabbed its own building on Jackson Street. The Gateway Quarter will soon house a new restaurant by Jean Robert and the urban gift and home furnishings shop, MetroNation. Nearby is Cincinnati’s newest and only “green general store,” Park & Vine.

The Fringe Festival will once again draw performing arts enthusiasts to the neigh-borhood, as will the theatre troupe, New-Stage Collective, now occupying a former bar on Main Street. With Know Theatre, the Art Academy, the pending re-location of the School of Creative and Performing Arts next to anchors like Music Hall, O-t-R is fast emerging as one of the more artisti-cally vital neighborhoods in the nation.

It is my firm belief that the Queen City has been mired in cynicism for too long, and that the Can-Do spirit of a new generation of artists and urban pioneers will make Cincinnati America’s Comeback City.

Harris works as a public policy officer at KnowledgeWorks Foundation – Ohio’s larg-est education philanthropy. He and his wife Angela reside in Northside.urban

PERSPECTIVE

with G R E G H A R R I S

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The Downtown Residents Council is a resource for residents of the Central Business District to exchange experiences and express concerns. Our members come from all walks of life, sharing a love for living in Downtown Cincinnati and a common interest in improv-ing the overall quality of life within our city. As individuals, and as a group, we have a vision of a vibrant, 24-hour city, with all its neces-sary amenities. The Downtown Residents Council is located on the web at: www.ILiveDowntown.com.

From Volunteer Opportunities to Social Events to Quality of Life Initiatives, the Downtown Residents Council engages residents, meeting their varied interests.

In April 2007, 100 DRC volunteers cleared tons of debris and trash along the Path to the Taft and on the Cincinnati side of the Purple People Bridge.

{urban invo lvement}

M A K I N G A D I F F E R E N C E I N T H E

CENTER CITY

To join the DRC mailing list or to provide a suggestion, please contact us at: info@ilivedowntown.com. Receipt of the DRC Weekly E-Newsletter has no charge; however, we do encourage membership. Dues are just $15.00 per individual, $20.00 per household. Corporate sponsorships are $50.

The DRC has partner-ships with many of Downtown’s arts and cultural organizations.

A group of happy members from the DRC.

Social events occur regularly, and bring together neighbors and friends. Here we see the 2006 holiday celebration.

For the past five years, the DRC has spon-sored the holiday decorating of Piatt Park.

URBAN{transformation}

before

after

The renovation of this home represents a transformation and rebirth from dark, divided spaces into a bright and highly functional urban dwelling. The reformation was designed by local architect, Guy Humphrey with H. Glasgow Construction serving as the general contractors. Like many older homes, the rooms were confining and somewhat gloomy, which limits the function for a mod-ern lifestyle. In this case, by removing and opening walls, the hidden potential of this house was revealed. Especially evident in the kitchen, said to be the most comfortable room in the house, the newly designed space allows guests to gather and flow freely throughout the home.

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Mortgage interest rates are at near record lows (but no guarantees that they will stay that way). Housing inventory is at near record highs (again no guarantees, as inventory supplies are showing signs of normalizing). These two factors alone result in one of the best buyer housing markets in many years. Then add these elements that are equally as positive:

1. Twenty-somethings are a bigger portion of the total home buying population than ever before, and they aren’t putting homeown-ership on hold for marriage or other life events. U.S. Census Bureau data shows that homeownership among the under-30 crowd has been rising. In 1993, less than 15 percent of people younger than 25 owned their own home, but by 2006, one in every four people in this age group were homeowners. About a third of people ages 25 to 29 owned a home in 1993; by 2006, 42 percent were homeowners.

This trend has influenced the recent resurgence of many downtown areas, and is part of the reason that condo sales have increased as a percentage of all homes sold, from 6 percent of the total market a decade ago to 13 percent in 2006.

2. The mortgage interest tax deduction remains one of the best tax shelters avail-able to the “average Joe”. By taking into consideration the income tax deduction available to home owners for mortgage interest, real estate taxes, and some closing costs, homeownership frequently beats out property rental economically. See IRS publication 936 for complete details http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p936.pdf or consult the calculator at

http://www.ginniemae.gov/rent_vs_buy/rent_vs_buy_calc.asp?Section=YPTH to compare owning vs. renting.

3. Then there is the issue of “pride of owner-ship” and “appreciation”. By investing in a home/condo and maintaining and/or improving it, the long-term consequences are likely to be very positive. Cincinnati’s average appreciation rate over many years has been in the 4% range. While there is some discussion that today’s market with it’s surplus inventory, may see flat or -1% appreciation in 2007 for the first time in over 30 years, brighter days are surely ahead. History dictates that well-purchased real estate is a worthwhile investment long term. So in today’s market, with real estate “on sale”, the likelihood of positive apprecia-tion in the years to come is very good.

Lawrence Yun, Senior Forecast Economist at the National Association of Realtors®, may have recently said it best, “So keep your eyes on the horizon. There are forces at play that will soon turn the U.S. housing market around. Buyers who make the commitment

now are likely to be smiling this time next year.” And from a local perspective, the Greater Cincinnati real estate market is one of the most stable in the country, without the tremendous highs or devastating lows of our neighbors on the coasts. So with great housing choices, low mortgage interest rates, and the dynamic urban area showing positive vibes, today could be the very best time to buy!

by Michael Sweeney President Comey & Shepherd Realtors® City Office

THE ULTIMATE URBAN TOUR OF LIVING | urbantour.com

September 23rd | Noon – 5pm

greatTIME

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Buy!

Nearly a full third of households are still rent-ing...but if you are one of them, you could be paying a hefty price. Additionally, the children of the baby boomer generation are close to or at the home buying age, but these “echo boomers” could mistakenly decide to put off the purchase of a home because of all the noise about a “bubble” in home prices, and the current slowdown in real estate.

Is there a “bubble”? The simple answer is “no”. Even though we have seen a slowdown, and some parts of the country have seen home prices actually decrease, the fact re-mains that home prices in Greater Cincinnati are very affordable. Some might say a down-right bargain right now. And even though interest rates have risen some recently, the key to a healthy housing market is the job market. If the payment on a new home might be slightly higher due to increased interest rates, it generally won’t stop someone from purchas-ing the home of their dreams...but if they feel their job is in jeopardy, it might be enough to stop them from making a move. So with the currently low levels of unemployment and the beefy gains in job creations, it looks like the housing market should rebound soon. Expect us to return to a more moderate rate of appre-ciation, perhaps closer to the historical 6-7% range, which is still very good.

This talk of a housing bubble has been going on for a few years now, and those who were unfortunately victimized by continuing to rent instead of purchasing a home are pain-fully mulling over their missed opportunity, even though prices have leveled off. But is it

too late? Even with the more moderate levels of appreciation expected…procrastinating on that home purchase could cost you a bundle. And taking into account the overall demo-graphic trend back to urban living, we can see that properties listed for sale in Downtown Cincinnati represent a real opportunity for the savvy buyer right now.

Let’s look at an example. If you are paying rent at $1,500 per month and your landlord increases your payment by a modest 5% each year, you would wind up paying just about $100,000 over a 5-year period! Worse yet, after forking over $100,000, you still would have nothing to show for it. If you’re paying only $750 per month in rent, you’ll still end up forking over $50,000.

And speaking of having nothing to show for it - how about any improvements you might make to a rental property? It’s not uncommon for renters to freshen up the paint, install new light fixtures or plant some nice flowers out-side. But guess what…all your efforts, labor and the benefit of that improvement belong to the landlord, not to you.

With the extensive variety of programs to help buyers obtain a mortgage with little to even zero down payment, the very same money could have been used towards home ownership. Even using a standard 30-year fixed program, a mortgage of $300,000 could be obtained with a total monthly mortgage payment - including property taxes and insurance - of around $2,200. Assuming a 25% tax bracket, this would be equivalent to the average amount spent on rent during the same period after your tax benefit.

And the benefits of home ownership are quite considerable. Because the mortgage is being paid down each month, equity is being built. After 5-years, the $300,000 mortgage would be reduced to $279,000, adding $21,000 to your net worth. Home appreciation can add an even bigger chunk. If your home appreci-ates at a modest 5% per year, the value of a

$300,000 home would increase to $383,000 after 5-years. Subtract the remaining mort-gage of $279,000 and you have a whopping $104,000 of additional net worth! Even if the appreciation level were at 3.5% or half the historical norm, the result would be $77,000 of additional net worth.

But if laying out the initial increase in monthly payment and having to wait for your tax benefit to show up next April is a tough nut to crack, the IRS wants to help. Instead of waiting to file for the tax benefits derived from your new home purchase, you can simply adjust the amount of your withhold-ing. This allows you to have less tax withheld from each paycheck so you can handle the new mortgage payment more comfortably throughout the year. In essence, you are tak-ing your tax refund as you go instead of let-ting Uncle Sam hold it all year, interest free.

Visit www.irs.gov and use the IRS with-holding calculator. This very handy tool can quickly show you the effect a change in withholding will do to your net paycheck. Remember to balance this with the expected refund and it is always a good idea to check with your tax advisor.

What most people don’t realize is that every dollar you spend on your monthly house pay-ment works for you in one way or another. Either it goes toward the principal, which means the money comes back to you, or you can use the rest of the payment as a tax deduction, which means some of the money comes back to you. When you pay rent, all of the money goes away from you, down the toilet, flushed into the sanitation system forever. The question is, do you want to own a home, or do you want to make someone else wealthy, instead of developing your own wealth for the rest of your life?

Don’t be victimized by our “fear sells” media, and their continued housing bubble hype. While buying a home is a big step, it is almost always one in the right direction.

{urban lending}

by: Ryan A. Kiefer

BU Y v s. RE N T.

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I T ST IL L MAKE S SE NSE TO

STYLE GUIDE

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{urban sty le}

( l to r )

SHIRT: Howe BELT: Authentic Hendrix JEANS: Diesel

DRESS: T-Bags SHOES: Corso Como

SHIRT: Ted Baker London JEANS: True Religion

DRESS: FornarinaSHOES: Beverly Feldman

SHIRT: Zen by Robert Graham JEANS: Seven for All Mankind

This summer’s fashion trends are based on energy, refinement, and originality. Bursts of color help exemplify the energy of the season, with black staples offering a refined aspect to the collections. Local boutiques offer many combinations of well-known and up-and-coming designers to allow for creative and original ensembles.

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SHIRT: 7 Diamonds BELT: BA by Bill Adler Design

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SHIRT: E. VilPANTS: Chilli Pepper

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Clothing and accessories in this article may be found in Cincinnati at the following locations:

2743 Edmondson Road Cincinnati, OH 45208 513 | 631.MOJO

38 E. Fourth St. Cincinnati, OH 45202 513 | 421.560 0

2009 Madison Rd Cincinnati, OH 45208 513 | 232.7463

JEANS: Seven for All Mankind

DRESS: Seven for All MankindLEGGINGS: Seven for All Mankind

JEANS: True Religion

( facing page)

DRESS: IndustrySHOES: Pure Chocolat

THE ASCENT OPEN HOUSESunday, August 12 & September 16, 2007Noon – 4pm

Held at the Experience Center where you can peruse fl oor plans, view models and enjoy the magnifi cent view that The Ascent offers.

RiverCenter Tower II, 100 E. RiverCenter Blvd.10th Floor, Covington, KY 41011

Kathy Comisar 859.292.5568 Mackenzie Hafner 859.292.5569 www.YourAscent.com

Corporex Realty & Investment Corporation – Tom Banta, Broker

SO MUCH MORE THAN YOU EXPECTWords cannot do justice to the experience of living at The Ascent. The views, the building, the amenities, the neighborhood – you have to feel this for yourself.

TIMESSigns of the

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by Gregory L. Kiep

American Sign MuseumDriving through Walnut Hills, many have seen large neon signs from national businesses seemingly propped on the side of the road. These signs only hint at the over 2500 pieces only seconds away at The American Sign Museum located at Essex Studios. The museum, which opened its doors to the public in 2004, is the only one of its kind in the country and one of Cincinnati’s somewhat hidden cultural opportunities.

“The history of the sign industry parallels the history of the United States in terms of commerce, in terms of technology, in terms of design,” says Swormstedt. This is evident from the layout of the museum, a colorful walk through the changing aspects of signage. Showcased in 3-D period storefronts are historically accurate signs including those from a 1905 café and 1932 Atlantic Gas Station. Con-tinuing through the museum, one can witness elegant gold leaf glass signs, pre-neon light bulb signs, and colorful and exciting remnants from the neon era in the 1920’s until today.

Although the historical aspect of the museum is interesting and compelling, it is also quite fun to see the creative ideas marketers

have delivered over the years. “Our goal is to represent every type of sign, material, and technique we can, because our academic mission is to be a historical archive of the sign industry, “says Swormstedt. “But we also want this to be a fun place for the public so you’ll see a lot of funky stuff too.” There is definitely a good amount of “funky” present in the museum including a spinning sputnik-like sign from the 1950’s. Other aspects of the collection include pieces of Greater Cincinnati’s history such as a double-neon sign for Hudepohl Beer, locally brewed in Covington, KY.

The American Sign Museum is located in Walnut Hills at Essex Place. Tours are offered by appointment at a rate of $10 per person. The museum also hosts special events and receptions for up to 200 people. More information can be found at www.signmuseum.org.

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U R B A N N I G H T L I F E G U I D EAKASH INDIA Indian cuisine. Daily lunch buffet. 513 | 723.1300 24 E. Sixth St. Lunch M-F 10:30-2; Sat, Sun 11:30-2; Dinner M-Sat 5-9:30; Sun 5-8:30

ALIVE ONE 513 | 721.6977, 941 Pavilion St. Mt. Adams

ARNOLD’S BAR & GRILL Cincinnati’s longest continuously operating bar and grill, dating back to 1865. Eclectic Mediterranean and traditional American cuisine. Year-round courtyard features music on Friday and Saturday evenings. Lots of characters and good conversation. Free parking after 5pm on Crow. 513 | 421.6234 210 E. Eighth St. Lunch M 10-2; Tu-F 11-3; Dinner Tu, W 3-9; Th, F 3-10; Sat 5-10; Bar Tu-Sat until 2 www.arnoldsbarandgrill.com

AQUA BAR & GRILL Casual menu served on the sundeck adjacent a heated outdoor pool over-looking downtown Cincinnati. 513 | 352.2100, 150 W. Fifth St. 4th floor, Millennium Hotel Open weekends Memorial Day thru Labor Day

BANG NIGHTCLUB Stylish and hip, upscale club. (513) 651-BANG 314 W. Fourth St. W, Sat 9-2 www.bangnightclub.com

BELOW ZERO LOUNGE Martinis served at sub zero temperatures. 513 | 241.3885 1122 Walnut St.

BENIHANA Japanese fare, prepared before your eyes. 513 | 421.1688 126 E. Sixth St. M-Th 11:30-3, 5-9; F 11:30-3, 5-10:30; Sat 5-10:30; Sun 2-9 www.benihana.com

BISTRO on ELM Breakfast, lunch or dinner within the Millennium Hotel. Bar serves food until midnight. 513 | 352.2189 150 W. Fifth St., Millennium Hotel M-Sun 6:30am-2pm, 5-10pm (F, Sat 11pm); Bar: M-Th, Sun 12am; F, Sat 2am

THE BLIND LEMON 513 | 721.6977 936 Hatch St. Mt. Adams

BLUE WISP Historic jazz club offering live music by local musicians and national acts. Cover charges vary. Reservations recommended. (513) 241-9477, 318 E. Eighth St. M-F 4pm-2:30; Sat, Sun 8pm-2:30 www.bluewispjazzclub.com

BOI NA BRAZA Brazilian steak house (a churrascaria) opening in 2007! 441 Vine St. Carew Tower www.boinabraza.com

CAFE MARTIN Featuring fresh sandwiches, soups, salads, daily specials. Also serving a menu of Graeter’s ice cream and Starbuck’s coffee drinks! 513 | 421.3355 2 Garfield Pl. M-F 6:30am-11pm; Sat, Sun 8:30am-11pm; Bar open til 1

CAMPANELLO’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT Italian cuisine in a family-owned and operated atmosphere. 513 | 721.9833 414 Central Ave. M-F 11:30-2, 5:30-10:30; Sat 5:30-10:30; Sun 5-8 www.campanellos.com

CHAMPS EATERY & SPORTS BAR Steaks, chops and Italian cuisine within the Hyatt Regency Hotel. 513 | 579.1234 151 W. Fifth St., Hyatt Regency M-Sat 11:30am-1:30am; Sun 11:30am-12am

THE COURTYARD CAFE ON MAIN A neighborhood bar and grill. Located in the Main Street Entertain-ment District. 513 | 723.1119 1211 Main St. M-Th 11-11; F 11am-2:30am; Sat 12pm-2:30am

THE CRICKET LOUNGE Located in the historic Cincinnatian Hotel, offering lighter fare prepared

in The Palace Restaurant’s kitchen. Afternoon tea, featuring live harp music, is available October-May; live jazz every weekend. 513 | 381.3000 601 Vine St. The Cincinnatian Sun-Th 11:30am-12am; F, Sat 11:30am-1am

CROWLEY’S 513 | 721.7709 958 Pavilion St. Mt. Adams

THE DOCK Alternative late night dance club. (513) 241-5623 603 W. Pete Rose Way Tu-Th, Sun 8pm-2:30am; F, Sat 8pm-4am www.thedockcomplex.com

THE EXCHANGE Located in the Main Street Entertain-ment District. (513) 721-2428 1130 Main St. W, F, Sat 10-2:30

FEDERAL RESERVE RESTAU-RANT & PIANO LOUNGE Upscale urban night spot offering live entertainment, select wines, and an in-house baby grand piano. Valet parking available. 513 | 784.1999 101 W. Fourth St. M-Th 11am-12am; F, Sat 11am-2am; lunch M-F 11-2; dinner M-Sat 5-9pm www.FederalReservePiano.com

Cincinnati’s downtown and surround-ing areas are home to many vibrant and exciting options for all aspects of nightlife. Bars and clubs are sprinkled around for a fun night on the town or an after-work cocktail with friends. Al-though new venues are opening often, this guide serves as a great place to start planning.

continued on page 24

And for more than 100 years we’ve been committed to making downtown a place we’re proud to call home. So it isn’t surprisingthat Bartlett professionals serve in volunteer leadership roles for more than a dozen downtown organizations, supporting the arts,social services and the environment.

Inside our downtown home, we’re committed to achieving investment excellence for our clients. Bartlett’s investment professionalscreate customized plans to keep individuals, families, foundations and businesses on schedule to reach their goals. Gettingthere involves careful monitoring of the investment climate, too. Drawing on their deep expertise, the Bartlett team analyzes andinterprets the data, so clients can feel comfortable under any conditions.

OFFERING: WEALTH PLANNING & INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT

Registered Investment Advisors. Since 1898.

36 East Fourth Street, Suite 400 • Cincinnati, OH 45202513.621.4612 • 800.800.4612

www.bartlett1898.com

Weʼve Been Calling Downtown ʻHomeʼ for More Than 100 Years.

MACHINE ROOM AT THE GREAT AMERICAN BALL PARK Full service restaurant and bar serving contemporary cuisine. Open when gates open for Reds home games. 513 | 765.7606 100 Main St. Great American Ball Park

MADONNA’S BAR & GRILL The pool table and friendly bartend-ers make Madonna’s a favorite spot for locals. Opens early on Sundays during Bengals season! Kitchen M-F 11-3pm, 9pm-1am; Sat 9pm-1am. 513 | 621.8838 11 E. Seventh St. M-F 11am-2:30am; Sat 7pm-2:30am; Sun 5:30pm-2:30am

MARGARITA’S Mexican. Carry-out and dine-in. 513 | 241.1223 214 E. Sixth St. M-Th 11-9; F 11-10; Sat 3-10Margarita’s @ Tower Place Mexican. Carry-out and dine-in. (513) 241-2313 28 W. Fourth St. Tower Place M-Th 11-9; F, Sat 11-10

McCORMICK & SCHMICK’S SEAFOOD RESTAURANT Now open! Offering a menu that changes daily with more than 30 seafood options, hand-crafted cocktails, and a focus on customer service. Ask about the $1.95 happy hour menu. Valet parking available. Also operates a 160-seat banquet facility located in the Westin Hotel’s former ‘Fountain Room. (513) 721-9339 21 E. Fifth St. M-Th 11-10; F 11-11; Sat 4-11; Sun 4-10 www.mccormickandschmicks.com

McFADDEN’S RESTAURANT & SALOON Sports bar and entertainment hang-out. Known for nightlife, but with a full-service menu for lunch and dinner. (513) 621-6800 19 E. Seventh St. M-Sun 11:30am-2am www.mcfaddenscincy.com

MILTON’S Drinks and friendly atmosphere. Located in Mt. Auburn. 513 | 784.9938 301 Milton St. M-Sun 4-2:30

MONASTERY WINE BAR at MOUNT ADAMS 513 | 241.9009 1101 St. Gregory St.

MONK’S COVE 513 | 723.0701 1104 St. Gregory St. Mt. Adams

MONTGOMERY INN BOATHOUSE People have Montgomery Inn’s ribs shipped to them across America. Here you can have them with a view of the Ohio River. Lots of Cincinnati sports memorabilia completes the decor. (513) 721-7427 925 Eastern Ave M-Th 11-10:30; F 11-11; Sat 3-11; Sun 3-10 www.montgomeryinn.com

MORTON’S OF CHICAGO A high-end steakhouse. Reservations accepted. Valet parking available. (513) 241-4104 28 W. Fourth St. Tower Place M-Sat 5:30-11 (bar opens at 4:45); Sun 5-10 www.mortons.com

MR. PITIFUL’S Located in the Main Street Entertain-ment District. 513 | 369.0202, 1323 Main St. Tu-F 5-2:30; Sat 8-2

MT. ADAMS BAR & GRILL Fun, contemporary neighborhood restaurant with year ’round porch and friendly prices!513 | 621.3666 938 Hatch St.

MT. ADAMS PAVILION Fun, contemporary neighborhood restaurant with year ’round porch and friendly prices!513 | 744.9200 949 Pavilion St.

NICOLA’S ITALIAN RISTORANTE Traditional Tuscan cuisine in contem-porary atmosphere. Located in the Main Street Entertainment District. (513) 721-6200 1420 Sycamore St. M-Th 5:30-10; F, Sat 5:30-11 www.nicolasrestaurant.com

GAMEDAY SPORTS BAR Located adjacent the U.S. Bank Arena and Great American Ball Park. Live music, no cover W, F, and Sat. Free parking on non-event days directly across the street. 513 | 744.9096 537 E. Pete Rose Way Sun-Sat 11am-2am www.gamedaysportscafe.com

GUIDO’S LOUNGE 513 | 421.3309 1111 St. Gregory St. Mt. Adams

HAVANA MARTINI CLUB Swanky nightclub featuring martinis and cigars. Happy hour 4-7:30 p.m. (513) 651-2800 441 Vine St. Carew Tower M-F 4pm-2:30am; Sat 6pm-2:30am; HH 4-7:30 www.havanamartini.com

HEAD FIRST SPORTS CAFE Sports bar. Lunch M-F 11-3pm. 513 | 721.3767 218 W. Third St. M-Sat 11am-2:30am

IN BETWEEN TAVERN With its outdoor patio, the In Between is a favorite spot to gather before and after Reds games. A year-round local hangout. 513 | 621.7009 307 Sycamore St. M-F Lunch 11-2pm; Bar 11am to 12am (open early & late on game days)

JEFF RUBY’S New York-style steak house, lively bar and memorable atmosphere. Live entertainment nightly. Reservations recommended. Located near the Aronoff Center. 513 | 784.1200 700 Walnut St. M-Th 5-10 (last seating at 9:45); F, Sat 5-11 (last seating at 10:45); bar opens at 4:30 www.jeffruby.com

JEANRO Parisian-style establishment serving French bistro fare. Owned and oper-ated by celebrity chef Jean-Robert de Cavel. Relaxed casual atmosphere. Half price bottles of wine on Sunday! 513 | 621.1465

413 Vine St. Lunch M-F 11:30-2; Dinner M-Th 6-9:30; F, Sat 6-10; Sun 5:30-9 www.bistrojeanro.com

KALDI’S Coffee shop, bar and restaurant serving lunch, dinner and drinks. Located in the Main Street Entertainment District. (513) 241-3070, 1204 Main St.Sun, M 10-3 (bar til 12am); Tu-Th 10am-12am; F, Sat 10am-2am

THE LAB Great atmosphere, great music. Located in the Main Street Entertain-ment District. 513 | 665.4522 1126 Main St. M-Th, Sat 8pm-2:30; F 5pm-2:30; Sun 12pm-2:30am

THE LODGE BAR 513 | 721.9400, 35 E. Seventh St. www.lodgebarcincy.com

LONGWORTH’S 513 | 651.2253 1108 St. Gregory St. Mt. Adams

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NICHOLSON’S TAVERN & PUB

Scottish pub and restaurant across from the Aronoff Center. Menu offers flame and rotisserie cooking. European style bar features imported beers and fine wines, plus a large selection of single malt scotches. Outdoor dining. Weekend valet park-ing. Reservations accepted. (513) 564-9111 625 Walnut St. M-Th 11-10; F, Sat 11-11; Sun 4-9; Bar open 1hr later www.nicholsonspub.com

O’MALLEY’S Full bar. Sandwiches and appetizers with quick service. Kitchen open late. Located between Third and Fourth streets, between Vine and Race. 513 | 381.3114 25 W. Ogden Place M-Sun 11am-2:30am

ORCHIDS AT PALM COURT Fine dining restaurant in a spec-tacular Art Deco setting. AAA Four-Diamond restaurant rating. Sunday brunch. Valet parking included. Reservations and business attire requested. (513) 421-9100 35 W. Fifth St. Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza Tu-Sat www.orchidsatpalmcourt.com

THE PALACE RESTAURANT A fine-dining experience, located in the historic Cincinnatian Hotel, offering eclectic French-American cuisine. Chef-driven menu changes frequently. Extensive wine list. Res-ervations are recommended. Valet parking available. (513) 381-3000 601 Vine St. The Cincinnatian M-Th 6:30am-10, 11:30-2, 6-9pm; F 6:30am-10, 11:30-2, 6-10pm; Sat 8am-12pm, 5:30-10; Sun 8am-12pm

PALOMINO ROTISSERIE & BAR Overlooking Fountain Square, this restaurant serves regional American cuisine including pizza, pasta, salad, and rotisserie items including prime rib, pork and chicken. Casual bar is place to relax and enjoy hors d’oeuvres; dining room has big win-dows and a kitchen that lets diners see what’s cooking. 513 | 381.1300 505 Vine St. Fountain Place M-Th 11-10; F, Sat 11-11; Sun 4-10; Bar M-Th, Sun 12am; F, Sat 1am; HH M-Sun 3-7 www.palomino.com

THE BAR & GRILLE AT PALM COURTExtensive wine list. Cigar and smoke friendly. Piano player and jazz trio Friday and Saturday evenings. Casual American fare in an historic archi-tectural setting. Breakfast, lunch and dinner all week; pasta bar and buffet at 11:30 a.m. weekdays; Sunday brunch. Reservations suggested. 513 | 421.9100 35 W. Fifth St. Hilton Cincinnati cincinnatinetherlandplaza.hilton.com

JEAN-ROBERT AT PIGALL’S French-American cuisine in a modern Parisian setting with a little New York ambiance and plenty of Cincin-nati charm. Owned and operated by celebrity chef Jean-Robert de Cavel. An evolving three- or five-course prix fixe menu offers diners a choice of appetizers, entrées and desserts for a set fee, including tax and gratuity. Business casual to elegant attire. Advance reservations necessary. 513 | 721.1345, 127 W. Fourth St. Tu-Th 6-10; F, Sat 5:30-10 www.pigalls.com

PLUM ST. CAFE Homemade soups, sandwiches and salads. Lunch M-F 11-2. Special hours during Bengals season.

513 | 651.4341 423 Plum St. M-F 11-2:30am; Sat, Sun 4-2:30am

THE PHOENIX RESTAURANT Fine dining in an historic club setting. Valet parking available. Reservations accepted. 513 | 721.8901 812 Race St. W-F 5-9; Sat 5-10 www.thephx.com

RHINO’S WATERING HOLE Tavern offering 26 microbrews and imports on tap. Located in the Main Street Entertainment District. 513 | 241.8545 119 E. Twelfth St. Tu-F 5-2:30; Sat 8-2:30

ROCK BOTTOM BREWERY Microbrewery featuring casual dining and fresh beer, brewed on the premises. Lots of TVs for sports fans. Cafe seating on the edge of Fountain Square. Late night bar menu available. (513) 621-1588 10 Fountain Square Plaza M-Sat 11:30-10:30; Sun 12-9; HH M-F 3-6 www.rockbottom.com

ROCKIN ROBIN’S Full bar. Sandwiches and appetizers with quick service. Kitchen open late. 513 | 621.1000 10 W. Seventh St. M-F 2pm-2:30am; Sat, Sun 12pm-2:30am

SHOOTERS Alternative bar. 513 | 381.9900, 927 Race St. Sun-Sat 4-2:30

TINA’S Neighborhood bar and grill serving lunch and dinner. Open early during Bengals season. 513 | 621.3567 350 W. Fourth St. M-Sat 11am-2:30am; Sun 3pm-2:30am

SCOTTI’S Serving provincial Italian cuisine since 1912. Cozy atmosphere with tile mosaic walls and candle wax melting over wine bottles. Reservations accepted. Casual attire. (513) 721-9484 919 Vine St. Lunch Tu-F 11:30-1:30; Dinner Tu-Th 5-8:30; F-Sat 5-9

SHANGHAI MAMA’S 1920s-style Shanghai noodle shop. (513) 241-7777 216 E. Sixth St. M-Th 11-9:30; F 11am-3am; Sat 4pm-3am

SULLY’S RESTAURANT & SALOON Irish and American cuisine in a casual, upbeat pub atmosphere. (513) 381-4302 700 Race St. M-Sun 11am-2:30am www.sullyscincy.com

TRATTORIA ROMA Authentic northern and southern Italian cuisine. (513) 723-0220 609 Walnut St. M-Th 11-2, 5-9; F 11-2, 5-11; Sat 5-11; Sun 4-9 before Broadway Series shows only www.trattoriaroma.net

UNIVERSAL GRILLE Food and drinks, music and videos in the city’s most unique atmosphere! Kitchen open until midnight. Kara-oke on Thursday nights. Live music on Friday nights. available. Sunday brunch, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 513 | 381.6279 909 Vine St. M-Sun 11am-12am; Sun brunch 11-3; Bar hours: see Bar at Universal Grille’s listing www.MyUniversalGrille.com

VIA VITE Opening Fall 2007! From the same owners of Nicola’s, Via Vite will offer an upscale Italian bistro setting and dining experience in the new restau-rant on Fountain Square. Fountain Square Plaza

VINYL Globally influenced, modern Ameri-can cuisine designed for sharing in sleek surroundings adapted from a classic diner, plus a cutting edge musical atmosphere. Located in the Main Street Entertainment District. (877) 24-VINYL, 1203 Sycamore St. www.vinylcincinnati.com

WHISKEY DICK’S Live music nightly. (513) 421-6200 700 W. Pete Rose Way M-Sat from 4pm

CLUB RED 1133 Sycamore St.

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What encouraged you to get started in the OTR area? My husband, Smith, and I purchased some properties here in 1986, and found out how exciting it was to take a building that was about to be condemned and make it beautiful again. First it was just our project, then we began to realize the great potential to our City for redevelopment and tourism to the largest nation-ally designated Historic District in the country, Over-the-Rhine.

Of course, we had a bit of coaching from folks like Jim Tarbell, Ken Jones, and others who were the real pioneers here. Like most people we loved to visit old cities when we travel, everyone has a downtown with new buildings, and saw how this could become a real destination for travel-ers if we can save and revitalize these beautiful, irreplaceable buildings. Plus, we could save our resources and reuse that which we have instead of continuing the unnecessary and ugliness of urban sprawl. Our cities are the centers of our culture as well as where we had our beginning in this country. So much was given to us, and, if we don’t appreciate and keep it, it will be lost forever.

Marge Hammelrath serves as the head of the Over-the-Rhine Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to preservation of the built environment by advocacy and as a resource to new investors Turning 15 years old this year, the organization is focused on the development of housing to give the buildings in the neighborhood a reason to be preserved. Urban Cincinnati recently sat down with Marge to find out more about her role as a leader in our urban community.

OV E R- the- R H I N E’S

URBA N HERO

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What advancements have you seen over your time with the foundation? In order to keep these wonderful buildings, they have to earn their keep. That is happening faster every year. Fabulous new living spaces, lofts, apartments, condos, spaces that most people born after the 30’s have never experienced. We also have seen a growing number of peo-ple beginning to understand the importance of this district. When we began our work, we were about to lose Findlay Market – the oldest continuing market in the nation. Music Hall was endangered as the neighborhood spiraled down. We just couldn’t sit back and not do everything in our power to help support these institutions.

More recently, the forming of the collaboration in OTR was the best work done by all stakeholders here, and it has caused many of our business leaders to realize that we can have a diversified community that supports Cincinnati’s most important business - the Arts. Look at us now! In addition to the CSO and the Cincinnati Opera which were already main stays in OTR, we have been blessed with the Chamber Orchestra, The Pendleton Arts Center, a remodeled and opened Memorial Hall, The Art Academy, the Know Theater, New Theater Collective, and I hope I haven’t forgotten others!

Tell me about the beauty and architecture of OTR. There is so much to be learned about our culture by looking at the beautiful architecture of OTR. Surely the builders at the middle to end of the last century were not wealthier than we are now, but architects were people who must have been artists first. Owners thought it important to add ‘beauty’ to their vocabulary. People today travel con-

stantly to Europe to see what is right here, buildings that were meant to last forever. Our built environment is like no other in the Country – Nationally designated, yet we still have to convince our own people to preserve this treasure. Last year, the National Trust placed us on the 11 Most Endangered Historic Site list. That places us with sites like Gettysburg and Mountains. Envision the day when people travel from other countries to see this treasure, and what that can do for our City.

What is the foundation’s plan for the future? With Preservation still a top goal, there is so much that still needs advocating, histories to capture, but it is time for others to lead those works. Our new director, Mike Morgan, is wonderful, dedicated, pas-sionate, and about 30 years younger than I am! With the help of some fabulous new board members, he can lead the Foundation to become a real force for continued revitalization which will include all the lead-ers of OTR. Watch out!

Where do you see Over-the-Rhine in the next ten years? All buildings saved no matter what, a school that will draw all income families because it will be the best in the city, and increased economic development. This will include more unique shopping, restaurants, tourism, and growth in the arts as a Midwest draw. Music Hall will be revitalized along with Memorial Hall. Emery Theater, which is second best in the country for acoustics next to Carnegie Hall, will be reopened and booked. Over-the-Rhine will serve as a model to the nation for successful mixed-income neighborhoods.

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