Annual Report 2015

A Letter from LeadershipFour years ago, envisioning a resurrected Peeble’s Corner likely would have provoked laughter among most people, even from some of Walnut Hills’ greatest supporters. Imagine for a moment standing at the intersection of McMillan St. and Gilbert Ave in 2011. If asked, “what do you see?”, most would have “seen” dozens of vacant buildings, trash littered sidewalks and streets, criminal activity and cars moving as quickly as possible in one direction.

What we saw was opportunity. Fast forward four years and at this moment construction crews are working on several buildings that represent millions of dollars in reinvestment. The sidewalks are clean and filled with neighbors, business owners and transit riders who are all walkingthroughout a more pedestrian friendly district.

After 3-4 years of hard work, partnerships, community building and catalytic reinvestment, 2015 has emerged as our biggest and boldest year yet. Here’s what we accomplished:

Real Estate & Economic Development$11.5 Million invested into Peeble’s Corner

25 new businesses introduced through Brick 939$4 Million in historic tax credits earned for

Paramount Square

Outreach & Equity7 Walnut Hills residents empoyed

through the Job Bank20 youth employed for the summer 19 farmsand days held

Events & Promotion 64 gallons on paint used in the St. James

Pocket Park74 events held throughout the

neighborhood

As an organization, and as a community, we have undertaken the bold challenge of redefiningredevelopment. We recognize that our community has the potential to thrive through physical investment on a large scale. We have begun to prove that and we don’t plan on slowing down. Simultaneously we also know that community growth is most sustainable when it possesses a strong social construct. In 2015 we doubled down in the areas of public health, workforce development and youth engagement for this very reason. Our approach has garnered much attention, including an eleven page feature from Cincinnati Magazine. This in depth feature chronicles the history of the neighborhood and the stories of our residents, boasting the provocative title “Will Walnut Hills Rise Again?”. We believe that 2016 will be the year we answer this question. With your support,

Kevin WrightExecutive Director

Christina BrownBoard President

#WeAreWalnutHills

A Letter from LeadershipFour years ago, envisioning a resurrected Peeble’s Corner likely would have provoked laughter among most people, even from some of Walnut Hills’ greatest supporters. Imagine for a moment standing at the intersection of McMillan St. and Gilbert Ave in 2011. If asked, “what do you see?”, most would have “seen” dozens of vacant buildings, trash littered sidewalks and streets, criminal activity and cars moving as quickly as possible in one direction.

What we saw was opportunity. Fast forward four years and at this moment construction crews are working on several buildings that represent millions of dollars in reinvestment. The sidewalks are clean and filled with neighbors, business owners and transit riders who are all walkingthroughout a more pedestrian friendly district.

After 3-4 years of hard work, partnerships, community building and catalytic reinvestment, 2015 has emerged as our biggest and boldest year yet. Here’s what we accomplished:

Real Estate & Economic Development$11.5 Million invested into Peeble’s Corner

25 new businesses introduced through Brick 939$4 Million in historic tax credits earned for

Paramount Square

Outreach & Equity7 Walnut Hills residents empoyed

through the Job Bank20 youth employed for the summer 19 farmsand days held

Events & Promotion 64 gallons on paint used in the St. James

Pocket Park74 events held throughout the

neighborhood

As an organization, and as a community, we have undertaken the bold challenge of redefiningredevelopment. We recognize that our community has the potential to thrive through physical investment on a large scale. We have begun to prove that and we don’t plan on slowing down. Simultaneously we also know that community growth is most sustainable when it possesses a strong social construct. In 2015 we doubled down in the areas of public health, workforce development and youth engagement for this very reason. Our approach has garnered much attention, including an eleven page feature from Cincinnati Magazine. This in depth feature chronicles the history of the neighborhood and the stories of our residents, boasting the provocative title “Will Walnut Hills Rise Again?”. We believe that 2016 will be the year we answer this question. With your support,

Kevin WrightExecutive Director

Christina BrownBoard President

#WeAreWalnutHills

About the WHRF

Real Estate & Economic Development

Events & Creative Placemaking

Equity &Outreach

Finances & Administrative

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About the WHRF

Real Estate & Economic Development

Events & Creative Placemaking

Equity &Outreach

Finances & Administrative

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6

8

10

12

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Christina Brown

PresidentKathryn Gibbons

Vice PresidentMatt Kitchen

Treasurer Fred Orth

Gary Dangel

Jena BradleySecretary

Tim MacConnell

John Hauck

Alena Seiler

Genevieve Washington

STAFF Kevin WrightExecutive Director

Elizabeth J. Winters Waite

Sarah Dotter

Thea MunchelDevelopment Director

Joe Sandmann

2015 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

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MISSIONWe are a non-profit community development corporation working to enhance the quality of life in Walnut Hills.

VISIONA Walnut Hills that is vibrant, safe, healthy,and inclusive for all. We believe a qualityplace should be accessible to everyone.

FOCUS AREAS

CulturalProgramming

Public/PrivateDevelopmentPartnerships

CivicDialogue

EnhancedPublic Spaces

EnhancedSocial Services

Protection of Historic Assets

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2015 hasemerged as our BIGGEST and BOLDEST

year yet.

Here’s what we’ve accomplished.

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REAL ESTATE & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

$11.5MILLION

invested into the Peeble’s Corner Business District.

25new businesses intro-

duced to Peeble’s corner through MORTAR’s

Brick 939 market.

Over

$4 MILLIONin state and federal

historic tax credits for Paramount Square.

Secured

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In 2015 we completed Trevarren Flats, the first major investment in Peeble’s Corner for decades. This $10 million project brought 30 new market rate residential units and 8,000 square feet of retail to the neighborhood in three historic buildings. We also purchased the Paramount building (shown above) and were awarded Historic Tax Credits towards the Paramount Project, which will span six buildings and yield 44 residential units with 15 retail spaces.

We see restoring vibrancy to the bricks and mortar in Peeble’s Corner business district as a key component to improving the quality of life in Walnut Hills. That’s why we partnered in key, catalytic real estate projects in 2015 that brought new opportunities to Walnut Hills with new businesses, employment opportunities and quality residential units.

We also work with East Walnut Hills to attract development to the DeSalesCorner business district. This past year, we saw the complete transformation of the French Building from a vacant space to the home of O Pie O on the ground floor with office space above. Additionally, the historic bank building at the corner of Woodburn and Madison was repositioned for preservation and awarded $400,000 in state and federal historic tax credits.

Our efforts do not only lie in real estate development. Our business development grants help to make sure storefronts are filled. This year we awarded four businesses $30,000 in THRIVE grants to move into the neighborhood, and three businesses $12,150 in Facade Improvement grants to improve the pedestrian experience.

TREVARREN FLATS

NEW BUSINESSES ARE FLOURISHING

BRICK 939 POP-UP HOLIDAY MARKET

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As the year comes to an end, the construction on the Trevarren Flats Project is beginning to wrap up as well. The new residential units and retail spaces will begin to come online in early 2016, bringing new, bustling activity to the Peeble’s Corner Business District.

EVENTS & CREATIVE PLACEMAKING

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64gallons of paint

applied to the St. James Pocket Park.

74 35local buskers and bands hired to play durring

For us, a neighborhood is more than just a spot on a map or buildings and streets, it’s made up of people, too. Creative Placemaking is the intersection between these two parts of a community- the physical space and the passionate, tenacious residents. Creative Placemaking is how we celebrate all the assets ofWalnutHills. It has been an integral part of our involvement and innovation with the neighborhood.We’ve adopted a definition of creative placemaking as “any creative or artistic effort to make a particularcommunity strong.”

In 2015 our creative placemaking efforts have run the gamit - from community beautification efforts at St James Pocket Park, to international artist designed murals at the Five Points Alley. From a

large single day multiple act concert at the Cincinnati Street Food Festival to a multi week series of small performances and buskers at Music Off McMillan. From physical improvements of public spaces to the branching influence of newly trained community minded yogis.

In all things we do, we seek to honor the integrity of our community, showcase the strengths of our neighborhood, and most importantly, to connect people, be they longtime residents or people experiencing Walnut Hills for the first time. Through these connections new businesses have opened, the safety of neighborhood has increased and more people have been inspired to be involved in our community and in our revitalization efforts.

events held throughout the neighborhood

EVENTS & CREATIVE PLACEMAKING

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64gallons of paint

applied to the St. James Pocket Park.

74 35local buskers and bands hired to play durring

For us, a neighborhood is more than just a spot on a map or buildings and streets, it’s made up of people, too. Creative Placemaking is the intersection between these two parts of a community- the physical space and the passionate, tenacious residents. Creative Placemaking is how we celebrate all the assets ofWalnutHills. It has been an integral part of our involvement and innovation with the neighborhood.We’ve adopted a definition of creative placemaking as “any creative or artistic effort to make a particularcommunity strong.”

In 2015 our creative placemaking efforts have run the gamit - from community beautification efforts at St James Pocket Park, to international artist designed murals at the Five Points Alley. From a

large single day multiple act concert at the Cincinnati Street Food Festival to a multi week series of small performances and buskers at Music Off McMillan. From physical improvements of public spaces to the branching influence of newly trained community minded yogis.

In all things we do, we seek to honor the integrity of our community, showcase the strengths of our neighborhood, and most importantly, to connect people, be they longtime residents or people experiencing Walnut Hills for the first time. Through these connections new businesses have opened, the safety of neighborhood has increased and more people have been inspired to be involved in our community and in our revitalization efforts.

events held throughout the neighborhood

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CONCORD GARDENJust a year ago, the Concord Garden had waist high weeds and a litter encrust-ed fence. It now contains 70 beautiful raised beds, man-aged by a diverse group of gardeners connecting over a common interest.

STREET FOOD AND FUNThe Cincinnati Street Food Festival was

held for a fourth year in September, drawing thousands to the neighborhood.

Pocket Park design, the streets of Peeble’s corner are more active than they have been for years.

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CONCORD GARDENJust a year ago, the Concord Garden had waist high weeds and a litter encrust-ed fence. It now contains 70 beautiful raised beds, man-aged by a diverse group of gardeners connecting over a common interest.

STREET FOOD AND FUNThe Cincinnati Street Food Festival was

held for a fourth year in September, drawing thousands to the neighborhood.

Pocket Park design, the streets of Peeble’s corner are more active than they have been for years.

EQUITY &OUTREACH

7Residents employed through the Walnut

Hills Job Bank.

20Youth Ambassadors

employed for the summer.

36Health screenings

performed.

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We believe in investing and preserving historic buildings and valuable public spaces. However, a neighborhood cannot truly reach its full potential unless those who have lived there, who make up the fabric of Walnut Hills, are lifted up as well. Otherwise, neighborhood revitalization is soulless and without character. In Walnut Hills, redevelopment happens not only for the community, but with the community.In 2015, we doubled down on our efforts for transparency and equity. We continued to strengthen our partnership with the WalnutHills Area Council and the Walnut Hills Business Group, the voices of the residents and business owners. We continued to run every project by the Working Group,

a collective of representatives from the three neighborhood organizations, and present them to the Area Councilbefore construction.

Investments in our equity programs allowed our Youth Ambassador Program to provide jobs and opportunities to Walnut Hills youth. We strengthened the Walnut Hills Job Bank, and hired a Public Ally to dedicate staff time to recruitment.

These initiatives connect Walnut Hills residents directly to our projects in the neighborhood. This ensures that the real estate and economic development work we do has a direct and positive impact on our residents.

Walnut Hills residents were connected with job opportunities on the Trevarren job site.

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HEALTH & WELLNESSWEDNESDAYSThrough the Findlay Market Farmstand in Walnut Hills, Vitality Yogi training, and other programing we were able to promote healthy and active lifestyles among Walnut Hills residents.

FINANCE &ADMINISTRATION

Real Estate & Economic

Development65%

Administrative & General Expenses

9%

Outreach & Events

19%

PropertyManagement

7%

Unrestricted Grants

38%Fees18%

RestrictedGrants

25%

Fundraising12%

Rental Income7%

2014 Financial Summary*Based on unaudited information

RevenueTotal | $604,004

Unrestricted Grants | $230,356Rental Income | $45,187

Fundraising | $71,048Fees | $108,300

Restricted Grants | $149113

ExpensesTotal | $517,995

Property Management | $33,800Real Estate & Economic Development | $338,215

Outreach and Events | $97,215Administrative & General | $48765

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WHRF grew stronger financially in 2015. Grant revenue increased, sponsorships and donations increased, and most significantly, we collected our first developer fees in a decade. Fee based revenue increased by 30%, linked with community investment of over $10,000,000.

We added five new funding sources, resulting in project specific funding that allowed us to continue our mission, including new work in placemaking, workforce development, health and wellness, community gardens and community engagement.

In 2015, we also broadened our fundraising efforts. Each THRIVE Grant recipient

committed to hosting a fundraising event; two of those fundraisers were held this year as sneak preview events with plans for two more events in early 2016. We held an additional fundraiser at O Pie O in connection with the work we are doing in East Walnut Hills. These and other fundraising efforts have doubled our donor base and leveraged additional investmentin our community.

Our strong financials gave us the ability to problem solve in new ways and to create catalytic change. This, combined with our strong partnerships with city and financial institutions, allowed us to purchase the Paramount Building, a cornerstone, both literally and figuratively, of our community.

FINANCE &ADMINISTRATION

Real Estate & Economic

Development65%

Administrative & General Expenses

9%

Outreach & Events

19%

PropertyManagement

7%

Unrestricted Grants

38%Fees18%

RestrictedGrants

25%

Fundraising12%

Rental Income7%

2014 Financial Summary*Based on unaudited information

RevenueTotal | $604,004

Unrestricted Grants | $230,356Rental Income | $45,187

Fundraising | $71,048Fees | $108,300

Restricted Grants | $149113

ExpensesTotal | $517,995

Property Management | $33,800Real Estate & Economic Development | $338,215

Outreach and Events | $97,215Administrative & General | $48765

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WHRF grew stronger financially in 2015. Grant revenue increased, sponsorships and donations increased, and most significantly, we collected our first developer fees in a decade. Fee based revenue increased by 30%, linked with community investment of over $10,000,000.

We added five new funding sources, resulting in project specific funding that allowed us to continue our mission, including new work in placemaking, workforce development, health and wellness, community gardens and community engagement.

In 2015, we also broadened our fundraising efforts. Each THRIVE Grant recipient

committed to hosting a fundraising event; two of those fundraisers were held this year as sneak preview events with plans for two more events in early 2016. We held an additional fundraiser at O Pie O in connection with the work we are doing in East Walnut Hills. These and other fundraising efforts have doubled our donor base and leveraged additional investmentin our community.

Our strong financials gave us the ability to problem solve in new ways and to create catalytic change. This, combined with our strong partnerships with city and financial institutions, allowed us to purchase the Paramount Building, a cornerstone, both literally and figuratively, of our community.

IN THE NEWS“$20M Walnut Hills redevelopment project lands tax credits” – Cincinnati Business Courier

“‘PARAMOUNT’ LOOMS LARGE IN W. HILLS” – Cincinnati Enquirer

“Walnut Hills Redevelopment Foundation’s Office Grand Opening” – 5chw4r7z Blogspot

“Will Walnut Hills Rise Again?” – Cincinnati Magazine

“New Transit Hubs on the Way for Northside, Walnut Hills” – UrbanCincy

“Walnut Hills Aims for Better Overall Community Health with Gardens, Events” – Soapbox Cincinnati

“Walnut Hills Redevelopment

Foundation Refocusing

Efforts on INCLUSIVE, EQUITABLE CHANGE”

–UrbanCincy

Sharing a passion for Walnut Hills”– Soapbox Cincinnati

“NEIGHBORHOOD HEROES:

“Street Food Festival Returns to Streets of Walnut Hills This Saturday”

– UrbanCincy

“Music Off McMillan to

reinforce creative placemaking in

Walnut Hills”– Soapbox Cincinnati

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IN THE NEWS“$20M Walnut Hills redevelopment project lands tax credits” – Cincinnati Business Courier

“‘PARAMOUNT’ LOOMS LARGE IN W. HILLS” – Cincinnati Enquirer

“Walnut Hills Redevelopment Foundation’s Office Grand Opening” – 5chw4r7z Blogspot

“Will Walnut Hills Rise Again?” – Cincinnati Magazine

“New Transit Hubs on the Way for Northside, Walnut Hills” – UrbanCincy

“Walnut Hills Aims for Better Overall Community Health with Gardens, Events” – Soapbox Cincinnati

“Walnut Hills Redevelopment

Foundation Refocusing

Efforts on INCLUSIVE, EQUITABLE CHANGE”

–UrbanCincy

Sharing a passion for Walnut Hills”– Soapbox Cincinnati

“NEIGHBORHOOD HEROES:

“Street Food Festival Returns to Streets of Walnut Hills This Saturday”

– UrbanCincy

“Music Off McMillan to

reinforce creative placemaking in

Walnut Hills”– Soapbox Cincinnati

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THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS AND DONORS

P&G FoundationPlace MattersThe Carol Ann and Ralph V. Haile, Jr./U.S. Bank Foundation

Back ArchitectsBayer BeckerChildren’s HospitalCincinnati Church of the BrethrenClean Living Laundry, Inc.Core DevelopmentCornette/Violetta ArchitectsDempsey-SidersFifth Third BankFirst Financial Bank

First Step Home, Inc.Graydon HeadHGC ConstructionHorseshoe CincinnatiHuman NatureKatz, TellerKrogerLocey Cecil & AssociatesNew RepublicNeyer Properties

PhototypePNC BankRichard Consulting GroupStowe HouseTalbert HouseThe Community BuildersThe Model GroupThompson MacConnellWalnut Hills Area Council

SPONSORS

OPERATIONAL SPONSORS

DONORSAnn LugbillAnne SeslerBenjamin and Kristen WaltersChris DesimioDianne MarcusEd HorganEdwin PfetzingElizabeth WaiteFred OrthFreeman Durham

Grant ParkH. Drew GoresHjalmar K. BjornsonJohn LevyJulie and Joshua ShifmanKaren BlocherKatherine NeltnerKathryn GibbonsMarion HaynesMark Srofe

Mary ArmorMatthew KitchenRae VuicRichard DuvalRichard GoldbergSara Leah MillerStephen RamosTrent LobdellWilliam Woodside

Walnut Hills Redevelopment Foundation915 E. McMillan Street, Cincinnati, OH 45206 | P.O. Box 6363, Cincinnati, OH 45206

513. 593. 9473 | info@walnuthillsrf.org | walnuthillsrf.orgf: www.facebook.com/walnuthillsRF | t: @walnuthillsrf | i: @walnuthills

CDC Assn.Interact for HealthLISC