Over-the-Rhine, Cincinnati Blog

OTRVIEW: Levi Bethune of Simple Space

When I first got to know Levi Bethune, I asked him to describe the character of Cincinnati – a question that he answers fully in this OTRVIEW – and he answered the question along these lines: “Cincinnati is that guy with a secret history. He’s dope and has been around. He’s a no-drama, genuine every-man
Pendleton Street Townhomes

The Pendleton Street Townhomes development will include 5 new residences on Pendleton Street. The second phase will add 5 more units on Spring Street. More information available at Wright Design.
Crosley Field: Historic Home of the Cincinnati Reds

Crosley Field was home to the Cincinnati Reds from 1912 to June 24, 1970. The ballpark was named Redland Field from 1912 until 1934 when local businessman Powel Crosley Jr. bought the franchise. The “Findlay and Western intersection” was home to the Reds for eighty-six and a half seasons. Before Redland Field was built in
Vintage Findlay Market Photos

A look back at Findlay Market several decades ago. The photos appear to have been taken at two different times, perhaps in the 1960s and 70s. The following interesting images were found in the University of Cincinnati’s Digital Collections. Hat tip to the Digging Cincinnati History facebook page for sharing one of these photos recently.
Over-the-Rhine Streets of Yesteryear

If you know where to look, the corners of Over-the-Rhine tell a story. Throughout OTR one can see obsolete street names etched into stone or carved into the wood of building corners. Many of these names appear to be incorrect, but they’re really only relics from another time in Over-the-Rhine. Some Cincinnati street names were
The Sycamore Street Studio of Theodore Gantz

Earlier this summer, I had the pleasure of visiting Theodore Gantz at his residence and sculpture studio on Sycamore Street on the border of Over-the-Rhine and the Prospect Hill historic district. His museumlike home, luxuriant gardens, Empire-style collection of statuary that would make the Mercantile Library blush, secret courtyards and working sculpture studio are a
Beautiful, Historic Photos of Cincinnati

A breathtaking glimpse into the Queen City’s past.

It’s easy to spot the pride locals take in OTR's reputation as the country’s greatest collection of 19th-century Italianate architecture, as well as one of its largest urban historic districts.
New York Times, 2011

It's the best development in the country right now.
Urban Land Institute, 2012

The coolest neighborhood these days is Over-the-Rhine, just north of downtown, where trendy restaurants and shops are opening almost weekly.
Cleveland Plain Dealer, 2012

This is unbelievable what’s happening in Over-the-Rhine...you will be shocked by what you see.
Bill Cunningham, 2012

An über-chic area near downtown with a distinct Old World vibe...comparable to New Orleans and Savannah, Ga.
Chicago Tribune, 2012

Featured

The “movers and shakers” of the Germania Society’s first Oktoberfest. Photo courtesy of The Germania Society.

Oktoberfest: An Authentically German-American Tradition

Written by Lisa K. Bambach, Cincideutsch Beginning August 23, Cincinnati will kick off its most vibrant festival season. Every weekend through mid-October, blue and white checkered flags will be hoisted, wurst will be sizzling on the grill, taps will be flowing with malty Bavarian-style lagers, and polka music will become commonplace. Cincinnati will be transformed

Crosley Field Home of the Cincinnati Reds 1940

Crosley Field: Historic Home of the Cincinnati Reds

Crosley Field was home to the Cincinnati Reds from 1912 to June 24, 1970. The ballpark was named Redland Field from 1912 until 1934 when local businessman Powel Crosley Jr. bought the franchise. The “Findlay and Western intersection” was home to the Reds for eighty-six and a half seasons. Before Redland Field was built in

Vintage Findlay Market Photos

A look back at Findlay Market several decades ago. The photos appear to have been taken at two different times, perhaps in the 1960s and 70s. The following interesting images were found in the University of Cincinnati’s Digital Collections. Hat tip to the Digging Cincinnati History facebook page for sharing one of these photos recently.

Photo Tour of the Old SCPA / Historic Woodward High School

The former SCPA / Woodward High School building was recently sold at auction to Indianapolis-based Core Redevelopment. The sale of the huge, historic building has sparked interest due to its unique features and prominent position in the community. The former school has an 1,100 auditorium, two gymnasia, a swimming pool, ornate stained glass windows, and

Sycamore Street Studio of Theodore Gantz (2)

The Sycamore Street Studio of Theodore Gantz

Earlier this summer, I had the pleasure of visiting Theodore Gantz at his residence and sculpture studio on Sycamore Street on the border of Over-the-Rhine and the Prospect Hill historic district. His museumlike home, luxuriant gardens, Empire-style collection of statuary that would make the Mercantile Library blush, secret courtyards and working sculpture studio are a

Central Parkway looking west (flickr / annareid86420)

Beautiful, Historic Photos of Cincinnati

A breathtaking glimpse into the Queen City’s past.

OTR Gateway Quarter Wayfinding Map

OTR Gateway Quarter Wayfinding Map created by Laura Collins and Katie Garber. Click for full resolution. More information at otrgateway.com…

Over the Rhine concert, photo from the band

Over the Rhine concert at Washington Park

Over the Rhine returned to its namesake neighborhood last night to perform a grand opening concert at the newly expanded and renovated Washington Park. At the core of the band is husband-and-wife team Linford Detweiler and Karin Bergquist who lived in Over-the-Rhine for years before embarking on a musical journey that has brought the band

Main Street steps comparison, via flickr user mgsmith

The Main Street Mosaic Steps

Cincinnati has a plethora of public steps connecting the summits of its hills with the bottoms of its dales. Cincinnati also has an active public arts scene. What better way to marry the two than by using art to enliven Cincinnati’s steps? If anywhere has shown the ripple-effect that public art and its attractive power

Washington Park Grand Opening, photo by Cincinnati Parks

The Grand Reopening of Washington Park

Washington Park‘s ribbon cutting ceremony and grand reopening yesterday was a resounding success. Hundreds, if not thousands, of people braved the 100°+ heat and enjoyed a beautiful day of fun in the sun and shade – at the dog park, around the bandstand, reclining on cool grass under old growth trees, playing in the children’s

The Bellevue Incline and Elm Street Steps

The Cincinnati-Clifton Incline Plane, better known as the Bellevue Incline, connected Elm Street in Over-the-Rhine to Ohio Avenue in Clifton Heights. It was touted as “the only direct route to Burnet Woods Park, Zoological Garden, and Clifton.” The Elm Street steps used to run adjacent to the incline from McMicken to Clifton avenues where the

Canal, Subway, Parkway: The History of Cincinnati's Central Parkway in Images

The “Rhine” of “Over-the-Rhine” was the Miami & Erie Canal. The canal was replaced by Central Parkway and the subway line. Here are a few images of Central Parkway’s history. In a forthcoming post, I’ll delve deeper into the more recent history of this definitive border of OTR. Unless otherwise noted, all images are credited

Bill Cunningham Praises Progress in OTR

On May 29, Cincinnati radio talk show host Bill Cunningham praised Over-the-Rhine for over three minutes on his show. Cunningham joins a growing list of local mainstream media outlets that have caught on to Over-the-Rhine’s renaissance. The person who manages the Walnut Hills Redevelopment Foundation’s twitter account heard the comments on the air and then found

Nicola's Restaurant Over-the-Rhine Cincinnati (1)

Over-the-Rhine is Cincinnati's Restaurant Hot Spot

Over-the-Rhine is staking its claim as Cincinnati’s restaurant mecca with a variety of high quality dining experiences. The long waits just to be seated at these establishments tell the story. OTR is in high demand. Wine Me, Dine Me has the scoop on Cincinnati Magazine‘s Top Ten restaurants of 2012 as well as Best New restaurants:

Michael A. Uhlenhake by Christopher Rumer

OTRview: Michael A. Uhlenhake – Architect, Developer and OTR Resident

Editor’s note: The following is architect, developer and OTR resident Michael A. Uhlenhake‘s personal history of his past 20 years in Over-the-Rhine. It is an exceptional piece that portrays one man’s intimate interactions with Over-the-Rhine over the course of two consequential decades in Cincinnati history. We publish Mr. Uhlenhake’s story with great pride. All content and