Yesterday we talked a bit about neighborhood impressions and an overview of problems concerning OTR development and connecting the dots of those "islands of development". Today I will throw out some possible solutions.
First while the Streetcar is a key component in OTR turnaround it is not the "salvation" of OTR. Businesses are not going to suddenly wake up and say "hey I'm going to open a business down there" NOR are people going to suddenly be compelled to restore a building because of the streetcar. The streetcar, maybe because of the opposition to it, has been seriously oversold and
'hyped' to a point that even if it is a success on some levels it will be viewed as failure because the expectation are so high. In my opinion a modern New Urbanist "Portland style" streetcar was a mistake and it should have had a more historic feel in keeping with the historic character of OTR
'hyped' to a point that even if it is a success on some levels it will be viewed as failure because the expectation are so high. In my opinion a modern New Urbanist "Portland style" streetcar was a mistake and it should have had a more historic feel in keeping with the historic character of OTR
BUT, It is a key component in OTR but only as an accessory to a larger , more comprehensive plan. We have to connect South of Liberty development to North of Liberty development
Many who are cheerleaders for OTR ignore certain facts that are out there so lets talk about the "real world" of OTR.
1.) OTR will never have the population density it had in the Victorian era, nor would anyone want it to be that 'crowded'.
2.) Given that lack of urban density the idea that one can fill the street retail with businesses that will be largely supported by people who live there is a unrealistic.
3.) OTR will only be truly successful as a "tourist based" destination not a self sustaining neighborhood.
That is the "real world" . In order for business to locate in OTR you need a considerably larger consumer base than would be possible just from the downtown or OTR residents. That means that OTR has to be "branded' as a Historic destination much in the same way as a Charleston or a New Orleans. The economy of OTR will be dependent largely on those from outside visiting OTR not from those who actually populate it. It must be marketed, TV ads in regional market, placed ads in travel magazines etc.
Local leaders and city planners need to be working towards a Business mix that will work. Things like art galleries, Antiques shops, gift stores, boutiques, restaurants , entertainment venues and small Inns and small boutique hotels. One need only to look at King street in Charleston to see what that might look like.
Linkages and connections: The Urban planning side.
There is no doubt that the streetcar project will create some walkable infrastructures to link area together sidewalks will have to be rebuilt as part of ADA.
At the moment however OTR is not a "walkable neighborhood". One need only to observe people at Findlay Market to see that. Findlay market is successful because it creates what is viewed as "safe enclave' The closing of Elder the control of the parking lots and a visible police presence all positively enforce that this is a 'safe place'. That combined with the Historic colors, awnings , flower boxes, and planting all say "you are welcome here this is a safe place".
Unfortunately the large urns like these at Findlay market, used to create "safe zones' hinder development across the street and foster a safe vs unsafe attitude among shoppers.You can see that "created barrier" by watching people circle and circle to get a spot in the "safe haven' of the North or South parking lots. Those of us who know OTR have no problem parking on Race or Elm but the average visitor is not going to "take the risk' as they view it of parking in a perceived unsafe area. So how do we change that?
Overgrown trees like these on race street create dark 'unfriendly zones' that discourage development. Trees should be replaced with smaller scale slow grouth species to open up the historic views.We change that by creating walkable 'safe zones". In my mind those would be Vine, Race and Elm. The treescape on those streets it now terribly overgrown. If the area were viewed as "safe" that would not be a problem, but since its not those trees should be removed and replanted with smaller more open species that will provide greenery but not create 'closed environments". We also ELIMINATE ALL parking meters North of Liberty for a 5 year period and we look at current city owned lots to be perhaps privately developed as co-operarative neighborhood parking lots where residents own their parking space. These lots would be landscaped and fenced and would open up streets for visitor parking.
Consideration should be given to making Race street a single "wide-lane" street. Expand the sidewalks and create a more pedestrian friendly space with better lighting and "open up' this area. Consideration should be given to "Historic facade grants" to paint and restore street facing facades in period colors.
The purpose is to create what I call the "OTR Walks" or "ON the Rhine" Historic Walks. Properties along the designated historic walks would be researched and much like Betts Longworth, historic plaques would be placed on key houses and places. Pedestrian friendly planting and benches would be added. landscaped buffer strips with fences behind them would be created at the vacant lots to visually separate the walkway from the vacant lots. Special signage/banners would identity the "historic walks" area. It would be the 'first step' to developing interest in restoration on the cross streets. Security cameras would be installed along the area.
Initially people will be afraid to venture into these areas and I would suggest "guided historic tours perhaps based around Findlay Market and the Music Hall/ Washington Park areas. This could be a sponsored venture between OTR Chamber, 3CDC and Cincinnati Preservation. Cincinnati Police would add foot or bike patrols in these areas as well. A major "criminal cleanup" is needed along these Key corridors and now is the time to start.
New Linkages and Projects:
Outlined in red the proposed OTR Art Walk ParkWhile the above projects will help create 'walkable areas. An east/west connection is needed and I would propose a new project... called the OTR ART WALK Park.
3CDC continues to march up Vine and eventually will reach the 17-1800 block of Vine. The question becomes how to "link" that to Findlay Market and create a real walkable loop. I would propose that ELDER be closed permanently from Race to Vine of vehicular traffic. A "intersection" would be left for access to cross Elder on Republic to those properties on the north. The goal would be the creation of an arts and antiques market in the business buildings on that street and perhaps artist lofts in the residential spaces above.
The vacant lot at Republic and Elder could be an outdoor performance venue for music and maybe combined with an outdoor cafe or Beer Garden.
Elder would become a Pedestrian Esplanade (like those found in Europe). There would be fountains, places to sit, larger scale sculpture could be on display and there could be a rotating displays of art.
The net effect of this would be to extend the perceived "safe zone ' of Findlay Market east all the way to Vine and provide a permanent linkage between the two while creating a new Tourist based development that will bring in new business and create jobs..
We have to think of more linkage projects and the type of developments that will create market zones attractive to new business, and create traffic to and interst in OTR. We have to throw out the idea that OTR will be some sort of carless neighborhood that will be self supporting, and we have to plan now for accomodations of both residential parking and creation of new parking opportunities for visitors (like underground parking garages).
Thoughts, ideas anyone?
OTR: Can we connect the dots of Development: Part 2
Reviewed by citra
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Published :
Rating : 4.5
