BY LISA DONOVAN
The Cincinnati Enquirer
The pending acquisition of Mercantile Stores Co. Inc. not only kills plans to build a Maison Blanche department store in downtown Cincinnati but could delay for at least a year filling the "missing tooth" at Fifth and Race streets.
A Depression-era photo of the McAlpin's on Fourth Street.
(File photo)
| ZOOM |
|
Locating a department store at the downtown intersection is important to the city's goal of creating a retail "critical mass."
But those plans have been stymied, at least temporarily, by Monday's announcement that Dillard's Inc. plans to acquire Mercantile.
Maison Blanche, one of Mercantile's nameplates, was expected to move into the blighted northwest corner of Fifth and Race streets. The largely vacant building was set for demolition this spring to make way for the store.
"It is our understanding that Dillard's Inc. has not agreed to complete those negotiations at this time," said City Manager John Shirey.
In January, a $62 million development deal was struck between the city and Race Street Development Ltd., an affiliate of Western-Southern Life Insurance Co.
The development was to include a 138,000-square-foot Maison Blanche department store and a 1,000-space garage.
"Unfortunately, Race Street Development and Mercantile did not complete and execute a final lease for the project prior to today's announcement," Mr. Shirey said.
In addition, another anchor store downtown could have been the lure for the high-end, Seattle-based Nordstrom, officials have said.
"I don't know where we stand with Nordstrom because of our inability to move ahead with some other projects in the area," Mr. Shirey said.
He was referring to council's recent rejection of a riverfront development plan that would have turned the banks of the Ohio River into a mega-entertainment complex.
David Ginsburg, senior vice president of Downtown Cincinnati Inc. (DCI), a downtown marketing organization, said it is important to make sure that development of the corner proceeds.
"It's really the missing tooth, as Race Street is beginning to develop."
City officials say it will be difficult for many residents to bid the McAlpin's name adieu.
"There are people in Cincinnati that are very brand-loyal to McAlpin's -- they will be disappointed to see that name disappear," Mr. Shirey said.
