Saturday, March 11, 2000
Landmark sold to developer
Newport awaits plans
BY TERRY FLYNN
The Cincinnati Enquirer
NEWPORT — The Otto Zimmerman & Sons Printing Co. building, a landmark on Third Street between Monmouth and Saratoga streets, has been purchased by developer David Hosea for $800,000.
The question now is what will happen to the two-story brick structure, located across Third Street from the Newport on the Levee project on a prime piece of Third Street Redevelopment project land.
Mr. Hosea, owner of Hosea Worldwide, which moves large companies and sells used office furniture, is well-known in Newport. He is one of the major redevelopers in the city's East End, rehabilitating many stately old homes and reselling them.
He's also the man who three years ago proposed a 1,000-foot Millennium tower to be built on the block that is home to the World Peace Bell. The tower project, now under the leadership of Peace Bell builder Wayne Carlisle, is still on the drawing board.
Attempts to reach Mr. Hosea on Friday for comment on the future of the Zimmerman building were unsuccessful.
Newport City Manager Phil Ciafardini said city officials have so far heard noth ing from Mr. Hosea regarding plans for the building, which covers a 214.5-foot-by-108 foot lot and is bordered by Third Street, Southgate alley, a parking lot and a liquor store.
“We hope for a unique concept that will fit in with the concept of the entertainment district,” Mr. Ciafardini said. “If anyone can do that, (Mr. Hosea) is the guy.”
The Zimmerman building has been perched on the little hill above Third Street since before World War II. The family-owned printing business was closed last year.
Although it is not on any historic list or register, city officials want to see the old structure maintained and be the home to some suitable business.
“Whatever it is, we want the building to be utilized,” Mr. Ciafardini said. “I can say absolutely that I would be very much opposed to demolishing the building, and I think that's the general feeling in the city.”
Mr. Ciafardini also disclosed Friday that a $1 million commercial development block grant intended for use in developing the former Dennart Distributing building and surrounding property on Third Street has been returned to the state Department of Local Government.
“Development plans for the property have not been finalized, and the DPL finally said too much time had elapsed and the grant had to be returned,” he said. “We can reapply later if a deal is reached.”
Fort Thomas businessman/developer Nick Ellison, who with partner Eric Haas has purchased most of the block bordered by Third, Washington, Saratoga and Southgate alley for the project, said loss of the grant does not kill the plan.
“We understand that the project has just taken way too long,” Mr. Ellison said. “Part of the problem is that the (21-screen) movie theater at Newport on the Levee has taken a long time, longer than originally thought, and the tenant we're dealing with now for the project wants to be certain the theater will be built.”
The plan originally called for a Woodstock Cafe bar/restaurant, but the person who developed the con cept ran out of funds. A similar deal for an Irish pub concept also failed to materialize. Mr. Ellison said he and Mr. Haas are negotiating with a major entertainment venue for the property.
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