Friday, March 31, 2000
City wants historic buildings developed
BY EARNEST WINSTON
The Cincinnati Enquirer
HAMILTON — City officials have taken a major step toward redeveloping three historic buildings on High Street, aiming to help revitalize a struggling downtown.
Hamilton officials have sent out 110 “requests for proposals” to investors, developers and lessors for the three three-story Italianate buildings, at 228, 232 and 236 High St., known as the Mercantile Block.
The city is seeking responses primarily from Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky, and some other companies that have ""regional and national presence,” said James Boerke, director of Hamilton's planning department.
""We purposely haven't limited our horizons,” he said.
Plans call for the three buildings in the central business district, to include a fine restaurant, a dance club and nightclub; private office space; and specialty retail shops.
City officials have received inquiries from companies in Southwest Ohio, said Mr. Boerke.
""We took a little more time than we originally anticipated, but we wanted to put together an excellent and presentable package,” he said. ""Other than buying the property, this is the second-most important step in the process” so far.
Mr. Boerke said it was important to get the requests to candidates because ""we've got a lot going on, and we want to build on that momentum.”
Other downtown revitalization projects include a $3.3 million renovation of the historic Anthony Wayne Hotel, which provides affordable housing for people 55 or old er; an $18 million office tower, One Renaissance Center, nearing completion on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard; a $6.5 million street-scape project; a $6 million connection to the Butler Regional Highway; and the $35 million Government Services Building.
Councilwoman Kathy Becker said renovating downtown will help boost the city's image.
""Revitalizing downtown Hamilton has to be a first priority. It's the heart of the city. People's impressions of Hamilton are made based on (our) downtown area. And if you have a thriving downtown,” she said, ""you're going to attract other businesses.”
The city is asking candidates for detailed descriptions of the anticipated uses of the restored buildings; a cost estimate; and how the project will be financed, how long it will take and who will make up the development team.
The deadline for returning the responses is April 28. The three or four candidates deemed by the proposal review committee — which will include local citizens — to be ""the most viable and which take a historic renovation approach” will be asked to submit final redevelopment proposals for consideration.
Mr. Boerke said no date has been set for when the city plans to have a company selected.
Hustler prepares to reopen downtown
Monroe Hustler store likely to get OK
River adds 3 digits to phone calls
Teacher convicted of sex with boy
Teacher's aide faces cocaine sale charges
Ohio tobacco bill threatens public health
Police narrow hunt for gunman
Major who refused vaccine leaves service
Mason teen put on house arrest
N.Ky. welcomes Hispanic families
Net class to assist at-home schoolers
Rally for health care reform
Teens avoid felony charge for fake IDs
Lawmakers wait to slice Ky.'s tobacco money pie
Patton to sign bill on commandments
Channel 9 wins third Peabody
ETC turns 15 with 10 premieres
GET TO IT
Nurse believes in healing power of touch
Queen City's moments to shine reflected in book
TRISTATE DIGEST
Unexplored rock height of adventure for climber
AROUND THE COMMONWEALTH
Buses to continue on routes
Children Services urged to add staff
Citizens learn ropes and hoses
City wants historic buildings developed
Education Expo Saturday
Evidence sought in worker's fall
Leaky school roofs finally due for repairs
Ludlow demotes assistant chief
Off-duty Newport officer arrested
Officer sues city over sex allegations
Retired exec may fill post
School board approves consultants
Students turn election into game
Two-alarm fire routs 18 apartment residents
2 men shot; police seek gunman
