Whatever happened to ... Ensemble Theatre of Cincinnati's interest in the Odd Fellows Hall in Covington? You may recall that last spring Ensemble made headlines because of its interest in a second space.

As the new season opens, that idea appears to be on long-term hold. The theater "is not seriously looking for a second space," says board president Ed Haberer, although he acknowledges "anything can happen" and underlines the importance of staying fluid.

The only way ETC could move forward on expansion plans, Haberer notes, would involve "an angel" and "a $3 million gift." Haberer also acknowledged that at this point ETC has no concrete plan for maintaining another venue full time.

Most immediately, ETC is focused on parking. Cincinnati City Council has agreed to go forward with a parking garage for Kroger - which will make the ground lot directly across from the theater a construction site for several months.

No problem, according to ETC. Patrons can move across the street to the parking lot on the northeast corner of Vine and 12th streets.

There are only 60 spaces, but ETC reports that's typical need on any performance night. They also expect partial access to the Kroger lot during construction and they're looking into overflow possibilities.

The project is expected to break ground in early 2004 with a completion date of March 2005.