By Ken Alltucker
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Over-the-Rhine business leaders and Cincinnati City Councilman Jim Tarbell are pushing for a new look and more parking for the proposed city-financed $12 million parking garage for Kroger Co.

Tarbell said Monday that the neighborhood's foremost concern is that the "gateway" garage at Central Parkway and Vine Street blends well with the neighborhood's collection of 19th-century buildings.

Tarbell also thinks that new shops or commercial space along Vine Street are more important than the street-level condos proposed by the developer, Kimbler Interests/Al Neyer Inc. Various neighborhood groups also are pushing for a 1,200-space garage instead of the 953-space garage proposed by the developer.

"Housing is not the kicker here, it's the look," Tarbell said.

His comments came Monday as two city boards - the Urban Design Review Board and the city's Historic Conservation Board - reviewed several changes proposed by the developer. City Council's finance committee also tried to re-exert control over the project from architects and Over-the-Rhine stakeholders who had been debating the design of the project for weeks.

Chairman John Cranley said the city should stay focused on its first priority: building a parking deck for the Kroger Co. for the most economical cost to the taxpayers.

"On April 1, Kroger is going to say, 'Start building this garage, or we're out of here,'" Cranley said.

Developer Rick Kimbler has agreed to make changes, including building the Vine Street condos as "live-work" spaces with an entrance to the street. His original plan called for residential units with restricted access through a Central Parkway lobby.

Kimbler's architects also have proposed several design changes to make the garage more attractive, including adding a vine and other plants and fabric banners that would drape across the garage's Central Parkway faÁade.

"Residential is a must on Vine," Kimbler said. "It will drive further development on Vine Street. I strongly disagree it should be an even bigger garage."

Kimbler also urged quick approval. He needs to start building the garage this spring in order to meet a March 31, 2005, deadline.

"I firmly believe if we don't get this approved and financed now, it will never happen," Kimbler said.

Friday, the Over-the-Rhine Chamber of Commerce, Oaktree Montessori, Ensemble Theatre, Over-the-Rhine Foundation, Barrelhouse Brewing Co. and YMCA of Greater Cincinnati adopted some basic suggestions for the project.

The group wants a garage with an "exceptional design," either shops or live/work spaces on Vine Street and a 1,200-space garage that accommodates future development, including the Art Academy of Cincinnati.

The group thinks that condos built atop the garage or elevated above street level would be easier to sell.

OTR Chamber of Commerce President Tom Besanceney doesn't think the neighborhood's wishes will hold up construction.

"As long as the aesthetic part of that garage is acceptable, we see no problem proceeding," Besanceney said.

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Gregory Korte contributed to this report. E-mail kalltucker@enquirer.com