Author Topic: Northern Kentucky: Random Development News & Info (Read 48087 times)

UncleRando · « **Reply #140 on:** August 12, 2009, 12:30:48 PM »

$1M grant may inject new life into historic RayMee Building
http://www.soapboxmedia.com/devnews/0811raymeebuilding.aspx
By Randy A. Simes | Soapbox Cincinnati, August 11, 2009

Dayton, KY officials have applied for a $1 million Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) that will be used to fund the RayMee Building Redevelopment Project.

The grant uses federal funds that are administered by the State, and can be used for housing, public facilities, community programs and/or economic development. Local officials believe that the redevelopment project will result in the creation of 50 low to moderate income jobs at around $20,000 – not including the temporary construction jobs that will be needed for the project. Richard Bragg of the Northern Kentucky Area Development District says that the approval process for such a grant could take several months.

The 1,800 square-foot building is said to be in "sound" condition and should be ready for interior finishing by June 2010.

Local officials have high hopes for the structure as it is prominently located across the street from where the new municipal building will stand. The corner location also presents an opportunity to connect the historic downtown area to the new businesses opening along the riverfront in the new Manhattan Harbour development project that will become the first "smart community" in the United States when it opens.

"The building is now a white elephant," says Bragg who believes the structure will be the most important preserved building in Northern Kentucky due in part to its location and prominence.

The City believes that the project will help create jobs, provide additional services to the neighborhood and continue the redevelopment efforts in the downtown business district. To help make this reality the city of Dayton, Kentucky is prepared to provide parking and related amenities to help better serve the residents and businesses in the immediate vicinity.

UncleRando · « **Reply #141 on:** October 13, 2009, 09:58:07 AM »

Bids being accepted for Newport renovations
http://www.building-cincinnati.com/2009/10/bids-being-accepted-for-newport.html
By Kevin LeMaster | Building Cincinnati, October 13, 2009

Neighborhood Foundations, formerly known as the Housing Authority of Newport, is accepting sealed bids for the renovations of 922 Hamlet Street and of 927 and 929 Hamlet Street.

Part of the non-profit's revitalization of much of the 800 and 900 blocks of Hamlet Street, the completed homes will be offered to low- to moderate-income homebuyers and will come with a soft second mortgage, allowing prospective homebuyers to own the homes after eight years.

Funding for the projects comes from $1 million in Community Development Block Grant funds.

Bids for both projects will be accepted until noon on October 23, at which time bids will be publicly opened and read aloud.

UncleRando · « **Reply #142 on:** October 16, 2009, 03:49:36 AM »

Developer’s woes unlikely to hurt Covington Bluffs condo project
By Dan Monk | Cincinnati Business Courier, October 16, 2009

A foreclosure filing against the developer that converted the Bluffs apartment property to condos in 2005 will not impact the Devou Park community itself, according to the treasurer of the Bluffs’ Council of Co-Owners. “The condo community is financially very healthy,” said John Pratt, referring to the Bank of America’s recent lawsuit against City Lights Development LLC.

The bank claims that City Lights owes $4.8 million from a pair of promissory notes executed in 2005 and 2006. But Pratt said the foreclosure case should have only a limited impact on the Bluffs condos, because City Lights doesn’t own most of the buildings in the river-view community.

Read full article here:
http://cincinnati.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/stories/2009/10/19/story5.html

Sherman Cahal · « **Reply #143 on:** October 31, 2009, 11:14:09 AM »

Fort Thomas awaits officers' homes
By Scott Wartman, Kentucky Enquirer, October 30, 2009

FORT THOMAS - The city still doesn't know when it can purchase the 19th century military officers' homes in Tower Park.

City officials hoped to reach an agreement with the Department of Veterans Affairs to buy the homes this year.

Living in Gin · « **Reply #144 on:** October 31, 2009, 11:23:42 AM »

Arrgh... I thought the homes had already been sold. The VA really needs to stop dragging its feet.

This thread includes some photos I took of the houses this past June.

Living in Gin · « **Reply #145 on:** November 02, 2009, 01:39:09 AM »

Over the weekend I found out that my parents have signed up for the waiting list to be notified when the homes are for sale, and are planning to submit a bit for one when the auction starts. It would take some substantial renovation work to bring one of those homes up to snuff, but it would be well worth it. [fingers crossed]

Sherman Cahal · « **Reply #146 on:** November 08, 2009, 10:49:17 PM »

Edison to be apartments?
By Scott Wartman, Cincinnati Enquirer, November 6, 2009

COVINGTON - A Lexington-based developer wants to turn the vacant Thomas Edison Elementary school into apartments.

AU Associates has applied for a zone change, tax credits and a designation on the historic register for the old school building at 1516 Scott St. in the Helentown neighborhood.

richNcincy · « **Reply #147 on:** November 11, 2009, 04:14:21 AM »

Changing the name just gets to me. It's still 4th District to me!!

Sherman Cahal · « **Reply #148 on:** November 19, 2009, 12:28:57 AM »

Fort Thomas moves forward with Tower Park amphitheater project
By Amanda Joering Alley, Kentucky Enquirer, November 17, 2009

After years of planning and fundraising, Tower Park may have a new amphitheater in time for the Fourth at the Fort celebration next July.

At a meeting Monday, Nov. 16 the Fort Thomas City Council approved a proposal to move forward with the architectural and engineering services for the amphitheater replacement project.

Sherman Cahal · « **Reply #149 on:** November 25, 2009, 12:13:26 PM »

Burned-out row houses may get new life
By Scott Wartman, Cincinnati Enquirer, November 23, 2009

COVINGTON - The four charred row houses destroyed by fire in October in Covington may get new life if residents successfully raise money and find a developer.

The cause of the fire that destroyed the row houses in the 1000 block of Russell Street and took the life of one of the residents, Lelia Burns, 57, remains under investigation, according to fire department officials.

Sherman Cahal · « **Reply #150 on:** December 01, 2009, 11:48:23 PM »

Drawbridge fate in hands of 'hotel doctor'
By Cindy Schroeder, Cincinnati Enquirer, December 1, 2009

FORT MITCHELL - The future of the Drawbridge Inn, a 39-year-old Fort Mitchell landmark, is uncertain.

The Drawbridge Inn is in foreclosure, and its owners had threatened to shut it down this Sunday night, before a judge intervened Monday and appointed a receiver to operate the sprawling, old-English themed hotel.

Sherman Cahal · « **Reply #151 on:** December 03, 2009, 08:22:24 AM »

Open house set for new Campbell building
By Kevin Kelly, Cincinnati Enquirer, December 3, 2009

NEWPORT - The public is invited to stop by the new Campbell County Administration Building and Health Center for an open house next week.

The event is scheduled for 4-7 p.m. Wednesday. At 5 p.m., county officials and others involved with the $13.5 million project will hold a small ceremony in the Fiscal Court chambers. Provided it arrives in time, a plaque commemorating the building's construction will be unveiled and placed in the vestibule area.

Sherman Cahal · « **Reply #152 on:** December 07, 2009, 08:34:58 AM »

Public input sought for Mall Road
By Mark Hansel, Cincinnati Enquirer, December 7, 2009

FLORENCE - The city of Florence will hold a public workshop on Tuesday to gather input and provide updates about the Mall Road redesign project.

This will be the first chance to view the concept design proposal for the project.

Sherman Cahal · « **Reply #153 on:** December 10, 2009, 04:02:45 AM »

Gateway urban campus to open by early 2010
By Andy Brownfield, Business Courier of Cincinnati, December 10, 2009

Gateway Community & Technical College’s planned urban campus in Covington could open as soon as late January, college President and CEO Edward Hughes announced Wednesday.

Gateway has signed a lease with the Covington school district’s board to use the Two Rivers Middle School building as a site for the urban campus, Hughes announced at a Kentucky Community & Technical College System luncheon Wednesday. Two Rivers had closed over the summer.

--

Gateway Community unveils new building, faces deficit
By Andy Brownfield, Business Courier of Cincinnati, December 9, 2009

Gateway Community & Technical College unveiled a new building on its Boone County campus Wednesday, though it faces a deficit in its budget to maintain and operate the school.

During a morning tour for members of the Northern Kentucky legislative caucus and the school’s manufacturing company partners, Gateway President and CEO Edward Hughes showed off the new Center for Advanced Manufacturing, which will open in spring 2010. Among the attending companies were Eagle Manufacturing, SKF Vehicle Service Market, Mazak, KAO Brands and Wagstaff.

Sherman Cahal · « **Reply #154 on:** December 12, 2009, 12:31:12 PM »

Stimulus aids Newport rehab efforts
By Scott Wartman, Kentucky Enquirer, December 12, 2009

NEWPORT - Federal stimulus money will go toward building new homes next summer for low-income people on Hamlet Street in the city's east end.

The Newport City Commission approved several orders last week to allow Neighborhood Foundations, formerly known as the Housing Authority of Newport, to use a $1 million grant it was approved for in July.

Jimmy_James · « **Reply #155 on:** December 13, 2009, 02:32:21 PM »

^I'm really glad to see Newport continuing to fill in its many vacant lots with single-unit housing. I think that in 5-10 years, the difference will be remarkable.

Sherman Cahal · « **Reply #156 on:** December 22, 2009, 01:36:23 PM »

Botany Hills firehouse could be on way out
By Scott Wartman, Kentucky Enquirer, December 21, 2009

The Covington Fire Department's oldest fire station has started to show its age.

The modest house in the Botany Hills neighborhood in western Covington has housed the Covington Fire Department's Company No. 2 since 1932.

Maintenance issues and lack of space has the Covington Fire Department looking for a new station.

UncleRando · « **Reply #157 on:** December 30, 2009, 02:27:29 AM »

Corporex buys Marriott garage
By Scott Wartman, Cincinnati Enquirer | December 29, 2009

After the city declined to take over the 455-space Madison Place garage underneath the Marriott hotel from the state, the Corporex Cos. purchased the garage this month for $1.5 million. The Covington-based developer owns the office and condos above the garage and has sought ownership of more parking along the river in Covington, said Corporex spokeswoman Debra Vicchiarelli.

Corporex wanted to buy the RiverCenter garage but the Covington City Commission voted 3-2 in January against selling it. "When you don't own the garage, it is difficult to get the repairs and capital improvements so those garages can provide the maximum amount of support," Vicchiarelli said. "We want to own the Madison Place garage and RiverCenter garage."

Read full article here:
http://nky.cincinnati.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/AB/20091229/NEWS0103/912300355

Sherman Cahal · « **Reply #158 on:** December 30, 2009, 05:34:34 PM »

'Hotel doctor' has plan for Drawbridge
By Mike Rutledge, Kentucky Enquirer, December 30, 2009

FORT MITCHELL - The Drawbridge Inn underwent holiday layoffs this month as it works its way out of bankruptcy, but the man hired to return it to profitability said he is confident the 400-room hotel will be successful again.

The economy and other factors make it too early to predict when that will happen, said so-called "hotel doctor" Morris Lasky, chief executive officer of Chicago-based hotel management company Lodging Unlimited.

Sherman Cahal · « **Reply #159 on:** January 08, 2010, 07:16:47 AM »

Kroger needs state land to expand
By Cindy Schroeder, Kentucky Enquirer, January 7, 2010

FORT MITCHELL - Fort Mitchell Mayor Tom Holocher is meeting with state officials in Frankfort Thursday in hopes of keeping the expansion of the Fort Mitchell Kroger on track.

To finalize the deal, developers need to acquire just over a half acre of land to the east of Kroger. That property is now owned by the Kentucky Department of Transportation.

UncleRando · « **Reply #160 on:** February 02, 2010, 07:43:27 AM »

Providence Pavilion opens in former St. Elizabeth North hospital building
By Randy A. Simes, Soapbox Cincinnati | February 2, 2010
http://soapboxmedia.com/devnews/0202providencepavilion.aspx

The historic former home of the St. Elizabeth North hospital in Covington (
map) has been filled with a new rehabilitation and nursing center called Providence Pavilion.

Following more than $500,000 worth of renovation work, the 277,000 square feet of space will now provide rooms for 82 residents in addition to a wide array of treatment services and other amenities. The new use of the 98-year-old complex also means the addition of 370 employees working throughout the three building campus.

"This is the beginning of an amazing project," said George Hagan, owner/operator of Providence Pavilion.

The first residents of the newly renovated facility moved in this past November into the building's fourth floor. Lower levels are occupied by rehabilitation services and other medical services. One of the most notable architectural features of the newly renovated structure is the cathedral-like chapel located on the building's second floor that boasts large stained glass windows.

St. Elizabeth Healthcare has maintained a significant presence on the site and is leasing more than 25 percent of the total 377,000 square feet for its financial operations and employee education programs.

“We have been pleased to expand upon the quality services that St. Elizabeth formerly provided to the community at this location. We also are honored that the Diocese of Covington has kept its offices in the building," said Hagan.

Future plans call for additional community services including those specifically targeted for senior citizens.

Sherman Cahal · « **Reply #161 on:** March 25, 2010, 01:59:15 PM »

Vacant visitor center gets tenant
By Scott Wartman, Kentucky Enquirer, March 22, 2010

COVINGTON - A design company will soon move into the former Northern Kentucky Visitor's Center next to Goebel Park.

Designs Direct, currently located in Dayton, Ky., is building two additions to the building at 605 Philadelphia St. in Covington. The company and its 25 employees will move there in April or May, said David Meyer, co-owner of Designs Direct.

UncleRando · « **Reply #162 on:** May 12, 2010, 09:57:32 AM »

LEED building practices helping turn around Covington neighborhood
By Randy A. Simes, UrbanCincy | April 26, 2010
http://www.urbancincy.com/2010/04/leed-building-practices-helping-turn-around-covington-neighborhood/

Two new homes in Covington have been awarded LEED certification by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) for their green home building and design. The two homes become some of the first LEED certified homes in Kentucky, with the home at 520 Thomas Street being the first home to achieve LEED Gold.

The home was built by the Center for Great Neighborhoods (CGN), with assistance from the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) of Greater Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky and the City of Covington, and incorporates a variety of sustainable design features that include low-flow plumbing, low-e windows, EnergyStar-rated appliances, high efficiency HVAC systems, recycled construction materials, bamboo flooring, sustainably-harvested wood moldings and more. In total, the green building features of the new home scored the project 78.5 out of 136 total points possible in the LEED for Homes certification – Gold status projects must score between 70.5 and 85.5).

“As a LEED certified home, 520 Thomas Street serves as a model of greener living for the entire community,” said Nate Kredich, Vice President of Residential Market Development for the U.S. Green Building Council. “The home is at the national forefront of quality; and their example can help us all to live better by reducing our environmental footprint, cutting our utility bills, and coming home to a healthier place to live.”

The new homes are part of a larger revitalization wave happening in the Austinburg neighborhood of Covington which is bordered by the Licking River and the proposed Licking River Levee Walk.

“The Center for Great Neighborhoods aims to make Covington a place where people choose to live, work, and play,” Rachel Hastings, Director of Neighborhood & Housing Initiatives with CGN, described. “We built homes on a formerly vacant lot in Covington’s Austinburg neighborhood at the request of the Austinburg Neighborhood Association in an attempt to increase home ownership and remove blight.”

Hastings explained that the CGN uses its housing development program in a targeted effort to increase property values, reduce blight and increase high-quality affordable market-rate home ownership. She is also excited about the positive impact the Seneca Place development is having on the neighborhood which is seeing its first new construction in over 50 years.

“When neighbors saw the new homes being built, it helped restore their confidence in their neighborhood and encouraged them to make improvements on their home because they saw that they could get a return on their investment,” explained Hastings. “The homes also show that, for a reasonable price, you can build LEED Gold homes that are easy for the average homeowner to maintain.”

The new homes also mean an addition to Covington’s tax base and new residents populating Covington’s urban core. The success is planned to continue as CGN owns additional lots in the Austinburg neighborhood where it plans to construct an additional eight homes, and invest another estimated $1.6 million into the immediate area.

UncleRando · « **Reply #163 on:** May 12, 2010, 09:59:01 AM »

Covington examining dog park for MainStrasse Village
By Randy A. Simes, UrbanCincy | April 28, 2010
http://www.urbancincy.com/2010/04/covington-examining-dog-park-for-mainstrasse-village/

Residents of Covington’s historic MainStrasse Village are yearning for a dog park that will provide another amenity in their neighborhood. Dog parks have become highly sought after by urban dwellers as city living becomes increasingly more attractive.

In Cincinnati, early efforts were stalled for a dog park downtown due to the lack of capital money to build the park. The efforts to create a downtown dog park yielded fruit earlier this year when Procter & Gamble’s Pet Care division announced that it would contribute $50,000 towards the construction of a dog park on a half-acre piece of land on the eastern edge of downtown Cincinnati. Planners have also included a dog park in Washington Park’s redesign that is to be reconstructed over the next year in historic Over-the-Rhine.

Dog park supporters in Covington will meet on Thursday, April 29 at 5:30pm on the second floor of Chez Nora (
map). Those in attendance will hear from Tom Biedenhorn who was instrumental in making the Pioneer Paw Park reality. Biedenhorn will be joined by Covington Commissioner Sherry Carran who did the site design for the Pioneer Paw Park, and will share information from that project with the audience.

Columbo · « **Reply #164 on:** July 30, 2010, 02:47:31 AM »

NKY to get Islamic Center
Mosque planned near Mall Road in Florence
By Mark Hansel • July 26, 2010

FLORENCE - Plans are under way to build a mosque near Mall Road in Florence. The Mercy Foundation Inc., a non-profit organization, already has approval to go forward with the Muslim worship facility. In 2002, the group attempted to build a similar facility on Mt. Zion Road in Union, but was thwarted because a request for a required zoning change was denied. Joshua Wice, business development director for the city of Florence, said the property is already zoned for the use and the site plan review has been approved.

The site is identified as a 5.58-acre parcel at 900 Cayton Road in Florence. It is in the section that runs between Mall Road and Hopeful Church Road, behind Kroger and the former Hollywood Video site. The property is zoned Commercial Two (C-2), which allows for a wide variety of uses, including churches, synagogues, temples and other places of religious assembly for worship.

A rendering on the Islamic Center of Northern Kentucky website shows a three-story building. The third floor consists of a circular structure topped with a dome. The site plan indicates the building will be just over 39 feet from the first floor to the top of the dome, with a square footage of 8,818.

Full article: http://news.cincinnati.com/article/AB/20100726/NEWS0103/7250384/NKY-to-get-Islamic-Center

seanian513 · « **Reply #165 on:** February 09, 2012, 11:35:47 AM »

Anything happening or any new news with a new IRS tower going up in Covington? Here is a quote from the Enquire back in September 2011:

"They are remaining in Covington. They are reinvesting in Covington," said Klein, who has said Covington is pleased the IRS is looking to transform its multi-acre, single-story facility that occupies much of the city's riverfront into a tower that will occupy a smaller footprint, allowing expansion of the Northern Kentucky Convention Center while also opening up acres of other land for new development"

It was also reported according to the IRS that they have to be located in Covington's downtown. They employee anywhere from 3,500 to 5000 people depending on the time of year.

Jimmy_James · « **Reply #166 on:** March 04, 2012, 05:45:42 PM »

I can't believe this snuck by me. A new distillery planned in my own backyard:

http://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2011/08/31/party-source-owner-to-add-bourbon.html

http://news.cincinnati.com/article/20110830/NEWS0103/108310338/Party-Source-plans-add-bourbon-distillery

http://cincinnati.com/blogs/newintown/2011/09/01/party-source-adding-distillery/

Sherman Cahal · « **Reply #167 on:** October 24, 2012, 01:39:30 AM »

http://www.rcnky.com/articles/2012/10/24/25-million-boutique-hotel-development-be-announced-covington
The City of Covington will announce Thursday morning the development of a $25 million boutique hotel in the building that is currently used as City Hall.

[...]

The $25 million development follows last Friday's news that Gateway Community & Technical College has purchased the former Marx Furniture building on Madison Avenue as the first serious redevelopment of a building for the purposes of a long-sought urban campus. For months, Mayor Chuck Scheper and the city commissioners have hinted at good news to be rolling out of City Hall and now it appears that that has begun, even involving the physical structure of City Hall itself.

TheCOV · « **Reply #168 on:** October 26, 2012, 04:03:22 AM »

Covington to get $25M luxury boutique hotel
Business First
Date: Friday, October 26, 2012, 7:14am EDT

Covington is getting a $25 million luxury boutique hotel in the 102-year-old building that currently is home to Covington's city hall.

http://www.bizjournals.com/louisville/blog/morning_call/2012/10/covington-to-get-25m-luxury-boutique.html

News:

Author Topic: Northern Kentucky: Random Development News & Info (Read 48087 times)