New businesses opening in Over-the-Rhine

Published May 26, 2009 at 12:00 a.m.
Whatwas at one point one of the most troubled intersections in Cincinnatihas now become the trendiest shopping district in the GreaterCincinnati region. During the completion of the first phases of thewildly successful Gateway Quarter, dozens of new businesses have opened with more on the way.

GatewayQuarter leasing consultant, Kathleen Norris reports if the next roundof leases goes through, historic Over-the-Rhine will see 24 newbusinesses opened in just two years.

The first wave ofbusinesses included a unique focus offering specialized retailers thatNorris says were designed to create a destination atmosphere ratherthan focusing on service retailers such as banks or dry cleaners. Â“When we started this project we knew we had to ensure survivabilityfor our retailers…we had to create an instant critical mass,” saysNorris.

That strategy seems to be working with popular retailerssuch as Park+Vine, City Roots, Outside, Mica 12/v, Metronation, JosephWilliams Home, A Lucky Step and Lavomatic.  These retailers have helpedto create destination atmosphere the Gateway Quarter was banking on.

“We’restill looking for those lively, creative retailers and business ownersfor whom this is their perfect neighborhood,” says Norris.  Part ofthat creative business model is bringing in “high creative officeusers” like the newly signed Vine Street Interactive which will take occupancy of some 1,100 square feet of space in the Gateway Building on Vine Street.

VineStreet Interactive is a company started by native Cincinnatian, MarkCelsor who works as a freelance web developer.  Returning to Cincinnatifrom San Francisco to work on this business venture, Celsor found theenergetic Gateway Quarter to be an ideal spot for his business and hopes to be moved in by the end of the month.

A new office furniture showroom on 12th Street called Integrated WorkSpace Solutions will also occupy 700 square feet of space in the Quarter.

“Asmore spaces become available and retailers become more established, andas our customers become more familiar with the neighborhood, we willtry to backfill with those neighborhood amenities,” says Norris.  Shegoes on to say that specialty food stores would be a possibility, butalso says that the Kroger grocery store on Vine Street is a solid asset to build from.

Norrisgoes on to say that the next phase of businesses will attempt to focuson ideal locations for restaurants throughout the neighborhood.  “Wecan really make this Cincinnati’s independent restaurant district,”says Norris.

3CDC currently controls dozens of more commercialproperties throughout Over-the-Rhine south of Liberty Street.  KathleenNorris says that interest continues to grow and that in addition tothese two new business additions, there are several more that are inthe works and should be announced soon.

Writer: Randy Simes
Source: Kathleen Norris, Gateway Quarter leasing consultant, Link Realty
Photography by Randy Simes


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