OTRevitalization
Over-the-Rhine has long been considered a diamond in the rough. A vibrant art, architecture, culture and culinary gem embedded in the rough exterior of what some considered one of America's most dangerous neighborhoods. We talk to an OTR expert for an overview of all the recent changes - and what's soon to come - for this neighborhood jewel in the Queen City's crown.

Four new businesses (and a few more that are about to open) in the Over-the-Rhine area are adding momentum to the gradual transformation of the neighborhood. These new additions -- Sloane Boutique, On the Run Cleaners, Bakersfield and 1215 Wine Bar & Coffee Lab -- each bring their own assets to the area, says Anastasia Mileham, vice president of communications for Cincinnati Center City Development Corporation.

Sloane Boutique, a colorful retailer, has relatively late hours that are convenient for customers doing other things in the neighborhood, says Mileham. "Sloane brings more retail to the street, adding to the eclectic merchandise found at MiCA 12/v, Joseph Williams Home and Little Mahatma," she says. "Duru (the owner) also keeps her boutique open until 9 p.m. and does most of her business in the evening hours when people are waiting for tables at the busy restaurants. She often does evening events with wine, apps and special offers, which adds to the fun street scene."

For those looking to study or get work done in a friendly, java-scented atmosphere, 1215 Wine Bar & Coffee Lab offers Cincinnati residents a cozy alternative to big chains. "It's great to have another coffee spot on the street, too, in addition to Taste of Belgium," Mileham says. "It's a mini-version of Coffee Emporium, where people sit at sidewalk tables and work on laptops over a coffee drink."

Those looking for a Tequila-and-taco-infused change of pace need look no further than Bakersfield, Mileham says. "Bakersfield is quite the scene ñ- its tasty little $3 tacos and yummy cocktails draw a new and different crowd to the street, and the Lanni brothers hosted a great event for Cinco de Mayo that filled the parking lot next door," she says.

Along with these four businesses that have already opened, OTR is about to welcome the arrival of a few more new area ventures, including Anchor (a seafood restaurant), Hapa (an Asian restaurant) and Pet Wants (a unique pet store), Mileham says.

The development of both business and residential locations in the neighborhood mean big strides for OTR in its revitalization efforts, she says. "The street-level commercial businesses put eyes in the windows and people on the streets, and bring life to a once-neglected area," Mileham says.

The effects of these efforts manifest in various ways to positively impact both OTR residents and people living throughout the city.

"The new condos and businesses are filling in empty spaces and bringing new life to the neighborhood," Mileham says. "Long-time residents are experiencing a major reduction in crime, a concerted effort to keep streets, sidewalks and buildings clean, and many new green spaces (small parks as well as the eight-acre Washington Park to open in July) that every neighborhood deserves."

OTR supplies an incomparable flavor to the Queen City, says Mileham. And it's the vibrant business and residential community that in turn give OTR its local spice and charm.

"I think OTR -- its unique buildings and the businesses and residents who occupy them -- lends a specialness to Cincinnati," Mileham says. "There is a reason Cincinnati is here [with] the river, the hills and the history of its neighborhoods."

Photo Credits:
Model: Duru Armagan, owner of Sloane Boutique in OTR
Photographer: Onur Armagan

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