1502 Vine fast-tracked for demolition

Photos courtesy of Margo Warminski, Cincinnati Preservation Association (CLICK)

Barricades announce the pending demolition of the Meiners Flats building at 1502 Vine Street (BIRD'S EYE) in Over-the-Rhine.

The City has ordered an emergency demolition of the five-and-a-half-story building after a roof collapse late last week.

Bricks, cornice and barricading also have been falling off of the building onto the sidewalk below.

The structure was built in the late 19th century as an investment by the Meiner family to advertise their skills as stonemasons, and features an intricately carved sandstone facade.

The current owners, Eldon Sundberg and Big Dog Properties, 3548 St. Charles Place, have done nothing with the building since acquiring it in 2004.

Several reuse projects have fallen through, and it has been vacant for over 20 years.

A prospective buyer has shown some interest in the property, but has made no commitments.