Preservation Magazine spotlights Meiners Flats

Photo by Margo Warminski, Cincinnati Preservation Association (CLICK)

The online version of Preservation Magazine has spotlighted the plight of the Meiners Flats building in Over-the-Rhine.

1502 Vine Street (BIRD'S EYE), also known as the Meiners Building or Meiners Flats, has been surrounded by City barricades since March.

A roof collapse, combined with bricks and pieces of cornice falling to the sidewalk below,forced the City to order an emergency demolition, but the wrecking permits have been unexpectedly withdrawn.

In a recent online pledge drive, 46 people pledged funds ranging from $10 to their entire economic stimulus rebate check to help stabilize the building, making future redevelopment possible.

Jim Tarbell is heading the effort to raise the esimated $450,000 in stabilization costs.

Over-the-Rhine Foundation member Danny Klingler, who established the online pledge drive, says that talks are ongoing with potential developers and investors, including 3CDC.

"I am awaiting word from Jim Tarbell as to whether the pledge funds collected are sufficient to help save the building, as thus whether they should be collected at all," he says.

Eldon Sundberg and Big Dog Properties have owned the building since 2004 and have made no improvements to the property, despite court-ordered fines and demolition orders.

Built in 1875 by the Meiner family to advertise their skills as stonemasons, the building has sat vacant for over 20 years.

Previous reading on BC:
Donate economic stimulus rebate to save 1500 Vine (4/15/08)
1502 Vine fast-tracked for demolition (3/10/08)