72-unit Euclid Square Apartments to support rejuvenation of Short Vine

Corryville's newest apartment development, Euclid Square Apartments, officially opened this morning with a ceremony highlighting Uptown Rental Properties' recent work in the neighborhood.

Built in partnership with North American Properties, the development includes 72 studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom units in two newly-constructed buildings and one rehabilitated building on the block bounded by Euclid Avenue, E University Avenue, Van Street, and E Daniels Street.

The project joins several others completed or under construction near Short Vine, including Euclid Court, 2718-2726 Van Street, 17-23 E Daniels, and Vine Street Flats. So far, 425 new residents have been added through Uptown Rental Properties' new and rehabilitated buildings.

This increased residential density was suggested in the 2005 Corryville University Village Urban Renewal Plan as a way to rejuvenate the Short Vine business district.

The Views on Vine, a mixed-use development located on the former Schiel School site, is now emerging from the ground and will add an additional 175 residents to the neighborhood.

"This neighborhood is one of Cincinnati's great business districts," said Councilmember Yvette Simpson, speaking on behalf of Mayor Mark Mallory. "It's always been one of the City's coolest areas."

But she said that some of that coolness has waned and, for several years, Short Vine has been stagnant.

"We're here to announce today that Short Vine is making a strong comeback," Simpson said.

Challenges met

Uptown Rental Properties President Dan Schimberg and North American Properties Partner Tony Hobson said that developing in Corryville presents numerous challenges.

"An urban site like this is difficult, and it takes great design and great engineering," Hobson said.

"It's much easier to build in a cornfield," Schimberg said. "But buildings like these are necessary for the business district to thrive."

The project was not without controversy, as 11 Queen Anne townhomes and rowhouses – built between 1885 and 1905 and in various states of repair – were demolished to make way for the new construction.

At the time, Schimberg said that the houses were impossible for him to lease due to significant interior issues, and some had been destroyed by botched attempts at dividing them into apartments.

City Council approved a rezoning of the property in March 2011, allowing for demolition to proceed.

Both Schimberg and Hobson praised the work of the City, Corryville Community Council, and Uptown Consortium in easing projects such as Euclid Square Apartments along.

"Corryville is blessed to have such a group of dedicated and truly committed volunteers who truly seek what is best for their neighborhood," Hobson said.

"Like I always say, 'Corryville's got it,'" said Corryville Community Council President Michael Ealy. "Days like this make me honored to live in the City of Cincinnati and to be president of the village of Corryville."

Previous reading on BC:
Schiel site project wins CRA LEED tax exemption (6/8/12)
Rezoning approval paves way for Corryville demolition, redevelopment (3/22/11)
Saturday protest planned for Corryville redevelopment site (3/10/11)
Uptown Rental Properties plans 72 more units (2/7/11)