Milhaus plan for $10.5M Northside project approved

Last Wednesday, Cincinnati City Council approved a plan by Indianapolis-based Milhaus Development to redevelop the corner of Hamilton Avenue and Blue Rock Street in Northside.

The $10.5 million project, to be built on the former Myron G. Johnson & Son Lumber Co. site, will include two buildings containing 104 market-rate apartments and 8,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor commercial space.

To make it happen, Council approved a major adjustment to the concept plan for a portion of PD Planned Development District No. 47, which was originally created in 2007 as part of the American Can Lofts project.

Council also approved a 15-year Community Reinvestment Area LEED tax exemption that will save the developer approximately $3.57 million over the life of the agreement. Milhaus Development plans to pursue LEED Silver certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.

Construction is expected to start this fall or in early 2014 and to be completed in mid-2015.

On June 12, Council approved a sale and development agreement with Milhaus Development to sell the 2.39-acre property for $400,000.

The City acquired the property in 2006, one year after the lumber company relocated to Queensgate.

The northern portion of the development site, at 1539 Knowlton Street, once was home to Mergard's Bowling Alley. The building was demolished in 2011.

Previous reading on BC:
Planning Commission Friday: Corryville and Northside residential projects (7/18/13)
City to sell Hamilton-Blue Rock land for $10.5M mixed-use project (6/18/13)
Planning Commission Friday: Pogue's Garage, Hyatt, Northside redevelopment (6/6/13)
Northside CC supports Hamilton/Blue Rock project, sees designs (5/21/13)
City soliciting proposals for former Northside lumber yard (7/30/12)