Give Back Cincinnati 'immersed' in Over-the-Rhine

Approximately 40 people from all over Greater Cincinnati spent the afternoon in Over-the-Rhine as part of Give Back Cincinnati’s Community Immersion.

Cheryl Besl of Give Back Cincinnati coordinated the tour.

"Community Immersion is an opportunity for Give Back Cincinnati volunteers to learn about Over-the-Rhine and all the aspects of the neighborhood – from its rich history to its current restoration and redevelopment," she says.  "We try to expose participants to places they might not be familiar with and where they can live, eat, shop, volunteer and enjoy after work."

Tour attendees got to see some of the new condominium developments in the neighborhood’s Gateway Quarter, including the recently-completed TriDeca Lofts.

The tour then continued to the Drop Inn Center for presentations by that organization and by Tender Mercies.

Following a trip to Main Street’s newest business, the Iris Book Café, to hear from Mary Anne Berry about the Rothenberg School project, Over-the-Rhine Chamber of Commerce president Brian Tiffany discussed some of Main Street’s challenges in changing from a "club district" to a residential and services-based street.

The tour concluded with a look at the currently vacant Emery Theatre to hear about their restoration efforts, and from the vibrant and edgy Ensemble Theatre of Cincinnati.

"We want to provide the group with the opportunity to get a real feel for the neighborhood, its vitality, and the changes it has undergone in the last couple of years," Besl says.

This was the second annual Community Immersion, both held in Over-the-Rhine.

Writer: Kevin LeMaster
Source: Cheryl Besl, Give Back Cincinnati