Known for its historic architecture and panoramic views of downtown and the Ohio River, East Price Hill has a new life of late with businesses, restaurants, and reconstruction happening from Price Hill Avenue to West 8th and Elberon. And now the new boundaries of the neighborhood's "Incline District" are a step away from being official.
The
East Price Hill Improvement Association's (EPHIA) motion seeking this designation was approved by the Cincinnati Planning Commision last Friday. According to EPHIA President John Schlagetter, the Incline District encompasses one mile by 3/4 mile and includes 2,500 residents. The designation, which helps the neighborhood celebrate its history and assists with future branding, will be recognized with a sign at the corner of Elberon and Mt. Hope. Following approval, the potential next step for this recognition is Council's Livable Communities committee.
Former city councilman, John Cranley's venture called City Lights recently began construction on
Incline Village along Grand Avenue, which includes a new restaurant and office space. Cranley says the new restaurant will join neighboring Prima Vista and offer the same phenomenal views of the Cincinnati skyline from its patio, all within the district's designation. Also currently under construction are new apartments atop the development.
"Price Hill has struggled for the past 40 years and this is a sign that positive things are happening," Cranley said. "It has great opportunities for urban living because it is so close to downtown with beautiful architecture, phenomenal park spaces, and extremely affordable housing. This project will improve the quality of life for the people already here and those moving in."
According to local business owner Bill Burwinkle, Price Hill went through the same evolution that any urban neighborhood encounters. After hosting three generations of families, the neighborhood suffered neglect and vacancies but with recent rehabilitation and new construction, the neighborhood has already seen a renaissance.
Burwinkle is responsible for several projects in the Incline District. Almost two years ago, he opened a coffee shop called
Corner Bloc to provide a place for conversation and entertainment. Burwinkle then moved across the street, developing a building with five luxury flats and a possible new art gallery. Next on his agenda is an eatery for residents and employees in Queensgate who currently don't have a lot of options.
"We're seeing a lot of people that are coming into the community that are buying homes and really causing the neighborhood to be rebuilt," Burwinkle explained. "These developments are showing a lot of people that Price Hill is a neighborhood that should be invested in. It will be catalytic for future development."
Writer: Lisa Ensminger
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