Revisit ideas for Over-the-Rhine infill this Thursday

The ideas and plans generated on a January afternoon will be shared during Over-the-Rhine Revisited: Designing Infill for Historic Districts, a presentation from 5:30 PM to 7 PM on September 4 at the Mercantile Library.

Sponsored by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, AIA Cincinnati, Architecture Foundation of Cincinnati, Cincinnati Preservation Association, and the Over-the-Rhine Foundation and held at the Art Academy of Cincinnati, the free, day-long charrette on infill design for four of the neighborhood's vacant lots was led by more than 30 architects and University of Cincinnati architecture students and included more than 90 participating community members.

Of primary concern to the sponsors was calling attention to the fact that it's possible to add new buildings to the neighborhood without mimicking what's already there.

"The ideas, or strategies, for inserting infill ran the expected gamut from 'tear it down and build something new' to  'it's an endangered species, therefore it must be saved'," says Mike Moose, Glaserworks principal and co-chair of the charrette’s volunteer architect committee.  "The professionals generally wanted a more modern approach than the lay people, some of whom firmly believe that the only thing one can do in Over-the-Rhine is more of what is there."

Moose says that, while not surprised with the sophistication of the ideas that were produced, he was still quite pleased with the results.

"What seemed to work best, in terms of producing a solution, was for a group to discuss the major issues together and then break into subgroups to draw up the agreed-to vision," he says.

It was so productive that consideration is being given to holding another neighborhood charrette.

"The feedback was very positive," Moose says.  "People seemed to enjoy being there and sharing their thoughts."

Reservations are required and can be made by calling (513) 621-0717 or by e-mailing [email protected].

Writer: Kevin LeMaster
Sources: Mike Moose, principal, Glaserworks; Sue Ann Painter, executive director, Architecture Foundation of Cincinnati
Image courtesy of the Architecture Foundation of Cincinnati