3CDC has four primary goals: “create civic spaces, create high density/mixed-use development, preserve historic structures and improve streetscapes, and create diverse, mixed-income neighborhoods supported by local businesses” (3CDC). Brandy emphasized these goals during her presentation, as well. It was interesting to learn that 3CDC focusing on the creation of mixed-use development. In fact, according to Brandy, the upcoming dunnhumbyUSA project on 5th and Race will consist of office space, residential space and parking. 3CDC promotes such mixed-use development in order to improve the city. The office space is obviously beneficial for large businesses and corporations. The residential space is also beneficial for the city because increasing the amount of available housing will attract residents to the city and will create economic
activity for businesses located in the city.
Brandy elaborated on the strategy that 3CDC uses in its approach to rebuild and develop Over-the-Rhine. According to Brandy, one of the major problems that 3CDC faces in Over-the-Rhine is vacancy. An article discussing the development of Over-the-Rhine stated that “the deteriorating historic buildings and vacant properties along Vine Street and around [Washington Park] continue as the focus of 3CDC’s Over-the-Rhine redevelopment” (Baverman). The large number of vacant lots, buildings and housing units make the area seem uninviting and dangerous. In addition, 3CDC currently spends $700,000 annually to simply keep these vacant buildings and housing units in good condition. One way that 3CDC works to improve the image of the Over-the-Rhine area is to obtain “problem properties” – most of which tend to be located along Race Street and Vine Street. 3CDC then cleans up the outside appearance of these buildings by repainting the buildings and improving the lighting and streetscapes.
According to Brandy, 3CDC is doing very well in leasing out its residential units. Ninety-six percent of its condominiums are currently leased up. I noticed that Brandy seemed to skim over and almost avoid the topic of housing prices. During the presentation, Brandy mentioned that some of the units are labeled as affordable housing. However, when one member of the class asked what qualifies as “affordable” housing, Brandy seemed to avoid the question. Many of the housing units developed through 3CDC are somewhat expensive. The current local residents of the downtown and Over-the-Rhine area likely cannot afford most of the housing developed by 3CDC. As a result, 3CDC markets its housing units to young urban professionals and white-collar workers. This may cause some tension between local residents and 3CDC. However, in order to earn a profit to continue its operations, 3CDC must continue to sell at competitive prices. Brandy’s role at 3CDC includes promoting the work of 3CDC. Because she knows that local residents may disagree with the goals of 3CDC and the cost
associated with the developments, she may try to avoid openly discussing the pricing ranges of housing units.
Works Cited:
3CDC. Cincinnati Center City Development Corporation. Web. 13 October 2012. http://www.3cdc.org/.
Baverman, Lauren, and Mark Curnutte. "Extreme Makeover: Washington Park Edition." CommunityPress.com. The Community Press & Recorder, 30 June 2012. Web. 13 October 2012.<http://communitypress.cincinnati.com/article/ AB/20120630/BIZ/306300034/Extreme-makeover-Washington-Park-edition?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|News|s>.