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Help Us Double Your Cincy Gives Donation!

Ziegler Park's Cincy Gives campaign is almost over, but we have one more challenge! Help us earn a $1,000 bonus by raising the most online today. We need EVERYBODY IN to reach our Cincy Gives fundraising goal by Thursday, December 12th! No gift is too small and every donation will be used to ensure summer programming is accessible to all.

To top it off, we're offering a Double Your Donation Day! All donations that come in on December 10th will be matched up to $1,000. 

Last year, Everybody In provided free and reduced-cost programming to 241 adult and child swim lesson participants, 80 campers and 42 swim team members! Get to know the people behind the numbers.

Swim Lesson Success!

To Pat Hunley, the Everybody In Program showed her it's never too late to familiarize yourself with water.

"This summer I mastered the backstroke! I even do laps at the pool indoors now, but I am looking forward to getting back to Ziegler. My goal is to master the deep end and treading water! I’ve shared my progress with my friends and they are excited to participate next summer!"

A Davis Family Affair!

Find out how Ziegler Park has made a difference in the lives of not only the Davis family, but so many others in the OTR community: https://bit.ly/2Rn8YcO

"I was trying to figure out what to do with the kids for the summer, I found out there was going to be a summer camp down at Ziegler Park. The summer camp for my kids was everything, as a single parent, not having the finances to do things, my kids were a part of a swim team and they didn’t have to pay for anything… My kids are on the swim team! That’s huge! Ziegler Park made a big difference in my family."

Get to Know the OTR Rhinos Swim Team!

We asked the 41 swimmers of the OTR Rhinos what they loved about Swim Team. Check out some of their awesome responses:

“I like swimming. It makes me feel good because I can get better at practice. My favorite memory was swimming backstroke. I want to keep swimming with the Rhinos so I can get better and better.” - Demarco
“I like swimming for the Rhinos because I met a lot of friends who are funny, cool and fast.” - Mello
“Swimming - fun, friends, happiness!” - Quinn
“Being a part of the Rhinos means making friends, learning to swim, and being a team player.” - Kyla

Party for the Park!

Support Ziegler Park's Cincinnati Gives campaign at our Party for the Park on December 10th at the Frameshop! Suggested $20 donation at the door to help us reach our fundraising goal.

Enjoy drinks, light bites, and access to a raffle with great prizes from local businesses! RSVP on Facebook for more info.

Warm Up at the Porch

Friday 11a-6p, Saturday 11a-9p & Sunday 11a-6p

The temperature may be getting cooler, but we're staying warm all season long in the Park! Cozy up with family and friends on the Porch by our new heaters with a hot chocolate, hot cider, hot coffee or hot tea.

The Porch proudly features warm seasonal drinks, Coca-Cola products, mixed drinks, wine, and beer offerings from local favorites including Taft's Ale House, Rhinegeist, Christian Moerlein Brewing Co., and Fifty West Brewing Company, in addition to Bud Light.

Last Minute Photos at Santa's Workshop with Gabby Claus

Saturday, 1p-3p

This year, ditch your annual trip to the mall and venture down to Washington Park's Porch to see Santa Claus! Santa Galen and his merry band of Elves will be spending time on the Porch making gifts, ornaments and other fun creations. Stop by the wish-list station where elves will help you write a list to give to Santa when you meet him, or you can bring yours from home. Bring your family, your dog and your friends! *Please note this is a free event, but you must bring your own camera for photos.*

Santa's Workshop Schedule:
12/14: Santa’s Workshop with Gabby Claus
12/21: Santa’s Workshop with Santa Galen

Thank you to our sponsor Galerie Candy & Gifts! This event is produced by 3CDC.

City Flea - Holiday Market

Saturday, 4p-9p

Come shop with at City Flea for the last time of the year and snag unique, one of a kind holiday gifts! The City Flea is Cincinnati’s original curated, urban flea market that takes place once at Washington Park. Since its conception in 2011, The Flea has seen dozens of vendors grow from hobby to full time business and it is with much pride that they consider themselves not only a monthly market, but a small business incubator, community organization, and city advocate. The Flea is a place to keep your dollars local, support small business and experience YOUR city.

UC Health Ice Rink presented by Fifth Third Bank

Join us at the UC Health Ice Rink, presented by Fifth Third Bank. Ice Rink amenities include lockers, benches, a warming tent, and a full-service concessions tent with hot and cold snacks, and alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

Visit myfountainsquare.com for full rink information including daily operating hours. Events at Fountain Square brought to you by Fifth Third Bank.

UC Health Ice Rink presented by Fifth Third Bank

Join us at the UC Health Ice Rink, presented by Fifth Third Bank. Ice Rink amenities include lockers, benches, a warming tent, and a full-service concessions tent with hot and cold snacks, and alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

Visit myfountainsquare.com for full rink information including daily operating hours. Events at Fountain Square brought to you by Fifth Third Bank.

Dear Friends,

As 2019 comes to an end, we're reflecting on the GeneroCity 513 Initiative's incredible progress this year. Through the GeneroCity 513 Jobs Van and Outreach Services, our initiative has been able to serve nearly 250 homeless and at-risk individuals this year alone. 

GeneroCity 513 was created to help individuals who have been driven to panhandling, including those facing unfortunate circumstances like homelessness, addiction and mental illness.

We've seen this program change lives in just a year, and we've been inspired by people's ability to change. GeneroCity 513 has been the catalyst of change that some of our neighbors needed to help beat their addictions, find housing, and even thrive in full-time employment.

This is the last day of the year to donate and receive a tax deduction for 2019. 

Going into 2020, our goal is to help even more people improve their quality of life. Today, we ask you to join us by donating to the GeneroCity 513 Initiative.

How to Help 

• Do you want to volunteer for GeneroCity 513? Fill out the form here. Jobs Van Volunteers must be 21 years old and have heart and compassion for the homeless and those experiencing poverty. 
• The Jobs Van is asking for donations of socks, hats and gloves. Email jcira@citygospelmission.org to arrange a donation drop-off. 
• Want to help connect someone with life-changing resources? Make a difference this New Year by donating funds to the GeneroCity 513 program. 

New Year's Eve Blast

Tuesday, 8p-1a

Ring in the new year at Fountain Square! Join us and our host Jay Kruz from Mix 94.9 Cincinnati for a FREE family-friendly New Year's Eve. Dance the night away, grab some grub, and participate in goofy games on the Fountain Square stage. Stick around to welcome 2020 with a fireworks show powered by Cincinnati Bell when the clock strikes midnight. This event is FREE, no tickets are required.

Schedule:
8:00p: Music from DJ Tweet starts
8:30p-11:45p: Games
12:00a: Fireworks powered by Cincinnati Bell

Special thanks to Cincinnati Bell, Lykins Energy Solutions, Mix 94.9 Cincinnati, and 1-800-GOT-JUNK? for helping to make this event possible! Events at Fountain Square are brought to you by Fifth Third Bank and are produced by 3CDC.

UC Health Ice Rink presented by Fifth Third Bank

Join us at the UC Health Ice Rink, presented by Fifth Third Bank. Ice Rink amenities include lockers, benches, a warming tent, and a full-service concessions tent with hot and cold snacks, and alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

Visit myfountainsquare.com for full rink information including daily operating hours. Events at Fountain Square brought to you by Fifth Third Bank.

Washington Park enchants during the first snowfall of the season in Over-the-Rhine. 

01/02/20

The 3CDC December Project Update is now available online. Click through for up-to-date information on construction and pre-development work underway.

Downtown Cincinnati 

• Downtown Cincinnati had a busy and merry holiday season. 3CDC and Downtown Cincinnati Inc. sponsored free rides on the Cincinnati Bell Connector every Saturday from Thanksgiving to Christmas. Thousands attended the Downtown Dazzle events every weekend at Fountain Square.  
• Women on Main, a new group promoting women-owned businesses downtown, hosted its first event on December 11. The Wednesday Walk connected consumers with 13 businesses along a two-block stretch on Main Street, guiding participants on a retail tour that included giveaways and special sales. 

Commercial Tenants 

• Pepp and Delores, a casual Italian restaurant, opened in mid-December at 1501 Vine St. as a 3CDC tenant. The restaurant is the newest eatery from the Thunderdome Restaurant Group, and it serves classic Italian dishes like Pesto pasta and Limone spaghetti. 
• Ghost Baby, a nightclub and music venue created by Agar co-founder and Transept partner Josh Heuser, is expected to wrap up construction in the next few weeks. The nightclub, which will be located in 3CDC’s Union Hall development and will be five stories under Vine Street in an old brewery, could open as early as the end of January. 
• Hutch Baby, a children's clothing store, opened at its permanent location at 1209 Vine Street in Parvis Lofts just in time for the holidays. The store features hand-picked brands that offer sustainably sourced clothing ranging in size from newborn to youth 14-16. Read more about the store. 

Civic Spaces/Events

• The holidays are over, but Fountain Square is still the place to be for the rest of the winter season. The UC Health Ice Rink, presented by Fifth Third Bank, is open through February 2 with special events like Friday Night Jams and Mascot Broomball. 
• The Porch at Washington Park is now closed for the winter season. If unseasonably warm weather hits Cincinnati, The Porch will open for special Bonus Porch Days. You can look for updates about Bonus Porch Days on the Washington Park Facebook page. 
• Ziegler Park Pool Memberships for the 2020 Season are on sale now! You can apply for a pool membership based on your income. Ziegler Park's Everybody In program has been designed to welcome all who wish to become season pass holders. Apply online. 
• Nashville-based quartet, We Banjo 3, takes over Memorial Hall for an audience-engaging live show on Friday, January 17 at 8 p.m. This band emerged from Ireland, showcasing their passionate blend of Americana, bluegrass, and Celtic. Tickets range from $26 to $46. 

Available Office Space

• Looking for your next office space? Elm Industries, located at 1537 Race Street, could be the perfect space for your business. There is still 9,519 square feet of turnkey office space available that you can design to match your interior vision. Design firm goDutch also leases space within the building. 

Available Condos/Townhomes

• Make Over-the-Rhine your home with a charming condo at the Parvis Lofts. Parvis Lofts Unit 305 features refinished hardwood floors, stainless steel appliances, great closet space, and elevator access. Visit the Condos section of the 3CDC website to schedule a showing, or check out one of our other available units. 

Careers

• Ready to take the next step in your career? 3CDC is looking for a Sales Manager and a Customer Service Representative for Clean & Safe Operations. 

• For additional career opportunities, check out our Career Center to see what positions are currently available.

Warm Up at the Porch

Friday - Sunday 11a-6p

The temperature may be getting cooler, but we're staying warm all season long in the Park! Cozy up with family and friends on the Porch by our new heaters with a hot chocolate, hot cider, hot coffee or hot tea.

The Porch proudly features warm seasonal drinks, Coca-Cola products, mixed drinks, wine, and beer offerings from local favorites including Taft's Ale House, Rhinegeist, Christian Moerlein Brewing Co., and Fifty West Brewing Company, in addition to Bud Light.

Last Minute Photos at Santa's Workshop with Santa Galen

Saturday, 1p-3p

This year, ditch your annual trip to the mall and venture down to Washington Park's Porch to see Santa Claus! Santa Galen and his merry band of Elves will be spending time on the Porch making gifts, ornaments and other fun creations. Stop by the wish-list station where elves will help you write a list to give to Santa when you meet him, or you can bring yours from home. Bring your family, your dog and your friends! *Please note this is a free event, but you must bring your own camera for photos.*

Thank you to our sponsor Galerie Candy & Gifts! This event is produced by 3CDC.

HomeMakers Bar, 39 E. 13th St. 

How it All Began

It all began over Vermouth. After Catherine pedaled Watershed spirits to Julia, they both bonded over their love of Vermouth. The duo teamed up to create HomeMakers, which is slightly retro and feels like a house party. The bar opened in June 2019. 

About the Store

HomeMakers Bar is a retro craft cocktail bar and disco. The beverage program focuses on Amari, Vermouth, and other weird spirits. They host unique pop-up meals as well as brunch and dance parties. 

Get to Know the Owners: Catherine Manabat and Julia Petiprin 

What was your first job? 

Catherine: I was a hostess at a family-run restaurant called Hunny's. 

Julia: I served popcorn at the movie theater. 

Who or what has influenced you most? 

Catherine: My mom. 

Julia: Every strong woman who overcomes against all odds. 

Last book you read and enjoyed? 

Catherine: "Start With Why?" by Simon Sinek.

Julia: "Why We Make Things and Why It Matters" by Peter Korn. 

Most underrated product you carry and why? 

Catherine: Our selection of vermouth. Vermouths don't get the love they deserve. They are one of the most fascinating spirits. 

Julia: Vicomte Single Malt French Whisky. It's very unfamiliar. It is made from 100% organic French barley, and its double maturation begins in New French Oak for 6 months. It is then transferred to used Cognac barrels for 8 years. 

What is the one product you carry that you can't live without? 

Catherine: Pesto dip. It's delicious! 

Julia: Chop Salad! 

Favorite place to travel and why? 

Catherine: I love going to Los Angeles to go see my family. 

Julia: Los Angeles. It was my home for 11 years and I miss the weather, food, and my friends. 

Three words to describe yourselves?  

Catherine: Quirky, kind, and empathetic. I try to be myself and to be thoughtful of others.

Julia: Happy. I prefer to see the positives in life; it's taken me very far. Drive. My mother is one of the hardest working people I've ever met so I have big shoes to fill. And, thirsty! 

Favorite part of OTR? 

Catherine: It's the sense of community among the business owners and the residents. 

Julia: It's a true community. There is so much support here. Everyone is so excited about what it has become and the continued development. 

What kind of experience do you want your patrons to have? 

Catherine: I hope they feel at home. I hope they have delicious cocktails and experience unique events. I hope we provide the kind of space where people can breathe easy and feel like they belong. 

Julia: I want them to surprise themselves and try something they never have before. I want them to walk in and immediately feel welcome, to make news friends, and relax. 

What makes HomeMakers unique? 

Catherine: I think we try to be intentional about collaborating with our community and creating a space where people can have a well-made cocktail and feel at ease. I think we understand we're trying to be part of the growth of an entire city and we're lucky to be able to be in the thick of it with other outstanding businesses. 

Julia: Our staff, our offerings, and our colorful decor. 

What is your favorite thing to do after a long day at work? 

Catherine: Cuddles with the dogs and my partner. 

Julia: Sit at our bar and have one of our bartenders craft me up a cocktail I've never had. 

Favorite place in Over-the-Rhine or Downtown Cincinnati?  

Catherine: Longfellow

Julia: Plesantry. It's a great neighborhood restaurant with friendly faces, great wine, and good people. 

If you could recommend one experience everyone needs to have in Cincinnati, what would it be? 

Catherine: I recommend wandering around the city to see sites like Music Hall, Findlay Market, and the Roebling Bridge. 

Julia: Skyline Chili in Clifton. 2 a.m. on a Saturday. 

Pursuit, 1433 Vine St.

How it All Began

The idea of Pursuit started as a class project for DeMars, and quickly came to fruition in the form of a popup shop in Columbus and a traveling Suitmobile—a suit store on wheels. Pursuit settled into a permanent space in the Short North Arts District and eventually expanded with the opening of a second store in OTR.

About the Store

Pursuit is a modern suit store that aims to be approachable—most notably in its price points, but also in its offerings. The shop offers both tailored and custom suits, and it carries all the dress shirts, ties, accessories and business casual gear you might need.

Get to Know the Owner: Nate DeMars

What was your first job? 

In high school I sheared Christmas trees in the small town in Northern Wisconsin where I grew up—it’s a very Northwoods first job.

Who or what has influenced you most? 

My parents have always sacrificed so that I could have opportunities they never had and their support is where the confidence to be an entrepreneur originated—I feel very fortunate to a family that has always encouraged me to follow my dreams. They were with me when I signed the lease in OTR even though they live 800 miles away.

Last book you read and enjoyed? 

Nate: It's a bit of an entrepreneur cliché, but Phil Knight’s Shoe Dog was a great example of the non-linear path of a business and all the near-death experiences a business often has.

Most underrated product you carry and why? 

I’d say Pursuit custom shirts. Most professionals aren’t in suits five days a week in this era, but do wear button-down shirts daily. A custom shirt fits better and buying custom shirts makes it super easy to refresh your workwear each season.

What is the one product you carry that you can't live without? 

Pursuit custom stretch suits. I like to wear my clothing fitted but I still do a lot of moving around and grunt work on the job so having something that I can bend in is key.

Favorite place to travel and why? 

My wife and I recently returned from our two-week honeymoon in Japan and that's our favorite vacation ever. But going home to the wilderness of Northern Wisconsin will always be my favorite place to visit.

Three words to describe yourself?  

Persistent: I tend to obsess over opportunities and problems and stick with solving them for a long time (hence 8+ years of Pursuit).

Analytical: I think out most ideas with a blank spreadsheet, business school conditioned me to think that way. And I’m always finding ways to connect people and ideas.

Goofy: I am in a seemingly serious business and have a serious role, but try not to take myself too seriously, i.e. my ongoing series of Cincinnati Chili reviews on Instagram as I eat my way through the local culture.

Favorite part of OTR? 

The diversity of the people who live, work, and play in the neighborhood. I have never experienced a neighborhood where so many people from different backgrounds call a place home.

What kind of experience do you want your patrons to have? 

We want our customers to feel like we listen and we meet you where you are. Suits are intimidating to some, and we want to demystify and make them approachable so our customers are confident. Some of our customers are way into fashion and they come to us to help them create the look they’ve envisioned—those customers get a very hands-on experience and drive the decisions more because they know what they want.

What makes Pursuit unique? 

Our Pursuit tailored suits make buying a suit very personal and easy without being overwhelming to the customer or their budget. We offer six great colors with sizes and fits to cover nearly everyone. We can tailor it in two weeks or less, and they’re usually spending $349-$425. Then, when you want the next suit, we can tailor another color to fit exactly the same without needing to get fitted. It’s perfect for the person who needs a few go-to suits and doesn’t want to be overwhelmed with a million options—you pick the color and we do the rest!

What is your favorite thing to do after a long day at work? 

Walking our dog, Bruce, to the park near our house.

Favorite place in Over-the-Rhine or Downtown Cincinnati?  

I think the Elm & Iron Loft store is so cool with the three floors of their unique merchandise and the see-through portal in the floor. And I particularly love that team because we share a home office and warehouse with them, great people!

If you could recommend one experience everyone needs to have in Cincinnati, what would it be? 

Walking across the Roebling Bridge on a warm summer night, seeing the skyline and the river. It’s unlike anything I’ve seen. I fell in love with Cincinnati that way and it made me want to make this the first stop when we expanded.

Join us for the last week at the Rink!

The UC Health Ice Rink, presented by Fifth Third Bank is open daily through February 2. The Square will be under construction after the rink closes, see you in the spring!

The 3CDC family mourned the loss of one of its own last month following the passing of Jay Moore.

02/03/20

The 3CDC January Project Update is available online. Click through for up-to-date information on construction and additional works-in-progress.

3CDC

• The 3CDC family was dealt some tragic news earlier last month when it learned one of its team members, Maintenance Supervisor Jay Moore, was shot and killed outside of his home. Jay was a great man, with a big heart and a kind soul. He had an innate ability to become friends with anyone he met, and he was a tremendous asset to the 3CDC team. This is an enormous loss, and he will be missed – but never forgotten.

Civic Spaces/Events 

• It may only be February, but we’ve already got summer in our sights. Buy your passes now for the 2020 summer season at Ziegler Pool and join us all summer long.
• Memorial Hall is partnering with The Phoenix and Eli’s BBQ to host Valentines at the Memo 2020. Tickets are still available for both seating times at 6 and 8:30 p.m. The Phoenix’s chef will prepare a prix fixe menu for guests on Friday, February 14.
• Disney-lovers and Broadway enthusiasts alike will want to check out Lea Salonga at Memorial Hall. The multiple award-winner actress played the voice of both Princess Jasmine in Aladdin and Mulan in 1998’s Mulan. Tickets are still available for the two showings in April.

Commercial Tenants 

• Chef Jose Salazar is up for a coveted James Beard Award for Best Chef: Great Lakes. The eponymous owner of Salazar, who also owns Goose and Elder, was recognized for his dishes at Mita’s. This is his fourth time as a semifinalist in the Best Chef category.
• Cincinnati Music Accelerator, an organization helping musicians and music creatives harness their passion as a sustainable career, has signed a lease for an 850-square-foot space in 3CDC's Stafford project. Located at 33 E. 13th Street, this expansion will allow the business to grow and invite more students each year.

Available Condos/Townhomes

• Want to live in the heart of Downtown, just a block from OTR and right across the street from the new Kroger On the Rhine? Court Street Condos recently listed multiple units, including Unit 201. The 2-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom is made up of two levels and features hardwood floors and stainless-steel appliances. Visit the Condos section of the 3CDC website for more information or to schedule a showing.

Staff News

• 3CDC would like to welcome new Events Intern Maddie Mershad, Commercial Leasing Intern Megan Riley, Sponsorship & Advertising Intern Ashleigh Weaver, and Communications Officer Sam Ujvary.

Careers

• Ready to take the next step in your career? 3CDC is looking for a Staff Accountant and Clean & Safe Operations members to join the team, as well as a interns in various departments.

• For additional career opportunities, check out our Career Center to see what positions are currently available.

UC Health Ice Rink presented by Fifth Third Bank

Join us at the UC Health Ice Rink, presented by Fifth Third Bank through February 2. Ice Rink amenities include lockers, benches, a warming tent, and a full-service concessions tent with hot and cold snacks, and alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

Visit myfountainsquare.com for full rink information including daily operating hours. Events at Fountain Square brought to you by Fifth Third Bank.

UC Health Ice Rink presented by Fifth Third Bank

Join us at the UC Health Ice Rink, presented by Fifth Third Bank through February 2. Ice Rink amenities include lockers, benches, a warming tent, and a full-service concessions tent with hot and cold snacks, and alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

Visit myfountainsquare.com for full rink information including daily operating hours. Events at Fountain Square brought to you by Fifth Third Bank.

Buy now, enjoy later!

Ziegler Pool 2020 season passes are on sale now! Sign up by April 1st and receive double the guest passes. CLICK HERE to start your online application. 

Passholder Benefits:

• Extended season at the same price! Pool open May 2 - September 27
• Unlimited access to Ziegler Park Pool during all pool hours (provided pool is not at max capacity)
• One-time daily guest passes to share with family and friends (4 passes per family)
• Discounted pool rentals
• Priority registration for swimming programs
• Exclusive Season Pass Holder events
• All season passes purchased support the Everybody In Program

Ziegler Park strives to accommodate the needs of the community with reasonable prices and great service. Ziegler Pool's Everybody In Program has been designed to welcome all who wish to become season pass holders – guaranteeing nobody will be denied a pass based on ability to pay. A completed application must be filled out and submitted in order to secure a season pass.  Click here to donate today!

Memorial Hall Presents Mary Chapin Carpenter and Shawn Colvin: Together on Stage

April 9, 8p

Mary Chapin Carpenter and Shawn Colvin will embark on a series of tour dates throughout 2020. Carpenter and Colvin—longtime friends for over 30 years— will appear on stage together as an intimate acoustic duo, swapping songs and sharing stories. These special shows will feature the acclaimed songwriters performing material from their vast catalogues as well as some of their favorite songs.

Carpenter and Colvin previously toured together in 2013 to the delight of both fans and critics. Audiences were invited to share the artists’ “living room” as they played music and traded quips in a warm, comfortable setting inspired by the duo’s long-lasting camaraderie. 

Also on sale now:

Lea Salonga

April 20 & 21, 8p

Don't miss Tony Award winning actress and singer, Lea Salonga, live at intimate Memorial Hall, April 20 & 21!

Lea is best known for her roles in Miss Saigon, Les Misérables, and the singing voice of Princess Jasmine from Aladdin and Fa Mulan for Mulan and Mulan II. 

The Hit Men

April 17, 8p

The Hit Men are the actual musicians and singers you heard on the original records, listened to on the radio watched on TV or saw in concert. In This exciting and unique multi-media show, The Hit Men dazzle audiences with number one hits by artists they have performed with on stage and in the recording studio – songs like “Don’t Stop Believing,” “Oh What a Night,” “Africa,” “Pinball Wizard,””I Want To Know What Love Is,” and “Joy To The World.” Their show is like no other as they take you behind the scenes with stories about what it was like on the road and in the recording sessions with rock royalty.

Pete the Cat

April 4, 12p & 2p

When Pete the Cat gets caught rocking out after bedtime, the cat-catcher sends him to live with the Biddle family to learn some manners—and boy, are they square! But for the groovy blue cat, life is an adventure no matter where you wind up, so the minute Pete walks in the door, he gets the whole family rocking. The whole family, that is, except for young Jimmy Biddle—the most organized, uptight second grader ever. But when Jimmy draws a blank in art class during the last week of school, Pete is the perfect friend to help him out. Join Jimmy and Pete as they set off on an adventure in Pete’s VW Bus to find inspiration, magic sunglasses, and friendship! Recommended for ages 4-9.

The Phoenix, Eli’s BBQ and Memorial Hall present
Valentines at the Memo

Friday, February 14

Seatings at 6p & 8:30p

OTR’s favorite midwinter rendezvous returns with Valentines at the Memo 2020!

The Phoenix’s Chef Jeremy Luers collaborates with Elias Leisring on an eclectic, four-course dining experience. Enjoy the architectural grandeur of Memorial Hall as you progress through its ballrooms, Parkview Room and Anderson Theater, each vista offering culinary delights and live musical performances.

Tickets to Valentines at the Memo include a four-course meal (appetizer, salad, entrée and dessert) and two alcoholic pairings (one cocktail, one glass of wine).

When purchasing, please choose either Meat or Vegetarian offerings. Patrons will be contacted in the week prior to the event to finalize seating arrangements. If you have any food allergies, please call the Memorial Hall Box Office (513.977.8838, Tu – Fr, 1pm – 6pm). 

UC Health Ice Rink presented by Fifth Third Bank

Join us at the UC Health Ice Rink, presented by Fifth Third Bank. Ice Rink amenities include lockers, benches, a warming tent, and a full-service concessions tent with hot and cold snacks, and alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

Visit myfountainsquare.com for full rink information including daily operating hours. Events at Fountain Square brought to you by Fifth Third Bank.

The park is a great place to enjoy workouts, entertainment, food, and drinks outdoors while social distancing. Please observe all signage and stay 6-feet apart from other groups.

Fright Night Weekend

Thursday-Sunday, 8pm

Join us for a spooktacular Fright Night Weekend October 1st-4th, featuring a free Halloween movie screening in the Park Thursday-Sunday. Food vendors and a DJ will be on site at 6p, all movies start at 8p. The Porch presented by PPG Paints will be open all day with beer, wine, hard seltzer, and mixed drinks. 

Movie Lineup:

Thursday: Hocus Pocus

Friday: Hocus Pocus

Saturday: Beetlejuice

Sunday: Frankenstein (1931)

Bring lawn chairs and blankets to set up in our socially distanced circles marked in the grass. Once all of the circles are taken, the event is at capacity.   Masks are required when visiting the bar, moving around the space, and visiting the restrooms. You may remove your mask when you are seated with your party. RSVP in our Facebook event page for vendor updates.

Evening programs:

Monday: Trivia Night with Last Call Trivia 6-8p

Tuesday: Fountain Feud with Last Call Trivia 6-8p

Wednesday-Saturday: Music on the Square 5-8p

Sunday: Singing-Bingo with Last Call Trivia 4-6p

The return of programming at Fountain Square would not be possible without sponsors like Fifth Third Bank, Macy''s, UC Health, Cincinnati Bell, P&G, Kroger, Lykins Energy Solutions, and The Haile Foundation.

We proudly serve Coca-Cola products, Bud Light, Budweiser, Michelob ULTRA, Modelo, Heineken, Taft''s Brewing Company, Christian Moerlein Brewing Co., Twisted Tea, White Claw Hard Seltzer, Bud Light Seltzer and a variety of wine by Barefoot Wines as well as select spirits.

The Standard Beer Shop, 112 W 15th Street

How it All Began

Brett Gage was living in Charlotte when he began managing a bar centered around the area''s prolific craft beer scene. Charlotte was a saturated market for bottle shops, and he was looking for a place where he could open his own microbar when life brought him to Cincinnati. He found opportunity in a new market—one that allowed his original bottle shop and taproom idea to flourish. 

About the Shop

The Standard Beer Shop is a full-fledged bottle shop and taproom that provides hundreds of different craft beers in bottle and can format for carryout, along with 16 rotating taps to enjoy onsite. A variety of wine is also sold to enjoy at the shop or for carryout.

Get to Know the Owner: Brett Gage

What was your first job? 

 My first job was as a busser at a local Mexican restaurant in Fort Wayne, Indiana. I started just days after reaching the legal age for employment. I guess you can say I was bound for the service industry from the start.

Who or what has influenced you most? 

Honestly, I feel like the craft beer industry in general. All the people I have met over the years in the field; head brewers, sales reps, taproom workers, owners running local beer shops, etc. Their general enthusiasm and passion for the craft and everything behind it truly brings about such a community feel, and that’s what ultimately drew me in the most at first.

Last book you enjoyed? 

The Ghost Map by Steven Johnson, detailing an outbreak of Cholera in 1850s London that ultimately changed science and the development of modern cities. It might seem boring, but historical non-fiction is quite eye-opening.

What is the most underrated product you offer, and why? 

Ciders! There''s quite a variety of ciders out there, from sweet to dry, that I feel can ultimately change the minds of beer drinkers and anyone who hasn’t ventured into the realm of apples. 

Favorite place to travel? 

Without getting too specific, I have to say the western portion of the United States. Whether it be expansive desert plains, rocky outcroppings, or lush evergreen mountains, there’s an ever-abundant array of settings that are awe-inspiring and simply make you feel small. To get a little more specific, the Pacific Northwest holds an especially close place to my heart.

What are three words to describe yourself, and why?

Dedicated. Passionate. Particular. Once getting into something I go all in, and craft beer is no exception. I want to help you find a beer that you’ll love. From local options to national and international, my goal is to provide a number of styles of beer to meet the tastes of those living next door to those who are visiting from elsewhere. Shelves will be organized and faced, glassware perfectly set and polished. OCD? Maybe. But I believe presentation truly makes a difference in a number of ways. It’s always the little things that make a difference.

What kind of experience do you want your customers to have?

Ultimately, I want everyone to feel comfortable, in both their physical surrounding and their familiarity with craft beer. It can be a tad overwhelming walking into a place that has three hundred different beers whether you’re a seasoned pro or just taking that first step into the scene. I get it. It’s OK not to know what spontaneous fermentation is or what kind of nuance a specific hop profile will create. I want to provide a setting that makes you want to stay; one that gives the opportunity for expanding your palate and general knowledge of a particular style, brewery, or specific beer.

What''s your favorite place in Downtown Cincinnati?

Brown Bear Bakery. Incredible creations, great coffee, and awesome people. 

Evening programs:

Monday: Trivia Night with Last Call Trivia 6-8p

Tuesday: Fountain Feud with Last Call Trivia 6-8p

Wednesday-Saturday: Music on the Square 5-8p

Sunday: Singing-Bingo with Last Call Trivia 4-6p

The return of programming at Fountain Square would not be possible without sponsors like Fifth Third Bank, Macy''s, UC Health, Cincinnati Bell, P&G, Kroger, Lykins Energy Solutions, and The Haile Foundation.

We proudly serve Coca-Cola products, Bud Light, Budweiser, Michelob ULTRA, Modelo, Heineken, Taft''s Brewing Company, Christian Moerlein Brewing Co., Twisted Tea, White Claw Hard Seltzer, Bud Light Seltzer and a variety of wine by Barefoot Wines as well as select spirits.

Watch your favorite games at Fountain Square this weekend! Saturday we will be showing EPL games starting at 7:30a, and Sunday we will be showing the 4:10p Bengals game.

Saturday, September 12th

7:30a: Fullham vs Arsenal

10a: Crystal Palace vs Southampton

12:30p: Liverpool vs Leeds

3p: West Ham vs Newcastle

6-9p: Live music from Matt Baumann

Sunday, September 13th

3p: Bar Opens

4p: Bengals vs Chargers, Triple Jays BBQ on site

The Square will have sanitized, socially distanced tables set up on the plaza. Masks are required when ordering and moving about the space, but may be removed when you are seated at your table.Our bar will be open both days serving Coca-Cola products, Bud Light, Budweiser, Michelob ULTRA, Modelo, Heineken, Taft''s Brewing Company, Christian Moerlein Brewing Co., Twisted Tea, White Claw Hard Seltzer, Bud Light Seltzer and a variety of wine by Barefoot Wines as well as select spirits.

Better Together Virtual Concert hosted by Fifth Third Bank

Tuesday August 11, 12:30-2p

Let’s get together (virtually) and celebrate the talent and vitality that the people of this great city have to offer! Join us on Facebook Live for the Better Together Virtual Concert with hometown artists, Kevin McCoy Band and Matt Waters. It’ll be sing-along, dance-along good time as we cut the ribbon and mark the grand opening of Fifth Third Center Stage on Fountain Square, a gift to the city of Cincinnati from Fifth Third Bank. It’s our small thank you to all in Cincinnati who make living, working and playing here a Fifth Third better.®

JOIN THE LIVE HERE: https://www.facebook.com/FifthThirdBank/live/

A limited number of socially distanced seats will be available on the plaza if you are Downtown and able to join us in person. 

We proudly serve Coca-Cola products, Bud Light, Budweiser, Michelob ULTRA, Modelo, Heineken, Taft''s Brewing Company, Christian Moerlein Brewing Co., Twisted Tea, White Claw Hard Seltzer, Bud Light Seltzer and a variety of wine by Barefoot Wines as well as select spirits.

Evening programs:

Monday: Trivia Night with Last Call Trivia 6-8p

Tuesday: Fountain Feud with Last Call Trivia 6-8p

Wednesday-Saturday: Local musicians perform solo or acoustic acts in the Grove from 5-8p

Sunday: Singing-Bingo with Last Call Trivia 4-6p

The return of programming at Fountain Square would not be possible without sponsors like Fifth Third Bank, Macy''s, UCHealth, Cincinnati Bell, P&G, Kroger, Lykins Energy Solutions, and The Haile Foundation.

The Street Stage Project is back, featuring live performances from local musicians that can be seen across public and high-traffic street corners throughout downtown. 

07/31/20

The 3CDC July Progress Update is now available online.​ Click through for up-to-date information on construction and additional works-in-progress.

3CDC

• Earlier this month, it was announced that 3CDC had purchased The Chong Inc. building, located at 616 Race Street, after the long-time purveyor, Chong Nung Kim, decided to retire and sell the property. 3CDC has not yet determined a redevelopment plan for the 50,000-square-foot building.

• The Street Stage Project, a partnership between 3CDC and the Cincinnati Music Accelerator that’s powered by ArtsWave is back this summer in OTR and the CBD. The program activates public spaces and street corners with live performances from local musicians.

Civic Spaces/Events

• In addition to lunch daily from 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Fountain Square has socially distant programming every evening, including Singo Bingo on Sundays, Trivia Night on Mondays, Fountain Feud on Tuesdays, and local musicians Wednesday-Saturday.

• Every Monday at Washington Park through the end of August, visitors can come check out Jazz Pop Ups at The Porch from 7-9 p.m. Additionally, Fridays will host other pop-up musicians throughout the summer. Follow @WashingtonParkOTR on Facebook and Instagram for more information.

• The pool at Ziegler Park will remain open through August and most of September, weather permitting. Those looking to visit must make a reservation in advance.

Commercial Tenants

• Abigail Street was one of three restaurants in Cincinnati to receive a grant from The James Beard Foundation to provide relief from the impacts of COVID-19.

• In mid-July, Mayor Cranley, City of Cincinnati officials, and multiple restauranteurs gathered together to remind patrons that restaurants have gone above and beyond in providing safe environments, as evidenced by the fact that zero COVID-19 cases have been traced back to local establishments.

Available Condos/Townhomes

• Have you always wanted to live downtown? Located in the heart of the bustling Vine Street, Parvis Lofts, unit 305 is move-in ready with refinished hardwood floors and a community courtyard. Visit the Condos section of the 3CDC website to schedule a showing or check out one of our other available units.

Careers

• 3CDC is always on the lookout for hardworking individuals to join our team. Check out our Career Center to see which positions are currently available. Recently added positions include Staff Accountant and Clean & Safe Representative.

Zula, 1400 Race Street

How it All Began

About nine years ago, OTR''s revitalization was gaining momentum and Vik Silberberg had been searching for a place where he felt people would be open and adventurous to something new and different. He thought OTR would be the right place to open a different kind of restaurant. The space occupied by Zula was a bit challenging at the time – it was large, not on Vine Street (where several new restaurants had recently opened), and across the street from Washington Park, which hadn’t yet undergone its renovation and transformation.

The original layout required creative vision to transform the space coupled with a substantial investment. Although he was nervous about the project undertaking, Silberberg fell in love with the space and felt that it was the right place for Zula.

About the Restaurant

Zula is a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant that brings both the culinary and social culture from the countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea. The food and setting encourage conversation and interaction among guests; the dishes are meant to be shared. Everything is made in-house, from daily baked artisan rolls to genuine natural Italian gelato (even the gelato bases are made in-house). Zula aims to be consistent and always deliver what it promises 100% of the time. The staff''s mantra is, “Tonight is a very special night, because tonight we open our door for the very first time.” They feel this demonstrates the humility in understanding what will continue to bring guests back.

Get to Know the Owner: Vik Silberberg

What was your first job? 

I was cooking at an all-American restaurant and bar in Tel Aviv called the Bernice Bottle Club (BBC), which catered mostly to UN soldiers stationed in Lebanon.

Who or what has influenced you most? 

While working in restaurant management positions in Tel Aviv, I met an incredible French chef who was a master charcutier and he forever changed the course of my life. He accepted me as an apprentice and was generous with sharing as much information as I asked him to share. To this day, the Foie Gras sous vide that I make is the same method and recipe I learned from him in the early ‘80s. I followed him to Paris where I attended cooking school, worked and apprenticed for several years. 

Last television show you enjoyed? 

My favorite TV show is Unique Eats.

What is the most underrated item on the menu? 

Panna Cotta, because most people don’t really know what it is or if they do, they had a less-than desirable experience eating it since many cooks tend to use a lot of gelatin while making it. We use barely enough to allow the Panna Cotta to hold together and the moment that it hits your mouth, it melts.

What is the one item on your menu that you can''t live without? 

That is a hard question, however If only allowed one item, I would say bread since I am a sucker for good bread and we bake awesome artisan focaccia rolls (with a four day dough-making process) and it comes out of the oven just a few minutes before we open our doors.​

Favorite place to travel and why? 

Israel, especially Tel Aviv. It’s home and the food scene is second to none. Restaurants, bars and cafes are open and full at all times. It’s called the Non-Stop City.

What is your favorite thing about OTR? 

The diversity, architecture, neighborhood feel and the ability to be able to walk to your destination.

What kind of dinning experience do you want your patrons to have? 

Of course, I want them to enjoy their food, but also feel welcome and appreciated in a non-pretentious environment. Zula is an extension of my home. If you are a member of the Zula team, it is an extension of your home too. So for us at Zula, every guest is our guest on a personal level as if they are close friends who come to visit us at home.

What is your favorite thing to do after a long day of work?

Go home and eat something while playing a computer game, since I can’t sit still and eat at work.​

Favorite restaurant?  

Dim Sum at Grand Oriental late morning on Sunday, and Sotto for dinner.

If you could recommend one experience everyone needs to have in Cincinnati, what would it be? 

Come and explore OTR.

Pool Opening Information

We can’t wait to have you back to the pool starting on Monday, June 8th! Our reservation system is up and running. Click here to make your reservation today.

New processes and procedures for reservations and entry:

There will be 3, 2-hour pool sessions daily, each session will have a capacity of 75 swimmers.

Session Hours will be:

10a to 12:15p

12:45p to 3p

3:30p to 5:45p

There will be two sessions for lap swim, 7a to 7:45a and 8a to 8:45a – each session will have a capacity of 5 swimmers, 1 per lap lane.

Reservations can be made by anyone, regardless of whether you have a season pass. However, you must reserve your session at least a day in advance by completing the form online as there will be no walk up sales at this time. Reservations can be made up to two-weeks in advance. In case of inclement weather, rain checks will be offered to patrons on-site. 

Due to challenges we are facing with the reservation system we must utilize a flat rate for entry. This rate will be $4 per-session, per-person which will help us keep the pool operating this summer with decreased attendance. Vouchers for financial assistance will be distributed through neighborhood organizations. 

Additional Safety Processes and Procedures 

1. We encourage everyone to follow CDC guidelines to Stop the Spread.  Lifeguards will not able to enforce social distancing and we are relying on guests to please be respectful of other patrons and keep 6 away feet from other parties. 

2. The pool will be cleared, re-set and cleaned between each reserved session. 

3. Drinking fountains will not be turned on. We encourage you to bring your own water bottle. Concessions will be open with a limited menu.  

4. The diving board and climbing wall will be closed at this time. 

5. Lifejackets will be available for checkout on a limited basis.

We look forward to re-opening this space and seeing all of our neighbors once again. Thank you for your patience as we work out these details during an ever-changing situation

Reds Playoff Watch Party

Wednesday, 12pm 

We will be showing Reds playoff games at Fountain Square on the giant Fifth Third LED board as the schedule permits. RSVP to this event page for schedule and event updates as they develop.

Fountain Square will broadcast Game 1 against the Atlanta Braves at 12pm on Wednesday 9/30. SEA Cuisine Foodtruck will be on-site serving up delicious tacos, sandwiches, & more, and our bar will be open with beer, wine, & seltzer starting at 11am. 

Masks are required when visiting the bar, moving around the space, and visiting the restrooms. You may remove your mask when you are seated at a table with your party. 

Evening programs:

Tuesday: Fountain Feud with Last Call Trivia 6-8p

Wednesday: Reggae Music with Kaya 5-8p

Thursday: Salsa Music with Nick Radina 5-8p

Friday: Fannie Lou Hamer, Speak On It! 6:30-7p followed by Live music with Tracy Walker 7-9p 

Saturday: CSO + Pops Simulcast Watch Party 8-9p

Sunday: Singing-Bingo with Last Call Trivia 4-6p 

Monday: Trivia Night with Last Call Trivia 6-8p

The return of programming at Fountain Square would not be possible without sponsors like Fifth Third Bank, Macy''s, UC Health, Cincinnati Bell, P&G, Kroger, Lykins Energy Solutions, and The Haile Foundation.

Image from Know Theatre''s Fannie Lou Hamer, Speak On It! Visiting Fountain Square on 10/2. 

You did it again, Cincinnati! Thanks to your contributions, we raised another $400,000 for Downtown Cincinnati businesses during Round 2 of the Cincy Card Connection program.

When combined with Round 1, you’ve helped us generate a total of $650,000 in financial support for local restaurants, retailers and service providers!

We’d like to thank the 14 organizations that contributed to the Round 2 matching fund – Main Street Ventures, The Haile Foundation, Urban Sites, P&G’s Hispanic Affinity Group, Greater Cincinnati Foundation, The Dianne and J. David Rosenberg Fund, P&G’s Asian Pacific American Affinity Group and P&G’s Supplier Diversity Group, The Kroger Company, St. Xavier Park Residents, Jostin Construction, TriVersity Construction, Battle Axe Construction, and The Painting Contractor.

And, for helping support downtown, we also want to say THANK YOU!

Note: If you made an eligible purchase and submitted via the website during Round 2, we will be sending out a separate communication with additional details about your matching gift card(s).

Cincy Card Connection Made Possible By:

HELP KEEP ZIEGLER PARK AFLOAT!

We need EVERYBODY IN to reach our 2020 Cincinnati Gives fundraising goal of $12,500. No gift is too small and every donation will be used to ensure programming is accessible to all.

Donate TODAY Wednesday, December 2, to help us win a Cincy Gives Bonus Challenge for an additional $1,500! 

Through our Everybody In program, funded by our donors and sponsors, we ensure that the entire community can enjoy the programs and amenities at Ziegler Park. Not only does the program support low-cost access to the park’s pool, but it also covers a free swim team, free—and potentially life-saving—swim lessons for kids and adults, and a reduced-cost summer camp, among other free or discounted programs.

This year, as we kick off our annual fundraising campaign with Cincinnati Gives, we want to tell you that no donation is too small to make a big difference at Ziegler. Although the past year threw some big waves our way, we were able to offer another amazing year full of programming, swimming, and fun! Your donations will keep Ziegler afloat and fund Everybody In into 2021. Here’s a look at the park’s performance in 2020.

SWIMMING POOL

The pool opened on June 8 with new safety measures in place, including a reservation system that limited the daily capacity to 395. Although swim meets were canceled this summer, we were able to work on stroke development and lap time with our swim team, the mighty Rhinos. We also saw the return of our synchronized swimming team, the Rhinestones. The pool was so popular this summer that we extended the season, scheduled to end on Labor Day, through the end of September.

• Dates: June 8 - September 27 (extended)
• Attendance: Over 15,000
• Season pass holders: 216
• Swimmers on our swim team, the Rhinos: 23
• Swimmers on our synchronized swim team, the Rhinestones: 28

SUMMER CAMP

Summer camp ran at half capacity this year, with forty-eight kids, but that didn''t keep us from having fun! Campers participated in daily activities that included tennis, swimming, chess, STEM-related projects, and arts and crafts.

• Dates: Monday - Thursday, June 15 - August 6
• Campers: 48
• Total meals served: 905

SWIM LESSONS

The Ziegler Park pool offers free swim lessons for swimmers at skill levels ranging from beginner to advanced, and ages ranging from six months to adult. We worked with SwimSafe instructors to provide a safe environment for the lessons, accommodating 214 swimmers in 2020.

• Dates: June 22 - July 31 (six one-week sessions)
• Swimmers: 199 Children, 15 Adults 

DIVE IN

We are still treading water as we look ahead to 2021. The pool and other park programming cost us almost $350,000 per year, which is why we need your support to keep Ziegler open and accessible for all Cincinnatians.

We hope to raise $12,500 during Cincinnati Gives. The money we raise will directly support our Everybody In program, which gives neighborhood children access to Ziegler.

Pool time is running out for the summer — and then, it all goes to the dogs! At our 4th annual Dog Swim your furry best friend can cool off and play with other pups in Ziegler Pool. Registration in advance is required! NO WALK-UP SALES. 

Two sessions available:
Session 1- 6-6:45p
Session 2- 7-7:45p

Your doggie ticket includes one human companion. Additional humans are $5. An adult (18 years of age or above) must accompany their dog, one person per dog required.

Park Updates

All organized events at Ziegler Park are still on hold until further notice. We continue to monitor the situation and follow the guidance of state, city, and local health & community leaders. The playground, sprayground, and restrooms are closed but the park remains open for your enjoyment. 

Many restaurants in OTR and Pendleton are reopening in the coming days. We encourage you to carry out from these neighborhood establishments and enjoy your meals in the park. Pack a blanket and enjoy a picnic on the lawn while social distancing.

Wondering what''s nearby? Check out our interactive map here. We recommend checking individual restaurants'' web-pages or social media for hours of operation. 

Pool Opening Information

SwimSafe and 3CDC staff have been meeting frequently to discuss what the 2020 Ziegler Pool season may look like. Please understand that we are doing our best to create procedures that will allow everyone to enjoy the pool while following social distancing measures to ensure your safety, which is our first priority. 

1. In light of yesterday’s announcement, we are excited to open this summer! We are still determining our opening date but we are hopeful it will be in the first half of June.

2. We are looking into utilizing a reservation system, with timed entry AND exit.  We are currently working on the exact details.  We anticipate that this system will evolve over the summer.  We plan to ease into the season at the lower end of our capacity range until we get the hang of the new system, in hopes that we can gradually expand capacity. Season passholders will be given priority to a degree, while still giving everyone in the community a chance to enjoy the pool. 

3. The pool will be cleared, re-set and cleaned between each reserved session.  We are asking in advance that patrons respectfully follow the reservation system and rules and give grace to the pool management and lifeguards who will be managing the day to day. 

4. At this time, we do not plan on hosting any social events at the pool. This includes party rental packages and after-hours pool events like Adult Swim. We will reevaluate this policy in July if appropriate. 

5. We currently do not have any update on swim team. The season is under review and we continue to wait for state guidance on organized sports. 

6. We expect that swim lessons will be offered this year, in a modified format. We will provide more details as they become available.

We look forward to re-opening this space and seeing all of our neighbors once again. Thank you for your patience as we work out these details during an ever-changing situation.

Memorial Hall presents
The Resilience Staged Reading Series

October 10 - November 21, all shows 8pm

We are happy to announce The Resilience Staged Reading Series taking place in Memorial Hall’s Green Ballroom from October 10 - November 21.  Patrons will be required to wear masks during the performances, which are limited to 24 guests. Click here to read more about our COVID19 policies and procedures. 

Parties can purchase in groups of two or four; no single tickets available. Parties may make reservations via a pay-what-you-can donation. Recommended donation is $20 per person.

More Resilience Series show announcements to come, stay tuned! 

THE STORY OF KING LEAR
Adapted from Shakespeare by Daniel Elihu Kramer | Directed by Gabriella DiVincenzo 
Playing October 10 - 31

A ruler abdicates power, yet demands honor and privilege.

CCM Drama professor Brant Russell explores the nature of authority in THE STORY OF KING LEAR, an adaptation of the Shakespearean drama that features contemporary language and a small cast playing multiple roles.

CRY IT OUT
By Molly Smith Metzler | Directed by Leslie Goddard
Playing October 15 – 30

First-time mothers reckon with boundaries of class, economy, and the impossibility of “having it all.”

Jessie is a corporate lawyer in a Manhattan firm. Lina is a community-college dropout and born-and-bred Long Islander. They don’t seem to have anything in common, but marooned at home with infants, they strike up a fast friendship. In the yard between their houses—as far as their baby monitors will reach—they bond over sleep deprivation, unreliable childcare, and “having it all.”

Broadway veteran Leslie Goddard helms a candid comedy about who gets to make which hard choices in the tinderbox of parenthood and class in the United States.

Pool Opening Information

We can’t wait to have you back to the pool starting on Monday, June 8th!  We are hard at work building the  new reservation system with timed entry and exit. The process is taking longer than expected due to the unique nature of Ziegler Pool''s passholder and public entry options. Once the system is up and running, you all will be notified.  We kindly ask for your patience when booking and arriving on site, our staff is doing their best to open the pool safely and to give everyone a chance to utilize it. This process will be new for all of us and we are thankful for your support as we navigate these changes. 

We anticipate that our system will evolve over the summer. We will ease into the season at the lower end of our capacity range until we get the hang of the new system, in hopes that we can gradually expand capacity. 

What we know:

•  The pool opening date is still set for June 8th.
• There will be two sessions for lap swim, 7a to 7:45a and 8a to 8:45a – each session will have a capacity of 5 swimmers, 1 per lap lane.
• Reservations can be made by anyone, regardless of whether you have a season pass. However, you must reserve your session at least a day in advance by completing the form online (coming soon), as there will be no walk up sales at this time. 
• Due to challenges we are facing with the reservation system we must utilize a flat rate for entry. This rate will be $4 per-session, per-person which will help us keep the pool operating this summer with decreased attendance.  Vouchers for financial assistance will be distributed through neighborhood organizations.

• There will be 3, 2-hour pool sessions, each session will have a capacity of 75 swimmers. 

• Session Hours will be:
  • 10a to 12:15p
  • 12:45p to 3p
  • 3:30p to 5:45p

Additional Safety Processes and Procedures 

1. We encourage everyone to follow CDC guidelines to Stop the Spread.  Lifeguards will not able to enforce social distancing and we are relying on guests to please be respectful of other patrons and keep 6 away feet from other parties. 

2. The pool will be cleared, re-set and cleaned between each reserved session. 

3. Drinking fountains will not be turned on. We encourage you to bring your own water bottle. Concessions will be open with a limited menu.  We will be communicating more information in the future regarding swim team and swim lessons.

We look forward to re-opening this space and seeing all of our neighbors once again. Thank you for your patience as we work out these details during an ever-changing situation

Park Updates

All organized events at Ziegler Park are still on hold until further notice. We continue to monitor the situation and follow the guidance of state, city, and local health & community leaders. The playground, sprayground, and restrooms are closed but the park remains open for your enjoyment. 

Many restaurants in OTR and Pendleton have reopened. We encourage you to carry out from these neighborhood establishments and enjoy your meals in the park. Pack a blanket and enjoy a picnic on the lawn while social distancing.

Wondering what''s nearby? Check out our interactive map here. We recommend checking individual restaurants'' web-pages or social media for hours of operation. 

The park is a great place to enjoy workouts, entertainment, food, and drinks outdoors while social distancing. Please observe all signage and stay 6-feet apart from other groups.

Weekly Entertainment Lineup:

Monday: Jazz in the Park: Jazz Tribute to Video Games from 7-9p 

Friday: Daniel In Stereo Porch concert from 6-8p

Thank you P&G, DBL Law, and GBBN Architects for sponsoring entertainment in the park. 

COVID-19 Updates:
Our Children''s Playground is open with social distancing procedures. The Playground hours of operation are 8a to 7p daily. Capacity is 20 patrons at a time. Please be respectful of other patron''s time and keep your visit to 30 minutes if there are others waiting. We will close the playground for 30 minutes at 2p and 5p for cleaning and sanitizing.

The Sprayground is open 11a to 7p daily with social distancing guidelines. The area is blocked off, and 20 people will be allowed in at a time. Each session will be 10 minutes long, then patrons must exit and get back in line if others are waiting. A Washington Park staff member is facilitating the entry and exit process.

The Porch presented by PPG Paints is open 7 days a week with social distancing guidelines. No cash will be accepted; credit cards or contactless forms of payment please. Please observe signage and stay 6-feet apart from other groups. No moving furniture around, and no games are available at this time. 

The dog park is open daily during all park hours. The dog park''s capacity remains 10 humans. Please be respectful of other patron''s time and keep your visit to 30 minutes. Our restroom hours are 10am-9pm daily.

We continue to monitor the situation and follow the guidance of state, city and local health and community leaders.

Memorial Hall Patrons and Friends--

On this #GivingTuesdayNow, as the world is feeling the effects of COVID-19, we are asking for your help. The majority of Memorial Hall’s revenue —tickets, beverage sales, and rentals—is directly tied to people getting together in groups. Since March 11th, Memorial Hall has canceled or rescheduled 75 events, virtually eliminating the majority of our income all at once. We’re asking for your help to support continued operations. If you have the means, please consider making a tax-deductible  contribution to ensure this historical venue survives the pandemic’s impact.

Your gift helps support the future of our 112-year-old venue and the world-class artists who play here. Our number one commitment is to the safety of our patrons, artists, staff and volunteers. We look forward to opening our doors to you as soon as possible. Together, we can make it through this. 

We proudly serve Coca-Cola products, Bud Light, Budweiser, Michelob ULTRA, Modelo, Heineken, Taft''s Brewing Company, Christian Moerlein Brewing Co., Twisted Tea, White Claw Hard Seltzer, Bud Light Seltzer and a variety of wine by Barefoot Wines as well as select spirits.

Evening programs:

Monday: Trivia Night with Last Call Trivia 6-8p

Tuesday: Fountain Feud with Last Call Trivia 6-8p

Wednesday-Saturday: Local musicians perform solo or acoustic acts in the Grove from 5-8p

Sunday: Singing-Bingo with Last Call Trivia 4-6p

The return of programming at Fountain Square would not be possible without sponsors like Fifth Third Bank, Macy''s, UCHealth, Cincinnati Bell, P&G, Kroger, Lykins Energy Solutions, and The Haile Foundation.

Thanks to Fifth Third, all rink patrons will have their choice of 1 complimentary Coca-Cola product.

FOUND is a month-long celebration of a city founded during the holiday season. You can find all of your local holiday happenings at FoundCincinnati.com - from shopping to light installations, skating to Santas. Enter the FOUND Scavenger Hunt today for a chance to win cash prizes!

FOUND installations will stretch from the Banks through Downtown and Over-the-Rhine to Findlay Market from November, 27 through December 24. 

You can order pizza to the rink! Call the number below to pre-order pizza to arrive during your rink session.

Washington Park flowers are in full bloom, providing some beauty in our downtown greenspace during this difficult time. Photo courtesy of Barbara Hauser.

04/07/20

The 3CDC March Project Update is now available online. Click through for up-to-date information on construction and additional works-in-progress.

3CDC

• 3CDC announced its tenant rent relief plan last week. In an effort to address the issues presented by restaurant and retail closures related to impacts of COVID-19, 3CDC will expect no payments for rent or expenses from its 78 retail, service and food and beverage tenants for two to three months. The total projected rent relief provided will be $877,000.
• Together with P&G and Empower, 3CDC launched the Cincy Card Connection last week. The organizations pooled together $37,500 to serve as a matching fund for gift cards purchased at local businesses, with the goal of doubling the money into $75,000 of direct cash infusion to Downtown businesses. The matching funds were depleted within 20 hours and the organizations are actively working to raise additional funds to continue the program.
• During this difficult time, one task everyone can complete is filling out the 2020 Census. In 2010, there was just a 77% participation rate in Hamilton County. With 23% of the population not counted, this equated to a loss of $34 billion in potential federal funding for Hamilton County, which went to different communities instead. 

Civic Spaces/Events 

• Due to the spread of COVID-19, there is currently no programming at Fountain Square, Washington Park or Ziegler Park.
• Memorial Hall has successfully rescheduled more than 15 shows and third party events, originally scheduled for March, April, and May, with more new dates continuing to come in.
• Memorial Hall was just named 2019 Favorite Event Venue by Movers & Makers Magazine.
• The playgrounds at Washington Park and Ziegler Park, as well as the dog park at Washington Park, are now closed to prevent the potential spread of COVID-19.
• Restrooms at Fountain Square will remain open. Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
• Restrooms at Washington Park will remain open daily from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Season passes are on sale now for Ziegler Pool, which is currently expected to open on Memorial Day Weekend.

Commercial Tenants 

• Small business owners are getting creative in serving the community during the COVID-19 shelter-in-place orders. Carryout options are available at many downtown restaurants. Full lists of operating businesses are available on the DCI website and OTR Chamber website.
• Thunderdome Restaurant Group, which owns Bakersfield, The Eagle, Pepp & Dolores, and many more, created a relief fund for employees that were furloughed due to the effects of COVID-19. In addition to the founders donating their salaries, all proceeds from Thunderdome Gift Card purchases in March were donated to the fund.
• Sacred Beast turned its restaurant into Beast Mart, a walk-up window where customers can order food, beer and wine to go.
• Mita’s is putting warm meals together for industry workers who are currently out of a job by working with the LEE Initiative to convert the restaurant into a hospitality relief center.
• Pleasantry is allowing customers to purchase meals for hospital workers for just $10 per meal. Through this program, over 3,000 meals have been purchased for healthcare workers.

Available Condos/Townhomes

• Looking for a new home near Washington Park? Parvis Lofts has newly listed units available on Vine Street just a block away. Visit the Condos section of the 3CDC website to check out photos. 

Staff News

• 3CDC welcomed two new team members in March – accounting team member Jack Greer, and venue sales manager Mikayla Trinkley.

Memorial Hall Featured Sponsor: Messer Construction Co.

Programming at Memorial Hall would not be possible without generous donations from our sponsors. Messer Construction Co. has been a large supporter of the hall for several years. Even in these unprecedented times they continue to provide financial support to Memorial Hall and other organizations. When you look at the actions and investment Messer has provided in the areas of inclusion, education, workforce development and support for Minority- and Women-owned businesses, you will find they consistently demonstrate how much they value our community.

We are honored to partner with Messer and wanted to share how they make an impact at Memorial Hall as well as the Tri-state.

Messer’s Commitment to Economic Inclusion

Messer is a construction manager and general contractor providing leadership for complex commercial construction projects. This employee-owned company, is headquartered in Cincinnati with offices across 10 regions in the Midwest and Southeast. Messer’s purpose is to build better lives for customers, communities and each other. This is put into action through Messer’s focus on minority and female youth and adults and includes cultivating interest in STEM-related career opportunities and engaging Minority- and Women-Owned business enterprise subcontractors and suppliers.

Messer’s commitment to lead change for diversity, equity and economic inclusion remains unwavering throughout their company, projects and communities. Learn more about Messer’s efforts by visiting messer.com/about/economic-inclusion/.

SILAS, THE UNINVITED – World Premiere Reading
By Derek Snow | Directed by Daryl Harris

Playing November 10-21

A black man imbued with the gift of time travel searches for freedom in three American eras. 

NKU’s Daryl Harris leads a cast of gifted black actors in an exploration of the dark corners of America’s historical relationship with race. SILAS, THE UNINVITED is a world premiere reading by lauded Cincinnati playwright Derek Snow, whose plays have been performed at Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati, the Know Theatre Cincinnati, and at venues around the country and internationally.

In a time when Americans are grappling with the deaths George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor, among so many others, playwright Snow finds sad parallels in current and historical violence towards black people.

Click here to view our socially distanced layout of 24 patrons max.

THE STORY OF KING LEAR
Adapted from Shakespeare by Daniel Elihu Kramer | Directed by Gabriella DiVincenzo 
Playing October 10 - 31

A ruler abdicates power, yet demands honor and privilege.

CCM Drama professor Brant Russell explores the nature of authority in THE STORY OF KING LEAR, an adaptation of the Shakespearean drama that features contemporary language and a small cast playing multiple roles.

CRY IT OUT
By Molly Smith Metzler | Directed by Leslie Goddard
Playing October 15 – 30

First-time mothers reckon with boundaries of class, economy, and the impossibility of “having it all.”

Jessie is a corporate lawyer in a Manhattan firm. Lina is a community-college dropout and born-and-bred Long Islander. They don’t seem to have anything in common, but marooned at home with infants, they strike up a fast friendship. In the yard between their houses—as far as their baby monitors will reach—they bond over sleep deprivation, unreliable childcare, and “having it all.”

Broadway veteran Leslie Goddard helms a candid comedy about who gets to make which hard choices in the tinderbox of parenthood and class in the United States.

About The Resilience Staged Reading Series

Live performance returns to historic Memorial Hall as gifted theatre artists explore vital dialogues of our turbulent times in the Resilience Staged Reading Series. With a maximum capacity of just 24 patrons, four contemporary plays and adaptations are presented in the safe, socially distant Green Ballroom.
Tables are available in socializing groups of two or four. In lieu of tickets, reservations may be made with a pay-what-you-can donation. The recommended donation is $20 per person. All net proceeds of the intimate productions will directly benefit the theater artists on stage and behind the scenes. For donation amounts other than those listed on the ticketing page, please call the Memorial Hall Box Office (Tue – Fri, Noon – 4 pm) at (513) 977.8838.

Join us this Thursday through Saturday for a special edition of Salsa on the Square! 

Join us this weekend for a special three-night event to kickoff Hispanic Heritage Month, presented by P&G, the Hispanic Chamber Cincinnati USA, 3CDC and Su Casa. 

Enjoy a socially distanced Salsa on the Square event, with several COVID19 precautions in place including socially distanced markers on the plaza, masks, and limited group sizes. RSVP in the event page to read detailed COVID19 procedures for this year’s event and to receive updates about the event. We encourage you to attend only one night to allow others to enjoy the celebration.

Evening programs:

Monday: Trivia Night with Last Call Trivia 6-8p

Tuesday: Fountain Feud with Last Call Trivia 6-8p

Wednesday: Reggae Music 5-8p

Thursday-Saturday: Salsa on the Square Special Edition 4-9p

Sunday: Singing-Bingo with Last Call Trivia 4-6p

The return of programming at Fountain Square would not be possible without sponsors like Fifth Third Bank, Macy''s, UC Health, Cincinnati Bell, P&G, Kroger, Lykins Energy Solutions, and The Haile Foundation.

VIRTUAL Macy''s Light Up The Square

November 27th, 7:30pm, WLWT Channel 5

Welcome Fountain Square into YOUR homes on Friday, Nov. 27 for a Virtual and Televised Macy''s Light Up the Square. Broadcast begins at 7:30pm. The show, hosted by WLWT-TV anchors Sheree Paolello and Mike Dardis, will be mostly pre-recorded, but will feature live check-ins at some of the typical holiday host spots including the ice rink, winter market, Downtown restaurants, and more. 

Downtown visitors are kindly asked not to gather at the Square this year without a reservation for the ice rink, to avoid overcrowding the space. The tree will be lit in advance at an unannounced day and time, and there will not be a fireworks show.  Reservations are still available for this weekend, view the calendar and book your spot today!

Thank you to our sponsors Macy''s, Lykins Energy Solutions, WGU Ohio, Cincinnati Bell, P&G, Q102, and WLWT Channel 5. 

Thanks to Fifth Third, all rink patrons will have their choice of 1 complimentary Coca-Cola product.

FOUND kicks off in Downtown Cincinnati this weekend! FOUND is a month-long celebration of a city founded during the holiday season. You can find all of your local holiday happenings at FoundCincinnati.com - from shopping to light installations, skating to Santas. FOUND installations will stretch from the Banks through Downtown and Over-the-Rhine to Findlay Market from November, 27 through December 24. 

You can order pizza to the rink! Call the number below to pre-order pizza to arrive during your rink session.

Two 3CDC office projects, Meiners (far left) and Behlen, which will feature a total of nine turnkey office suites and two street-level commercial spaces, are nearly completed.

03/02/20

The 3CDC February Project Update is now available online. ​ Click through for up-to-date information on construction and additional works-in-progress.

3CDC

• Since merging with Downtown Cincinnati Inc. at the beginning of last year, 3CDC has both streamlined and expanded services downtown, saving money and making operations more efficient.

• The Committee for a Cleaner & Safer OTR recently sent out petitions to property owners in the proposed OTR South Special Improvement District (SID). The OTR South SID would provide services that go above and beyond what the City can provide, including detailed cleaning of public areas such as sidewalks and alleys, as well as added safety patrols. 3CDC, which manages the SID in the Central Business District, is supportive of the group’s efforts. Signed petitions must be returned by April 3.

Civic Spaces/Events 

• The spring season kicks off with Washington Park’s Opening Day Celebration on March 26th. Enjoy live music, games, parade views, cold beer and delicious food.

• Fountain Square spring programming gets underway with St. Patrick’s Day celebrations on March 14 and 15. Featuring live music from Celtic rock bands, face painting, Irish food, green beer and, of course, Guinness.

• Come see the voice behind Miss Saigon, Princess Jasmine from Aladdin, Fa Mulan, and more! Don’t miss Lea Salonga at intimate Memorial Hall OTR April 20 and 21.

• Season passes are on sale now for Ziegler Pool. The heated pool opens earlier than most – May 2. But don''t delay, get your pass today!

Commercial Tenants 

• The Standard Beer Shop opened its doors earlier this week in the 1,704-square-foot space in 3CDC''s Rennen & Beecher Flats development. The shop will sell hundreds of craft beer varieties to go, along with 16 rotating taps for in-store enjoyment.

• A new gem in OTR is hidden four stories below street level. Ghost Baby is Cincinnati’s newest nightclub, featuring craft cocktails and a stage to regularly showcase rotating acts.

• Cincinnati is diligent in maintaining its status as a destination for foodies. Boca is one of only two restaurants in the city to earn a four-diamond rating on AAA’s Diamond Program, a rating it received for the 13th year in 2020.

Available Condos/Townhomes

• Want to live in the heart of Downtown, along a bustling Vine Street in OTR? Parvis has multiple condos listed, including Unit 305. The 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom features refinished hardwood floors and stainless-steel appliances. Visit the Condos section of the 3CDC website for more information or to schedule a showing.

Careers

• 3CDC is always on the lookout for hardworking individuals to join our team. Check out our Career Center to see which positions are currently available. Recently added positions include Maintenance Supervisor, Seasonal Assistant Site Supervisor, and Community Development Intern.

Paper Wings, 1207 Vine Street

How it All Began

Paper Wings came about when Carolyn and Mike Deininger saw a demand for paper goods and affordable art that wasn''t available at their sister store, MiCA. They took a chance to expand when the retail space opened up two doors away. The second venture has fulfilled Carolyn''s long-standing dream of opening a stationery store.

About the Shop

Paper Wings is a stationery store and art gallery, featuring work on paper by local artists in monthly shows, workshops, stationery and paper-related gifts.

Get to Know the Owners: Mike & Carolyn Deininger

What was your first job? 

Carolyn: I sold tickets at a small maritime museum where I grew up.

Mike: I worked packing orders at a pilot supply mail order catalog building.

Who or what has influenced you most? 

Carolyn: Years ago, Mike and I got to work with this lovely couple who ran a shop and coffeehouse in the summer, and were artists/makers in the winter. We learned a lot from them and it helped us formulate exactly what we wanted to do with our life together.

Mike: Carolyn. She has a clear vision of what she wants Paper Wings to be.

Last book or movie you enjoyed? 

Carolyn: The movie, "Ladybird." With a college-aged daughter, some aspects of the story hit very close to home.

Mike: It wasn''t the most recent, but my all-time favorite book is, "A Confederacy of Dunces" by John Kennedy Toole.

What is the most underrated product you offer, and why? 

We have these pretty, 3-D wall hanging butterflies, and they have a secret shelf or mirror inside. It''s hard to display them so that the secret is revealed.

Favorite place to travel? 

Carolyn: Maine in the summer. My parents and sister are there, which is more than enough, but add to that beach days and lobster rolls.

Mike: I helped chaperone our daughter''s hiking club on a small portion of the Appalachian Trail through the Grayson Highlands about a year ago. That experience made me want to do more extended hiking trips. 

If you could be any animal, what would you be and why?

Carolyn: A bird. Any kind of bird, because, flying.

Mike: I would echo the flying thing.

What kind of shopping experience do you want your customers to have?

We want them to be inspired by the beautiful products to write letters or send a card, instead of writing an impersonal email, or an off-handed text. Also, we want everyone to experience great local art from our community of local artists, and get to experience the pride we feel in the vibrancy of Cincinnati''s art scene.

If you could recommend one experience everyone needs to have in Cincinnati, what would it be?

Carolyn: Africa at the Cincinnati Zoo.

Mike: Go see the Reds play.

Join us in the park this weekend for live music Friday-Sunday! 

Thank you P&G, DBL Law, and GBBN Architects for sponsoring entertainment in the park.

Friday 7/31: Daniel In Stereo 6-8p
Saturday 8/1: Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra 6:30-8:30p
Sunday 8/2: The JazzCoasters 6-8p

Island Noodles will also be doing a pop-up in the park Saturday & Sunday from 11a-7p. Click here for details.  

The park is a great place to enjoy entertainment, food, and drink outdoors while social distancing. Please observe all signage and stay 6-feet apart from other groups.

COVID-19 Updates:
Our Children''s Playground is open with social distancing procedures. The Playground hours of operation are 11a to 7p daily. Capacity is 20 patrons at a time. Please be respectful of other patron''s time and keep your visit to 30 minutes if there are others waiting. We will close the playground for 30 minutes at 2p and 5p for cleaning and sanitizing.

The Sprayground is open 11a to 7p daily with social distancing guidelines. The area is blocked off, and 20 people will be allowed in at a time. Each session will be 10 minutes long, then patrons must exit and get back in line if others are waiting. A Washington Park staff member is facilitating the entry and exit process.

The Porch presented by PPG Paints is open 7 days a week with social distancing guidelines. No cash will be accepted; credit cards or contactless forms of payment please. Please observe signage and stay 6-feet apart from other groups. No moving furniture around, and no games are available at this time. 

The dog park is open daily during all park hours. The dog park''s capacity remains 10 humans. Please be respectful of other patron''s time and keep your visit to 30 minutes. Our restroom hours are 10am-9pm daily.

We continue to monitor the situation and follow the guidance of state, city and local health and community leaders.

The park is a great place to enjoy workouts, entertainment, food, and drinks outdoors while social distancing. Please observe all signage and stay 6-feet apart from other groups.

Weekend Lineup:

Friday: Daniel In Stereo Porch concert from 6-8p

Saturday: The City Flea 10a-4p; OTR Performs: Shakespeare in the Park 7-9p

Sunday: OTR Performs: Shakespeare in the Park 7-9p

Thank you P&G, DBL Law, and GBBN Architects for sponsoring entertainment in the park. 

COVID-19 Updates:
Our Children''s Playground is open with social distancing procedures. The Playground hours of operation are 11a to 7p daily. Capacity is 20 patrons at a time. Please be respectful of other patron''s time and keep your visit to 30 minutes if there are others waiting. We will close the playground for 30 minutes at 2p and 5p for cleaning and sanitizing.

The Sprayground is open 11a to 7p daily with social distancing guidelines. The area is blocked off, and 20 people will be allowed in at a time. Each session will be 10 minutes long, then patrons must exit and get back in line if others are waiting. A Washington Park staff member is facilitating the entry and exit process.

The Porch presented by PPG Paints is open 7 days a week with social distancing guidelines. No cash will be accepted; credit cards or contactless forms of payment please. Please observe signage and stay 6-feet apart from other groups. No moving furniture around, and no games are available at this time. 

The dog park is open daily during all park hours. The dog park''s capacity remains 10 humans. Please be respectful of other patron''s time and keep your visit to 30 minutes. Our restroom hours are 10am-9pm daily.

We continue to monitor the situation and follow the guidance of state, city and local health and community leaders.

Park Updates

All organized events at Washington Park remain canceled until further notice. We continue to monitor the situation and follow the guidance of state, city and local health and community leaders.

With outdoor dining reopening today, we encourage you to patronize the many restaurants in OTR and Downtown. Since seating is limited at many of these neighborhood establishments, consider ordering take out, packing a blanket, and enjoying a picnic in the Park while social distancing. To ensure our patrons stay safe and to minimize large gatherings, the Washington Park Porch will not be open at this time. We will re-evaluate in the weeks to come. 

Wondering what''s nearby? Check out our interactive map here. We recommend checking individual restaurants'' web-pages or social media for hours of operation. 

Good news for our furry friends! The dog park will reopen on Monday, May 18th with some new social distancing guidelines. The dog park''s capacity will be 10 humans.  Please be respectful of other patron''s time and keep your visit to 30 minutes. On Monday, our restroom hours will change to 11am-7pm daily. The children''s playground and the spray ground remain closed at this time.  Like us on Facebook for updates. 

It’s Giving Tuesday!

Thanks to the generous support of our sponsors and donors, Memorial Hall has been a pillar in the community for many years. The mission of the hall is to provide access to the arts in OTR by offering reasonable rates, reduced-price tickets, and free programming. Every dollar donated helps to support our continued efforts. A $30 donation would pay the hard cost of a seat at our FREE Harriet Tubman Show or just $15 would provide access for a child to experience the theater for the first time.

Donate today on Giving Tuesday to keep the arts alive and affordable at Memorial Hall. 

2021 SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

If 2020 has had a silver lining, it''s been the opportunity to stack up an amazing 2021 lineup at Memorial Hall. With your support, we''ll welcome fan favorites including Judy Collins, Al Di Meola and Ladysmith Black Mambazo. Here are some highlights we are looking forward to in 2021:

Jazz at the Memo
Mondays, January 11-March 29
Doors and house open at 6:30p

Jazz at the Memo swings safely into 2021 with a new season and a much, much bigger room. Winter welcomes the popular music series ascended into the gorgeous, acoustically superb 556-seat Anderson Theater, allowing for up to 84 casual fans and jazz aficionados alike.

Enjoy the finest of Cincinnati’s thriving jazz scene, including some of the city’s preeminent female and BIPOC artists. 

Memorial Hall is committed to keeping patrons and performers safe through a variety of safety measures and requirements. Read more here.

Purchase your ticket to the Downtown Tour of Living, which takes place this Friday and Saturday, October 9-10. Offering a selection of historic properties and new developments, the tour includes a VIP option on Friday, Oct. 9 for $50, and a general admission option on Saturday, Oct. 10 for $20. Tour locations include Encore, Seven at Broadway, The Blonde, 1010 On The Rhine, The Renaissance, 111 Elder at Findlay Market, and Parvis Lofts. Experience urban living and learn why residents love to call Downtown Cincinnati home.  

Bengals Watch Party

Sunday, 12pm 

Catch the Cincinnati Bengals on the giant Fifth Third LED Board! Kickoff is at 1pm, our bar opens at noon with Coca-Cola products, Bud Light, Budweiser, Michelob Ultra, Modelo, Heineken, Taft’s, Moerlein, White Claw, Bud Light Seltzer and a variety of wine by Barefoot.

Masks are required when visiting the bar, moving around the space, and visiting the restrooms. You may remove your mask when you are seated at a table with your party. 

Evening programs:

Tuesday: Fountain Feud with Last Call Trivia 6-8p

Wednesday: Reggae Music with Andy Shaw Band 5-8p

Thursday: Salsa Music with Oscar Salamanca 5-8p

Friday:  Live music from Zapruder Point 6-9p 

Saturday: Live music from Steven Gregory 6-9p 

Sunday: Bengals Watch Party followed by Singing-Bingo with Last Call Trivia 4-6p 

Monday: Trivia Night with Last Call Trivia 6-8p

The return of programming at Fountain Square would not be possible without sponsors like Fifth Third Bank, Macy''s, UC Health, Cincinnati Bell, P&G, Kroger, Lykins Energy Solutions, and The Haile Foundation.

Ziegler Pool will remain open 7 days a week by reservation only until September 27th! We will continue with regular operating hours; hosting 3, 2-hour pool sessions daily, each with a capacity of 100 swimmers. Remember, Ziegler pool is heated so even if the temperature drops a bit the water will still be pleasant.

Session hours are: 10a to 12:15p, 12:45p to 3p, 3:30p to 5:45p. Make your reservation today. 

Masks must be worn at check in, when moving around common areas, and in the restrooms. Masks are not required when you are at your seat or in the pool. Thank you for your support this summer! 

Quan Hapa, 1331 Vine Street

How it All Began

The Lang Thang Group’s first restaurant, Pho Lang Thang, opened at Findlay Market in 2010. After the success of an authentic Vietnamese restaurant, the group wanted to work on a concept that would allow them to play around with different Asian flavors they loved. The result was Quan Hapa, which opened on Vine Street in 2012.

About the Shop

Quan Hapa is a chef-driven Asian gastropub located in the heart of OTR.

Get to Know the Owner: Duy Nguyen

What was your first job?

I worked an untitled kitchen job at Grand Finale in Glendale.

Who or what has influenced you most? 

My mom and grandma for my appreciation of Vietnamese food and culture; and my dad for introducing me to the entrepreneurship lifestyle.

What is the most underrated item on your menu and why?

Sichuan 5-Way. According to one of our regulars, "It''s Dan Dan Noodles on steroids."

What is the one item you serve that you can''t live without?

Ramen. I love noodle soups.

What kind of dining experience do you want your patrons to have? 

Obviously, I want them to have great attentive service. But I also want them to be able to taste something new and different, or something that brings them back to a great memory. 

Other than your own, what is your favorite restaurant?

Thai Express. They have been a staple of mine since my college days at UC.

What is your favorite thing about OTR/CBD?

Walkability, diversity and the opportunities.

If you could recommend one experience everyone needs to have in Cincinnati, what would it be?

A weekend exploring OTR''s restaurants, bars and murals.

Pitaya, 1423 Vine Street

How it All Began

It started when Michael Mazor went backpacking through Mexico and Central America in the summer of 2000. He brought back some handmade items from Guatemala and sold them to local shops in Bloomington, Indiana. It went over well, so he decided to travel more, selling his imports wherever could—to local stores, on the street, on college campuses, at festivals, on mall carts and in a little basement shop under a Bookstore in Bloomington.

Gradually, he moved to bigger and better locations, and after importing merchandise from many other countries, He then transitioned more into the type of trendy items that Pitaya stocks now.

About the Shop

Fresh and trendy fashion for the fashionista on a budget is how to describe Pitaya. 

The first Pitaya location opened in 1990. After 10 years in Bloomington, he opened the Indianapolis store, which became the flagship location, then began opening one or more locations annually for years after. There''s now a total of 16 locations, including the OTR store on Vine Street.

Get to Know the Owner: Michael Mazor

What was your first job? 

I suppose making hard rock candy in my kitchen when I was in fourth grade and selling it to my schoolmates. They were basically giant suckers and I made them in two sizes of rotating flavors. Everyone loved them, and I did this on and off until I was in seventh grade whenever I wanted to make a few bucks.

Who or what has influenced you most? 

My old friend and business partner in a different business. We pushed and supported each other into expanding our horizons, and he was instrumental in my decision to finally expand beyond Bloomington.

Last television show you enjoyed? 

I''ve been sucked into Better Call Saul lately.

What is the one item on your shelves that you can''t live without? 

This is hard to say since our items are constantly rotating. We used to stock a “Pitaya Tee” that came in three different necklines and just about every color you can think of. We’re working on a new version of that, which will hopefully be on our racks this summer.

Favorite place to travel and why? 

I seem to end up in Mexico a lot. When you get out of the tourist zones, it offers so much more than the resorts areas; great weather, beaches, food, kind people, cute towns, short flights, and it feels just adventurous enough. 

If you could be an animal, what would you be and why?

A lion. It''s good to be king, no?

What is your favorite thing about OTR? 

I love the character. The old, historic buildings, the diversity of the population, all the local businesses. So much personality!

What kind of shopping experience do you want your patrons to have? 

I want everyone who walks through our doors to feel respected and welcome. I want our customers to tell they’re friends about the great experience they had.

What makes your store unique?

While most boutiques have their merits, it’s rare to find boutiques that offer excellent selections, prices, service and atmosphere. We do a solid job in all of those areas.

If you could recommend one experience everyone needs to have in Cincinnati, what would it be? 

Aside from going to Pitaya and walking around OTR, Findlay Market is a gem. Also, when we opened the store, I was able to catch Blink. It''s a must if you’re around when that’s happening in October.

Please consider supporting our friends at Ziegler Park in their Cincinnati Gives fundraising efforts!

HAVE YOU HEARD OF ZIEGLER PARK?

Ziegler Park is a community oasis on the border of Over-the-Rhine and Pendleton. Through our Everybody In program, funded by our donors and sponsors, we ensure that the entire community can enjoy its programs and amenities—from low-cost pool access and summer camp to free swim team and swim lessons.

This year, as we kick off our annual fundraising campaign with Cincinnati Gives, we want to tell you that no donation is too small to make a big difference at Ziegler. Although 2020 threw some big waves our way, we were able to offer another amazing year full of programming, swimming, and fun! Your donations will keep Ziegler afloat and fund Everybody In into 2021.

Donate TODAY Wednesday, December 2, to help us win a Cincy Gives Bonus Challenge for an additional $1,500!

Winter Market powered by MORTAR

Saturday 11a-6p & Sunday 11a-6p

This holiday season, we’re bringing a festive outdoor shopping experience to Washington Park. Our Winter Market will feature local and regional business owners selling everything from clothing to candles and housewares to sweet treats.

Our vendors will vary from weekend to weekend. We are excited to partner with several awesome local organizations to curate each weekend:

• 12/5 & 12/6 – Features vendors selected by MORTAR
• 12/12 & 12/13 – The City Flea’s annual Holiday Market returns for two days
• 12/19 & 12/20 – Features some of our favorite vendors who frequent the park

Masks are required and patrons must practice social distancing while visiting the Park.

Thank you to our Sponsors Cincy Shirts and Al Neyer for their support of Winter Market!

FOUND is a month-long celebration of a city founded during the holiday season. You can find all of your local holiday happenings at FoundCincinnati.com - from shopping to light installations, skating to Santas. Enter the FOUND Scavenger Hunt today for a chance to win cash prizes!

FOUND installations will stretch from the Banks through Downtown and Over-the-Rhine to Findlay Market from November, 27 through December 24. 

Pool Opening Information

We are excited to share that the pool opening date is set for June 8th! We are looking into utilizing a reservation system, with timed entry AND exit.  We are hoping to roll-out registration starting June 1st. Season passholders will be given priority to a degree, while still giving everyone in the community a chance to enjoy the pool.  Additional communication will be coming soon about the reservation process. 

Lap Swim and Swim Lessons will be offered this year, in a modified format. We will provide more details as they become available. We currently do not have any update on swim team. The season is under review and we continue to wait for state guidance on organized sports. 

We look forward to re-opening this space and seeing all of our neighbors once again. Thank you for your patience as we work out these details during an ever-changing situation.

Park Updates

All organized events at Ziegler Park are still on hold until further notice. We continue to monitor the situation and follow the guidance of state, city, and local health & community leaders. The playground, sprayground, and restrooms are closed but the park remains open for your enjoyment. 

Many restaurants in OTR and Pendleton have reopened. We encourage you to carry out from these neighborhood establishments and enjoy your meals in the park. Pack a blanket and enjoy a picnic on the lawn while social distancing.

Wondering what''s nearby? Check out our interactive map here. We recommend checking individual restaurants'' web-pages or social media for hours of operation. 

Park Updates

We are pleased to announce that the Sprayground will be re-opening on Tuesday, June 9th with new social distancing procedures. The Sprayground hours of operation will be 1p to 7p daily. The area will be blocked off, and 20 people will be allowed in at a time. Each session will be 10 minutes long, then patrons must exit and get back in line if they want to enter again. A Washington Park staff member will be facilitating the entry and exit process. 

The Washington Park Porch is open 7 days a week, 1pm-9pm with new social distancing guidelines. The Porch is open for table service ONLY. No walk-up bar sales or takeaway available. No cash will be accepted; A credit card will be required to start your tab, and a 15% tip will be added to all sales. Please take a moment to review all of our new COVID19 policies and procedures to keep patrons and staff safe. 

The dog park is open daily during all park hours. The dog park''s capacity remains 10 humans.  Please be respectful of other patron''s time and keep your visit to 30 minutes. Our restroom hours are 11am-7pm daily. The children''s playground remains closed at this time. All organized events at Washington Park remain canceled until further notice. We continue to monitor the situation and follow the guidance of state, city and local health and community leaders.  Like us on Facebook for updates. 

With outdoor dining reopened, we encourage you to patronize the many restaurants in OTR and Downtown. Since seating is limited at many of these neighborhood establishments, consider ordering take out, packing a blanket, and enjoying a picnic in the Park while social distancing. Wondering what''s nearby? Check out our interactive map here. We recommend checking individual restaurants'' web-pages or social media for hours of operation. 

Thank you to our sponsor First Financial Bank for their continued support of Washington Park. 

Washington Park''s civic lawn has been painted with ''pods,'' thanks to PPG Paints, to allow for socially distant activities, such as fitness classes, to resume in a safe manner.

07/02/20

The 3CDC June Project Update is now available online.​ Click through for up-to-date information on construction and additional works-in-progress.

3CDC

• In mid-June, Represent—an organization aimed at increasing the number of Black-owned businesses in OTR—received enough funding to hire a full-time program director. Started in late 2018 by 3CDC, MORTAR, The African American Chamber of Commerce and several other business, civic, and community leaders, Represent’s goal is to make OTR one of the most diverse businesses districts in the country. 

• In late June, 3CDC and First Financial announced they would be providing $50,000 to small business owners to help repair storefronts that were damaged during the civil unrest that occurred in late May. The money will help 40 businesses cover a combination of out-of-pocket costs and insurance deductibles.

• For the fourth year in the row, 3CDC was recognized as one of the top companies to work for in Cincinnati by The Enquirer.

Civic Spaces/Events

• In late June, 3CDC announced that there would be a new name for The Porch at Washington Park. Thanks to a new four-year partnership with PPG Paints, the space will now be known as The Porch presented by PPG Paints. It’s currently open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

• Washington Park will resume workout classes on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 6 and 7 p.m. with a social distancing plan in place. PPG Paints will be helping patrons meet social distancing requirements by painting approximately 50 pods on the grass to keep patrons six feet apart.

• Ziegler Pool is now open by reservation only, to ensure capacity remains at a safe number. This year’s Summer Camp, which began June 15 and will run Monday-Thursday through August 6, has 45 children enrolled.

• Fountain Square will not have any scheduled events through the Fourth of July weekend, but light programming beginning July 6 will see the Grove opening each day until 8 p.m., lunchtime vending consisting of four food trucks, spaced out according to social distancing, and nightly programming resuming from 6-8 p.m.

Commercial Tenants

• Businesses have started reopening amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, and many are looking for ways to carry on while staying safe by implementing extra precautions. For instance, Pins Mechanical and 16-Bit have started utilizing ultraviolet sanitizing lights to disinfect both high-touch locations.

• Businesses that were boarded up at the beginning of the protests that took place in late May turned their boards into supportive canvases, also offering resources and information pertaining to anti-racism and supporting Black-owned businesses. The artwork was then utilized for an event on Main Street called “Our Tables” put on by Cincy Nice to spark conversations within the community.

Available Condos/Townhomes

• Interested in a charming condo near Washington Park? Located at the corner of 15th and Goose Alley, B-Side, Unit B2 offers a beautiful, open kitchen and great, natural lighting. Visit the Condos section of the 3CDC website to schedule a showing, or check out one of our other available units.

Careers

• 3CDC is always on the lookout for hardworking individuals to join our team. Check out our Career Center to see which positions are currently available. A recently added position includes Program Director for Represent.

3CDC recently completed work on the new 1400 Vine lot, located on Vine Street, across the street from 3CDC tenants Sacred Beast, Pepp & Dolores, Bonobos, and Pursuit.

05/04/20

The 3CDC April Project Update is now available online.​ Click through for up-to-date information on construction and additional works-in-progress.

3CDC

• In early April, 3CDC, P&G and Empower launched the Cincy Card Connection gift card matching program with an initial matching fund of $37,500. When the funds were depleted within 24 hours, six organizations stepped up to contribute to the matching fund so all gift card purchases could be matched – Main Street Ventures, Downtown Cincinnati Inc., The Haile Foundation, Urban Sites, OTR Chamber, and Duke Energy. As a result, Round 1 of the program raised $250,000 for local businesses.
• In late April, 3CDC announced Round 2 of the program with a new $175,000 matching fund, which was dedicated to supporting minority- and woman-owned businesses. Funding for Round 2 was provided by Main Street Ventures, The Haile Foundation, Urban Sites, P&G’s Hispanic Affinity Group, the Greater Cincinnati Foundation, The Dianne and J. David Rosenberg Fund, P&G’s Asian Pacific American Affinity Group and P&G’s Supplier Diversity Group, The Kroger Company, St Xavier Park Residents, Jostin Construction, TriVersity Construction, Battle Axe Construction, and The Painting Contractor. Between the two rounds, the program has raised over $600,000 for downtown businesses.

Civic Spaces/Events 

• There is still no programming taking place at Fountain Square, Washington Park, Ziegler Park, or Memorial Hall. 3CDC staff is closely monitoring updates to health and safety guidelines and will continue to evaluate the appropriate time to reopen the spaces in a safe manner.

• #GivingTuesdayNow is a new global day of giving and unity that will take place on May 5, 2020 as an emergency response to the unprecedented need caused by COVID-19. 3CDC is asking for your help to support our programming during these uncertain times. To enhance #GivingTuesdayNow on May 5th, Cincinnati Magazine and P&G are donating $5000 in prize money to three local charities that raise the most on the Cincinnati Gives platform on #GivingTuesdayNow. If you have the means, please consider a contribution to help Ziegler Park, which will help to sustain the park’s operations and maintenance while revenue generating events and rentals cannot take place.
• In addition, the majority of Memorial Hall’s revenue —tickets, beverage sales, and rentals—is directly tied to people getting together in groups, which is currently deemed unsafe. Since March 11th, Memorial Hall has canceled or rescheduled 75 events, virtually eliminating the majority of our income all at once. 3CDC is asking for your help to support continued operations. If you have the means, please consider a contribution to ensure this historical venue survives the pandemic’s impact.

Commercial Tenants 

• Entrepreneurs are getting creative with virtual shopping while people are confined to their homes. Sloane, Idlewild and The Most Beautiful Thing in the World Is have started Instagram Live shopping parties, every Thursday. Virtually visit each shop for 15 minutes to see what’s new and noteworthy.

• American Legacy Tours has shifted from in-person to virtual tours of famous Cincinnati landmarks. Each week visit a new historical building and learn about its history.

• Taft’s Ale House rolled out a new beer, Love in the Tub, in support of the Taft’s Team Relief Fund. Proceeds from the new peanut butter mocha pie stout will go to support its staff members who are out of work due to COVID-19.

• Thunderdome has begun gradually reopening several of its restaurants for carryout and delivery. The restaurant group started with Currito and Citybird on Apr. 27, followed by The Eagle, Bakersfield and Pepp & Dolores on May 1.

• On May 12, some retailers will have a chance to open their doors back up to the public. Mica 12/V and Paper Wings shared plans to open with special precautions in place.

Development Projects

• 3CDC recently started construction on Perseverance, a new mixed-use development in the 1500 block of Vine Street. The organization is collaborating with Over-the-Rhine Community Housing on the project, which will include 32 affordable units and five street-level commercial spaces, totaling 6,726 square feet. Perseverance is part of the larger Affordable Housing strategy 3CDC is executing with several partners and is also the organization’s first development partnership with OTRCH.

• Construction was recently completed on the new 1400 Vine Lot, located across the street from 3CDC’s 15th & Vine project, and just south of Meiners and Behlen. The 99-space lot provides convenient access to dozens of nearby businesses, and can be accessed via both Walnut and Vine streets.

Available Condos/Townhomes

• Interested in a charming new home near Kroger on the Rhine? Unit 202 at Court Street Condos offers a beautiful, open kitchen and great, natural lighting. Visit the Condos section of the 3CDC website to schedule a showing, or check out one of our other available units.

Please consider supporting our friends at Ziegler Park in their Cincinnati Gives fundraising efforts!

HAVE YOU HEARD OF ZIEGLER PARK?

Ziegler Park is a community oasis on the border of Over-the-Rhine and Pendleton. Through our Everybody In program, funded by our donors and sponsors, we ensure that the entire community can enjoy its programs and amenities—from low-cost pool access and summer camp to free swim team and swim lessons.

This year, as we kick off our annual fundraising campaign with Cincinnati Gives, we want to tell you that no donation is too small to make a big difference at Ziegler. Although 2020 threw some big waves our way, we were able to offer another amazing year full of programming, swimming, and fun! Your donations will keep Ziegler afloat and fund Everybody In into 2021.

Donate TODAY Wednesday, December 2, to help us win a Cincy Gives Bonus Challenge for an additional $1,500!

Thanks to Fifth Third, all rink patrons will have their choice of 1 complimentary Coca-Cola product.

FOUND is a month-long celebration of a city founded during the holiday season. You can find all of your local holiday happenings at FoundCincinnati.com - from shopping to light installations, skating to Santas. Enter the FOUND Scavenger Hunt today for a chance to win cash prizes!

FOUND installations will stretch from the Banks through Downtown and Over-the-Rhine to Findlay Market from November, 27 through December 24. 

You can order pizza to the rink! Call the number below to pre-order pizza to arrive during your rink session.

UGLY LIES THE BONE
By Lindsey Ferrentino | Directed by Phillip Webster

Playing November 6-17

The fight continues for a discharged soldier striving to recuperate her injuries and save the life she knew.

Newly discharged soldier Jess has finally returned to her Florida hometown. She brings with her not only vivid memories of Afghanistan, but painful burns that have left her physically and emotionally scarred. Jess soon realizes that things at home have changed even more than she has. Through the use of virtual reality video game therapy, she builds a breathtaking new world where she can escape her pain. As Jess advances farther in the game, she begins to restore her relationships, her life, and, slowly, herself.

Directed by United States Air Force veteran Phillip Webster, UGLY LIES THE BONE pays tribute to Memorial Hall’s genesis as a venue for veterans, and to the centennial of the founding of Disabled Veterans of America at Memorial Hall in 1920.

Click here to view our socially distanced layout of 24 patrons max. Scroll for photo of setup at the end of this email. 

SILAS, THE UNINVITED – World Premiere Reading
By Derek Snow | Directed by Daryl Harris

Playing November 10-21

A black man imbued with the gift of time travel searches for freedom in three American eras. 

NKU’s Daryl Harris leads a cast of gifted black actors in an exploration of the dark corners of America’s historical relationship with race. SILAS, THE UNINVITED is a world premiere reading by lauded Cincinnati playwright Derek Snow, whose plays have been performed at Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati, the Know Theatre Cincinnati, and at venues around the country and internationally.

In a time when Americans are grappling with the deaths George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor, among so many others, playwright Snow finds sad parallels in current and historical violence towards black people.

THE STORY OF KING LEAR
Adapted from Shakespeare by Daniel Elihu Kramer | Directed by Gabriella DiVincenzo 
Playing October 10 - 31

A ruler abdicates power, yet demands honor and privilege.

CCM Drama professor Brant Russell explores the nature of authority in THE STORY OF KING LEAR, an adaptation of the Shakespearean drama that features contemporary language and a small cast playing multiple roles.

CRY IT OUT
By Molly Smith Metzler | Directed by Leslie Goddard
Playing October 15 – 30

First-time mothers reckon with boundaries of class, economy, and the impossibility of “having it all.”

Jessie is a corporate lawyer in a Manhattan firm. Lina is a community-college dropout and born-and-bred Long Islander. They don’t seem to have anything in common, but marooned at home with infants, they strike up a fast friendship. In the yard between their houses—as far as their baby monitors will reach—they bond over sleep deprivation, unreliable childcare, and “having it all.”

Broadway veteran Leslie Goddard helms a candid comedy about who gets to make which hard choices in the tinderbox of parenthood and class in the United States.

About The Resilience Staged Reading Series

Live performance returns to historic Memorial Hall as gifted theatre artists explore vital dialogues of our turbulent times in the Resilience Staged Reading Series. With a maximum capacity of just 24 patrons, four contemporary plays and adaptations are presented in the safe, socially distant Green Ballroom.
Tables are available in socializing groups of two or four. In lieu of tickets, reservations may be made with a pay-what-you-can donation. The recommended donation is $20 per person. All net proceeds of the intimate productions will directly benefit the theater artists on stage and behind the scenes. For donation amounts other than those listed on the ticketing page, please call the Memorial Hall Box Office (Tue – Fri, Noon – 4 pm) at (513) 977.8838.

The Confetti Room, 1531 Race Street

How it All Began

Simone Charles began volunteering, utilizing her creativity and knack for logistics management to help execute successful events. She found this as an outlet for her social anxiety, thriving off helping others and bringing something to life. In 2015, she started Social Butterfly Events, a full-service wedding planning, event management and décor company.

Eventually, Charles noticed a need for an intimate venue space that could provide the same level of service and detail as when she was planning other events. Here, she could answer the questions of catering, venue size and affordability. She also saw a need for an emphasis on aesthetics and detail, which she was able to fill with The Confetti Room.

About the Shop

The Confetti Room provides a canvas to throw confetti with friends and celebrate life’s special moments. From hosting a bridal shower, anniversary dinner or baby shower to simply gathering for a rehearsal dinner before the big day, every event should be confetti-worthy.

The studio is filled with event props, floral décor and rentals that are at the disposal of guests and can be added to the intimate event space.

Get to Know the Owner: Simone Charles

What was your first job? 

My first job was the to-go cashier at Jason’s Deli when i was 16. I stayed until it was time for college.

Who or what has influenced you most? 

My family has the greatest influence on me. They have sacrificed so much to give me my education and quality of life so I always push forward no matter what so that their sacrifices are not in vain. Now that I have a 3-year-old myself, I work even harder so that I can build something that he can also be proud of.

Last television show you enjoyed? 

I love old British sitcoms. This is how I spend my couch time. I love the culture and pomp and circumstance, so I watch a lot of British murder mysteries and comedy.

What is the most underrated service you offer, and why? 

Our intimate wedding packages. As a wedding planner, I know how expensive a wedding can be. Our wedding packages for up 50 guests provide the entire wedding experience at an affordable rate while also speaking to couples'' style and needs.

Favorite place to travel and why? 

My favorite place to travel is St. Martin, French West Indies. This is my place of birth and where most of my family still resides. I love the beautiful beaches, food, culture and friendly people.

What makes your space unique?

We are a disruption from your typical venue. We provide a great canvas for your event in a retail setting that encourages our guests to engage with other retailers on the block. We invite everyone into our doors, by not limiting your catering choices or minimum spending requirements so that it becomes easier for you to create an event that you can afford but in a well  decorated space.

If you could recommend one experience everyone needs to have in Cincinnati, what would it be? 

Walking in OTR on a Saturday morning, starting with discovering the vendors at Findlay Market; diving into Elm and Iron for some local creations, while eating a Holtman''s donut, grabbing a fresh cup of coffee at 1215 Wine Bar and Coffee Lab, and finishing with dinner at The Eagle.

Between original purchases and matching funds, we''ve already raised another $200,000 for downtown businesses in Round 2.

But we still have nearly $100,000 in matching funds left!

So we''re increasing the max to $500 per person in purchases.
We’re also holding a special bonus raffle!

Bonus Giveaway Raffle:

If you purchase and submit a gift card from a retail or service business valued at $100 or more, you’ll be entered in a drawing to win $500 in gift cards to minority- or woman-owned businesses, courtesy of Urban Sites!

We’ll randomly draw 10 winners to receive the bonus, which will be offered in addition to the original match.

Gift cards must be purchased Tues. 4/28 and submitted to Cincy Card Connection by midnight on Tues. 4/28 to be entered into the bonus raffle.

How the Cincy Card Connection Program Works:

1. Purchase a gift card from a downtown Cincy business
2. Submit your receipt and related info through our online submission form
3. We''ll purchase a matching gift card from a minority- or woman-owned business and deliver it to you. (100% match for purchases from retailers/service businesses. 50% match for purchases from bars/restaurants).

NOTE: Max purchase $500 per person. Must be purchased and submitted via online submission form from Friday, Apr. 24 - Tuesday, Apr. 28. Available until matching fund is depleted.

Who''s Providing the Matching Funds?

Three organizations that contributed to the first round of the program – Main Street Ventures, The Haile Foundation, and Urban Sites – have made additional contributions to the second matching fund. They have been joined by P&G’s Hispanic Affinity Group, the Greater Cincinnati Foundation, The Dianne and J. David Rosenberg Fund, P&G’s Asian Pacific American Affinity Group and P&G’s Supplier Diversity Group, The Kroger Company, St Xavier Park Residents, Jostin Construction, TriVersity Construction, Battle Axe Construction, and The Painting Contractor.

If you''d like to donate to the matching fund, visit www.cincycardconnection.com.

Visit www.cincycardconnection.com for full rules and details.

Cincy Card Connection Round 2 Made Possible By:

Ice Rink Opening Weekend

The UC Health Ice Rink presented by Fifth Third Bank opens this Saturday by reservation only! This year, the rink features bumper cars on ice, brand new for 2020. Enjoy this beloved family friendly tradition in the heart of Downtown Cincinnati Nov. 7- Feb. 15. Reservations are now open, view the calendar and book your spot today.

It''s going to be a beautiful weekend, the weather may be warm but the ice rink will remain open thanks to our under ice chiller. Our new Piazza bar that overlooks the Rink entrance will also be open serving up beer, wine, and hard seltzer, Friday through Sunday. Stop by before or after your rink session, or while waiting for a table at your favorite Downtown restaurant. 

We''re taking precautions to keep you safe including limiting capacity, utilizing a timed reservation system, increased cleaning between each session, and requiring masks. Visit our Ice Rink page for full information. 

Thanks to Fifth Third, all rink patrons will have their choice of 1 complimentary Coca-Cola product.

You can order pizza to the rink! Call the number below to pre-order pizza to arrive during your rink session.

REMINDER: Masks should be worn at check in, when moving around common areas and in the restrooms. Masks are not required when you are at your seat or in the pool. Please remember to bring your mask to your next pool session. 

Thank you for your cooperation!

Join us in the park this Friday to celebrate the return of baseball and the Cincinnati Reds! The Porch presented by PPG Paints will be serving up ice cold beer, seltzer and more. The Chili Hut, Quite Frankly, and Kona Ice will be on site serving up delicious food! 

The first 50 customers to make a purchase at the Porch will receive a FREE Opening Day t-shirt from Fox Sports Ohio-- and special edition koozies will be available at the Porch while supplies last. 

We will be broadcasting the game, called by Tommy Thrall and Jeff Brantley, over the speakers throughout the park. First pitch is at 6:10pm, come early to snag your favorite spot on the Lawn, at the Porch, or in the South End. 

COVID-19 Updates:
Our Children''s Playground is open with social distancing procedures. The Playground hours of operation are 11a to 7p daily. Capacity is 20 patrons at a time. Please be respectful of other patron''s time and keep your visit to 30 minutes if there are others waiting. We will close the playground for 30 minutes at 2p and 5p for cleaning and sanitizing.

The Sprayground is open 11a to 7p daily with social distancing guidelines. The area is blocked off, and 20 people will be allowed in at a time. Each session will be 10 minutes long, then patrons must exit and get back in line if others are waiting. A Washington Park staff member is facilitating the entry and exit process.

The Porch presented by PPG Paints is open 7 days a week with social distancing guidelines. No cash will be accepted; credit cards or contactless forms of payment please. Please observe signage and stay 6-feet apart from other groups. No moving furniture around, and no games are available at this time. 

The dog park is open daily during all park hours. The dog park''s capacity remains 10 humans. Please be respectful of other patron''s time and keep your visit to 30 minutes. Our restroom hours are 10am-9pm daily.

We continue to monitor the situation and follow the guidance of state, city and local health and community leaders.

CSO Digital Concert Watch Party

Saturday, 8pm

Experience the Live From Music Hall simulcast free, on our giant Fifth Third LED Board. We will have socially distanced, sanitized seating, and our bar will be open serving beer, wine, hard seltzer and more. Arrive early to save your seat, and grab carryout from your favorite OTR or Downtown restaurant to enjoy while you wait for the show to start! 

Masks are required when visiting the bar, moving around the space, and visiting the restrooms. You may remove your mask when you are seated at a table with your party. 

Evening programs:

Monday: Trivia Night with Last Call Trivia 6-8p

Tuesday: Fountain Feud with Last Call Trivia 6-8p

Wednesday: Reggae Music with Mark Hunter 5-8p

Thursday: Salsa Music with Phil DeGreg 5-8p

Friday: Live music with Dan Van Vechten 6-9p 

Saturday: CSO + Pops Simulcast Watch Party 8-9p

Sunday: Singing-Bingo with Last Call Trivia 4-6p

The return of programming at Fountain Square would not be possible without sponsors like Fifth Third Bank, Macy''s, UC Health, Cincinnati Bell, P&G, Kroger, Lykins Energy Solutions, and The Haile Foundation.