Mt Lookout Neighborhood Analysis Book

Mt. Lookout

 

Brooke Duncan Paige Kranbuhl Sam Schroeder Brian Spitzig

Table of Contents History Timeline of History Observatory & History Culture Population Racial Makeup Travel Time Families Driving vs. Public Transport Neighborhood Schools Highest Level of Education Our Lord Christ the King Mt Lookout Community Council Ault Park Advisory Council Swim Club Annual Events in Mt. Lookout Observatory & Culture

p. 2-5 p. 6 p. 8-9 p. 10 p. 12 p. 11 p. 13 p. 14 p. 15 p. 16-17 p. 18-19 p. 20 p. 21 p. 22-23 p. 24

Architecture Neighborhood Architecture Residential Architecture Observatory & Architecture Infrastructure Neighborhood Infrastructure Business District Infrastructure Observatory & Infrastructure Ecology Neighborhood Ecology Ault Park Alms Park Observatory & Ecology Commerce Business District Commerce Interviews Sources

p. 26-27A p. 26-27B p. 28 p. 30-31 p. 32-33 p. 34 p. 36-37 p. 38-39 p. 40-41 p. 42 p. 44 p. 45 p. 46

Mt. Lookout History

History Univerity of Cincinnati’s Physics Department finances the Observatory to be relocated from Mt. Adams to Mt. Lookout.

Mt. Lookout Community Council is founded and today is the oldest continually operated civic organization in Ohio

“Delta” is annexed to the city of Cincinnati as part of Spencer Township

1897

1872 1870

1873

John Kilgour finances construction of railway along Crawfish Creek (present-day Delta Ave.) to stimulate development

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1906

After Cincinnati Street Railway began converting to electric cars, the Mt. Lookout “Dummy” was left behind and ran for the last time on July 4, 1897

Levi Ault donates 142 acres to the city, which would become Ault Park

1914 1911

On March 11, a tornado hits Mt. Lookout damaging over 100 houses, injuring fifty and killing three

1916 1917

Mt. Lookout’s first schoolhouse opens so students no longer have to journey to Hyde Park 96 acres is donated to the Parks Board as a memorial to Frederick H. Alms by his wife. Although Alms Park is located in Columbia Tusculum, a few acres crosses over in to Mt. Lookout’s southeast border.

3

With 132 Catholic families living in Mt. Lookout, Christ the King Church was built to serve the community’s religious needs

1922

Cardinal Pacelli School grade school opens and offers a Catholic School Education to Mt. Lookout residents

1930 1926

1938 1936

The Redmoor Theater held its premier and served Mt. Lookout as a movie theater up until the 1990s.

The Delta Schoolhouse closed as the residents realized they needed a more permanent school for their children.

Thus the John Kilgour School was built and serves the community to this day

4

The Pavilion at Ault Park is completed and continues to be one of Cincinnati’s most popular landmarks

“The Comeback of Ault Park� occurs. The city cut the Parks budget in the 70s and was unable to keep up with the maintenance of the park. Park Board Volunteers began planting flowers and the pavillion was restored Two apartment buildings on Mowbray Ave. are bought and converted into public housing which causes controversy amongst the neighborhood

2012

1981

1952 1980

In October, the parking area in the center of Mt. Lookout Square is completed

2009

Renovation project of the square begins. Streets, curbs and parking island are renovated. Stop signs replaced by traffic lights

in October, Mount Lookout begins $1.3 million dollar street beautification project in the square

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Observatory & History 1870, John Kilgour donated four acres and $10,000 to the University of Cincinnati’s Physics Department. With this land and money, The Cincinnati Observatory made its move from Mt. Adams to Mt. Lookout. Due to Mt. Adam’s close proximity to the bright lights of the downtown Cincinnati’s business distict, observers found it difficult to study the sky.

Kilgour’s donation paid the construction cost for the new observatory and also bought a high-powered telescope, which is now the oldest working telesope in operation.

Moving the Observatory to Mt. Lookout was ultimately the beginning of Mt. Lookout as a neighborhood.

Time and money was then invested to create easy access to the observatory. Shortly after, new businesses and residents were attracted to the area.

Mt. Lookout Culture

Population 1940-1980

200-500 500-1000 1,000-3,000 8

1940

1950

1960

1970 3,000-7,000 5,000-7,000 7,000-9,000

Population 1980-2010

1980

1990

2000

2010

9

Racial Makeup

< 1% 1% to 5% 5% to 15% 15% to 30% 10

% Asian

% Black

% White

% Other Race 20% to 30% 60% to 75% 75% to 90% 90% to 94%

Families

% with kids

% without kids

% unmarried 5% to 10% 10% to 15% 15% to 20%

20% to 30% 30% to 40% 40% to 60% 11

Travel Time

20-29 Mintues

10-19 Mintues

30-39 Mintues 5% to 10% 10% to 15% 15% to 20% 12

20% to 30% 30% to 40% 40% to 60%

Driving vs. Public Transport

% driving

< 1% 1% to 5% 5% to 15% 15% to 30%

% using public transport

20% to 30% 60% to 75% 75% to 90% 90% to 94%

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Neighborhood Schools

There are three schools within the Mt. Lookout boundary.

Cardinal Pacelli School: a Catholic elementary school of Our Lord Christ the King Church, near Mt. Lookout Square.

St. Ursula Villa: an independent Catholic coeducational pre-k - 8 school in the southern corner of Mt. Lookout, near Alms Park.

Kilgour School: a K-6 neighborhood school in the Cincinnati Public School District that was first in the district to be rated "Excellent with Distinction," located off Herschel Ave. Cardinal Pacelli School Kilgour School 14

St Ursula Villa

Highest Level of Education

Less then high sch High school Some college Bachelors Masters Doctors

Less then High School High School Some College

Bachelors Degree Masters Degree Doctorate 15

Our Lord Christ the King

Our Lord Christ the King 16

Just south of Mt. Lookout Square, at 3223 Linwood Avenue is the neighborhoodâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s local Catholic parish, Our Lord Christ the King. This is only church within Mt. Lookout.

About half of the population is Roman Catholic Father Ed Smith is the paster of this church.

Sunday Mass times are 8:30 a.m., 10 a.m. 12 noon, 5 p.m.

More than sixty ministries, activities, and programs at Our Lord Christ the King Many parishiners patron local businesses after mass for a bite to eat.

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Mt Lookout Community Council (MLCC) Founded in 1906, the Mt. Lookout Community Council is the oldest continually operated civic organization in the State of Ohio. Fostering a heritage of philanthropic and civic activism, we are neighbors committed to the continuous advancement of community pride and camaraderie; economic growth and access for our business district; the protection and aesthetic improvement of our renowned square, our historic streets and observatory; the celebration of our people, and our way of life.

Mt. Lookout is a wonderful place to live, work, and play. Residents are encouraged to take an active role in the community and participate in MLCC community meetings and events.

There has never been a better time to get involved in your community!

We are a non-profit, volunteer organization and our mission is to inform, serve, and improve the quality of life for Mt. Lookout residents and visitors.

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Mt. Lookout Community Council spends fund on community: Mt. Lookout Square’s landscaping and beautification “Welcome to Mt. Lookout” banners Ault Park Playground Projects Annual events sponsored by the MLCC: Annual golf outing Fall Festival Summer Dances in Ault Park Fundraising comes from annual $20 membership fees and fund raising events.

The biggest fund raising event is Luminaria, which originally was created to raise money for a bicentennial celebration

Mrs. Georgia McCartney recalled a Spanish custom adopted by an Arizona community she visited the previous year. The Spanish custom included lighting bonfires to guide the Christ Child into people's homes during the holiday season. The tradition has evolved into using paper bags with candles inside for the purpose of guiding guests to the household. Mr. Elmer Scherman, the Luminaria Chairman recalls that approximately 900 kits were sold the first year for $3.75 each. The holiday tradition has continued ever since.

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Ault Park Advisory Council Founded in the 1980s, the Ault Park Advisory Council (APAC) is an non-profit organization run by a group of neighborhood volunteers to help preserve and improve Ault Park, encouraging the public to use the park as much as possible.

APAC works with the City of Cincinnati to keep the park clean, beautiful, and functional.

Goals of the council include: Increase Community Participation, Sense of Ownership and Appreciation Enhance Park Features, Facilities and Infrastructure Maintain The Park in Good Quality Condition and Manage and Sustain Natural Resources Encourage More and Broader Use Within the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Carrying Capacityâ&#x20AC;? of The Park Events include: Wine Tasting & Art Sampler Summer Dance Series The council also created an Adopt-a-plot program in 1980, all of which are maintained by locals. There are 39 gardens and a long waiting list to adopt any of them.

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Swim Club One place the people of Mt. Lookout like to spend hot summer days is the Mt. Lookout Swim Club, located on Ellison & Totten Avenues. The swim club is based on membership only. Membership fees for a family are $1000 to join, and $745 a year.

There is a wait term of 1 year or less.

Advantages of being a member include: Use of Baby Pool, Tennis Courts, Covered Picnic Areas Swim and Tennis Lessons Swim, Diving, & Tennis Teams Social Events for Adults and Children

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Annual Events in Mt. Lookout

Summer Dances in Ault Park are put one once each summer month. They feature popular local bands and Cincinnati draft brews.

Farmers Market every Saturday from 10am-1pm in June through October.

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Ault Park Concours d’ Elegance is one of the most anticipated classic car show events in the United States. The Cincinnati Concours d’ Elegance Foundation, a 501(c)3 organization manages the event with all proceeds benefiting The Arthritis Foundation, with a special focus on Juvenile Arthritis (JA). Usually takes place in June.

The Fourth of July is a busy day for Mt. Lookout, with an annual Children’s Parade at in the morning and evening events in Ault Park. Live music accompanies food venders, and of course, fireworks cap off the night.

The Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra usually hosts a free concert in Ault Park in late July.

Annual Festival of Lights is a holiday tradition which including the light up of the square to showcase the local business’ decorations and the MLCC’s Luminaria kits. There are also free shuttles from the square to the observatory for open house.

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Obervatory & Culture The Cincinnati Observatory didn’t just bring a new structure to the area now known as Mt. Lookout, it brought culture to the area. The obervatory, being a research facility, attracted educated students, professors, and civilians to the freshly settled land just east of the Hyde Park neighborhood.

People who live in this neighborhood today value education, as seen in Mt. Lookout’s educational demographic. Most all of it’s residents are college graduates.

This also effects the average salary of Mt. Lookout, since college grads are more qualified workers for high-paying jobs.

The Obervatory can be credited for Mt. Lookout’s repulation as an affluent neighborhood. It has given the neighborhood a lot of pride. There isn’t an older, oporating telescope anywhere in the world. Charm can also be related to the rest of the neighborhood, as it’s obvious most residents work to keep their houses charming and quaint.

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Mt. Lookout Architecture

Architecture

26

Cincinnati Observatory

The Redmoor

Ault Park Pavilion

Cardinal Pacelli School

Cincinnati Observatory

The Cincinnati Observatory was bulit in 1873. The building was constructed by Samuel Hannaford as a Greek Revival style.

Today the dome on top rotates mechanically while the viewing door is opened and closed using a rope and pulley.

The Redmoor

Opened in 1928, the Redmoor was one of Cincinnatiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s premiere theaters. Today this Art Deco landmark, is host to events, concerts, and wedding receptions.

Ault Park Pavilion

Cardinal Pacelli School

The pavilion is an Italian Renaissance inspired structure completed in 1930. The pavillion was constructed due to the large municpal budgets available for public buildings in the late 1920â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. A surrounding terrace, fountain, and formal gardens were designed by Albert Taylor.

The school was constructed in 1928 and named Cardinal Pacelli School in 1937. The stone masonry is evident throughout the exterior of the building.

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Architecture

26B

1211 Herschel Ave

3417 Custer Ave

752 Delta Ave

3053 Spencer Hill Dr

1211 Herschel Ave

3417 Custer Ave

752 Delta Ave

3053 Spencer Hill Dr

year built: 1875 single family $387,000

year built: 2006 townhouses $3,000/month

year built: 1939 single family $350,000

year built: 2000 single family $469,000

2012 Median Home Value: $328,750 27B

Observatory & Architecture The Cincinnati Observatory is the most iconic piece of architecture in Mt. Lookout.

Its Greek Revival style and stately manner influenced the surrounding homes. The styles of architecture found include Victorian, French Second Empire, and Classical.

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Mt. Lookout Infrastructure

Infrastructure

Linwood Ave

Delta Ave

Columbia Parkway (highway) Lunken Airport 30

Major Roads Linwood Avenue Delta Avenue

Bus Routes Bus Stops

Traffic Flows

High Flow Medium Flow Low Flow 31

Business District

De

lta

Av e.

Infrastructure

ve. dA

o wo Lin

32

Pedestrian Steps

Public Parking

Pedestrian Crosswalk

Private Parking

Green Space

Parking

Pedestrian Steps

Green Space

Pedestrian Crosswalks

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Observatory & Infrastructure The construction of the Observatory influenced John Kilgour to then finance the extension of the railway up through Mt. Lookout to stimulate development. The line was active up until 1897, when Mt. Lookout was still not highly populated.

Years after the “dummy line” was shut down, the line was replaced with Delta Avenue, which is when the businesses began to populate Mt. Lookout Square. As the neighborhood grew, new roads were constructed off of Delta where residential development began. This then lead to the creation of Mt. Lookout’s Business District which is to this day the center of activity in Mt. Lookout.

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Mt. Lookout Ecology

Ecology

Alms Park 36

Ault Park

Attracts people to the community Many residents are attracted to Mt. Lookout because of its (closeness) to two of Cincinnatiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most popular parks. Both sitting atop hills, gives breathtaking views in all directions. This also brings in visitors from all over Cincinnati.

Encourages an active lifestyle These parks provide the community with many recreational opportunies. Residents are able to walk to the parks from their homes.

Creates community pride and involvment Residents care about the park and want it to reflect their neighborhood well. Involvment in beautification projects and events that take place in the parks.

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Ault Park

4th Largest Park in Cincinnati | 224 acres

view from overlook

hiking trail

Ault Park Pavilion 38

Overlook

Hiking Trails

Ault Park is one of Cincinnatiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most popular parks. The park is operated by the Cincinnati Park Board. The Ault Park Advisory Board manages the events and improvements that take place in the park.

Home values near the park are higher than the rest of Mt Lookout.

The proximity of the park to the residencies of Mt Lookout allows for daily visits.

Ault Park is Mt Lookouts backyard, and ultimately it belongs to the residents.

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Alms Park

Alms Park Pavilion

view from overlook

Alms Park Pavilion 40

Overlook

Alms Park is located in Columbia Tusculum but borders Mt Lookout’s southwestern boundary. The park may not be as well known as Ault Park. It is more isolated and is not as easy to walk to from the majority of Mt Lookout but is still a favorite of many Cincinnati locals, as well as the residents of Mt. Lookout.

The pavilion is one of three in Cincinnati’s park system which is popular for a variety of events such as weddings and other gatherings.

There is a playground east of the pavilion, and two overlooks. One overlooks the Ohio River, with views of Kentucky’s Fort Thomas neigborhood. The other overlooks Lunken airport, a view similar to Ault Park’s overlook.

overlook

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Observatory & Ecology

The Observatory is situated on four acres of green space. This land is protected from any further development. The walkability of the neighborhood makes the observatory an easy destination for the residents of Mt. Lookout.

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Mt. Lookout Commerce

Commerce

D E

C

A United Dairy Farmers

B

B Ramundos

F G

Ruthai’s Thai Kitchen C Cha Cha’s Boutique

A

D Mt Lookout Shoe Repair E Jiffy Lube F Deluxe Cleaners

Q

H

G Amy Shuermann Interiors H Mt Lookout Animal Hospital I Lookout Joe Coffee

P

P Total Eclipse Salon Q Zip’s Cafe

R

R Boardwalk Hobby Shop

I

The Gift Box Pera Mediterranean

S T Ichiban Japanese Cuisine U Cura Bella

S

Pixels & Dots Spohn & Associates Nailtique George H Rhode & Son Funeral Home

J

J K The Redmoor L The Stand M Mt Lookout Chiropractic

T

K

Fitness Center Subway Cloud 9 Sushi V Keepsake Photography Vin Acco Clock Shop

U

L

CVS Pharmacy Mt Lookout Dentistry

V

M

W Mt Lookout Television X Annabel’s

W

N AV Sterio Repair O Select Integrations

N

Vintage Poster Bank

Nectar Y Lucy Blue Pizza The Dust Jacket Books

X Y

O

Z The Wurst Bar

Z

AA BB CC DD

AA DD

CC

Million’s Cafe Mary Cassineli Architects Mt Lookout Tavern Chase Bank

BB

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Restaurant

Pharmacy

Service

Shop

Health Clinic

Entertainment

Gas Station

Bank

Multi Use

Interviews Lookout Joe: This establisment has a local feel with a coffee aroma filling the inside

and tables for locals to enjoy a snack or beverage outside. There weekday mornings are very populated, with many locals who come in for their regular cup of coffee. Friday afternoons can also be a busy time with many students from Summit Country Day, Walnut Hills High School, and Cardinal-Pacelli. Lookout Joe is known for their fresh roasted coffee beans, and there chi-brewed tea in the house. Many of the people who patron Lookout Joe are of 20-40,. Most of them younger couples, people on there way to work, and moms with there children on the weekdays.

Subway: This chain restauraunt happens to be the only chain restauraunt in Mt. Lookout’s quaint neighborhood.

It’s busiest time of the day is from 11-2 o’clock, around lunch time. Many young couples are seen walking outside, and in Subway for a delicious bite to eat. Some of them can be very self concious about there food choices we have been told.

Nectar: This charming, restauraunt in the heart of the business district brings many locals to Mt. Lookout for a delicious

bite to eat with it being one of the top ten restaurunts in Cincinnati. It has been in Mt. Lookout for seven years, after previously being located in downtown Cincinnati. Julie Francis, owner and chef of Nectar, moved specifically to Mt. Lookout for the walkability and neighborhood feeling. Mount Lookout recieves a lot of foottraffic. This restaurant is known for preparing all of there food with locally grown ingredients, making it a one of a kind restauraunt. Friday and Saturday nights are their busiest, as well as Sunday brunch.

Mt. Lookout Tavern: Commonly known as “MLT” can be seen as the tavern somewhat dominating the

Mount Lookout nigtlife scene. It is a popular bar for young adults, mailnly because of the great patio in the back and the live music four nights a week. There are known and famous for their trivia night. Many college kids from Xavier Univeristy can also been seen at the tavern on the weekends. Fifty percent of its business is locals who find it convieneent to walk down the street to the local bar.

Boardwalk Hobby Shop: This one of a kind hobby shop opened in 1972, making it about 41 years old.

This shop recieves customers from all over, because there are not many hobby shops left in Cincinnati. Most good hobby shops are now on the internet, Boardwalk is a welcome retreat. They are know to have stuff for all hobbing interets.

If they don’t have something, they’ll order it. Any board game you ever want and model airpanes or cars can be provided at this hobby shop.

“Mt. Lookout is seen as having much pride, and the simple, fun, casual places it offers creates a quaint and local feel to be visited. “

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Sources The 125th Committee. Mt. Lookout, 1870-1995: Celebrating 125 Years. [Cincinnati?]: 125th Committee, 1995. Print.

Cincinnati Parks Foundation. "Alms Park." Alms Park. N.p., n.d. Web.

Clubbe, John. Cincinnati Observed: Architecture and History. Columbus: Ohio State UP, 1992. Print.

Smiddy, Betty Ann., and Frank Wilmes. Cincinnati's Golden Age. Charleston, SC: Arcadia Pub., 2005. Print.

Book

Silberstein, Iola Hessler. Cincinnati, Then and Now. Cincinnati, OH: Voters Service Education Fund of the League of Women Voters of the Cincinnati Area, 1982. Print.

Giglierano, Geoffrey J., Deborah Ann. Overmyer, and Frederic L. Propas. The Bicentennial Guide to Greater Cincinnati: A Portrait of Two Hundred Years. Cincinnati, OH: Cincinnati Historical Society, 1988. Print.

"Mt. Lookout Community Council." Mt. Lookout Community Council. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Mar. 2013. <http://www.mtlookout.org/>.

"News." Ault Park Advisory Council RSS. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Mar. 2013. <http://www.aultparkac.org/>.

"The Redmoor: The Event House." The Redmoor: The Event House. N.p., n.d. Web.

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