Mt Lookout Neighborhood Analysis Book

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Mt. Lookout Brooke Duncan Paige Kranbuhl Sam Schroeder Brian Spitzig

description

analysis of Mt Lookout, Cincinnati

Transcript of Mt Lookout Neighborhood Analysis Book

Mt. LookoutBrooke DuncanPaige KranbuhlSam SchroederBrian Spitzig

History Timeline of History p. 2-5 Observatory & History p. 6Culture Population p. 8-9 Racial Makeup p. 10 Travel Time p. 12 Families p. 11 Driving vs. Public Transport p. 13 Neighborhood Schools p. 14 Highest Level of Education p. 15 Our Lord Christ the King p. 16-17 Mt Lookout Community Council p. 18-19 Ault Park Advisory Council p. 20 Swim Club p. 21 Annual Events in Mt. Lookout p. 22-23 Observatory & Culture p. 24

Table of Contents

Architecture Neighborhood Architecture p. 26-27A Residential Architecture p. 26-27B Observatory & Architecture p. 28Infrastructure Neighborhood Infrastructure p. 30-31 Business District Infrastructure p. 32-33 Observatory & Infrastructure p. 34Ecology Neighborhood Ecology p. 36-37 Ault Park p. 38-39 Alms Park p. 40-41 Observatory & Ecology p. 42Commerce Business District Commerce p. 44 Interviews p. 45Sources p. 46

Mt. LookoutHistory

History

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

Spencer Township

1870

1872

John Kilgour �nances construction of railway along Craw�sh Creek (pre-sent-day Delta Ave.) to stimulate

development

18731897

Univerity of Cincinnati’s Physics Depart-ment �nances the Observatory to be

relocated from Mt. Adams to Mt. Lookout.

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

1906

Mt. Lookout Community Council is founded and today is the

oldest continually operated civic organization in Ohio

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1914 19161917

Mt. Lookout’s �rst school-house 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 south-east border.

On March 11, a tornado hits Mt. Look-out damaging over 100 houses, injur-

ing �fty and killing three

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

Ault Park

1911

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1922

1926

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

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

1930

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

most popular landmarks

1936

Cardinal Pacelli School grade school opens and o�ers a Catholic School Education to Mt. Lookout residents

The Redmoor Theater held its premier and served Mt.

Lookout as a movie theater up until the 1990s.

1938

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1952

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

Square is completed

1980

“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 plant-

ing �owers and the pavillion was restored

1981

Renovation project of the square begins. Streets, curbs and parking island are reno-

vated. Stop signs replaced by tra�c lights

2009

Two apartment buildings on Mowbray Ave. are bought and converted into public housing

which causes controversy amongst the neighborhood

2012

in October, Mount Lookout begins $1.3 million dollar

street beauti�cation 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 di�cult 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

200-500

Population 1940-1980

3,000-7,000500-1000 5,000-7,0001,000-3,000 7,000-9,000

1940

1960 1970

1950

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Population 1980-2010

1980

2000 2010

1990

9

Racial Makeup

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

% Asian % Black

% White % Other Race

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

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5% to 10%

Families

20% to 30%10% to 15% 30% to 40%15% to 20% 40% to 60%

% with kids % without kids

% unmarried

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5% to 10%

Travel Time

20% to 30%10% to 15% 30% to 40%15% to 20% 40% to 60%

10-19 Mintues 20-29 Mintues

30-39 Mintues

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< 1%

Driving vs. Public Transport

20% to 30%1% to 5% 60% to 75%5% to 15% 75% to 90%15% to 30% 90% to 94%

% using public transport% driving

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Neighborhood Schools

Cardinal Pacelli School

Kilgour School

St Ursula Villa

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 coed-ucational 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 �rst in the district to be rated "Excellent with Distinction," located o� Herschel Ave.

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Less then High School

Highest Level of Education

Bachelors DegreeHigh School Masters DegreeSome College Doctorate

Less then high school

High school

Some college

Bachelors

Masters

Doctors

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Our Lord Christ the King

Our Lord Christ the King

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Just south of Mt. Lookout Square, at 3223 Linwood Avenue is the neighborhood’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-pro�t, 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 beauti�cation “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 Ari-zona community she visited the previous year. The Spanish custom included lighting bon�res 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 house-hold. Mr. Elmer Scherman, the Luminaria Chairman recalls that approx-imately 900 kits were sold the �rst year for $3.75 each. The holiday tradi-tion 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-pro�t organizationrun 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 “Carrying Capacity” of The Park

Events include:Wine Tasting & Art SamplerSummer 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. Mem-bership 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 fea-ture popular local bands and Cincinnati draft brews.

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

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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 accompa-nies food venders, and of course, �reworks cap o� 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.

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 bene�ting The Arthritis Foundation, with a special focus on Juvenile Arthritis (JA). Usually takes place in June.

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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 e�ects the average salary of Mt. Lookout, since college grads are more quali�ed workers for high-paying jobs.

The Obervatory can be credited for Mt. Lookout’s repulation as an a�uent 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

Cincinnati Observatory

Ault Park Pavilion

The Redmoor

Cardinal Pacelli School

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Cincinnati Observatory The Cincinnati Observatory was bulit in 1873. The building was constructed by Samuel Han-naford 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.

Ault Park Pavilion The pavilion is an Italian Renais-sance inspired structure com-pleted in 1930. The pavillion was constructed due to the large municpal budgets avail-able for public buildings in the late 1920’s. A surrounding ter-race, fountain, and formal gar-dens were designed by Albert Taylor.

The RedmoorOpened in 1928, the Redmoor was one of Cincinnati’s premiere theaters. Today this Art Deco landmark, is host to events, concerts, and wedding receptions.

Cardinal Pacelli SchoolThe 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

3417 Custer Ave1211 Herschel Ave

752 Delta Ave 3053 Spencer Hill Dr

26B

1211 Herschel Aveyear built: 1875single family$387,000

752 Delta Aveyear built: 2006townhouses$3,000/month

3053 Spencer Hill Dryear built: 2000single family$469,000

3417 Custer Aveyear built: 1939single family$350,000

2012 Median Home Value: $328,75027B

Observatory & Architecture

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

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

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Mt. Lookout

Infrastructure

Columbia Parkway (highway)

Infrastructure

Major RoadsLinwood AvenueDelta Avenue

Delta Ave

Linwood Ave

Lunken Airport

Bus RoutesBus Stops

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Tra�c Flows High FlowMedium FlowLow Flow

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Infrastructure Business District

Pedestrian Steps Public Parking

Delta Ave.

Linwood Ave.

Private Parking

Green Space

Pedestrian Crosswalk

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Parking Pedestrian Steps

Green Space

Pedestrian Crosswalks

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Observatory & Infrastructure

The construction of the Observatory in�uenced John Kilgour to then �nance 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 o� 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 activi-ty in Mt. Lookout.

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Mt. LookoutEcology

Ecology

Alms Park Ault Park36

Attracts people to the community

Many residents are attracted to Mt. Lookout be-cause of its (closeness) to two of Cincinnati’s most popular parks. Both sitting atop hills, gives breath-taking 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 re�ect their neighborhood well. Involvment in beauti�cation projects and events that take place in the parks.

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Ault Park

4th Largest Park in Cincinnati | 224 acres

Ault Park Pavilion Overlook

view from overlook

hiking trail

Hiking Trails

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Ault Park is one of Cincinnati’s most popular parks. The park is operated by the Cincinnati Park Board. The Ault Park Advisory Board manages the events and im-provements 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

view from overlook

Alms Park Pavilion

Alms Park Pavilion Overlook

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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.

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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

Zip’s Cafe

United Dairy Farmers

Mt Lookout ChiropracticCVS PharmacyMt Lookout Dentistry

Annabel’sNectar

Total Eclipse Salon

Boardwalk Hobby ShopThe Gift BoxPera Mediterranean

Ichiban Japanese Cuisine

Cura BellaFitness CenterSubwayCloud 9 Sushi

Ji�y Lube

Keepsake PhotographyVin Acco Clock Shop

Lucy Blue PizzaThe Dust Jacket Books

The Wurst Bar

Million’s Cafe

Chase Bank

Restaurant

Shop

Gas Station Bank

Pharmacy

Health Clinic

Service

Entertainment

Multi Use

Mt Lookout Tavern

RamundosRuthai’s Thai KitchenCha Cha’s Boutique

Mt Lookout Shoe Repair

Deluxe Cleaners

Mary Cassineli Architects

The Redmoor

Mt Lookout Animal Hospital

George H Rhode & Son Funeral Home

Lookout Joe Co�eePixels & DotsSpohn & AssociatesNailtique

The Stand

AV Sterio Repair

Select IntegrationsVintage Poster Bank

A

B

A

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

Amy Shuermann InteriorsG

G

H

H II

J

J KK

LL

M

M

NNO

O

P

Q

R

S

PQ

R

ST

T U

V

V W

U

W

X

YZ

AA

BB

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Mt Lookout Television

X

Y

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AABBCCDD

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Lookout Joe: This establisment has a local feel with a co�ee aroma �lling the insideand 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 co�ee. 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 co�ee 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 speci�cally to Mt. Lookout for the walkability and neighborhood feeling. Mount Lookout recieves a lot of foottra�c. This restaurant is known for preparing all of there food withlocally grown ingredients, making it a one of a kind restauraunt. Friday and Saturday nights are their busiest, as well asSunday 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 �nd 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 stu� 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 thishobby shop.

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

Interviews

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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, Geo�rey 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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