Parker Flats: And they’re off…..and digging!

Construction has started, finally. Or more specifically, excavation of the site. Doesn’t seem like very much got done in two days but maybe they’re just getting warmed up. I have a feeling they are going to need higher fences before digging down as far as they need to go for three levels of parking.




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Parker Flats: Construction Beginning?

I heard from the Middle Earth today and they said:

The permit is issued and in Vector’s possession.
They are supposed to start digging this afternoon or tomorrow.


If they do start today or tomorrow or when ever, you'll hear it hear first. Hopefully I'll have news tonight.

UPDATE: There is equipment on site now, lets hope they are digging tomorrow.




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Parker Flats: Downtown Views

Since there has been no other news on when construction will start, I decided to take some pictures to show the view we should have from our back corner. The pictures don't do it justice but when you open the door to it and walk in, there will be a wide open expanse filled with Paul Brown Stadium, then as you are standing there with your mouth open, hand still on the door handle, and look over your left shoulder you'll have the second view.

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Parker Flats: Inspiration

Parker Flats is inspired by and loosely based on Seattle’s 1310 E. Union St. Condo’s. This development was the winner of a local 2001 American Institute of Architects Honor Award. Inside, the loft-style units have a raw industrial feel with exposed concrete floors, steel columns and beams, and steel-deck ceilings. Most are double height along the window wall with open mezzanines for sleeping, just like Parker Flats.




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Parker Flats: CinWeekly Story, 4 blocks of fun

Fourth Street starts a historic district that thrives with businesses, residents

GINA DAUGHERTY | CIN WEEKLY

In addition to being one of the most populous areas, the Fourth Street Historic District is also one of the most coveted areas for downtown living.Lee Salsbury, a graphic designer from Columbus, moved into Kinsey Flats last year with his girlfriend, Kate Noble, and dog, Mr. Beefy. Though Mr. Beefy doesn't exercise (he's an English Bulldog who doesn't like walks), Salsbury has come to appreciate the community of Fourth Street living, including the dog bowl and biscuit offering outside of Bromwell's.
Kinsey Flats also fits Salsbury's graphic-designer sensibilities, with its open floor plan, 14-foot ceilings and views of the neighborhood's historic architecture - options not found in other neighborhoods. "On our little block of Fourth Street, there are wonderful businesses and everybody knows each other," McClorey says. "In the suburbs you drive past each other and wave, but in this neighborhood we stop and chat and have a cup of coffee together. There is a real sense of community."

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Parker Flats: Ground Breaking

The Ground breaking for Parker Flats happened Friday morning at 10am with suits from the Developers, the realty offices and the city. It was basically what I expected, a moment for everyone involved to get their 15 minutes but I did meet a few of my future neighbors. The highlight was Jeff Berding talking about one of his campaign promises was to fill downtown with construction cranes and Parker Flats was the first one. Never mind we bought the condo two months before he was elected. Thats ok, I'll give it to him if it helps get more things happening downtown. So I have a picture of the suits, the residents and Blake Fox and I.





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Parker Flats: Ground Breaking

Parker Flats: No lawn, all fun

Condos can be an affordable alternative for young buyers

TABARI MCCOY | CIN WEEKLY

Condos have come a long way since first becoming popular in the U.S. in the 1970s and '80s - and at a record pace. The National Association of Realtors (www.realtor.org) reported the price midpoint of condos ($174,700) topped detached single-family homes ($171,600) for the first time in 2003, and sales of existing condos hit their ninth consecutive record in 2004.
Glenn Kukla, a principal and project development manager for Middle Earth Developers in Colerain Township, says Cincinnati is following the national trend. Middle Earth has built and sold several condo units throughout Greater Cincinnati, focusing on the downtown area, including Parker Flats and Kinsey Flats.
Kukla says there are several reasons why condos are becoming the property of choice for many young home buyers.
"One reason is a maintenance-free lifestyle. You don't have to mow your yard, you don't have to rake leaves out of your gutters, you don't have to worry about any landscaping," he says. "Condominiums are (also often) more affordable than single-family homes. Not just in terms of the monthly upkeep, as you don't have to cut your grass or pay a landscaper, but also because they're more efficiently constructed, some of that savings is passed along to the buyer."
Kukla says being adjacent to so many entertainment options is a big selling point for many downtown condos.

Parker Flats: Concept Photos

These pictures were released by Middle Earth Developers to give new and prospective buyers an idea of how the property will look. The one interesting feature not shown in these concepts are that Paul Brown stadium is two blocks away and visible from the south facing units and balconies.