11 Most Endangered
Over-the-Rhine Neighborhood
Year Listed: 2006
Location: Ohio
Current Status: Endangered
Threat: Deterioration, Neglect, Poor Public Policy
The dense, compact urban environment known as Over-the-Rhine is just north of Cincinnati's central business district. Starting around 1830, a large number of German immigrants settled in an area to the north and east of the Miami and Erie Canal where land was readily available and affordable for working-class families. The Canal came to be referred to euphemistically as the "Rhine," and the area on the other side, "Over-the-Rhine." The architecture in the area reflects the diverse styles of the time -- simple vernacular, muted Greek Revival, Italianate and Queen Anne. The buildings range from row houses to mixed commercial/residential structures and free-standing commercial, industrial and institutional structures including churches, a music hall, beer gardens and breweries. The district's Findlay Market is the only historic public market building still open in the city. The distinctive mid-to-late-19th-century urban architecture in Over-the-Rhine is in danger due to a combination of inadequate planning, low levels of home ownership and a reduced business presence because of rampant crime, reluctance of investors to commit to renewal and renovation, and an increasing pattern of demolition as authorities seek to address public safety concerns.
Update
The 11 Most designation brought positive attention to the many and complex issues facing Over-the-Rhine, and the Midwest Office has been working with our Local Partner the Cincinnati Preservation Association, nominating group the Over-the-Rhine Community Council, and a variety of neighborhood stakeholders, community groups, developers, potential residents, municipal government, and corporate interests on community revitalization strategies.
