Keller's IGA Reconstruction

In Progress
 

The floor plans posted outside had a couple interesting features: a beer cave in the back and a cafe type sitting area at the front entry.

Bellevue Market at Party Source

After last week's blog post complaining about Findlay Market raising prices for the farmer shed, I had to visit the place several of the displaced farmers have moved to: the Bellevue Farmer's Market in the parking lot of The Party Source. First off let me say that whoever owns The Party Source is a genius. They have a prime location right across the river from Cincinnati, right at the exit to 471 and they have a well run store with a wide selection at good prices. Every time I visit, they seem extremely busy. Try going there on a holiday weekend, or almost any day in December, and the place is packed.

But the area is bland. The Eat at Joes across the street is ugly, heck everything across the street is ugly, the Justin Scott Memorial Hwy is wide and ugly, and the traffic pattern is becoming more and more congested and unpleasant. Is a place like this a good place for a farmer's market?

Well maybe. It didn't seem so busy, and the farmers all had lots of stuff left to sell at early afternoon. Talking with a couple of them revealed that they had much better sales at Findlay Market. The problem with Findlay they say is that the smaller farmer's could no longer afford $300 to setup at Findlay. Yes, the larger farmer can. For example, Backyard Orchards is setting up at both Findlay Market and Bellevue. He can do this because he has a unique product and lots of it, plus he has a son who can watch the second stand. But the smaller sellers, including Turner Farms and 3 or 4 others have moved to Bellevue. The produce diversity at Findlay Market has suffered as a result IMO.

There were some crafty types selling stuff here too, but the produce selection was pretty good. It just didn't seem like the farmers had enough shoppers.
 

overview of setup
 

Ugly road
 

apples and peaches
 

string beans and garlic measurer at Turner Farm stand
 

squash
 

Admit It You Screwed Up Now Fix It

Dear Findlay Market Managemment;

You have screwed up. You raised fees and many of your farmers have left and are now selling other places. I can think of at least 6 farmers that are not at the market this year.

A person should be able to go to your market at 1-2pm on a Saturday in July and find a farmer who has tomatoes, cucumbers and berries. But yesterday, they were all gone or sold out. Where is our apple guy? Instead you have new vendors selling wildflowers, socks and banana bread. Come on.

Admit it. You goofed. Time to backtrack and get those farmers back.

Market Discord

Some farmers who set up stands at the Farmer's Market part of Findlay Market are upset and threatening to leave because the prices for setup have increased. Apparently the price to sell on premium months has increased from $150 to $200, leading some vendors to think about setting up at the Party Source in Bellevue, which is apparently going to start a farmer's market.

One farmer we talked to said that when he first started at Findlay Market, back when the City controlled the Market, the fee was $150 a year, and that for many years it was $50 per month. Of course back then, there were fewer farmers selling at the market. The other complaint is that the management has also made November, December and March premium months, when previously these were at a discount to attract more vendors.

I am concerned, because I do think higher stall prices lead to higher prices to the consumer.

Ultimate Squash Picture

 

High Tech Composting

Findlay Market just installed these large composting bins. This is some major composting equipment. There is a sign on the side warning people not to stick their arms into the bin as the mixer may chop it off:
 

UPDATE FROM FINDLAY MKT NEWSLETTER:

Findlay Market Begins Composting Food Waste
To help cut the amount of waste it sends to the landfill by half, Findlay Market has begun composting food waste. The market is using a small “in-vessel” system that contains the compost in an insulated tub that has an air filtration system to control odors. The contents are stirred regularly by turning the lid of the tub, under which an electrically powered auger is mounted. This is the first composting system of its kind in southwest Ohio. The market has two tubs and hopes to be able to compost continuously. Eventually, shredded cardboard that cannot be recycled will be used as a bulking agent for making compost. The finished compost will be used on trees and flowers around the market. A waste stream audit conducted in 2008 suggested that the market produces more than 300 tons of compostable waste annually which, in theory, could produce about forty tons of finished compost each year. Findlay Market’s in-vessel composting equipment was purchased with grant funding from the Hamilton County Solid Waste Management District and from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Farmers Market Promotional Program. For more information about the Findlay Market food waste composting program, contact info@findlaymarket.org.

Crowd Connection

Findlay Market was rocking this past Saturday. It was super crowded, and more kids than usual.

I took a few random pictures:

Bumpy Bar:

Mild Tampa Cubs:

Little Dog and Ball Furniture:

Cigar, Beer and Stroller:

I noticed that lots of people were stopping and studying this proposed transit map. Its inspirational.

Looking at Map 1:

Looking at Map 2:

Looking at Map 3:

Later that afternoon, we were at Fountain Square, and it was absolutely packed for the Guiness Oyster Fest:

However, the dozen or so blocks from about 6th Street to Elder Street (at Findlay Market) were pretty desolate. As you probably already know, some are really desolate. Seems like we have these successful nodes of activity in a few spots downtown and the riverfront, but they are too far apart to generate energy off each other.

Hmmm, If only there was some way to connect these nodes and build some synergy. Seems to me some other cities might have figured out how to do this. Maybe some kind of pedestrian, ( and biker, wheelchair) assistance device that you could roll onto with your stroller, and that would be easy to understand and use. Something comfortable, quiet and maybe electric. Something that supports the nodes of activities, supports the walker, encourages storefront retail and helps enliven the sidewalks in ways that cars and buses don't. We have some good basics here, we just need the connectivity, the walkers, the transit to bring it together.

Market Busy

I don't usually go to Findlay Market on Saturdays, but had to stop by yesterday, and I was surprised at how crowded it was:
 

Findlay Market Needs Streetcar

....parking is the big short-term issue facing the market. He said weekend crowds consistently fill the 723 spaces on surrounding streets and 155 spots in a city-owned lot north of the market....building a streetcar system that runs past the market would help...
...
Then, there’s the matter of more than 40 vacant buildings in the blocks surrounding Findlay Market. The buildings are owned by the city and the corporation, which has development rights but no money to spearhead a project. Three attempts to recruit developers have produced no results.

“We need a local residential population to secure the market’s future,” Pickford said. “If you look at it’s history, the market survived because it was surrounded by a densely populated neighborhood until 20 to 25 years ago.”

-Today's Cincinntati Business Courier

Things are changing in Over-the-Rine. Buildings are being rehabbed and crime is going down. But there continues to be the unsolved problem of access / parking. The neighborhood was built for walking. The vacant housing cannot be profitably rehabbed unless 2 out of every 3 buildings is demolished for the required parking. And then, once those are demolished, what kind of neighborhood do you have left? The 40 builidngs referred to above in the article are all 3-4 stories tall. They have 2-8 units of housing in each. Most of them have a first floor retail space. None of this is viable in a car-based business model.

And, much less can a thriving retail business district be built without better access. The Gateway Quarter can kinda make it because it is immediately adjacent to the Central Business District, but, Findlay is too isolated from the rest of the city to really thrive. It is 15 long blocks from Fountain Square, and it is separated from nearby Uptown by significant hills. It begs to be connected to the rest of the city. The proposed streetcar route wraps around Findlay Market specifically because the market has so much potential. The streetcar connects all the downtown parking garages, the downtown offices, the uptown students and all the residences in the basin to the market. Findlay market is in the middle of all this, and should be the hub of a streetcar system.

Support Findlay Market, build the streetcar.

OrganTic Chard

Is organtic a combination or organic and gigantic?

Findlay Market Sunday afternoon was somewhat busy. I spent a bit of time at the new biergarten. I didn't try any beer, though the Hudy Delight in a can was tempting. While at the playground I saw lots of cars coming into the parking lot and not being able to find a place to park. And this was on a Sunday afternoon! I really don't think they could ever build enough parking around Findlay Market to make it really work the way it was meant too. The market needs to be connected to the rest of the city via the streetcar. If it is connected to downtown and uptown, it could finally come into its own as a full-time market.  

Findlay Market 1974 Remodel an HUB Center

My dad found this at a garage sale. Booklet celebrating the grand re-opening of Findlay Market and the new HUB Center:

Cover

Hudy Buger

HUB Site Plan

Notice St. John Church, and Webster School (now a playground)

Cincinnati had a Soho District??

Buildings on the south side of Elder just demolished for the new HUB Center. Most of the buildings on the north side of the street are still there today, although altered. The vacant building on the right with a attached one-story building was sandblasted by Hart Realty soon after this photo:

Yunger Cafe on Elm, just closed a few years ago

Notice glass doors to the swimming pool, now metal and brick:

NEC Green and Race:

Demo at NWC Green and Republic Streets:

Senior Center:

HUB Services:

Love the style of the architects and planners:

All new inside:

Supergraphics and the red color scheme:

Jerry Springer, Tom Luken, David Mann, Ted Berry at the ground breaking:

Why it was upgraded:

Town Center Concept for urban renewal:

The HUB courtyard, which is now a parking lot was envisioned as something better:

Vine Kroger Organic

More examples of the Vine Street Kroger attempting to sell to a higher income demographic:

 

On a side note, most organic milk seems to be ultra-pasteurized (cooked at a higher temperature). The ultra-pasteruzation gives the milk a very long shelf life, but does kill all life in the milk...

German Findlay Day

4th Annual German-American Celebration at the Market
Whether you are German or not, be sure to visit the Market on Saturday, May 31, 2008 to enjoy the 4th Annual German-American Citizens League cultural celebration at Findlay Market. The event begins at 11:00am and features a traditional German Societies costumed parade through the Market Square, led by accordionist Nick Galoscy, reading of official proclamations, music and German dance performances. Performers include:
Fairview German School Choir, under the direction of Fr. Katie Hofmann;Germania Jagdhorn Gruppe; Donauschwaben Youth Dance Group, under the direction of Debbie Tullius

Bean Haus at Findlay Market

The newest business to make Findlay Market its home is the Bean Haus. Tim Eversole, owner of the Covington, KY specialty coffee shop, has opened an additional business in the former location of First Alarm Coffee Shop in the center tower of the Market House. His motto is “Where beans are not just brewed but indulged!!! Tim features a diverse menu of espresso, coffee and tea drinks, smoothies, frappes and an assortment of cookies, pastries, bagels and candies.

Just Cured Smoked Salmon

Please join Just Cured at Findlay Market, on Saturday and Sunday, May 17 and 18. I will be providing sample tastes at a table near Luken's Poultry, Fish and Seafood on the west side of the main Market House. You will also be able to purchase Just Cured smoked salmon this weekend at Luken's stand at the Market. For the time being, we will sell our smoked salmon sliced to your order at a special discounted price of $6 per quarter pound.

We are not in full production yet; we are testing the equipment and honing our production procedures. The salmon, if I do say so, however, is first rate, and I do not want a single ounce to go to waste.

About Just Cured European Style Smoked Salmon:
Our goal is to produce the finest quality smoked salmon possible. Our salmon has a very moist, fresh texture and a light smoke flavor. Our salmon is hand produced using the most traditional of techniques. -Michael Brown

UPDATE: Website here

Mardis Gras at Findlay Market

Saturday, February 2nd The Findlay Market Mardi Gras challenges the winter weather. This event is Family-Friendly, FREE and open to the public! Market merchants will compete for best Mardi Gras decorations, costumes, food and spirit. The contest will be judged from 10:00am to 11:00am. First and second place Winners will be announced after the crowning of the Mardi Gras King and Queen. Shoppers will enjoy:

· Decorations in the Market House

· Free Mardi Gras Beads given away by the Friends of Findlay Market

· 11:00 am crowning of Mardi Gras King and Queen/Merchant Contest

· Jazz Parade through the Market Square

Market Merchants will feature Cajun specialties.

Come hungry because you will be able to enjoy free samples of a traditional low country crawfish boil beginning at noon through 4:00pm. Cynthia Brown leads the cooking of this special treat; seasoned and boiled crawfish with sides of potatoes and corn on the cob.10 am – 4:30pm

Avril's Grocery

There may be a store planned for this building, just to the east of Avril's.

 

Pendery at Findlay Market

Jim Pendery, local artist has an exhibit in Findlay Market:

 

Internet Café Art Exhibit: October Artist –
Maya Mix – Decorative Motifs from MesoAmerican Ceramics
The Show: Although these paintings are derived from ancient Mexican pottery images, they are not historically accurate, nor do they legitimately represent the archaeological record. Rather, this show is a fanciful blend of indigenous iconography and third millennium weirdness. Designs were taken from the Olmec, Maya, Toltec and Aztec cultures and mixed with my own unique concepts. I have an Anthropology degree from the University of Cincinnati, so multi-culturalism has always been a natural focus of my art. My intention for this show is to create a pleasing and stimulating visual atmosphere for Findlay Market this fall season. I have more Mayan-based work showing currently at Pathways Gallery on Ludlow Ave. in Clifton.

I like it.

A Trip to OTR Kroger

 

We try to buy locally, and by local, I mean within a few blocks if possible. As a result I do shop at the Kroger store at 1414 Vine Street approximately monthly. Tuesday I went there. It was an ejoyable walk with great weather and meeting a few people along the way.

 

[where:1414 Vine Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202]
I like the small Kroger store. I may be in a minority here, but it is a decent place. Their produce selection is minimal, but I don't go there for that.

 

During this visit to the store, a woman behind me got upset because a man cut in front of her while she left her cart in line and went to get another item. The man who cut in front had one single item, and no other lines were open. The woman started yelling and cussing, like the crybaby she was. I told her to watch her mouth as small children were present. The security guard also had to tell her to settle down. That was minor, and somewhat entertaining, so I didn't mind that. However getting in and out of the store is getting more and more difficult because of problems at the neighboring building:

 

This building has been a problem building for as long as I can remember. Through most of the 1990's there was the greasiest of greasy spoon diners here, "Meet and Eat". It was extremly unclean and rundown. It gives me shivers thinking about it.

Currently it has one of those ghetto beeper stores that has no room for customers. When you enter the store, you are surrounded on 3 sides by plexiglass with displays of junky merchandise. There is only enough room in the store for a few customers (if they stand close together). There is a cut-out in the plexiglass for the cashier and their is a steel pass thu door on the front so you can buy stuff late at night when the owners are afraid to open the regular door. Besides beepers, cell phones and minute cards, they also sell blunts and tasty puffs, hot cheetos and other healthy snacks.

The sidewalk in front of this store is the current hang-out for creeps who want to act tough, smoke dope in public and block the sidewalk. They make trying to get to Kroger's like an obstacle course. They like to keep their cigarettes hanging so you bump into them and they act like they don't see that people are trying to pass through. I have not been hassled but it does feel a bit like a gauntlet. Not sure what the solution is, but I feel the owner of the property needs to take some responsibility for his customers and the type of business he runs.

According to the auditor, the owner is: Negest Mekonnen, 44 Woodstock Drive, Fairfield, OH 45014. He bought the building in 1999 for $23,000. There is a 30 year TIF abatement starting 2003 (for what improvements?).
[where: 1412 Vine Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202]

Fall Festival in College Hill Oct 6

There will be a Pumpkin Patch Fall Festival at Town Hall Park in College Hill, Ocotber 6th from 10 am to 4 pm.

The $4 admission for each child includes pony ride, mini pumpkin, treat bag, games petting zoo, and craft activities. College Hill Farmer's Market vendors will be selling fresh produce including pumpkins and gourds.

I plan on going. If anyone wants to meet up, email me.

[where: 1805 Larch Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45224]