Current Projects
Real Estate Development
Purchase of the Former Bell Building
The Bell Building is a much-loved community treasure, a landmark in the heart of the Harrison Avenue Business District for many years. In 2010, WestCURC and Madcap Puppet Theater joined forces to create an opportunity that would benefit all of Westwood. In the Fall of 2011, WestCURC was awarded $340,000 in grant funding from the City of Cincinnati to purchase the building. The building will be conveyed to Madcap and they will renovate the space, creating a 180-seat theater, puppet building workshop space, classroom space, office space, and room to display an impressive collection of puppets. We are all hopeful that Madcap will serve as an anchor for the business district and will draw visitors from around the region to our great neighborhood!
Rehabilitation of Energy Efficient Homes
In the Fall of 2009, WestCURC entered into a contract with the City of Cincinnati to rehabilitate 5 homes in Westwood. We have a commitment to building high-quality, energy efficient, affordable homes. A typical rehab job by WestCURC includes a new roof, new windows, new plumbing, new or updated electric service, new HVAC system, new energy efficient appliances, new paint, and new doors. We believe that a thorough rehabilitation results in lower maintenance costs for the home buyer, making the purchase even more affordable.
The first home we rehabbed and sold was 3655 Boudinot. This house was in foreclosure and WestCURC purchased it through the City's Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP). We added a new roof, gutters, trim, low-e energy efficient windows, new plumbing, updated electric service, new high efficiency furnace, new insulation, hot water heater, new kitchen, new paint, and new doors. It was sold to a first-time homebuyer.
In February 2011, WestCURC completed the rehabilitation of 3738 Boudinot and 3326 Renfro. They both sold in October 2011.
In April 2011, WestCURC purchased 3751 Boudinot and 2919 Mignon. They were both completed by the end of the summer. As of April 2012, 3751 Boudinot is sold and 2919 Mignon is for sale.
Westwood Works
Westwood Works is a new project of WestCURC. WestCURC Board Member John Eby is working to gather Westwood residents who are interested in promoting fun, community building activities in the neighborhood. Westwood Walks meets to walk the neighborhood every Saturday morning. The group was responsible for the highly successful Treasure Qwest event in September. The group was responsible for Westwood's first Artworks mural, located on the side of Henke Winery! Check back here for more information on Westwood Works or become a fan on facebook!
Acquisition of the Bell Building
WestCURC has been working for at least 2 years on a plan to acquire the Bell Building at 3011 Harrison Avenue. WestCURC is actively working with a potential tenant on a very exciting possibility. We recently applied for a major grant from the City of Cincinnati that would allow us to purchase the building. Stay tuned.
Habig’s Parking Lot
WestCURC owns the parking lot at the former Habig's site. It is now being used as a Metro Park and Ride site. In the Fall of 2011, the Cincinnati Park Board will be building an experimental rain garden at the rear of the site. Be sure to stop by and check it out.
Completed Projects
Real Estate Development
Bought five homes that fell into foreclosure and rehabilitated all of them, removing blight, saving homes, and offering affordable homeownership opportunities.
Acquired and demolished the former Habig’s property to make way for new family-friendly, casual restaurant to locate on to property. Interim parking lot. One grant covered preliminary architectural drawings and survey work and another grant paid for a general market study.
Developed parking lot at Montana and Harrison, including new business district signage and lighting.
Beautification
Facilitating the creation of a new rain garden at the former Habig's site.
Installed Westwood Gateway Sign at Harrison and Boudinot with Anchor Properties.
Installed new Flower Pots and Bus Benches.
Installed New Business District Signage.
Promotion
Created Treasure Qwest, an annual event designed to promote Westwood. Held in September 2010 and 2011.
Fostered wireless access by acquiring Lily Pad near intersection of Montana and Harrison
Published Westwood Brochure
Created WestCURC Website
Organized Westwood Alive community event – June 2004
Collaboration
Ryan Park Improvements—5 new tennis courts, new lighting, new shelterhouse, more parking, cleaning and grooming ½ acre of woods between Ryan Park and Gamble School. Donors included: Cincinnati Recreation Commission, Westwood-Cheviot Kiwanis Club, Home Depot, Pavestone, Towne Properties Machine Group, Chris Bortz, Carl Lindner, ATP, 2 “Safe and Clean” grants from the City.
Westwood Home Tour sponsored by Westwood Historical Society. WestCURC provided volunteer time, in-kind contributions, and fundraising support to the Home Tour.
Participation with Westwood-area schools: Service on Local School Decision Making Committees, Community Learning Center Planning Teams, and CLC Design Teams. |
