Update: The demolition of of the Dennison began in March of 2017. It is a tragedy to lose this important building at a time when so many of our historic buildings are being renovated. Cincinnati Preservation Association (CPA) and Cincinnati Preservation Collective CPC) are grateful for the widespread support for our efforts to save the Dennison. Councilmember Seelbach’s landmark application was a welcome attempt to bring a higher level of protection.
CPA and CPC worked together to save the Dennison by supporting the city regulatory process and by bringing highly qualified developers to the owners for purchase or land lease of the property. The project was reviewed by many experienced developers. Their overwhelming opinion was that the building could have been successfully redeveloped as apartments. The parking lot site is already large enough to construct any development that might be possible. Preserving important historic buildings has been very good for Cincinnati. The Dennison can add to the revitalization that is underway.
We urged the owners to delay demolition for three months. During this time we would request access to the buildings for developers to create development plans and offers to purchase the building or enter into a ground lease. We believe this approach provides the most benefit to the owners and to the community at large. Unfortunately this request was not accepted.
The Dennison was a key part of an intact Main Street District.
posted: January 1/13/2017