Two Greenhills Buildings Face Demolition

Six years ago, the Village of Greenhills launched an ambitious and controversial redevelopment program targeting original multi-family townhouse buildings in the historic district. Since then, 52 housing units in stripped Modernist-style frame buildings have been removed. Eight new bungalow- and ranch-style prefabricated houses have been built, six of which have sold. The rest of the cleared land remains empty. Other buildings have been renovated by the Village or by private developers for resale or rental.

Because of slow sales and the difficult economy, the redevelopment plan has been scaled back. Nonetheless, the Village plans to demolish two additional buildings at 6-7-9 and 10-11 Dewitt Court, across from the infill homes and vacant land. As built, Dewitt Court featured three, four-family buildings grouped around a central greenspace. One of the buildings, 1 Dewitt, was removed two years ago, leaving its lot vacant. There are no immediate plans for reuse of the land.

CPA and local preservationists have urged the Village to delay demolition to allow time to look for a developer to renovate the buildings.  This is critical because the National Park Service is considering Greenhills for National Historic Landmark status. To achieve this prestigious designation, as much of the original plan and buildings as possible must be preserved. Landmark status has already been achieved by the other two New Deal Greenbelt towns, Greenbelt, Maryland, and Greendale, Wisconsin.

Posted:  July 2, 2009  

Public Nuisance Hearings

June 26
 
119 Gage Street
Lower Mt. Auburn
Brick townhouse with Late Italianate details.
Built c. 1900

261 Renner Street
Over-the-Rhine
Brick Covington-Newport townhouse with side galleries.
Built 1865

For more information about vacant or condemned buildings or Public Nuisance hearings, contact the City’s Department of Buildings & Inspections at 513-352-3271. You can check the status of problem buildings online at http://cagisperm.hamilton-co.org/cpop/permits/address.aspx

Updated: June 25, 2009