ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & COMMUNITY GUIDE A Rust Belt City’s Economic Revival Things To Do: Events, Dining, Shopping & More Utilities Go Green & Clean
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every customer is an owner in their utility company, investing in a bright future powered by passion, commitment, and vision. These owners are the reason Hamilton Utilities are driven toward developing cleaner energy solutions, producing the best tasting water, and always ensuring low rates and reliable service This is because we are not working for just any utility owners, we are working for the most valuable people in our lives: n n n n
Lauren Gersbach, Hamilton resident & Sustainability Coordinator for Hamilton Utilities
Our families Our friends Our neighbors Our community
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econdev@hamilton-oh.gov
WELCOME TO HAMILTON
TABLE OF CONTENTS 4
Welcome
7
Events & Festivals
10 Economic Development 12 Utilities Go Green Hamilton has 54 sculptures around town, including “4 People” at RiversEdge.
DEAR RESIDENTS, BUSINESSES & VISITORS: Welcome to Hamilton, Ohio, the county seat of Butler County and a historically significant city that continues to embrace its pioneering spirit. To residents and businesses, Hamilton is a great place to call home. To visitors, we hope that you‘ll witness first-hand the friendliness of our citizens and our city’s exciting revitalization. Historic buildings are being renovated, more people are choosing to live downtown, the art scene is growing, and the business community is expanding. As Butler County’s urban alternative, Hamilton stands out from other communities by providing a vibrant, walkable downtown. By focusing on our unique downtown, we’ve created an atmosphere that people have noticed. Some of our recently completed projects include the RiversEdge amphitheater, the Mercantile Lofts, the Robinson-Schwenn office building, Sara’s House, and the former Journal-News building, which is now home to Butler Tech School of the Arts and Miami Valley Ballet Theatre. Companies are also investing in Hamilton. Since 2013, 1,600 net new jobs have been added to our local economy. This includes expansions by ThyssenKrupp Bilstein and Valeo, as well as new businesses like iMFLUX, a whollyowned subsidiary of Procter & Gamble. Colorado-based StarTek Inc. recently announced it would be opening its new customer service center in the former Elder-Beerman building at 150 High St., bringing 682 jobs to downtown Hamilton. With the successes of our progressive public-private partnerships, affordable green energy and walkable urban core, the revitalization of Hamilton has taken off. Our strong partnerships and “can-do” attitude make Hamilton a dynamic place to work, live and play. Sincerely,
Pat Moeller Mayor
13 Parks & Recreation 14 Entertainment 16 Shopping 18 Dining 19 Education 20 Health Care 22 Community Wellness
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Publisher & President: Eric Harmon Custom Editor: Julie Bethlenfalvy Art Director: Guy Kelly Designer: Laura Spencer Production Coordinator: Keith Ohmer Sales Executives: Brad Hoicowitz, Samantha Sheehan Advertising Administrator: Laura Federle Office Administrator/Executive Sales Assistant: Abbey Cummins Circulation/Marketing Coordinator: Lindsey Gooch Contributing Writers: Maggie Heath, Heather King, Alyssa Reck, Sam Scheifele, Eric Spangler Contributing Photographer: Jacob Stone
Joshua A. Smith City Manager
4 CITY OF HAMILTON :: 2015
www.hamilton-city.org
Diversity Exploration Empowerment Vibrancy Creativity Perspective Opportunity Expression Community Engagement Collaboration Vitality Awareness Growth Innovation Intuition Transformation Culture Advocacy
Strength and solidarity of the arts community... Hamilton is on the move! It seems that new businesses are opening weekly in this city’s historic downtown. Buildings that had been neglected for decades are being reborn and infused with new life and energy. A major part of this renaissance is the arts. Since the opening of the Fitton Center for Creative Arts in 1993—and eventually a local government and residents with a growing desire for more arts activity—the rebirth began. In addition to the Fitton Center, the downtown now has the Riverfront Arts District, City of Sculpture, Butler Tech School of the Arts, Miami Valley Ballet Theatre, Art Off Symmes, Pop Revolution Gallery, 3rd Street Music, Mehas Music, and soon Artspace Hamilton Lofts and Renaissance Fine Arts Supplies. The City of Hamilton Planning Department and ARTSLINK, a new organization designed to create a synthesis among arts organizations, have teamed up in a strategic arts planning process. With a school system that has a significant arts program, supportive businesses and residents, a downtown growing in cultural vibrancy—and, of course, the world’s best water—who wouldn’t want to come to our great city?
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CINCY MAG march 15.indd 1
3/16/15 5:21 PM
EVENTS CALENDAR
a guide to
HAMILTON EVENTS
in 2015
THU. 6/18 After Midnight & Nightrain (Guns N’ Roses tribute band) SAT. 6/20 David Shaw’s Big River Get Down Presented by Miller Lite The Revivalists have played the RiversEdge Concert series since its inception in 2012. Lead singer David Shaw is a native Hamiltonian and wants to see his hometown prosper, spearheading the annual Big River Get Down music festival at RiversEdge. This year the all-day concert is from 2 p.m. to 11 p.m., featuring six performers. Proceeds from the event will be split between the RiversEdge Concert Series and the fireworks for the city’s 4th of July celebration. For more information, visit bigrivergetdown.com. THU. 6/25 MOJOFLO & The Floorwalkers SAT. 7/4 500 Miles to Memphis & Lindi Ortega THU. 7/9 Kelly Richey & Zoso: The Ultimate Led Zeppelin Experience THU. 7/16 The Almighty Get Down & Zapp Lead singer David Shaw and The Revivalists entertain the crowds at RiversEdge.
RIVERSEDGE SUMMER CONCERT SERIES Hamilton’s Summer Concert Series is held at RiversEdge Amphitheater in downtown Hamilton. With a scenic view of the Great Miami River, RiversEdge is one of the premier concert venues in Greater Cincinnati. It hosts 12 free concerts this summer, generally held at 6 p.m. on the second, www.hamilton-city.org
third and fourth Thursdays in June, July and August. For more information, visit facebook.com/HamiltonRiversEdge.
RIVERSEDGE SUMMER CONCERT SERIES DATES SAT. 5/30 The Magic Lightnin Boys & Jess Lamb
THU. 7/23 Miss Lissa & Company & Scotty Bratcher THU. 8/13 Jim Burns Band & Walker McGuire THU. 8/20 The Great Wide Open & The Fortunate Sons (Creedence Clearwater Revival tribute band) THU. 8/27 The Okeanas & Scott Miller & The Commonwealth SAT. 9/12 Signs of Life: The Essence
THU. 6/11 Phillip Fox Band & 90 Proof Twang CITY OF HAMILTON :: 2015 7
EVENTS CALENDAR of Pink Floyd
THE MAIN EVENTS
OPERATION PUMPKIN OCT. 2-4, 2015
More than 20,000 people had a blast at Operation Pumpkin last year in downtown Hamilton. Hamilton transforms High Street into a spectacular fall festival that features an award-winning pumpkin and watermelon weigh-off, a showcase of beautifully carved giant pumpkins, live entertainment, the annual Lil’ Miss Punkin contest, and the city’s favorite Puppy Parade. More details: operation-pumpkin. org, facebook.com/operationpumpkin.
A pumpkin carver continues work on his ghoulish gourd creation during Operation Pumpkin.
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ICEFEST WINTER 2017
Every other year downtown Hamilton welcomes IceFest, its favorite winter festival. Thousands of visitors enjoy a variety of events, including live ice carving, entertainment, food and more. Each IceFest has its own theme. All proceeds go to the City of Sculpture, a local nonprofit, to help it acquire more public sculpture to display around town. TECHNICOLOR ICE WALK. Around the Historic Courthouse, ice sculptures are backlit at night in a variety of colors for nighttime viewing. HUMAN DOG SLED RACES. Teams from local institutions race for the fastest time on the sled course around the courthouse. FIRE & ICE. A team of ice carvers entertains the crowds using chainsaws and torches. The final sculpture usually incorporates fire as some part of the display. Food and beverages available.
CARVING COMPETITION. At least 12 professional ice carvers compete at this live competition on Saturday morning. Watch and vote for your favorite carvings. SPEED CARVING SHOW. At the end of the carving competition, the carvers come perform a speed carving show—each carver gets 10 minutes to complete a sculpture. Front row guests are likely to be covered in snow thrown from the show!
BOOKFEST. Much like ArtFest, a large number of authors sign and sell their books during the festival. WARMING AREA AND VENDORS. Need a break from the cold? Head to the nearby warming area, which also includes food vendors.
CHILDREN’S AREA. Surrounded by beautiful ice sculptures, it’s a special area just for kids that includes putt-putt and an ice throne. BEST IN SHOW AND CARVERS CHOICE. Vote for both your favorite sculpture during Best in Show and your favorite carver in Carvers Choice. Winners are recognized at the awards ceremony at the end of the festival. ARTFEST. Between 20-30 local artisans and crafters sell their wares during IceFest.
An ice carver creates a masterpiece.
96 calories, and e v e ry o n e o f t h e m i s w o r t h i t. Miller Lite is a fine light Pilsner, brewed to have more color and flavor. It is the perfect balance of lightness and taste.
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CITY OF HAMILTON :: 2015 9 3/3/15 2:28 PM
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
A CITY
on the rise
by Eric Spangler
The former dilapidated building at the corner of Third and High streets was redeveloped, changing the whole look of the 200 block downtown.
C
ompanies in the city of Hamilton announced the creation of nearly 290 new jobs in 2014. And by late 2015, the number of new jobs is expected to significantly increase. Colorado-based StarTek Inc. will open its new call center later this year in the former Elder-Beerman building at 150 High St. The company recently announced that it would create 682 jobs in the city in 2015, generating an estimated $15.7 million in annual payroll. This announcement is the culmination of a lot of hard work by the city and its partners to revitalize the community’s economy. “We believe we’re a pretty aggressive economic development community. We’re starting to see the fruits of our labor,” says Jody Gunderson, Hamilton’s director of economic development. “And we’re smart with the people we partner with.”
PARTNERSHIP AT THE CORE
One of those smart partnerships is the Consortium for Ongoing Reinvestment
Efforts (CORE) Fund, through which the city partners with the Hamilton Community Foundation, First Financial Bank and US Bank. CORE, a public-private partnership, provides financial resources for qualified residential and commercial real estate projects within the urban core. “We’ve kind of created different umbrellas that do different things. We have the true investment fund … we provide gap financing [and] build-out assistance loans,” says Mike Dingeldein, executive director of CORE. The most impactful part of CORE has been the strategic property fund. Through that fund, CORE buys buildings that need to get back into circulation, such as the former Elder-Beerman building. “We’re buying buildings at some risk and imagining different uses for them. We put them out there for potential tenants, investors and developers with a lot more information and a lot more control,” Dingeldein adds. CORE is an important economic devel-
10 CITY OF HAMILTON :: 2015
opment tool because each new project and development shows the private sector that Hamilton is a good place to do business, says Dingeldein. “I think for every project we do we’re giving people the motivation to do three or four other projects because they’re seeing the momentum, the success and the formula to make it happen,” he says. “We’re changing the market here, and not just for ourselves, but also for the private-sector developers.” Gunderson agrees: “The CORE Fund has really created a lot of activity and it’s been based upon that activity that the private sector has begun to step up and say, ‘We believe in the vision that you guys have.’ ” For example, Community First Solutions, a nonprofit health care and wellness organization, recently began a $5.8 million renovation of the former Ringel’s Furniture store at Third and Ludlow streets for its new headquarters.
www.hamilton-city.org
CONNECT MORE
Connecting people and businesses to both the east and west sides of the city has been a problem, but that’s about to change. The South Hamilton Crossing (SHX) project, scheduled for construction in 2016, will replace an existing atgrade railroad crossing with a railroad overpass created by extending Grand Boulevard to the west. “One of the issues that we’ve had is clear and concise access to that area,” Gunderson says. “This project will address that and it will be a nice above-grade crossing that will help with traffic congestion in and around the area as well.” That extension will not only open more property for developers, it will also provide a quick east-west access to state Route 129 and Interstate 75. That quick access is important for companies looking to locate in the Vora Technology Park, the city’s University Commerce Park property, and for students and staff at Miami University’s Hamilton campus. Another public works project that will help reduce traffic congestion and boost economic activity is the completion of the East High Street Gateway project later this year. That project, which begins east of Sixth Street and ends at the intersection with Erie Highway (state Route 4), includes lowering the pavement profile, adding landscaped medians and curb lawn, moving electric facilities underground, replacing or upgrading water main, gas main, sanitary sewer, and storm sewer, adding a right turn lane to eastbound High Street at Erie Highway, adding a second left turn lane to westbound High Street at Erie Highway, rehabilitating East Avenue and Seventh Street, and adding new commercial access drives along East High Street. “It will be a nice entry into the central business district,” says Gunderson.
TECH SUPPORT FOR TECH GROWTH
And just a few blocks west of the East High Street Gateway project is www.hamilton-city.org
the city’s future economic development engine. That’s where The Hamilton Mill, a business incubator that provides support for young companies and entrepreneurs focused on clean technology, advanced manufacturing and thought-leading technology, is located. Startup companies such as kW River Hydroelectric, which is developing water turbine electric generation technology for use on low-head dams, and Perceptive Devices LLC, which is developing computer software for hands-free gestures, are two of the companies that are now working out of The Hamilton Mill in the city’s former municipal building at 20 High St.
“This region has many universities that make the talent pool for labor very attractive. The city of Hamilton’s vision and leadership complement the direction that we see for our company,” says John Guggenbiller, president of ODW Logistics & Transportations Services. The direction for CenterGrid, an infrastructure hosting company formerly known as Ascendum IMS, is upward. The business, which recently moved its headquarters to Vora Technology Park, located at 101 Knightsbridge Dr., has grown from about 20 employees to more than 55 employees in two years. The company is also expected to add 20 to
Fred Williams is the co-founder of kW River Hydroelectric, which is a startup company that is part of The Hamilton Mill business incubator.
Those companies now at The Hamilton Mill hope that some day they’ll join businesses that outgrew the incubator, such as ODW Logistics & Transportations Services. ODW Logistics & Transportations Services, which provides transportation management services, recently announced plans to move out of the incubator to One Renaissance Center. The company anticipates doubling the size of its operations and staff in the next three years.
25 new jobs within the next two years. Hamilton’s economic development strategy is starting to pay off, and the future looks even brighter, says Joshua Smith, city manager. “We have a community team with many partners that is aggressive, nimble and very responsive,” he says. “Investors, companies and individuals should take note. We’re in the early chapters of one of the greatest comeback stories in Rust Belt America.” ■ CITY OF HAMILTON :: 2015 11
ENVIRONMENT
Hamilton Utilities: GOING CLEAN & GREEN by Eric Spangler
T
he city of Hamilton will reach a milestone later this year when the Meldahl hydroelectric project, 10 years in the making, is expected to start generating electricity. Jointly owned by the city of Hamilton and American Municipal Power Inc., the Meldahl hydroelectric plant is in its final stages of construction and when all three turbines are completed, it’s projected to generate 105 megawatts of electricity. When all three units begin generating electricity later this year, 70 percent of Hamilton’s electricity will be provided by clean, affordable, renewable energy. “Green energy is something that’s highly sought after by the data center industry,” says Jody Gunderson, director of economic development. “You see some of the other states that have gotten data centers that they’re bragging about 20 percent wind energy. It’s like 20 percent, that’s not bad, but I got 70 percent over here. So I think that sector of our economy is also going to be very strong.” The new electric-generation plant is located at the Capt. Anthony B. Meldahl Dam and Locks on the Ohio River at Foster, Ky. Hamilton also owns the Greenup hydroelectric plant along the Ohio River in Portsmouth. Hamilton also generates electricity at a power plant on North Third Street, which has been converted to natural gas, a small hydroelectric plant on the Ford Canal, and a natural gas peaking plant on Hamilton’s south side that is used during high electric use periods, primarily in summer months. The fact that 70 percent of Hamilton’s electricity will soon come from renewable energy is an important economic incentive
for high-tech companies that are looking to locate in the city. And commercial customers aren’t the only beneficiaries of the city’s green-energy initiatives. “The city recently began an efficiency program for all Hamilton electric customers—residential, commercial, industrial—called Efficiency Smart. Efficiency Smart is projected to save approximately 8.9 million kilowatt hours per year,” says Nathan Perry, the acting director of energy management. The city also recently opened the first public CNG (compressed natural gas) station in Southwest Ohio. For residents and businesses with CNG vehicles, this station allows for increased savings, as the cost
equivalent for compressed natural gas is much lower than the price of gasolline. “The city is in the process of evaluating the entire city fleet for further (compressed natural gas) vehicles purchases or conversions,” Perry says. Another green-initiative project includes a plan to convert all 9,000 of the city’s streetlights to energy-efficient light-emitting diodes and a compressed natural gas filling station that was opened to the public in December. The future of electric generation in Hamilton may be even brighter–and cleaner. “Future generating projects being evaluated are solar and natural gas generation,” Perry says. ■
The city’s Meldahl Hydroelectric Facility will provide a source of clean, zero emission electric generation. 12 CITY OF HAMILTON :: 2015
www.hamilton-city.org
PARKS & RECREATION PHOTO BY BRIAN VOGEL
PARK
perks by Alyssa Reck
T
he city of Hamilton has a ton of fun for the whole family when it comes to the great outdoors. “We’re at a point where nearly every neighborhood has a park within a couple miles distance,” says Steve Timmer, executive director of the Parks Conservancy. Hamilton’s extensive park system has 25 neighborhood parks, athletic fields, picnic areas, shelters and spraygrounds. The city is also home to two 18-hole golf courses: Twin Run Golf Course and Potters Golf Course. Both are equipped with full-service golf pro shops and clubhouses. In summer 2014, three neighborhood spraygrounds opened at the former Wilson Pool site, North End Athletic Field and the Benninghofen Park in Lindenwald. The plan is to open a fourth sprayground on July 4 2015, at Crawford Woods and a fifth at Millikin Woods in 2016. In the summer heat, a dip in a pool is refreshing but introducing spraygrounds to Hamilton was more economical. And the kids love it. “It’s packed in the warmer months,” says Timmer. “At some points you probably couldn’t get another person on there.” A sprayground requires less general maintenance and doesn’t require a lifeguard on duty because it doesn’t hold any standing water. Also, its water features drain into an underground reservoir to be filtered and disinfected for reuse. Another way to get outdoors, and get some exercise, in the warmer months is through the Greater Miami Rowing Center.
www.hamilton-city.org
Recently enlisting RowAmerica as its program operator, the Greater Miami Rowing Center is the first site with an adaptive rowing program for special needs rowers. “A lot of times it brings out more ability than they thought they had,” says Joy Nix, director of rowing at RowAmerica Hamilton. She says that rowing improves people’s movement, posture and works muscles that don’t get frequently used. Hamilton also has access to the Great Miami River Recreational Trail that winds along the river, and the city enhanced the bike path in 2014. Last summer, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources awarded the city a Above: “The Guitar” at RiversEdge Park $500,000 grant to help with Below: Rowing on the Great Miami River the construction of a 1.6-mile multiuse trail along the Hamilton HyIn Hamilton, canines also have a place draulic Canal. to play outdoors. The Bark Park, located And this past fall, Hamilton continued in Veteran’s Park, opened in May 2014. to connect existing segments of the A committee of Hamilton stakeholders bike path downstream of the High-Main developed the concept and it was funded Bridge and the Central Business District through private donations. to Rentschler Forest MetroPark. In spring The Bark Park has a large dog area, 2015, Hamilton is continuing to fill gaps small dog area, water station, benches, in the 90-mile long Great Miami River and a Big Dog sculpture. Trail with a ramp that will provide easier “It’s not only great for socializing dogs access to RiversEdge Park and the but also for their owners,” says Timmer. Central Business District, both of which “[The Bark Park] is one of the most used are downtown Hamilton. things in our park system.” ■
CITY OF HAMILTON :: 2015 13
LIVE, WORK & PLAY
Rust Belt
REVIVAL ALTHOUGH THE CITY OF HAMILTON IS NEAR THE METROPOLITAN AREAS OF CINCINNATI AND DAYTON, YOU DON’T HAVE TO LEAVE THE CITY LIMITS TO LIVE, WORK AND PLAY
PHOTO BY BRIAN VOGEL
By Julie Bethlenfalvy
RiversEdge Amphitheater has already drawn thousands to downtown Hamilton to enjoy summer concerts and recreational activities.
T
he city of Hamilton has been busy the past five years. It’s been drawing in new businesses, rehabbing its urban core, hosting popular events and creating a vibrancy the city hasn’t seen in a long time. “Hamilton is a really good size community. There are amenities [and] a sense of being involved,” says John Guidugli, president and CEO of the Hamilton Community Foundation. Completed in 2010, Mercantile Lofts, 236 High St., was a catalyst to the renaissance. The building was destined for demolition, but with guidance from a Canton developer, the CORE Fund took a chance.In just the first few months, the 29 market rate apartments and three commercial storefronts were full. “We learned [that] the revitalization of a live, work, play environment is possible,” adds Mike Dingeldein, executive director
of CORE and director of architecture and planning for Community Design Alliance (CDA). CORE and CDA were the first tenants in Mercantile and only the second tenants on the north side of the entire 200 Block of High Street. By fall, every square foot of the block will be occupied and rented, just in time for Operation Pumpkin, one of Hamilton’s signature events. And next door to Mercantile Lofts, Artspace Hamilton will be completed in April 2015. The subsidized, residential mixed-use project includes 42 units with living and gallery space for artists. Unsung Salvage, an upcycled furniture store, The Almond Sisters, a bakery, and Renaissance Fine Arts, an art supply store, are already on tap to move into its retail space. “Those two projects really brought two things to our attention: the tools and the residential demand. Downtown revitaliza-
14 CITY OF HAMILTON :: 2015
tion wasn’t just about storefronts, jobs and office space,” says Dingeldein. “It’s also about residential and quality of life.” At the corner of Third and High streets, Sara’s House, an eclectic gift boutique, now occupies a former boarded up building. After the façade got an overhaul, the adjacent building sold the next day and will be a new downtown restaurant, High Street Café. “Everybody notices it when they come into town,” says Guidugli. “[It] changed the whole look of the block. It’s a win-win.” Sara Vallandingham, owner of Sara’s House, and her husband, Dave, are already planning on moving above the shop with their two teenagers. “It’s going be fun. We want to throw ourselves in now,” she says. There are also at least six more diverse shops, two True West Coffee shops, a handful of new restaurants on the books, www.hamilton-city.org
in, creating nearly 700 jobs. The previously vacant department store will also be home to Jackson’s Market and Deli, a locally owned grocery store; Kettering Health Medical Offices and a Joslin Diabetes Center; and InsideOut Studio, an art gallery run by the Butler County Board of Developmental Disabilities. The city is also making greenspace a priority. RiversEdge, a 7.3-acre riverfront public park, is home to the The Summer Concert Series at RiversEdge Park popular Summer Concer t Series and outdoor recreation, and Municipal Brew Works opens in including a playground, interactive founSeptember. The Elder-Beerman facility is tain, and other community events. In early also getting a facelift, thanks, in part, to 2015, RiversEdge Park received a $3.5 StarTek’s announcement that it’s moving million gift from long-time resident Joe
“
”
to succeed Where I found my Drive ______________.
Marcum, the former president of Ohio Casualty, and his wife, Sarah. The funds will create Marcum Park, which will be part of phase two of RiversEdge. Hamilton’s arts and culture scene is also flourishing. Known as the “City of Sculpture,” there are 54 pieces of sculpture around town, including “The American Cape,” the well-known Alexander Hamilton bronze sculpture on High Street at Journal Square. The Fitton Center for the Creative Arts, the Greater Hamilton Civic Theatre and Miami Valley Ballet are all downtown. And Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum, one of the few sculpture parks in the country, is nearby. “We’re in the fifth year of a 10-year plan. But the real story will be when we look back in 2020,” Dingeldein says. “We’ll be in textbooks about how to revitalize an old Rust Belt downtown community.” ■
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Badin High School 571 New London Road Hamilton, OH 45013 CITY OF HAMILTON :: 2015 15
SHOPPING
Hamilton
SHOP HOP
T
By Julie Bethlenfalvy
he city of Hamilton’s revitalization is attracting trendy boutiques that sell refurbished furniture and antiques, gifts, art and more. Here’s a sample of locally owned shops located in the urban core.
SARA’S HOUSE
Owner Sara Vallandingham couldn’t have picked a better spot for her boutique at the northwest corner of Third and High streets. The previously vacant and dilapidated building was part of downtown’s revitalization. Now, the rehabbed building houses eclectic home décor, gifts
and repurposed furniture. Dave, Sara’s husband, through his business 9 Lives, upcycles lamps made from vintage objects like an old Bosch & Lomb projector, antique car horns and more. You can also find other local wares, including Hamilton Blocks, which are photographs of the city transferred onto blocks by local photographer Jacob Stone, and Vella di Vino candles and custom jewelry. 254 High St. 513-668-6789, sarashouse4you.com.
ART OFF SYMMES
This eclectic art gallery features more than 400 American and artisans’ crafts
Art Off Symmes sells colorful metal art by American sculptor Sondra Gerber.
and art whether it’s for indoor or outdoor use. Art OFF Symmes also features lo-
When looking for an oasis on the road or the ideal place to host your next meeting or social event, discover why the Courtyard by Marriott Hamilton is the perfect choice.
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1 Riverfront Plaza | Hamilton, Ohio 45011 (513) 896-6200
WELCOME Experience the great design of Plaza One Grille, featuring a seasonally inspired menu emphasizing quality ingredients and expanded wine selection. A perfect locale for meeting colleagues, friends, and family. Nominated in 2014 as one of the five best restaurants in Butler County by the Journal-News and Butler County Visitors Bureau.
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16 CITY OF HAMILTON :: 2015
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cally made pieces as well. If you’re looking for inspirational, metal-stamped jewelry, home décor, comfy yoga wear by Soul Flower, and accessories including scarves and purses, you’ll find it all here. 228 High St. 513-895-4000, artoffsymmes.com.
KILLIAN’S CUPBOARD
Just opened in July 2014, Killian’s Cupboard is a family affair. Owner Jessica Melcher, and her brothers Chris, Ethan and Will York upcycle old rustic furniture to sell in their store and create custom pieces just for their clients. Even if you just have an idea or a picture from Pinterest or Etsy, or if you don’t have the time or space, the talented team can make your custom piece come to life. The store also stocks antiques and other eclectic items for your home. 557 Main St. 513-291-9311.
SECRETLY SHABBY
Secretly Shabby owner Lisa Weaver repurposes and repaints furniture in the shabby chic style, and she’ll teach you how to do it, too. Classes cover distressing, wood-based painting, glazing and more. Opened in July 2014, Weaver’s boutique also sells Dixie Belle paint, accessories, home and wedding décor, and gifts. 231 Main St. 513-607-6482, secretlyshabby.com.
FRONT ROOM ON 7TH
Friends Dale Braun and Sherri Martin opened their artisan gifts, antiques and home décor boutique in the Dayton Lane Historic District in 2014. All of the ladies’ one-of-a-kind items are from Ohio vendors, such as bath and beauty products from Sweet Sassafras & Sunshine Co., alpaca rugs, and vintage and restored
furniture. If you want to shop and give back, 100 percent of sales of the custom-made jewelry from Chosen Hands ministry benefit Serve City, a homeless shelter in Hamilton. 102 N. 7th St. frontroomon7th.com.
UNSUNG SALVAGE DESIGN CO.
The loc al family- owned business breathes new life into old furniture. The team also provides web design and space design services. Now open at the Hamilton Mill business incubator, Unsung Salvage is moving its retail store into the basement of Artspace Hamilton in late spring 2015. You can also find its hip upcycled pieces at its Etsy shop. Check out Unsung Ink if you’re looking for custom screen-printed T-shirts, posters or bags. Artspace, 222-224 High St., unsungsalvagedesign.com. ■
We are Southwestern Ohio’s small business incubator for green, clean, water, digital and advanced manufacturing technologies. Conveniently located between Cincinnati and Dayton in the original pioneer town of Hamilton, OH.
20 HIGH ST. | HAMILTON, OHIO 45011
(866) 540-4438 / (513) 737-6543 | HAMILTONMILL.ORG www.hamilton-city.org
CITY OF HAMILTON :: 2015 17
DINING night or live music on Fridays. True West Downtown has gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches and pita pizzas. Don’t have time to sit a spell? True West Main has a drive thru for drinks and baked goods. 313 Main St. 513-668-1488. 221 High St. 513-668-5815, truewestcoffee.com.
THE ART OF BAKING
downtown
CHOW DOWN
Owner Jenni Hubbard and sister, Brandi Carder, are bringing their bakery, The Almond Sisters, to Artspace Hamilton. When Artspace opens in late spring 2015, patrons can walk in and buy the Hamilton natives’ fresh artisan breads, homemade pastries, cookies, muffins and addictive Almond Twists. Because of Hubbard’s art background, the creative duo wants the bakery to be interactive, where art inspires baking and vice versa. Artspace, 222 High St. 513-374-4595.
SWEET HOME ALABAMA The Almond Sisters’ Unicorn Horn Bar is a fan favorite.
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ooking to nibble, nosh or scarf down your next meal? You’ll get your fill at any of these six restaurants in downtown Hamilton.
SOUTHERN STYLE
J. Austin’s Riverbank Café has some of the best Southern cooking around town and a river view. Located at the former Riverbank Café, it’s also great for date night or to watch the game. It has six craft brews on tap, including local favorites Mad Tree, Mt. Carmel and Rhinegeist. The restaurant serves lunch and dinner, which includes Chicken-n-Waffles ($14) served with a sweet and spicy chipotle peach maple syrup. And don’t miss out on J. Austin’s brunch on Saturdays and Sundays. 102 Main St. 513-795-7640, jaustins.com.
LUCK OF THE IRISH
Former Hamilton mayor Don Ryan and his wife, Vickie, took a chance before the urban core’s revitalization and
opened Ryan’s Tavern. In the heart of downtown, the Irish pub, of course, has Guinness, Harp and Smithwick’s on tap. And Fish and Chips and Ryan’s Reuben are on the menu. But when the Ryan’s started renovations on the historic 1800s building, they rustled up some ghosts. Patrons can hunt the paranormal during Ryan’s Tavern Ghost Tours, and the pub also has special events including appearances from hometown musician David Shaw and St. Patrick’s Day festivities. 241 High St. 513-737-2200, ryanstavern.com.
TWO FOR ONE
True West Coffee (Downtown & Main) True West Coffee is more than caffeinated beverages. The café has two locations downtown on Main and High streets. True West Main specializes in giant sandwiches, such as the aptly named Loch Ness Monster ($7.25) that’s made with chipped turkey, pesto mayo, tomato, lettuce, and shaved Parmesan on a baguette. This location also has open mic
18 CITY OF HAMILTON :: 2015
It’s all about barbecue at Neal’s Café. Owner Mike Neal is known for his popular Neal’s Southern All-Purpose BBQ saucen and his southern cuisine pays homage to his father’s Alabama roots. Neal, also a Hamiltonian, recently opened another café in historic German Village. In addition to Neal’s Café’s popular pulled pork sandwiches, espresso and iced coffee drinks are now served at the new downtown restaurant. Neal also takes his Southern cooking on the road to events at RiversEdge. 202 N. Third St. 513-737-2783.
PLAZA ONE GRILLE
Executive Chef Jamie Campbell uses all fresh ingredients at Plaza One Grille inside the Courtyard by Marriott. The menu’s diverse American fare changes with the season and includes sandwiches, pastas, seafood, salads, soups and more. Steak lovers will be thrilled that the 12-oz. Grilled Strip Steak ($32) will stay on the new menu when it comes out mid-April. The restaurant also has great happy hour deals, such as $3 craft beer nights and $5 sliders. 1 Riverfront Plaza. 513-896-6200, plazaonegrille. com. ■ www.hamilton-city.org
EDUCATION
Mission Possible LOCAL EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS PREPARE STUDENTS FOR LIFE BEYOND THE CLASSROOM By Samantha Scheifele
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adin High School, the Hamilton City School District, Miami University and Butler Tech have a mission to enhance their students’ education, getting them ready to advance to college or start a career. Badin High School, a comprehensive inter-parochial high school, knows technology is important for its students’ futures, which is why freshmen take a mandatory introduction to technology course. Badin provides each student with an iPad for use in classes and at home, and at the end of four years students can buy it for just $1. “Whatever career you go into, technology is going to be vital to you,” says Dirk Allen, Badin’s director of admi s si o ns and m e dia re lat i o ns. Badin continues to expand Project Lead The Way Ohio—a program dedicated to increasing the quality and quantity of science and technology graduates—by continuing to offer the best in education about technology with courses like robotics, engineering, and game theory and design. Also at Badin, its Scholar Leader Academy (SLA) comprises its top academic students who also benefit the community by completing extra community service hours, through providing peer-to-peer tutoring or helping problem-solve for nonprofits such as Matthew 25: Ministries. www.hamilton-city.org
“We’re constantly working to improve what we’re doing,” Allen says. Hamilton High School, part of the Hamilton City School District, is the only high school in the area that is both a career Above: Miami University Hamilton Inset: Butler Tech School of the Arts occupies technical education center and a high school. It offers nine career the former Journal News building downtown. technical education programs, including engineering design, carpentry pus, and it also has one of the lowest and health careers. It also has a nationally tuition costs in the area—similar to what recognized Navy Junior ROTC program, community colleges offer. And many and the class of 2014 earned nearly $5 graduates are hired locally. million in scholarships. “[We] work together as campus and Hamilton is also one of the only districts community to improve the quality of life, in the nation to earn the “National School says Richardson.” District of Character” distinction, which Butler Tech has an exciting 2015means Hamilton is a national role model 2016 school year coming up. One of the in implementing a strategy that has a largest career-technical schools in Ohio, positive impact on students and school Butler Tech expanding its bioscience and climate. The district also offers an alterna- healthcare programs, while remaining tive online education option, the Hamilton focused on other Adult Education and Optional Program of Education (HOPE), Teen Education programs. Butler Tech’s which caters to students’ individual needs. Hamilton campus is the “hub of Butler One of the best things about Miami Tech,” says Bill Solazzo, the director of University’s Hamilton campus is its marketing and communications. location. The Hamilton campus offers a variety “We’ve got all the amenities right here,” of programs from firefighting and weldsays Perry Richardson, campus com- ing, to criminal justice and health care. munications officer. Also, the Butler Tech School of the Arts, Other benefits include its low student- which focuses on dance, music, theater teacher ratio at 20-to-1, the addition of and visual arts, is housed in downtown more four-year programs that can be Hamilton at 228 Court St. in the former completed entirely at the Hamilton cam- Journal News building. ■ CITY OF HAMILTON :: 2015 19
HEALTH CARE
Maximizing Health Care By Heather King
IN HAMILTON
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ocal institutions are expanding health care options for the community’s well-being and improving the health of Hamilton’s job market. Fort Hamilton Hospital, an affiliate of Kettering Health Network, completed its expansion in February 2014. The hospital finished a 5,000-square-foot expansion and renovation project aimed toward offering high-quality medical care more efficiently. “The redesigned emergency department incorporates a ‘lean health care’ process,” explains Elizabeth Long, manager of media and public relations with the Kettering Health Network. “Like lean manufacturing, it seeks to eliminate waste while producing a quality product in the most efficient manner.” Kettering Health’s For t Hamilton Hospital boasts a vision of trustworthy, considerate medical care to improve the quality of life of the people in the community. The emergency department staff cares for patients in updated, comfortable surroundings during every step of the treatment process. “In addition to eight new rooms, the hospital renovated existing patient rooms so patients will enjoy a pleasant environment where compassionate medical care can be delivered in an efficient fashion,” says Long. The $5 million project—$1.7 million came from donations—also includes a new lobby, check-in area and a private area for behavioral health patients. The Kettering Health Network staffed the updated emergency department to serve the estimated 60,000 yearly patients; whereas, prior to 2014, the average emergency department volume was 40,000. Additionally, TriHealth’s Bethesda Butler Hospital is undergoing a 51,000-squarefoot expansion and is expected to add about 40- to- 50 jobs. The majority of the
Fort Hamilton Hospital, an affiliate of Kettering Health Network, redesigned and expanded its emergency department, completing the project in February 2014.
new jobs will be nursing positions needed to meet the growing patient admissions. “We will add approximately 20 new full-time employees directly related to the expansion next year, and another nine related to support services,” says Joe Kelley, spokesperson for TriHealth. “We think expanding health care in Hamilton is great for the job market.” Part of TriHealth’s expansion and expected to open December 2015, is a 45,000-square-foot, two-story inpatient building. It will offer 48 private medical beds including six ICU beds, allowing the staff to provide exceptional, high-quality care for patients. Inpatient admissions
20 CITY OF HAMILTON :: 2015
are expected to rise through the emergency and surgical departments, and a 3,000-square-foot addition on the existing inpatient building will accommodate this increase. TriHealth strives to meet the diverse needs of every patient in the community, and the expansion at Bethesda Butler Hospital allows this credo to endure. “We certainly see the expansion as a way to implement some innovative ideas for the entire patient and family experience,” says Kelley. “One of our key strengths is our patient-centered, efficient service, and we’ve designed our new addition to continue with that concept.” ■
www.hamilton-city.org
2014
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COMMUNITY WELLNESS
Putting the COMMUNITY FIRST By Heather King
Community First Solutions’ renovations are ongoing at its new downtown Hamilton headquarters, 223 S. Third St., at the former Ringel’s furniture building.
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ommunity First Solutions is taking part in Hamilton’s urban core revitalization, relocating its headquarters to downtown Hamilton around fall 2015. As one of the leading providers of mental health and behavioral services in the region, the company reaches more than 40,000 Butler County residents per year. Its newest business, Bridges Rehab at Home, is a partnership between Community First Solutions and Kettering Health Network, offering a full scope of rehabilitation and home health services. “We feel that two of the largest health and wellness providers in this community should be working together to meet the wellness need of Butler County residents,” says Jeff Thurman, president and CEO of Community First. Bridges Rehab at Home in-home specialty programs include: orthopedics, cardiac, pulmonary, bladder health, medication management, memory care, wound care and chronic disease programs such as COPD and diabetes management.
“More importantly, this partnership provides individuals in Butler County with a stronger continuum of quality health care services from providers working together to ensure they move seamlessly through their rehabilitation and recovery process,” says Thurman. Community First Solutions serves all ages in the community as the parent company of Community First Pharmacy, Colonial, Community Behavioral Health, and Partners in Prime, which includes diverse wellness programs. CORE Wellness, applied throughout Community First Solutions’ companies and programs, is a holistic approach to meeting clients’ physical, social and spiritual needs. To enhance the community’s wellness further, Colonial teamed up with Miami University to connect seniors with young adults through the university’s Opening Minds Through Art (OMA) program at the Scripps Gerontology Center. Studies show that being creative improves the physical and psychological well-being
22 CITY OF HAMILTON :: 2015
of dementia patients. And with a patient volunteer ratio of 1-to-1, the patients get individual attention during group sessions. At the end of the program, patients’ masterpieces are displayed in a celebratory exhibition. Art created by these amazing patients are available to purchase online through the OMA store. Community First boasts more than 96 years of serving Hamilton residents and continues to be a leader in senior living and wellness needs in Butler County. With the future move to downtown Hamilton, Community First Solutions bolsters its dedication to grow with the community, bringing people of all socioeconomic levels and ages together. Danielle Webb, vice president of marketing, says Community First Solutions is dedicated to all health needs in every stage of life for citizens who live in Hamilton and Butler County. “We’re doing a lot more in downtown and Butler county communities,” says Webb. ■
www.hamilton-city.org
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