Over-the-Rhine is Flourishing

The largest, most intact urban historic district in the United States is not in New York, Philadelphia or Boston. In fact, it is right here in Cincinnati.

In the mid-19^th century, Over-the-Rhine was a bustling hub for a slew of newly immigrated Germans. They created their own “Little Germany” with newspapers, churches and beer halls. They built Music Hall, Findlay Market and Washington Park. Over-the-Rhine was flourishing.

But with World War I came backlash; streets in Over-the-Rhine were renamed to be more “Americanized” and the teaching of the German language was heavily frowned upon.

Prohibition, too, had an effect on Over-the-Rhine; the end of the 1920s shuttered almost all of Cincinnati’s breweries. Post-war, a decline occurred in this once promising district. It became a place for those struggling financially, and crime rates soared.

By the beginning of the 21^st century, Over-the-Rhine was one of the most economically distressed areas in the country. The poverty rate was 58 percent and the unemployment rate was 25 percent. The median household income was less than $10,000. Riots in 2001 brought even more distress to the area.

In 2003, the city leaders decided to change the future of Over-the-Rhine by investing money in more than 300 buildings to save them from more deterioration. These buildings are now being redeveloped into homes, condos and commercial spaces.

Main Street is regaining popularity as a destination as bar, clubs and restaurants are beginning to thrive again. Findlay Market draws big crowds every weekend, and an influx of galleries has led to an unprecedented art presence.

Festivals and performances are now the norm, and Washington Park has transformed into a community gathering space. It is a Renaissance of sorts, a revitalization, an example of what can occur when a community puts forth the effort to make a positive change. Over-the-Rhine is the largest, most intact urban historic district in the United States, and is once again flourishing.