Thread by @zach_from_ohio

One of the most dramatic urban transformations has been Cincinnati's historic Over-The-Rhine neighborhood

In just 10 years, it went from one of the city's most notoriously dangerous to most desirable neighborhoods. Here's a thread of some before and afters from 2014→2025 🧵

Characterized by its uniquely dense urban fabric, OTR has embraced and built upon its unique assets, including a new streetcar line and closing several alleys to form quaint European-style pedestrian plazas and seating areas

OTR is definitely one of the most extreme examples of gentrification I can think of, which has definitely created some controversy. However, it's hard to argue the state it was in originally was good for anyone.

Today, the neighborhood continues to experience rapid change, however, this has actually come with a net loss in density and total housing units as multifamily units are being converted into high-end single-family & condo units

While Over-The-Rhine south of Liberty Street is pretty much fully gentrified, much of the northern half continues to be relatively untouched with lingering high poverty and crime.

However, this is rapidly changing as yuppies push further north past the historic Findlay Market

Also would like to mention the incredible revitalization of Zeigler Park. It's a very good example of urban design and ensured OTR would continue to have a strong neighborhood park

It also converted the adjacent street into a pedestrian plaza for events (first photo is before)

And for those unfamiliar with the neighborhood, here's what the new Connector Streetcar looks like, which runs between OTR, Downtown, and the Ohio River.

Also, here's the historic Findlay Market which anchored OTR even through its worst decades