Historic Markers Celebrate the Prosperity in Camp Washington, CUF Neighborhoods

CINCINNATI – The City of Cincinnati’s Department of Transportation and Engineering has put the finishing touches on infrastructure improvement projects in Camp Washington and the CUF neighborhoods of Clifton Heights, University Heights and Fairview. Those touches feature commemorative historical markers.

In Camp Washington, the markers detail the neighborhood’s industrial roots and plans for the future. The markers in CUF outline the rise and fall of the area’s steam-powered incline system.

Below are specific details about what you’ll find in both communities.

Camp Washington

The Spring Grove Avenue Infrastructure Improvement Project was implemented to focus on the pedestrian experience and safety of pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers alike along the busy, industrial corridor. The business owners within Camp Washington have been heavily involved in the project since its inception.

Working together with Camp Washington representatives, DOTE designed a new vision for the street and the City's Department of Community and Economic Development obtained funding for the project. Sidewalks were replaced, bump outs were introduced to decrease crossing distances at crosswalks, the street was lined with new trees by Cincinnati Parks' Urban Forestry division, and as of late February, completed the last phase of the project by installing the historical markers, which were designed by DOTE.

The historical markers in Camp Washington emphasize the identity of Camp Washington down the Spring Grove Avenue corridor between the Western Hills and Hopple Street viaducts. They pay tribute to the many industries and events that not only shaped Camp Washington as we know it, but continue to make the community thrive. The industrial aesthetic of the markers was derived from the Camp Washington Gateway plaza, which was previously designed and installed by DOTE at Garrard Avenue and Hopple Street.

Over 30 people—residents, business owners, relatives of business owners, and City employees—contributed to the research and images used to develop the content of the markers. The markers discuss the historic Flood of 1937, Porkopolis, metal working, and more, including a tribute to the City of Cincinnati's contributions to modern day fire-fighting.

There are seven markers in total along Spring Grove Avenue between Draper and Hopple streets.

 

CUF: Clifton Heights, University Heights, Fairview

A support pier of the Bellevue Incline stands tall on W. Clifton Avenue as one of the remaining remnants of Cincinnati’s network of inclines. To distinguish the pier as a remnant of the city’s history, the CUF community worked with the City of Cincinnati to design and install a new historical marker.

The historical marker details the rise and fall of the entire incline system, which was in operation from the 1870s though the 1940s. It also specifically explains the significance of the Bellevue and Fairview inclines in the accessibility and development of Clifton Heights, University Heights and Fairview.

In preparation for the installation of the historical marker, the CUF Neighborhood Association hired a contractor to repair the pier. Board Member Jack Martin organized the efforts and the Neighborhood Association contributed over $6,000 to repair the structure in 2016. The Neighborhood Association is also considering plans to improve the landscaping within the pier structure. The landscaping improvements will be installed during the summer of 2017.

Crucial to this project has been the continued involvement of Paul Gallagher. Gallagher, who recently turned 90, is a retired Cincinnati firefighter and a former board member of the CUF Neighborhood Association. But beyond those roles, he has spent his adult life working to improve the community. 

Since the 1970s, Gallagher has been planting trees throughout the neighborhood and along Central Parkway. The number is well over 1,000 at this point. Gallagher also maintains the landscape around the Bellevue Incline Pier, preventing the structure from being overtaken by honeysuckle and weeds.