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Business Development News

Xavier University’s campus transforming for the 21st Century

Xavier University is in the midst of a building boom. New buildings are rising that will continue the transformation the university’s main campus. Work has been ongoing for some time and most is expected to be complete for the next academic year.

At the corner of Ledgewood and Dana, there is a new 88,000 square-foot building being erected for the Williams College of Business. Xavier will take possession of the building from the construction crews this month. It will be ready for students by August, the beginning of the next academic year.

Nearby the 84,000 square-foot Conaton Learning Commons is rising, and is a multi-use facility uniquely suited to the modern student’s need of a flexible space packed with technology. It too will be ready when the students come this August.

Further down Ledgewood Avenue, which is sporting a new median and roundabout, a new 240,000 square-foot dormitory and dining complex is currently under construction as part of the Hoff Academic Quad. These buildings, which currently have two huge cranes towering above them, still require about a year before completion but will eventually house and feed hundreds of Xavier students.

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Arts & Entertainment News

‘Downtown Cincinnati’ by James Geyer

James Geyer put together this interesting video of downtown Cincinnati. Not sure what to think of the music choice, but the imagery is visually pleasing and generally fun.  The video highlights several prominent locations throughout Cincinnati’s center city while also showcasing a bit of the lifestyle found there.

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Arts & Entertainment News

Experience the 2010 FIFA World Cup on Fountain Square

Fountain Square will serve as THE spot to catch all of your World Cup action as the United States enters with one of its most promising teams in recent memory. The United States will take on the third-ranked team in the world, and long-time rival, England on Saturday, June 12 from 1:30pm to 5pm in Rustenburg, South Africa.

The United States team finished first in the 2010 Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) World Cup Qualifier just ahead of Mexico. The United States/England rivalry is especially interesting as the 1950 England vs. United States game was one of the most shocking upsets in soccer history.  The U.S. defeated England in Brazil 1-0 thanks to a stunning header in the 37th Minute. Since that time the game has been called the “Miracle on Grass” and has caused much controversy and tension between the two squads.

The Fountain Square Management Group states that Coca-Cola products and adult beverages will be available for purchase while you watch the game on Fountain Square’s giant video board.

Fountain Square will continue to be the central gathering space for soccer fans throughout the World Cup as the management group has stated that all FIFA games will be shown unless there is a conflict with an event on the Square or a Reds baseball game.

The World Cup will conclude on Sunday, July 11, and to celebrate Fountain Square will be hosting a foosball tournament before and after the championship World Cup game. There will also be live music from 7pm to 9pm, international foods, import and domestic beer and other special features.

Those interested in participating in the double-elimination, two-player per side foosball tournament are encouraged to pre-register online, but organizers note that walk-up registration will be available on July 11th from 11am to 11:30am. Team registration costs $5 and the tournament champion will win $250 with smaller prizes being awarded throughout the tournament. Competitors must be 18 years of age or older.

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Development News Politics Transportation

Cutting through the clutter to get urbanism news

It was approximately one year ago when UrbanCincy dove into the world of Twitter.  We were not sure what to make of it or how to use it, but there is certainly lots of information to be had if you are able to cut through the clutter (if in fact you dislike the clutter).

As a result, UrbanCincy has been putting together a list of those Twitter users who share information and ideas about urbanist issues.  Some focus on transit, some on particular cities or regions, others on policy and others sharing their urban experiences.  The people behind these accounts include policy makers, industry professionals, residents, businesses and writers.

The value is that at any given time you can keep tabs on the heartbeat of urbanism across America, and beyond, by simply following this list of people.  You do not have to be on Twitter to follow the list, but if you want to engage in conversation you do.  In either case the information is there for the taking.  Bookmark the page to follow along at your leisure, or follow the list on Twitter if you have an account.

If you have any other Twitter users that you believe should be added to this list, please leave a comment below so that they can be added to the stream.

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Arts & Entertainment News

Roeblingfest to celebrate history in fun new way

There are a plethora of activities this weekend happening along the banks of the Ohio River.  The 19th Annual Newport Italianfest starts today and Ride Cincinnati will take place this Saturday morning at Yeatman’s Cove.  But one of the more interesting and fun events of the weekend promises to be Roeblingfest.

In its 6th year Roeblingfest will actually combine two separate events that have taken place in past years. Standing on its own, Roeblingfest has always been somewhat of a niche event that showcases the history of one of Cincinnati’s most famous landmarks on the weekend closest to architect John A. Roebling’s birthday.

Historically held on a Sunday afternoon, the event consisted of milling about the bridge for a few hours while also examining the murals that highlight the history of the bridge itself.  Small booths were also set up that each had a special focus on the historical aspect of the famed Roebling Suspension Bridge.

Last year the Roebling Point Business District held their first-ever block party, and will now align itself with the larger Roeblingfest celebrations to create a Saturday full of history and fun that should cater to all kinds of people. There will still be tours of the bridge and associated murals that run from 11am to 3pm, but this year the party will continue into the night and feature all kinds of entertainment around the neighborhood including Segway races, a cornhole tournament, and several bands offering live music. The day-long celebration will be capped off by fireworks from Rozzi’s to end the evening at 11pm.

Currently, the bridge itself is closed to vehicular traffic for the next five months as it receives a new paint job and other maintenance work is completed.  Along with the ongoing maintenance work, the Covington-Cincinnati Suspension Bridge Committee is working to raise money to replace and maintain the flags and lighting on the historic river span.

The decorative lighting was turned off ahead of the closure back in the spring and there is a campaign currently underway to help raise the funds needed to update the lighting. To date, the committee has raised $185,000 of the $455,000 needed to update and maintain the lights. If the funding is raised, the new lighting will be energy efficient and will light the bridge for years to come. This weekend will go a long way to helping the cause, but donations can also be made online at any point throughout the year.  And those who decide to make an online donation also become eligible for a “Trip to the Top of the Tower” for four people.

The event is free and open to the public and could easily be paired with Italianfest, a Reds game, or Ride Cincinnati which are all only about a mile walk from the Roeblingfest celebrations on Park Place between Scott and Greenup streets, and on Court Street between 3rd and 4th streets (map).