Columbia-Tusculum – Painted Ladies From the Steamboat Era
Written by Jennifer Cox on November 16, 2008
Columbia-Tusculum, one of Cincinnati’s oldest neighborhoods, was once a steamboat manufacturing community, and the graceful old buildings and homes hint at the rich heritage of the area. In fact, the first school in Hamilton County, built in 1790, is located here. Beautiful old homes from the steamboat era line the ascending and descending streets of Columbia-Tusculum, giving many homeowners breathtaking views. The Victorian “Painted Ladies”, with colorful exteriors grace the streets, one more stunning than the next. Many of the homes and buildings are on the registry of the Columbia-Tusculum Historic District, including the Kellogg house & the Stite house, circa 1830’s.
Columbia – Tusculum can boast having some of the most amazing Victorians in Cincinnati, 2 and 3 stories high, with Palladian windows, stained glass, leaded glass, stone steps, and wrought iron fences. While being home to some of the area’s most gorgeous, 100+ year old renovated Victorians, there are still some “diamonds in the rough”. If you are up to a renovation project, this might be a good place to explore.
Other housing styles are available in the area. There are contemporary styles with breathtaking river views, and upscale, luxury condos with high end finishes. The best in urban chic! Many enjoy a 10 year tax abatement. There is some new construction, or newer built homes: upscale, with all the fine appointments you would expect.
Columbia-Tusculum is just 10 minutes to Hyde Park Plaza, and 15 minutes to Rookwood Commons. Residents enjoy Alms Park, for the kids play area, walking trails, for communing with nature, all overlooking the Ohio River. Close by is Lunken Airport, first established as a barnstorming airport just after WW1, now serves as a landing for private planes. Neighboring Lunken Fields is available for tennis, golf, baseball, roller blading and jogging. Columbia Square is rapidly under construction, with new opportunities for office space, retail and restaurants. Recently, Anytime Fitness and Bruegger’s Bagels entered the square.
Catch up with all the happenings at the official Columbia-Tusculum web site.
Ready for a night out? Meet up with your friends at any of these great places:
Allyn’s Café – Since 1991! This is “the place” in Columbia-Tusculum. Awards include Best Beer, Best Café, Best Mexican, Best Booth at the Taste of Cincinnati, Best Gator….yes, as in alligator.
Bella Luna- Authentic Italian from the Sicily & Calabria regions. Excellent!
The Precinct – One of my personal favorites. Special occasion food, and special occasion prices. Special, unless you are one of the local sports stars, power players, and celebrities in the room (we saw Jane Seymour last year). When only the best selection and quality seafood or steaks will do.
Stanley’s Pub – Sorry, no link. Just good live music, a bit of a dive, and a very good time. Outdoor patio for warm weather enjoyment , and a pool table. Have fun!
