Before: 19th Century $1-building; Now: luxury house/pizzeria

In 1850, Cincinnati was the second densest city in the country, but in the last century as residents began their flight to the suburbs neighborhoods lost population and in some spots, buildings were abandoned.
Walnut Hills was once considered Cincinnati’s second downtown, but in the last century, the area fell on hard times. When the historic firehouse burnt down in 1977, it was left to crumble for over 3 decades. A couple years ago developer Kent Hardman bought the building from the city for $1.
Hardman spent heavily to bring the building back to life- it’s now his loft apartment upstairs and a pizzeria downstairs- and he says he’ll only “break-even” with his investment, but he’s more interested in helping turn the entire neighborhood around. He invested in the building next door and vacant buildings across the street and hopes that traffic to the pizza parlor will bring some life back to these blocks.
Johnny Sanphillippo of granolashotgun.com filmed this story. On his blog, he writes about shoestring pre-vitalization: "a new generation is now beginning to rediscover neighborhoods like Walnut Hills and the city of Cincinnati understands that market demand is aligned with the existing building stock and historic urban fabric. "
Original story: faircompanies.com/videos/view/...

[@dphotos007]

Very cool. He is a smart developer. When the other buildings are finished the block will inspire the other buildings to do the same. Looks much better than a stupid mini mall.

[@lipglossshiney6564]

Awesome story. I wish this lovely man much success!

[@vima8680]

Great idea. Best wishes. Bartenders should not be drinking.

[@juanez8]

This was my dream in college! To take old/decaying buildings, and bring new life to them.

[@robertwoodpa6463]

We need people like you to do it. Don't stop dreaming!

[@tonyc7216]

Do it! Keep your dream alive, but look to places that may not be where you live.

[@RPRsChannel]

It would be cool if you visited him again, in 2021, to see what he's done with the place now.

[@boostedmaniac]

If the pizza place is even in business because of the pandemic and the shutdown, that would be the question.

[@dcampbell8779]

@Hicran Gökel I live in Cincinnati and the area is still pretty much a shit hole. Would not walk around there after dark.

[@ralry11]

I frequent that area and have eaten at the pizza place many times. That whole area is in the middle of a redevelopment and is going to be really cool soon.

[@Mulljackson]

I just did a search for fireside pizza Cincinnati and then checked out the street view. Looks like the other grey building he bought is nearly fixed up and there are some new apartments being built in the background a street behind his. Good investment by this guy

[@robyndismon394]

@@Mulljackson thanks so much for such positive news and update. Progress takes time and I have nothing but respect 4 those persons invested in this level of change. Would love 2 do something similar in my neck of the woods.

[@adopt_a_dog]

Kudos to anyone who restores old buildings, especially in an effort to revitalize depressed and/or decaying areas. Great idea using those old stones for benches.

[@5ledan]

Hell of an undertaking. A building is one thing, the whole neighborhood is quite another. Hope he succeeds

[@Jackwagon]

Every community needs one of these fellows.

[@williamsealy8781]

Every community has these guys. The fact is people hoard commercial property and typically won't sell unless they get top dollar. Ths city would have to facilitate opportunities like this one (buying buildings for a 1$).

[@sandyg.8318]

Side note: fireside pizza is still open and going strong

[@BobMcDougall]

It might just be the way I was raised but if I knew Kirsten was coming over, I would make my bed. 👍😉

[@MsBamafanatic]

Or ANYBODY for that matter, especially if they're filming.

[@_S-O-S_]

A man with a vision...

[@jamieround2072]

SO WHO IS THE MAN W/ THE COOLEST VISUAL & REAL LIFE BUILDINGS THERE IN CINCINNATI OHIO AREA......?? & WHAT;S HIS U-TUBE CHANNEL CALLED..... ANY 1 KNOW IN ALL HONESTY...............?????????????????????????????????

[@boa9535]

... and money.

[@anonnymouse2402]

He has a plan to boot strap the local community, with the aid of local volunteers, in order to make vast profits on his real-estate deals.

[@VintageTexas59]

Great idea and concept restoring these old buildings instead for tearing them down.

[@tranzco1173]

@Rugar 22 Yeah cities care about your health a lot.

[@cruiseny26]

Wow. So inspirational. I love the story of restoration of old places. Architecture like this just shouldn't be destroyed. Shows that one person can make a difference in a community if they have the vision and the willingness to put in the elbow grease.

[@martinweaveruk]

What an absolutely brilliant project. Seeing all those people enjoying the reclaimed public space was great.

[@bdjm8595]

Really great to see places like this preserved and put back into use in such a wonderful way!!!

[@LadyPenelope]

Awesome, thanks Kirsten, another fantastic story. I wish him the best for all his hard work and effort.

[@MrPiper77]

Update this segment, please.. I am interested what happen to the building and the surrounding area.

[@almostremembered]

I'm from Cinci...it's about the same as it was during this video. Pretty crappy area right outside the UC campus, but definitely seeing some random small development happening.

[@benjaminlaurenson7017]

Organic development of urban fabric is definitely a long process

[@shangosankofa9560]

@@benjaminlaurenson7017 yes! A long arduous process. You have to deal with vandals and thieves. It’s a potential nightmare.

[@Bearymuchi]

on google maps you can see that the buidling across the street got a new facade. looks good, but still empty...

[@rulestein]

@@Bearymuchi On google street view it looks like something big was built next door.

[@Kamarca]

Much respect for Mr. Hardman and his vision. Will definitely look for updates on this cool redevelopment.

[@mortycremwatch]

Great individual renovation and amazing idea for further regeneration. Would love to see some updates when he's done.

[@linnea2626]

What an inspiration! Its amazing that you are bringing back the life to these lovely historic buildings. I wish you all the best.

[@lewisner]

It's nice to see a city have the sense to sell an eyesore for a dollar instead of letting it rot.

[@treehouseinparadise5563]

Really nice post, Kirsten. Thanks so much for what you're bringing us.

[@sophial3151]

I wish I had a lot of money because this is exactly what I would do with it. Restore old rundown abandoned towns or parts of cities and make them like new again with a bit of a modern feel mixed with the original charm. Just so perfect!!

[@claudermiller]

💘 walnut hills. I have friends and family dating back to 1900 when my great grandfather lived there.

[@goldsilverandiamonds]

It's nice to see people saving these building and their history. So many cities tear these old historic buildings down erasing valuable history, architecture and rehabable spaces that could be revitalized with the right kind of citizens and politicians in place. It would be nice to see people move back to these communities there is so much potential and fresh opportunity for hungry, smart, talented people with vision.

[@user-rh5yf2wz8l]

Very inspirational story. You breathed life back onto the community! The other buildings you bought...one of the downstairs places would make a great art gallery , maybe a cafe & flower shop or pâtisserie.

[@robdog7516]

I would have just left the fire pole so I could slide down it every day going to work.

[@jakeforrest]

The “pole” looks more like a ladder to me ! 2:47

[@EricVandenAkker]

I don't think he worked there

[@Austin8thGenTexan]

The brass pole was likely vandalized and sold to a metal scrapper long before this guy took charge...

[@shangosankofa9560]

Very cool man! I remember when it was an active fire station. The firemen there had a Dalmatian as a mascot. Great job! Best of luck to you restoring my old neighborhood!

[@TheDenisedrake]

Fascinating! I would love to see updates on his progress.

[@nameofthepen]

TheDenisedrake - Me, too, Denise! I'd LOVE to see him get a KZbin channel (if he doesn't already have one), and give progress updates once a week, once a month, whatever. :)

[@nickkrapoza]

+TheDenisedrake yes if anyone knows updates please inform me

[@mondianijoli9080]

@@nickkrapoza hey I'm from the future. On google map you can see the advancement of the renovations. It looks like a stop motion film as not all pictures are from the same time. google fireside cincinnati

[@jamieround2072]

WE ALL DO & LIKE TO KNOW WHO HE IS & HIS U-TUBE CHANNEL NAME TOOOOOO PLZZZZZZZ !!!!!!!!!!!!!!??????????

[@hopetondelli5146]

seeing this as we approach the turn of the year to 2021 - would be fantastic to see whats happened in the past 5/6 years - hope all is well! stay safe

[@philm4337]

This popped into the what to watch list for me today, and agreed, would love to see it what it looks like now and hopefully see the apartment all finished

[@FishKungfu]

Very cool renovation!

[@glip]

Great story Kirsten, i wish it went longer. please do more of these stories.

[@vapurl9330]

Love the idea of getting away from chain eateries. I wish more places would do this sort of thing. Too many historical areas have fallen into decay because of urban sprawl. When we go on vacations to other parts of the country, we always head for these kinds of places. Kudos to you and your vision.

[@philalessi5818]

Great story of vision and commitment to a dream. Thanks Kristen for bringing this tale to us. Cities need urban pioneers.

[@lizpinky3658]

What a fantastic way to bring back the communities by the rejuvenation process that is being accomplished here. It certainly is a more affordable option for folk to own their own homes and be a part of something larger. Absolutely love it!

[@jenaliciahavens9729]

Nicely done! Please post more as your projects for the neighborhood are completed.

[@davidnyt]

Very inspiring. Thanks Kirsten!

[@Cam-wi5xx]

This is so cool! You guys are completely redeveloping the neighborhood. I love every single bit of this video. Please keep it up. Stuff like this needs preserving.

[@clarissamck]

Beautiful job. Love how you incorporated the old into the new, keeps the story. Love to visit if I’m ever around. Nice that you kept the charm and history . Cheers!

[@knittingdoula]

2021 Update: The pizza place is still open. Wishing them all the success in the world and a bright future.

[@Junior2uu]

This is a Gold mine 1 dollars but the cost to renovate is huge i applaud you man

[@Shirl_E]

I'd love to see more as he works to bring back that neighborhood. I wonder what will it look like once he restores/repairs the the rest of the buildings he bought.

[@Lucuskane]

What dreams are made of, its really awesome to see something like this realized.

[@Itsaboutthewaterlife]

Totally agree.

[@condew6103]

There is something really cool about the audio on this video; crisp, clear, easy to understand and just a hint of an otherworldly or big empty room echo. Neat project, too.

[@allwhatilove914]

It has being almost 6 years, please update us.

[@siphokazileratomalinga2969]

I came across a video of a couple that bought a school in another city and people kept talking about a guy that had converted a fire station into a home. They said the city sued the man for what he did ☹️

[@ralry11]

The pizza place is now open and has quite good pizza! It was one of the first of many buildings like it in that area that are being redeveloped and turned into nice bars/restaurants

[@MsBamafanatic]

@@siphokazileratomalinga2969 That was in Seattle. That city is all kinds of screwed up and priorities gone wrong. They let the criminals run things while law-abiding citizens who want to invest in the community they sue. *rolling my eyes*

[@blukatzen]

Now, if the pizza parlor can only align himself up with a brewer and do small scale brewing. Much like we have Revolution brewery here in Chicago. The story is much the same too! In the shops across the street, maybe a bookstore/coffeehouse. A small theatre can be renovated for art-house productions and showings. Get some neighborhood theatre folk performing as well. Those that do "artisan thrift" type stores would be welcome (or a small mall type for more small etsy-ish types.)

[@KarleneE]

OK, now THAT is very cool indeed! Thanks for this inspiring story Kirsten!

[@RichieRouge206]

I find these little community restorations so uplifting! We need more! Especially in the UK too

[@aminadadniembe5976]

I simply Love this idea! Too many old historic markers are lost when torn down. The care, artistry, architecture & structure of things past should be preserved when possible. Thank You Kirsten! Your channel is Unique & adds dimension to YT!

[@nameofthepen]

This is thrilling! *I hope the consortium who is running this project will see fit to start a KZbin channel and document the journey with weekly, or even monthly, updates.* I think it would be to their advantage, and a huge source of publicity, and even unexpected and beneficial contacts, ideas, skilled artisans, donations, etc. Just a good thing all 'round.

[@Spud4X]

It's heartwarming to see this renewed area becoming a vibrant community. Great vision!

[@nameofthepen]

Spud4X - I really hope it works out, and just like you said, becomes "a vibrant community". It's so....so..... _right_ when things like that happen. :)

[@evitasdad]

An inspiring Man, I really enjoyed watching that, thankyou.

[@vannacabanna]

And we’re back with another recommendation from KZbin 😂 Great job on the build, can you post an update of its current condition?

[@lelaa807]

Come back to this place in 5 years and it will be full of new homes and businesses and it will be the new nice place to live .

[@carlagarrett3244]

WOW - this is an amazing home. Thank you for sharing. so wonderful.

[@crochetgottaloveit]

This is so cool what was done with this old building! I've always had a fondness for fire houses having grown up around them and with dad being a fireman.

[@lapislazarus8899]

What a beautiful story! I watch a lot of urban exploring videos, and the houses and structures have such lovely designs, all the built-in woodwork, etc. I hate seeing these places just deteriorate.

[@ArtistTree]

OMG those are two of my favorite buildings that I passed often, and in my childhood dreamed about what they'd be like fixed up! So wonderful!!!

[@GILLEBRATH]

Looks like a great improvement . Keep it going. Good luck & thanks

[@TheTaylorMeow]

Awesome video! This summer when I go visit family up there, I will definitely go check this place and neighborhood out. My kind of scene for sure :D

[@jamieround2072]

GET GOOD VIDEO & SOUND OF THE AREA TOO PLZZ & SHOW US IT ALL WHEN U R BACK HOME PLZZZZ !!!!!!!!!

[@famtamradek5733]

Makes me so happy youre saving an entire historical area.. my dream... so much of these area's have been demoilished..

[@maryl.2787]

Did he not know they were coming? Why didn't he make his bed?

[@WinfordM]

..and he had random clothes on the floor in the kitchen.

[@HeySteveNYC]

With all the money he should have, you’d think he could get a real bed, rid that fan, and have the place hooked-up?

[@kevinkerr3960]

Who cares

[@maryl.2787]

@@kevinkerr3960 Me, clearly. Thus the comment.

[@tomskupels9633]

Great work, plan to vitalize the building and neighborhood. Keep it up!

[@indieeverythang8731]

Great story, I never knew why walnut hills had became abandoned. I will have to visit there when I come home...

[@tonyc7216]

Great work! I wish a cost breakdown of the restoration was present. We need more guys like this to breathe life into communities.

[@MyplayLists4Y2Y]

Kirsten - great videos, thumbs up!

[@chrisbroekhof]

What an initiative!! I see this 5 years later. Most be going better there in the neighborhood. I hope so 👍👍

[@RelentlessLoveStudio]

This is fantastic!! I applaud people like him who want to revitalize urban communities. This would definitely be the time to buy in that area! I can see big things on the horizon for the neighborhood!

[@jantruitt9241]

Thank you sir for changing the community for the better!

[@andrewknowles9783]

Kirsten! You were in my hometown! I love all of your videos, what a nice surprise to have you feature Cincinnati. Thank you!

[@dicuteness7027]

Bravo. Great story. I love your videos!

[@moodbeast]

I wonder what this area looks like now?

[@TommyboyGTP]

Awesome story. Can't wait to see how the building across the street turns out.

[@Pamelab0215]

This is wonderful. I wish him all the best. Great story!

[@ynot0714]

Well you were about 5 years ahead of the game. Now the area is coming back to life. Went to school at UC in the 80's so know this area all to well. Next time I'm in Clifton I'm gonna do a drive by. Nice video!

[@zuur303]

Fantastic architecture. Good to see it preserved.

[@kathleenreyes4345]

This is great work!

[@heyjude4842]

Springfield, Ohio here. Wish you a lot of success in your future. You know they got German Village in Columbus up and running a few years ago. I have spent a lot of time there. With all of the Malls closing down I think the timing for this is perfect. Good Luck

[@janie5630]

I wish him endless success-- this is how lifeless neighborhoods become blossoming communities through people like him who invest in something much greater than himself/herself.

[@skafa0101]

Why would anyone dislike this video. Kirsten your amazing! 👍👍

[@jonasmichaelmoir9378]

Gotta love rebuilding the community first and the buildings after!) Great strategy for urban renaissance!)

[@robertortiz8540]

This is a man that has a vision good job.

[@JimsWoman]

I think the apartments across the street are going to have a great view ! I'd live there

[@emmagreenAU]

It would be so great to see an update on this story, how the other projects are coming along!

[@safirolazlie3075]

Good job man!

[@davi99ful]

That is really an awesome story, I'd like to see how is going on the buildings across the street now.

[@itscalleddesign9940]

How you not gonna preserve the pole or add one even if it's purely aesthetic?!?!

[@johnzee691]

Love your videos. New to me even tho it’s a 5 year old video. Hope the guys plan still working and the buildings across the street are occupied and others have come along redoing more buildings. Nice work Kirsten and company! Follow up video?

[@bengriffin9830]

My neighborhood! So cool to see the beginnings of reinvestment.

[@MrUlfang]

Great work ,wtg on fixing up those buildings.

[@dbr1310]

I’m speechless!

[@b.l.8611]

Wow - beautiful restoration.

[@betsyleman6497]

I love these cool house stories!

[@nielknox]

Thank you ❤️

[@jakespeed63]

Spectacular transformation 😎👍🏆

[@amafid]

Love this video.

[@nickparfittdesign]

Awesome story! would be nice to see what it's like when he's finished the buildings across the street

[@wolfman6252]

Good on you. I wish you the best of luck on a brave endeavor.

[@MsArana]

I wonder how his project has grown since this was originally shared five years ago. I hope he's gained some ground in the area

[@luizfernandocarmo6665]

Nice to see people who value their community

[@user-ij6xs4ut7j]

Nice job man! Nice to see people with vision! Good luck with future endeavors! Made in America!!

[@bobe3250]

Great job!!!