Issue #1: Do we keep the existing tower?

Those who think we should may say…

• It appears to be a given that the hotel rooms west of the main tower are not salvageable due to fire damage and general deterioration. However, the main seven-story tower with its river views could be preserved.
• It would be a needless expense to tear down the tower.
• The atrium and river views are dramatic and impressive.

Those who think we should not may say…

• Hotel operators who have examined the property conclude that the atrium design includes too much nonrevenue-producing space that is cost-prohibitive to maintain, heat, and cool.
• The interior space is attractive, but the exterior design is dated and ordinary.
• The hotel obstructs river views, is surrounded by a large parking lot that disconnects it from the rest of downtown, and it absorbs much of the riverfront property that could be preserved for public use.
• rivate development would be better if built back off the riverfront adjacent to public space.

What are your views?

Issue #2: Do we keep the International Rooms and Exhibition Center?

Those who think we should may say…

• The meeting and convention spaces of the Executive Inn could be used (and renovated if needed) and connected to one or more new hotels.
• This option would be cheaper than building new.

Those who think we should – but only temporarily – may say…

• In order to hold on to some semblance of our tourism and convention business during the transition before a new facility can be built, the existing International Rooms and Exhibition Center could be used to accommodate some events.

Those who think we should not may say…

• Former Executive Inn sales staff indicates that the convention facilities do not meet the specifications of most associations, businesses and other customers. Ceilings are too low, acoustics are poor, and the large numbers of columns are among the deficiencies.
• The existing convention facilities also obstruct river views and would make it difficult to extend the public space west along the river from McConnell Plaza toward English Park.

What are your views?

Issue #3: Do we extend Veteran’s Boulevard to the west through the
Executive Inn property and connect it with First Street?

Those who think we should may say…

• This would provide a convenient connection to the west end and English Park and perhaps spur redevelopment in the neighborhood.
• Most seem to prefer a meandering street design to slow traffic rather than a direct boulevard connection.

Those who think we should not may say…

• This is another costly public infrastructure project that is not necessary.
• The area would be more appealing to homebuilders without a boulevard going through it.

What are your views?

Issue #4: Do we extend Smother’s Park and McConnell Plaza to the west
along the riverside of the Executive Inn property?

Those who think we should may say…

• A well-designed extension of the park and plaza will enhance the appeal of sites for private development. If Veteran’s Boulevard is also extended, new construction on the south side of the street could feature river views while preserving public access to the waterfront.

Those who think we should not may say…

• Another costly project not included in the $79 million master plan. The RiverPark Center BB&T Plaza, Smother’s Park, McConnell Plaza and English Park provide plenty of access to the riverfront.

What are your views?

Issue #5: Do we preserve the Showroom Lounge?

Those who think we should may say…

• With its panoramic views, the Showroom Lounge is a distinctive landmark along the Ohio River. It can continue to be used as a restaurant, for concerts and receptions. Why tear it down?

Those who think we should not may say…

• Perhaps the most popular feature of the Riverfront Master Plan is the pedestrian connection from downtown to English Park. The Showroom Lounge obstructs that connection. The interior is attractive, but the exterior rigging and bollards are unattractive and gather driftwood.

What are your views?

Issue #6: What should eventually be built on the Executive Inn property?
What is your vision for the area?

___ additional hotels?
___ high rise housing?
___ urban village (townhouses with mixed-use commercial)?
___ outdoor amphitheater?
___ stadium (minor league baseball, concerts)?
___ water park?
___ tennis club/center?
___ other_______________________________
___ other_______________________________
___ other_______________________________

Issue #7: How should we finance the plan for the Executive Inn property?

The cost of the plan cannot be calculated until the elements and features of the plan are determined. In a general sense, do you prefer to…

___ use existing city and county reserves?
___ use the revenue from the insurance tax increase?
___ (reduce the scope of the downtown plan if necessary)?
___ use federal stimulus funds (if qualify)?
___ use federal Community Development funds?
___ seek state and federal stimulus funds?
___ raise occupational/net profits tax?
___ establish tax increment financing district?
___  borrow funds as needed (assuming the debt service can be absorbed with existing revenue streams)?
___ other_______________________________
___ other_______________________________
___ other_______________________________