*Update*

*Update on the status of the Meiner Flats Preservation Effort*

The pieces are coming together in the effort to save the Meiner Flats from demolition.

A reputable Cincinnati developer has stepped up to the plate by expressing an interest in taking on the Meiner Flats restoration. This is a critical step toward making preservation a reality, as up until this point the effort lacked a private partner willing to take on the risk of redeveloping the building.

In addition, a prominent Cincinnati nonprofit is investigating the possibility of joining the private developer to facilitate the preservation effort by providing critical funding support.

When combined with funds raised through private donors, these developments indicate the convergence of efforts to save the building and the establishment of a critical mass of energy and efforts that may prevent demolition.

However, the Meiner Flats REMAINS ON THE PRECIPICE OF DEMOLITION, and PRIVATE FUNDRAISING REMAINS CRITICAL to making this happen. Your donations are very, very much appreciated.

How Can You Help?

The Meiner Flats building is slated to be demolished by the City of Cincinnati unless action is taken to demonstrate there is a commitment to save the building.

Your interest and financial contributions as private citizens is the single biggest way you can help save this important piece of Over-the-Rhine.

So how can you help?

1) Sign the pledge to join others donating their economic stimulus rebate checks to save the Meiner Flats:

www.pledgebank.com/history

2) Click on the "donate" button in the right-hand margin to make a donation to the "Meiner Flats" fund. Any amount, no matter how small, is appreciated, and all moneys will go into an account controlled and administered by the non-profit Over-the-Rhine Foundation (http://www.otrfoundation.org/)

You can also write a check, made out to "OTR Foundation - Meiner Flats Fund" and send to

Mike Morgan
Executive Director
Over-the-Rhine Foundation
1317 Main Street
Cincinnati, OH 45202

3) Spread the word to your friends, family members, and any other contacts you have who may be interested in helping

Preservation Effort Garners Media Attention

The effort to save the historic Meiner Flats building at 1500 Vine in Over-the-Rhine has caught the eye of several media outlets, including:

With each new item of media coverage, the preservation effort gathers momentum. Click on the icons above or links below to check out the stories that have been run thus far:

NPR Story "What will Americans do with rebates?"

Channel 9 Piece, "Donate Economic Rebate Check To Save OTR Building"

National Trust, Preservation Magazine Article

Cincinnati Enquirer Op-Ed by Margo Warminski

Pledge Drive Update

Two online pledge drives to raise funds for the Meiner Flats building recently concluded. Thanks to all of you who supported the drives with your generous pledges. The pledges can still be viewed at:

www.pledgebank.com/Over-the-Rhine AND
www.pledgebank.com/1500Vine

Through these efforts, we successfully raised a total of $4,960 on 45 pledges for the Meiner Flats fund. This money will be crucial in making the case that sufficient funding exists to preserve the building rather than opt to tear it down. Not only have your generous donations raised nearly $5,000 -- a not insubstantial sum -- they are also critical for their symbolic value as an indication to the City of Cincinnati that numerous concerned individuals would like to see the building saved. This power of this symbolism should not be underestimated.

To convert your pledge into an official donation, click on the "donate" link in the right-hand margin, or send a check made out to "OTR Foundation - Meiner Flats Fund" to:

Mike Morgan
Executive Director
Over-the-Rhine Foundation
1317 Main Street
Cincinnati, OH 45202

Thank you again for your contributions!