We're Trying to Buy a House

My husband and I are trying to buy a house. Not one house in particular, but a house in general.

We've found about four homes in the past six months that we're willing to purchase--under the right conditions. Those conditions being: selling price and financing and... well, mostly financing. Needless to say, nothing has come together quite yet. Either the price is always out of our range or there are financing restrictions due to the renovation costs, etc.

I know we're not the only potential homeowners who are having a hard time actually purchasing a home. And with the deadline for the government's glorious "first-time homeowners" incentive looming so near over us, we're quickly losing steam (and losing hope).


The homes we've seen and loved have all met one of two qualifications:

1. A single-family home that is downtown ("downtown" loosely referring here to the valley between the hills that surround the central business district of our city--as opposed to "Uptown"), large enough for us to have another child or two (or three) before we need to consider up-sizing, some sort of parking (even if just one off-street or nearby space for my husband's work vehicle), and a historic home (as opposed to the new, builders' grade Drees homes in the West End) with minimal crappy renovations done by the previous owners.

2. A multi-family building or a historic single-family home on a large property that we can use to further our crazy shared vision for a nonprofit organization and housing co-op. We would prefer this to be as near downtown as possible (we had a potential property in the West End), though I've told my husband I would be willing to sacrifice being downtown for either a walkable business district or a large city park.



So, who wants to sell us their house?
You've got twenty-three days and counting.

Urban Revitalization

A few weeks ago, I represented my organization by sitting on a panel for a Give Back Cincinnati "Sounding Session." The topic was urban revitalization. I was supposed to be representing the nonprofit perspective on what it takes to revitalize a community, what stands in the way, and how an individual can help the cause in their community. I may have had a few things to say as a "professional," but I actually walked away with more personal reflection than anything else. In fact, I've been thinking about the topic ever since.

A few thoughts on the issue:

- One of the biggest deterrents to urban revitalization is both the transient nature of many would-be urban dwellers and a city's neglect of amenities that would encourage long-term commitment from residents. Because of the rapid life changes that many residents will go through (college graduation, first jobs, marriage, first child, third child, retirement, etc.), they feel the need to move to a different neighborhood every five years to accommodate those changes. Whether it is the sheer absence of single-family residences, a lack of greenspace and natural areas, parking issues, or safety concerns, most families would not consider living in the same location where they rented their first college apartment. And most residents are simply unwilling to commit to staying put in a community where they are not certain they will be comfortable in 25 years. I believe that the issue here is as much imagined as it is realistic, which leads me to my next point...

- Perceived issues are sometimes more a deterrent than real issues. For example, people may believe it's impractical to live in downtown Cincinnati because "there is no place to buy groceries," but they are wrong in their assumption. And even if they were correct, it would be no more difficult to drive from their downtown home to the nearest large grocery store than it would be for them to drive from their Mason home to the nearest grocery store. In fact, it might be nearer to them and take less time. Another example is the popular notion of how "terrible" the schools are. Not only is this an improper assumption, but it is irrelevant given that in Cincinnati parents can send their children to the public school of their choice, anywhere in the city. All it takes is some ingenuity and effort on the part of the parents and their children can have the same quality education as a child who lives next door to Fairview German School or Walnut Hills High School. (And don't even get me started on the ridiculous notion that once a couple decides to have a child, it is time for them to move to a new subdivision on the outskirts of town, where all the families live. UGH!)

- Poor housing and real estate stock is a serious deterrent to revitalization. There is often a shortage of single-family homes in urban areas and, even where there are homes, parking is an issue. In addition, most parents want a backyard for their children and would even settle for a small, fenced courtyard if given the option. But, concrete reigns supreme instead. In many lower-income areas, beautiful single-family residences have been chopped into poorly-maintained and tastelessly-renovated multi-family buildings (Cincinnati's Avondale neighborhood is a prime example of this). In addition, many vacant buildings cannot be developed because they are owned by absentee landlords who are either slumlords or speculators.

- Quality and diversity of commerce is important for the revitalization of a community. One common theme that I heard at the Sounding Session was that residents and visitors want to see and support businesses that can only be found there, in that community. Sometimes we call these "Mom and Pop" businesses and they are sometimes the best thing drawing people and money to an area. I will add to this, though, that the mere presence of these businesses is not enough. Residents must continue to support them financially on a regular basis. (See the 3/50 Project website for more a comprehensive writing on this issue.)

- No one person, family, or business can revitalize a community alone. In order for a community to experience real renewal, it must be a cooperative task between neighbors, friends, and organizations. In my exercises in community organizing for work, I have seen that the issue of cooperation (or lack-there-off) can really make or break a community. First, those in control of community resources (money, real estate, connections, etc.) must consider the shared vision of those in the entire community or either watch their single vision die or become an unwelcome guest. Now, add to this every person's need for deep and authentic relationships. This makes it simply impossible for one entity to accomplish anything great alone, unless they have the support of those around them. I have all sorts of crazy ideas related to this issue, but I won't go into it now.


All in all, this entire issue of "revitalization" is huge and impossible to conquer in one conversation or one blog post. In fact, most people who dedicate their lives to seeing their community revitalized may not witness the fruits of their effort in their lifetime. This is, indeed, big work. And this issue quickly becomes a battle of ideologies, ethics, culture, and politics, which so often ends the conversation entirely.

Suffice to say this (for now):

I have committed myself to never simply residing in my community.
If I am not somehow benefiting it--creating something, bringing something new to life (or bringing something dead back to life), making it safer or stronger, or more beautiful, then I am a waste of space and have surrendered my rights as a resident of the community.



So, I suppose this is where the real conversation begins:

What are you doing to bring your community to life?

Do This: Ohio State Roadway Cleanup

I know it might be a little taboo to promote a work event on my personal blog, but here goes:

With millions passing through Cincinnati every month, potholes and heavy traffic aren’t our only problems.

Would you like to know that your concerns about highway litter are being answered? Are you ready to be a part of the solution?

For years, the Ohio Department of Transportation and volunteers with Keep Cincinnati Beautiful have been working to keep litter off of our Ohio State roadways. This year, as a part of the annual State Roadway Cleanup on March 27th, we’ve asked for your help in choosing the cleanup locations! The results are in and will be used to mobilize volunteers during the State Roadway Cleanup, an extension of the nationwide Great American Cleanup.

Now, you are invited to be a part of the solution by volunteering on Saturday, March 27th for the annual State Roadway Cleanup, a partnership between Keep Ohio Beautiful, Keep Cincinnati Beautiful and the Ohio Department of Transportation. To volunteer in the Cincinnati area, you can complete the online volunteer form at KeepCincinnatiBeautiful.org. Once your volunteer form has been submitted and accepted, you will be sent a confirmation email with complete event details and volunteer information. Please allow a few days to process your volunteer form.

Saturday, March 27, 2010

8:30am- Registration;

9:00am- Kick-off Event;

9:30-12:30pm Cleanup Event

Meeting Location:

Cincinnati Union Terminal 1301 Western Avenue

Cincinnati, OH 45203-1123

All State Roadway Cleanup volunteers who sign up through Keep Cincinnati Beautiful will receive a $1 coupon for the Cincinnati Museum Center’s new Omnimax film: Under the Sea and are eligible to receive one of five pairs of tickets that will be raffled during the event kick-off press conference!

Volunteers will meet in the Cincinnati Union Terminal parking lot, participate in a state-wide kick-off ceremony, and then be mobilized to their respective cleanup locations. This kick-off event will include a special appearance by Cincinnati Bengal Andre Smith, live music by local favorites Jake Speed and the Freddies, and light coffee breakfast.

Volunteers for the State Roadway Cleanup events in Cincinnati must be aged 18 or over, as all cleanup locations will be on or near Ohio State highways. Carpooling to Union Terminal is highly recommended. Some volunteers will ride together in a bus; others will transport themselves to the cleanup locations. All cleanup locations will be overseen by ODOT staff and all proper safety measures will be observed. All cleanup supplies will be provided. Volunteers should dress for weather conditions and light outdoor manual labor. Closed-toed shoes are required. For more information, visit KeepCincinnatiBeautiful.org, call (513)352-4384 or email liz.mcewan@cincinnati-oh.gov

Things to Love, Take 1

Some new, old, and "new to me" things to love:



The BedNest:

Manufactured somewhere in the UK, the BedNest is a compact, travel-friendly co-sleeper crib.

We purchased an Arm's Reach co-sleeper and used it for our son's first 8 months. The Arm's Reach beats the BedNest in a few ways: it's larger, the mattress can be lowered to play-pen height, and its about half the price. But, the BedNest definitely wins for style and compact storage/travel-ability.

Maybe we'll save up for one before we make way for a baby #2?




Sprig Toys:

My mother purchased this Sprig "Dino Adventure Rig" for my son for his first birthday. Sceptical of any gift arriving in such colorful wrapping, I was very pleasantly surprised when I was what was inside.

All the sprig toys are made from "Sprigwood"-- reclaimed plastic mixed with recycled wood. They are colored without decorative paint and come in recycled, minimalist packaging. Even the electric toy series is powered by a generator using kinetic kid-produced energy.



My House Party:

I was super excited to see my friends Mike and Jessica, and their lovely tiny wooden houses featured all over my favorite design websites last month.

You can visit their online store to purchase the darling things, along with an assortment of air plants.





Sixx Design:

This husband and wife design team gets my vote for "best urban family homes." (At least, the best I've seen this week.) Of course, it would take me winning the lottery, selling a kidney, or harvesting a few eggs to contract their services, but I think it would be worth it.

Props for:
Keeping it urban (most of their work is in Manhattan); having a million kids (7, to be exact); naming your kids weird, but not too weird names ("Major" is my personal favorite).

Check out their book Downtown Chic and an upcoming gig on Bravo.



Happy Saturday!

Go Play Outside: Urban Playscapes

My husband is trying to convince me to move out of downtown into a nearby neighborhood. (Don't worry, we haven't jumped ship yet, but I am patiently hearing him out.) There's a lot that goes into this discussion--some current issues with our apartment, plans for a family business, housing co-op ideas, etc. One main concern that both of us share: if we stay downtown, where will our son play?

I've been thinking a lot about outdoor play places and an experience last week solidified some things for me.

A friend of ours held their daughter's fourth birthday party at a play equipment manufacturer's warehouse out in one of Cincinnati's east suburbs. This company opens their warehouse/showroom to the public for open play and to rent for parties. All of their display pieces are fair game, everything from trampolines, blow-up bouncy castles, play structures, and basketball hoops. It's a brilliant idea and it was an awesome party. Thankfully, my son can walk and climb, so there were a few things he could play on (including swings--which he loves), but most of the play structures are optimized at an older age. One structure was super cool. It was three full stories, connected by ladders, kept secure with vertical bars, and featuring a three-story winding slide. The price tag read: $35,000.
Yep, $35k.

This led me to ask myself: If I had $35,000 to spend on a play structure for my children, how would I spend it? And I'll tell you what--the last thing I'd spend it on is a mass-produced, bright blue steel structure for my backyard.

Now, let's put this into a public space perspective.
Most conversations surrounding public playscapes focus on two main issues: safety and durability. Basically, "How can we keep our kids busy without hurting them? Oh! And we don't want to have to replace anything in a year or two." Now, I understand that both safety and durability are important questions to ask. But, are they the only questions we should be asking? And are they the most important?

What did kids do before steel play structures were invented?
Geez! They must have been bored out of their minds, right?

Think about your average urban (or suburban) public play area.

Now, think about the childhood experience of outdoor play in a natural area.

Think about the materials, the shapes, the colors, and the textures. Compare the freedom and curiosity that come alive in natural spaces to the strictures and literal play of manufactured play areas. Sure, these play places keep kids busy and relatively "safe," but the kids aren't learning anything, exploring anything, and definitely aren't creating anything. Instead, they run around in circles inside a fence, climb up and down and up and down the same ladder, and swing back and forth on swings. Geez, even video games require some sort of strategy!

I would venture to say that most public play areas are a terrible waste of space and resources because they bear such little resemblance to natural areas.

Believe me, I know that the solution for most of us does not involve abandoning public play spaces because it's unrealistic to expect that those of us in urban areas should drive to the nearest wooded area whenever our child wants to play ouside. Instead, I wonder what would happen if we reconsidered the way we design and structure our public playscapes. This wouldn't satisfy the entire problem--we still need to expose our children to natural spaces--but it would satisfy the day-to-day need for children to play in ways that make them stronger, smarter, and more creative, rather than simply occupied.

What if we designed our urban play areas to more closely resemble natural areas?
And what if, instead of buying a $35,000 play structure for a public park, we hired a landscape architect or naturalist to create a public greenspace area that encouraged natural play and activities?

I've found a lot of great resources online for just this sort of idea, and there are other cities and countries that are already doing this (or have been doing it for decades). When I get the time, I hope to post some links to articles, photos, and other great resources.

For now, I'm curious what you think about the average (sub)urban play area and how it compares to your experiences of play as a child.

An Ode to My Baby Boy

In honor of our son's first birthday, we hosted an open house. We used a loose disguise theme, since Izzy loves hats and glasses.

We kept our food simple: lots of healthy snacks and a few desserts.











I made about a million cupcakes and my grandmother's butter cookies in the shape of the number "1."











We took advantage of our high ceilings and projected a slideshow of our favorite photos of Izzy's first year. It looped during the entire party.









I made a hundred or so origami paper lanterns (and had extra paper and instructions ready for guests to make some, too) to decorate a make-shift "photo booth" to catch friends in their disguises. Sad to say, the natural lighting in our apartment is terrible and so very few photos came out well.




I made Izzy a paper hat and mustache for his disguise. He didn't like it so much, but his cousin did and kept trying to get him to wear it.










He liked this hat a little bit more.











We played a rousing game of "Pin the Mustache on the Man."







The host and hostess.

Happy first birthday to our sweet little boy!