Scott Priestle, March 15, 2013

For more than a decade, the East Price Hill Improvement Association (EPHIA) has envisioned the intersection of Warsaw and St. Lawrence as a gathering space and showpiece for the neighborhood. It's in a prime location between two business districts in Price Hill.

“It could be for Price Hill what Fountain Square is for downtown,” said Tom Croft, vice president of EPHIA.

After years of planning, the St. Lawrence Public Square Project is finally in motion, thanks to a passionate group of citizens and the professional support of Price Hill Will, one of two lead agencies for place matters in Price Hill.

EPHIA's carefully thought-out vision has attracted grants from Cincinnati’s Neighborhood Business District Improvement Program and Price Hill Will to turn the vision of a public square into reality.

"Our plan is to connect the whole corner,” said Patti Hogan, a native of East Price Hill and one of the driving forces behind the project. “We think it’s the kind of thing that can bring some new life to the whole neighborhood and increase development all around it.”

“This is Community, with a capital 'C,' at its best,” said Pat Bruns, who has worked alongside Hogan, Croft and Price Hill Will on the project. “It takes a long time to develop major projects. Having people like Patti and Tom who stay engaged, with the expertise of Price Hill Will – it’s a win-win situation.”

Since 2010, when the Eagle Bank building burned down and left a vacant lot, EPHIA has installed brick pavers in front of the lot and fencing and greenery behind the lot that matches the look of surrounding areas. Price Hill Will purchased the property for $16,000 and is using its funds to excavate the site and upgrade the water and electric service.

Plans for the square include a stage and monuments with landscaping, and eventually a reflecting pool.

The improvements are expected to attract a lot of attention to the corner. As the Public Square project takes shape, it could become the center of the popular Holiday on the Hill and host concerts and other community events.

“What’s amazing about that corner is how one project drives attention to the next project,” said Diana Vakharia, director of operations at Price Hill Will. “It’s making things start to happen.”