Over the Rhine (OTR) is Cincinnati’s most historic neighborhood, home of the nation’s largest collection of Italianate architecture and adjacent to the Central Business District.  It is located just 7 blocks north of Fountain Square, 12 blocks north of the Riverfront, and 7 blocks west of the new Casino.

In recent years, this neighborhood has been undergoing a dramatic transformation; what once was a deserted, blighted area has now become a diverse, vibrant community catering to all walks of life.

The thriving arts community includes several theatres, the brand new $72 million public K-12 School for Creative & Performing Arts, and the world-renowned Music Hall, home to the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, Opera, Ballet and May Festival. OTR is comprised of local shops, one-of-a-kind restaurants, an historic renovated farmer’s market, eclectic art galleries and many diverse residential options.

Within OTR are distinct neighborhoods, each with its own personality and flair. Gateway Quarter, HIstoric Main Street, Findley Market, and Liberty Hill are just a few.

Washington Park is the most recent OTR neighborhood to see a dramatic transformation. Unique to such a dense urban environment, Washington Park promises to become the heart of OTR. Re-opening in 2012, the eight-acre civic green space will include a state-of-the-art play area and water feature, dog park, a civic lawn the size of a football field along with several other fantastic amenities. The energy behind this ongoing renaissance is transforming Over the Rhine into the most desirable place to live in Cincinnati.

OTR will also be at the center of the new Cincinnati Streetcar.  Five electrically-powered streetcars, each with a capacity of 125 to 150 people, will initially operate along a 3.1 mile track between Fountain Square and Findlay Market.  Click here to see a map of the Cincinnati Streetcar route:  http://protransit.com/Maps/