Clifton Home and Garden Tour 2024 – a Recap in Three Easy Walkabouts

Did you miss the perfect Mother’s Day event, when all locations were open for visitors? If so, we’ll break it down here for your casual strolling enjoyment. Parking opportunities are marked on the map with a P, with easy walkability in 3 groupings suggested for those who don’t want to go the full distance. You can enjoy a sidewalk view of all 10 locations while traversing our walkable, beautiful neighborhood! Credits to the official tour booklet’s writer Lindsay Wile and illustrator Sonja Thams.

South Grouping

429 Resor Avenue

Built approx. 1870; current homeowners Benjamin Schmidt and Danielle Nitti. Renovations: Second Empire style was conserved during a 2017 renovation by previous owners, which added new kitchen, baths, and opened the floor plan. History: Two important Clifton founders built, then inhabited this historic manor. The McAlpin family (1870s), followed by the Isaac Burnet Resor family until Mr. Resor’s death in 1909, when the home was transformed into rental and boarding before the next sale.

3345 Whitfield Avenue

Built in 1848 by Richard Smith/famed newspaperman, now the location of the Center for Mind, Body and Play. Restorations over 30 years by previous owners Tom and Linda Bender.

New transformations: Interior design Tara Ryan Busch of Boxwood Interiors, Bobby Bedinghaus and Chris Liedke of Bedinghaus Painting

587 Terrace Avenue

Built 2017-2018 by owner Dr. Michael Willing. Brad Roush/architect, Andrew James BuildersJill Koch/interior designer. LEED gold certification, Pool by Mid American (2022).

History: This property previously was the site of a modest 2-bedroom home (1954). Acquired in 2016, Dr. Willing sketched out his intentions for a new home, designed in harmony with a Sears home across the street.

North Grouping

8 Belsaw Place  

Built 1922; homeowners Guy and Kelly Banesse. Design: NOLI Kitchen (Agostino Fede design/build); Quince & Quinn (John Hinger interior design)

439 Wood Avenue  

uilt 1920 by Alfred S. Berghausen. A Craftsman bungalow. Current steward/renter Michael Friedes

403 Lafayette Avenue  

Built 1853; current homeowners Jess and Andrew Salzbrun. Renovations: All Around Joe, NOLI Kitchen, and Jess Salzbrun. History: The Neave/Sabin residence was home to the Alexander C. Neave family and his descendants from 1853 to 1925. The formal entryway pediment and columns were added to the façade in 1910. Dr. Albert Sabin and his family moved to Cincinnati in 1947 and chose this address as their home. Here, in his personal laboratory, Sabin would produce the world-famous Sabin polio vaccine.

517 Lafayette Avenue  

Built in 2011 by owners Bill Chappie and Scott Allgyer. Architect Ron Sabo and Justin Goldwire/Goldwire Gardens. Creative evolution over 13 years by Bill (the visionary) and Scott (the executor).

East Grouping

Clifton Cultural Arts Center – 3412 Clifton Avenue  

Built in 2024; Emersion Design/architecture and engineering; Skanska/construction management. History: CCAC’s new permanent home is set into the heart of Clifton, presenting a lively atmosphere of efficiency and inclusivity. Careful choice of materials and preservation of existing sightlines have made this 18,000-square-foot modern structure a well-integrated new gathering and performance space. A variety of classrooms and galleries welcome audiences, artists and educators. All is topped off with a green rooftop terrace where visitors enjoy an overview of Clifton’s lush trees and vintage rooftops.

2 East Interwood Place – The Pool and Marietta Gardens

Built 1925; homeowners Nora and Steve Fink. Pool Design: Christopher Lamond & Lamond Design and Mid American Pools

New Garden Plot at Vine and Glenmary Avenues

Built 2023; David Jackson/D2 Landscaping and Outdoor Service 

CTM Board of Trustees will meet in a hybrid meeting on Monday, Dec. 4, 2023

The public is welcome to attend. Public input on CTM agenda items will be heard after Trustee discussion is complete.  Community members wishing to address the Board on an agenda item should sign up to speak at least 24 hours before start of the meeting by completing this Google form or with an email request directed to the president at contactctm@cliftoncommunity.org. Individual input on agenda items will last no more than two minutes.

Community members may speak on non-agenda issues during the public questions and concerns period at the end of the meeting. Individuals with statements are asked to sign in before the start of the meeting. Such statements should last not more than two minutes and are invited during the public questions and concerns period. Email your request to speak (specify the topic), or to request an agenda item at the next meeting to contactctm@cliftoncommunity.org.

Agenda

Join in-person: Clifton Recreation Center, 320 McAlpin Avenue  
Join Remotely: https://meet.google.com/qym-wjou-ncx

TimeTopicLead
7 p.m.Welcome – Announcement Trustees – Roll CallPres. Checco, Sec. Gee
7:01Approval of November minutesSec. Gee
7:02Election of trustee to replace Mike Roller (trustees vote)
Candidates
Pres. Checco
7:07Treasurer ReportTreas. Noonan
7:09Amendment to NSP allocationTreas. Noonan
7:12Police ReportOfficer Dent
7:27Fire House Report
7:37Clifton Recreation Center ReportDirector Fitzpatrick
7:47Clifton Branch Library ReportDirector Strauss DeGrout
7:57Clifton House Tour PresentationAaron Weiner
8:02Committee updates/reportsVarious
8:17Community questions and concerns
8:22Thanksgivings
8:37Meeting Announcements
– 12/11/2023 – Second Board Orientation – Location TBD
– 12/18/2023 – Third Board Orientation – Location TBD
– 1/8/2024 – Next Board Meeting – Clifton Recreation Center, Virtual

CTM Board of Trustees will meet in a hybrid meeting on Monday, Aug. 7, 2023 at 7 p.m.

The public is welcome to attend. Public input on CTM agenda items will be heard after Trustee discussion is complete.  Community members wishing to address the Board on an agenda item should sign up to speak at least 24 hours before start of the meeting by completing this Google form or with an email request directed to the president at contactctm@cliftoncommunity.org. Individual input on agenda items will last no more than two minutes.

Community members may speak on non-agenda issues during the public questions and concerns period at the end of the meeting. Individuals with statements are asked to sign in before the start of the meeting. Such statements should last not more than two minutes and are invited during the public questions and concerns period. Email your request to speak (specify the topic), or to request an agenda item at the next meeting to contactctm@cliftoncommunity.org.

Agenda

Join in-person: Clifton Recreation Center, 320 McAlpin Avenue  
Join Remotely: https://meet.google.com/qym-wjou-ncx

Agenda

Join in-person: Clifton Recreation Center, 320 McAlpin Avenue

Join remotely: Via Google Meets

Start TimeTopicTopic Lead
7 p.m.WelcomePres. Checco
7:01Roll Call/Approval of Meeting MinutesSec. Gee
7:03Treasurer ReportTreas. Noonan
7:05Police ReportP.O. Shawn Dent
7:20Fire House Report
7:25Clifton Recreation Center ReportDirector Fitzpatrick
7:30Clifton Library ReportDirector Strauss de Groute
7:40Clifton Area Neighborhood School (CANS) ReportJulia Bonfield
7:45Strader Grant – Creation of Ad Hoc Committee (Motion 1)Pres. Checco
7:50Mural at pedestrian crossing Middleton/McAlpin Budget Request (Motion 2)Trustees Roller & Ogilby
7:55Letters for approval
– Request for Municipal Code Change (Motion 3)
– Request for elimination of car fee for police details (motion 4)
-Request to evaluate bus station on Clifton South on Ludlow (motion 5)
– Request about recurring encampment at Burnet Woods (motion 6)
Pres. Checco
8:05Nominating Committee UpdatesPres. Checco, Sec. Gee, Trustee Lienhart
8:10Bylaws review updateTrustees Lienhart & Gregg
8:20House Tour as an event to fund a neighborhood festival
8:25Discussion about “Candidates Night”Pres. Checco
8:30Committee ReportsVarious
8:50Liaison Roll CallVarious
8:55Community Questions & ConcernsPres. Checco
9:05Thanks Giving
9:10Adjournment – Next Meeting 9/11/2023Pres. Checco

Motions

# – SponsorMotion
1 – Pres. CheccoTo create an ad-hoc committee regarding safety improvements at Digg’s Plaza
2 – Trustees Roller & OgilbyTo approve a $400 donation for the creation of a mural on pedestrian crossing on Middleton, just north of McAlpin
3 – Pres. CheccoLetter – Change request to municipal code for panhandling near an entrance of a facility
4 – Pres. CheccoLetter – Eliminate car fees from police details cost
5 – Pres. CheccoLetter – Evaluate bus station on Clifton Ave south of Ludlow
6 – Pres. CheccoLetter – Safety in Burnet Woods

CTM Board of Trustees will meet in a hybrid meeting on Monday, June 5, 2023 at 7 p.m.

The public is welcome to attend. Public input on CTM agenda items will be heard after Trustee discussion is complete.  Community members wishing to address the Board on an agenda item should sign up to speak at least 24 hours before start of the meeting by completing this Google form or with an email request directed to the president at contactctm@cliftoncommunity.org. Individual input on agenda items will last no more than two minutes.

Community members may speak on non-agenda issues during the public questions and concerns period at the end of the meeting. Individuals with statements are asked to sign in before the start of the meeting. Such statements should last not more than two minutes and are invited during the public questions and concerns period. Email your request to speak (specify the topic), or to request an agenda item at the next meeting to contactctm@cliftoncommunity.org.

Agenda

Join in-person: Clifton Recreation Center, 320 McAlpin Avenue  
Join Remotely: https://meet.google.com/qym-wjou-ncx

Agenda

Join in-person: Clifton Recreation Center, 320 McAlpin Avenue

Join remotely: Via Google Meets

Start TimeTopicTopic Lead
7 p.m.WelcomePres. Checco
7:01Roll call & approval of minutesSec. Gee
7:03Treasurer ReportTreas. Noonan
7:05Police ReportOfficer Dent
Appeal to contribute to police detailsPres. Checco
7:20Move of Clifton under District 4Officer Dent
7:25Fire Report
7:35Clifton Recreation Center ReportCoordinator Fitzpatrick
7:40Clifton Library ReportManager Strauss-De Groote
7:45Clifton Area Neighborhood School (CANS) ReportJulia Bonfield
7:55Follow-up on previous motions:
– Meeting with mayor re: code
– Meeting with board of education re: CANS
Pres. Checco
8Golf Outing Update (Motion 1)John Whedon
8:05Clifton Soccer (Motion 2)Treas. Noonan
8:10Clifton House Tour Update (Motion 3)Pres. Checco
8:15Strader Grant Update (Motion 4)Mike Roller
8:20Middleton & Bryant (Motion 5)Justin Ogilby
8:25Committee & Liaison Reports (Motion 6)
– Arts & Culture – Utility Poles
Various
8:50Community Questions and Concerns
PFAS
Pres. Checco
9Thanksgiving
Clifton Welcome and Connect
9:05Adjournment – Next meeting 8/7/2023Pres. Checco

Motions

#SponsorMotion
1 GolfTo move the Clifton Golf Outing from a committee to a liaison
2 TreasurerStart transitioning Clifton Soccer to independent non-profit organization
3 PresidentTo work with leading real estate agents in Clifton and interested citizens to create a plan for Clifton House Tour in 2024
4 Arts & CultureStrader application for Digg’s Plaza, including safety, music, bicycle hub – confirm intent
5 TransportationInstall a 4-way stop at Middleton and Bryant
6 MembershipApproval of the nominating committee, Barry Gee, Mary Pat Lienhart, Heather Schwetschenau, Jeanne Strauss DeGroot, Gerald Checco

2018 House Tour Reveal – Cox Home / Library

This reveal is the historical building on the 2018 Clifton House Tour.

George Barnesdale Cox. (1853-1916), nationally known for many years as the “Easy Boss of
Cincinnati,” controlled city politics for over 25 years. When in his early 40s, “Boss” Cox contracted the region’s most prominent architectural firm, Hannaford & Sons, to build a residence for for his status in the Clifton Gaslight District on a property opposite Burnet Woods Park. Samuel Hannaford had recently completed both City Hall and Music Hall and over his career designed more than 300 buildings in the Cincinnati area, including a store and apartment building on 7th Street for Cox. Cox lived in Parkview manor and entertained lavishly there from 1895 until his death from pneumonia at age 63 in 1916. His wife maintained the home until she died in 1938. It was bequeathed to the Union Bethel and became a home for girls until 1947 when it was purchased by Pi Kappa Alpha for a fraternity house. In 2007 Michael L. Dever purchased the property and then in 2010 donated it to the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County to become what is now the Clifton Branch of the Library. Upon completion of extensive remodeling to upgrade the building and meet modern facility requirements it opened to the public on May 28, 2015.

The above is just a small portion of what is written in the tour book. Learn more about this home on the Clifton House Tour. Buy your tickets in advance for $20 or on May 13 for $25.