Our Cincinnati Neighborhoods series continues as we venture to Mount Adams. Mount Adams is located a short drive from our previous blog about the Columbia-Tusculum neighborhood.
As one of Cincinnati’s most historic and picturesque neighborhoods, Mount Adams is located on the East side of Cincinnati. With gorgeous views of Downtown and the Ohio River everywhere you turn, it’s an impressive area to live or visit. High up in the hills, Mount Adams was established in the 19th century when many German and Irish immigrants settled there.
In 1872, the Mount Adams Incline was completed. This created a clear connection to downtown Cincinnati. Since then, the neighborhood has been focused on continual progress. This is seen in the consistent efforts to preserve the arts, Eden Park, and the homes within the neighborhood.
A Mecca for the Arts
What arguably began the dedication to the arts in Mount Adams was the establishment of the Rookwood Pottery factory. Maria Longworth brought her world-renowned ceramic artistry to the neighborhood in the 1880’s. Though the factory closed at one point, they reopened and relocated their factory to Over-the-Rhine, Cincinnati. You can schedule tours to see the process of how the pottery and tiles are made.
The awe continues as we look at the business district of the neighborhood that has beautiful streets that wind up the road. Clustered shops give an intimate, close-knit feel that charms every visitor. The neighborhood favors pedestrians as everything is close and within walking distance.
A Beacon Star Over the City
Referred to as the “beacon star over the city”, Holy Cross-Immaculata Catholic church is a central focus of Mount Adams, where the steep streets meet the steps that lead up to the beautiful structure. Every Good Friday, local Catholics gather throughout the day to “pray the steps”, reciting the rosary as they climb one step at a time, one prayer bead per step.
Rowhouses in Mount Adams
If you are strolling through the streets of Mount Adams, you will notice an array of architectural styles around every corner. Every façade is a bit different from the next, so defining a style for the neighborhood is a bit difficult to do. However, a key characteristic is that most of the houses are considered rowhouses.
Rowhouses have many different styles, but historically they have heavy stone, or brick fronts with windows evenly placed, as if on a grid. People tend to shy away from these houses because they lack width, most are only 12 feet to 25 feet wide.
What these houses lack in width they make up in depth and height. Each house is typically two to three stories tall, with extensive space for your choice of a large living room or kitchen. These differing styles of these houses are typically due to renovations of old buildings. The exterior looks new, but they still call back to the historical context of the building.
Things to Do in Mount Adams
Eden Park is a central focus for residents and visitors all throughout Cincinnati. Supporting Mount Adams reputation as an arts mecca, the park holds the Cincinnati Art Museum, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park and the Krohn Conservatory. There is truly an activity for everyone. On any given day you will see people walking, reading and playing along the trails, or sitting in the grass overlooking the city.
The Cincinnati Art Museum was founded in 1881 and completed in 1886. The museum contains gorgeous works of art that are constantly changing, with new exhibits introduced regularly. The Rosenthal Education Center, housed in the museum, creates an interactive learning experience where children and families can get a hands on experience creating art.
Before visiting the museum, make sure to visit the website for more information about hours and guidelines. Want to see the museum from the comfort of your home? You can enjoy a Google virtual tour.
There is art for everyone’s tastes in Mount Adams. The Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park delivers excellent classic and contemporary works through musicals, dramas, comedies and more. Their mainstage season has been postponed until the Fall 2021, but you can join their email list to stay informed about upcoming shows.
Last, but certainly not least of the great offerings that are in Eden Park, I must mention Krohn Conservatory. The gorgeous greenhouse structure houses thousands of plants within and throughout the property. There are dedicated houses to almost every plant species that make it a fun and educational experience for people of all ages. The Conservatory is currently closed due to COVID, but they host online plant sales each week to help get rid of the winter blues.
I am interested to see how this area continues to grow, as the residential neighborhood continues to evolve, and the businesses within expand and attract consumers. Mount Adams is already a household name that allows residents to be in Cincinnati but escape the downtown scene. There are numerous taverns, bars and restaurants that attract people of varying ages and backgrounds that allow anyone looking to move to the neighborhood find something they just might love.
