Loveland, Ohio – Ron Rolke owned Rolke Bros Supply Co. in Historic Downtown Loveland for 31 years.
Ronald Carl Rolke, was the beloved husband of Barbara Rolke, devoted father of David Rolke, Russell (Lisa Rogers) Rolke, Christopher (Stephanie) Rolke , Cheryl (Jeff) Taylor, and Dennis Browning, loving grandfather of Ethan Rolke, Kaitlyn Rolke, Andrew Browning, Donald Browning, Meredith (Jason) Wakeland, Megan (David) Taylor-Tucker, Brittney Taylor, and Nicholas Browning, Great-grandfather to Raymond and Andrew Wakeland, Wesley, Jackson, Tanner Tucker, and Hunter Duty. Dear brother of Gene (Donna) Rolke.
Ronald graduated from Loveland High School in 1960, went on to study at Morehead University, and proudly served in the United States Airforce.
Ronald passed away on July 30, 2023 at the age of 81. Family will receive friends at the Bethel-Murdoch Presbyterian Church on Sunday, September 3rd from 2 PM until time of services beginning at 3 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.
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A note from Managing Editor David Miller:
“Ron graciously allowed me to spend some days at the store in the Spring of 2008 when I learned the store was going to close and probably be demolished. I asked him if I could explore from floor to ceiling and also the upper floor where I found the gears and belts of the machinery that ground grain, and decades of cobwebs. He also allowed me to take the photos you see of him waiting on his faithful customers. Below are the photos that have never been seen before and when the store contents were auctioned.”
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Ron Rolke waiting on a customer in the Spring of 2008
RonaldRolke owned Rolke Bros Supply Co. in Historic Downtown Loveland for 31 years. The business was a fixture of Historic Downtown and was located where the Loveland Station parking lot is now.
Ron bought it from his father Henry Rolke. Son Chris told Loveland Magazine, “At Rolke Bros we sold pretty much anything, salt, plants, and seeds in the spring, food for birds, dogs, cats, horses, cows, etc. We sold straw and hay throughout the year as well as fencing and pet supplies. In the early years, we sold a lot of coal to individuals and even toLoveland schools to heat their buildings. At one point we even sold baby chickens.”
Chris added, “My grandfather bought the business in 1947 and my father ran it until 2008. I had done some searching and found references to the main building having existed in the 1880s. The business survived the infamous 1959 flood as well as a major fire in 1963.
The store was originally established in 1897 as J.P. Queenan’s Coal, Feed and Grist Mill. It provided several services and products, including grinding, corn meal, coal oil, axle grease, gasoline, and many farm and garden supplies. The next owner, in about 1910, was A.L. Eddingfield, followed by “Pappy” Cornett. Henry Rolke bought the business in 1947. The business remained in the same location by the railroad station and historic depot until it closed in 2008.
LOVELAND’S LOCAL SOUTHERN FRIED CAFE, FEATURING CHICKEN, PIE & BOURBON
Columnist, Sean Behling
by Sean Behling
Loveland, Ohio – Earlier this year, Enoteca Emilia, an Italian restaurant in Downtown Loveland unfortunately closed its doors for good. This was not the end, however, as owner Margaret Ranalli recently opened a new restaurant in its place called LoveBird, serving Southern comfort food staples inspired by her time living in Charleston, South Carolina.
LoveBird is located on the first floor of the retail center of Loveland Station and faces the Loveland Historic District. There is plenty of indoor or patio seating, a fully stocked bar, as well as a carryout menu.
Watch our interview with Ranalli to learn more about the exciting new flavor she’s bringing to downtown Loveland:
Sabo Design Associates wants readers to be aware that even though they applied for SPD designation for “Oak Apartments” that they are not the “Developer/Owner” of the property. They said in an Email to Loveland Magazine, “Sabo Design Associates is not the Builder, nor are we the Owner for this project. We simply designed the building for clients.”
Sabo Design Associates declined to name their client however Loveland Magazine has since learned that the Client is Hunt and Whitacre, 550 Wards Corner Road and the current owner of 102 Oak Street is Wilma Conley.
Loveland, Ohio – Sabo Design Associates with offices on Wards Corner Road has applied to build four 16 unit apartment buildings on Oak Street in the Clermont County side of the City. “Oak Apartments” will be four levels each with parking garages below each building. The proposal is for 106 total parking spaces with 1.6 parking spaces per unit. There will be 0′ set-back to the side and rear of existing properties.
Sixty-four apartments are proposed in four-story buildings. The most recent apartment complex constructed and nearby is Loveland Station with 94 units on approximately 3 acres. Loveland Station was also made possible by SPD zoning.
The parcel for Oak Apartments is approximately 1.033 acres.
Sabo Design will need for the City to create a Special Planning District (SPD) which if approved will erase the existing zoning restrictions and protections for the immediate neighborhood and create a separate zoning district with distinct restrictions, permissions, and guidelines.
The current zoning of the immediate neighborhood is Residential-Medium Density (R-MD). The existing R-MD zone does not permit high-density multiple-family uses.
According to a memo written by Assistant City Manager Tom Smith to the Planning and Zoning Commission (P&Z) the applicant must first make a written finding that one or more of the following conditions exist, or will exist, within the proposed SPD:
(a) A concentration of retail and service oriented commercial establishments serving as a principal business activity center for the community.
(b) Land that is occupied by substantial natural characteristics worthy of preservation or which are historic aids to the identification of residential communities which help residents relate to their communities and to relate the social organization of communities to their physical environments.
(c) Lands which permit for ingenuity, imagination, and design efforts on the part of builders, architects, site planners, and developers that can produce residential developments which are in keeping with overall land use intensity and open space objectives of the Comprehensive Plan while departing from the strict application of use, setback, height, and minimum lot size requirements contained in the Zoning Code.
Smith said that if the P&Z determine the application meets the requirements for an SPD they should set a public hearing of the Planning and Zoning Commission for February 4. P&Z has voted to set that date for a public hearing.
The property currently has one single-family home on 1.1496 acres. The property is on Oak Street and wraps around the bend to Second Street. The Northwest side of the property has significant to extreme slopes according to the application.
In the application, Sabo Design said, “As proposed, the development would provide 64 new apartment residences with remarkable views and walkable to Downtown Loveland. Additionally, with the self-contained parking provided, there would be no additional burden to the Business District.”
The application will be first reviewed by P&Z. If the Commission feels that the SPD, as proposed in the Preliminary Review, does not fall within the SPD purpose and scope the Planning and Zoning Commission may deny the application or suggest an alternative action.
The Planning and Zoning Commission meets next on Jan 27 at 6 PM.
“Right Clicking” on the below documents will open them to a larger size.
As one explores the many wonders of Downtown Loveland there are so many things to take in; historic architecture, picturesque scenery, phenomenal restaurants, charming antique shops and a brand new luxury apartment community cleverly named Loveland Station. Railroads were a prominent feature of Loveland’s foregone years and a historic train station is adjacent to Loveland Station.
Loveland Station, located at the corner of West Loveland Ave. and 2nd Street, only one block from the Little Miami Scenic River and right next to the Loveland Bike Trail, came onto the Downtown scene in 2015. This beautifully structured 3 floor apartment complex including 94 units and nearly 200 residents was developed by Jim Cohen, CMC Property President, in hopes that the complex would open more doors for future developments and provide Loveland with more uses for its outstanding amenities.
Loveland Station encompasses upscale finishes and the popular “open concept living” attracting two of the largest demographics in the country, millennials and baby boomers. Each unit includes an open kitchen with granite counter tops, brushed nickel features throughout the unit, garden bathtubs, full size washer and dryer connections, cable and 9 foot ceilings. In addition to all of the upscale features included in these luxurious units more than half of the units also include a balcony that overlooks Downtown Loveland and gigantic walk-in closets! Resident Sean Clark commented on the luxury finishes saying, “the apartments are very nice with big bathrooms, granite counters and great appliances.”
A look into one of Loveland Stations luxurious units fully equipped with an open kitchen and bar top with beautiful granite counters and stainless steel appliances.
Unlike most modern apartments, Loveland Station offers a number of floor plans. The Station offers One Bed One Baths ranging between 700 and 836 square feet pricing between 945 and 1,135 dollars as well as Two Bed Two Baths ranging between 943 and 1415 square feet pricing between 1,195 and 1,705 dollars. The Loveland Station community also offers Three Bed Two Bath units, which are 1,455 square feet and price between 1,675 and 1,735 dollars. When residents were asked about the floors plans they gave nothing but rave reviews. “The property is immaculately maintained. The floor plan is open and spacious and everything I need is right there,” resident Cori Drenning said.
Alex Boyd has lived at Loveland Station for 9 months and uses the business center for Young Entrepreneur Club Meetings.
One of the biggest bonuses of living in the Loveland Station community according to residents is the amenities offered within the complex as well as the amenities surrounding the complex. “You have direct access to the bike trail and river. There’s also an awesome business center that I occasionally rent for Young Entrepreneur Club Meetings,” tenant Alex Boyd said. Alex has lived at Loveland Station for 9 months and is a very successful entrepreneur, having opened his own business called the Vapor Studio located in Maineville.
My dog’s Dean and Nala enjoying the spacious balcony within a 2 bedroom 2 bath floor plan.
The pet-friendly complex definitely doesn’t fall short on amenities giving residents access to a state of the art 24 hour fitness center, a pristine business center and lounge with free Wi-Fi, trash valet, complimentary bike storage and garages with remote controlled access. Within the Loveland Station complex residents can enjoy several local retailers and restaurants, such as Graeters, The Casual Pint, Bella’s, Busy Bee Boutique and Vertical Drop that incorporate the community’s themes of family, fitness and romance. “Loveland Station is a cool place with lots of entertainment within walking distance. If dining and nightlife is your thing, it’s definitely worth looking into living here,” resident Steve Beamer said.
Although the Loveland Station didn’t get the best response from the community at first due to concerns such as the complex not blending in with the areas historic landscaping and traffic congestion, the Loveland station has proven to be nothing but a positive addition to the area creating additional jobs, tax revenues and an economic boost for the city. Loveland Station Property Manager, Jessica McCallum couldn’t agree more.
The Station’s state of the art business center and resident lounge.
“Our company is all about the residents! I really enjoy getting to know all of our residents and their families, even their furry family members! I just love when they bring their dogs to the office for a special treat! I think that knowing my residents names makes them feel good. I look at Loveland Station as part of my extended family, that goes for all of Loveland Station, the people who work here, who live here, and the retail workers as well,” Jessica said.
Loveland Station Property Manager, Jessica McCallum answers residents emails on the drop of a dime!
Creating that Work-Live-Play atmosphere within the Loveland Station complex that new Downtown Loveland residents are seeking, according to Jessica, has aided in the complex’s success placing the Station community at 100 percent occupancy with quite a waiting list for the next available unit. “I love the people here! They make managing the Loveland Station so easy,” Jessica said with pride.
The Loveland Station Complex has brought a whole new “Suburban Urban” vibe to Downtown Loveland as well as a noticeable positive impact on the economy and a plethora of opportunities for the community.
For more information on The Loveland Station you can contact the property at 513-285-3980 Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 5:30 PM or Saturday and Sunday from 10 AM to 4 PM. You can also visit the Loveland Station’s Facebook for pictures and videos of the immaculate property.
Cassie Mattia is a resident of Historic Downtown Loveland, Ohio and lives at Loveland Station
![Ronald Carl Rolke passes at the age of 81 [Historical Photo Album Rolke Bros. Supply]](https://lovelandmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/ron-rolke-loveland-magazine.jpg)
Chris added, “My grandfather bought the business in 1947 and my father ran it until 2008. I had done some searching and found references to the main building having existed in the 1880s. The business survived the infamous 1959 flood as well as a major fire in 1963.
![[Video Interview] LoveBird brings new flavor to Historic Downtown Loveland](https://lovelandmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/lovebird.jpg)
