The new surface lot in Historic Downtown is next to the historic R.R. car at the Works Pizza.
Loveland, Ohio – The City of Loveland is moving forward to add more parking to its Historic Downtown business district.
The surface parking lot, located off First Street behind City Hall and adjacent to the Works Pizza, will have 147 spaces. These spaces will add to Historic Downtown’s current 535 public parking spaces. The parking will be free in this new lot.
Image provided by City Hall
In addition, the project includes sidewalks to create a pedestrian connection between State Route 48, Harrison Avenue at the Loveland Bike Trail.
Previously awarded grant monies will be used to construct the lot. The city has secured $1.15 million in state and federal funding: a $900k grant from the Ohio Capital Budget and a $250k grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission.
Originally, the plan was to build a 270-space parking garage, which now is estimated to have cost more than $7 million, according to a press release issued by the City
David Miller is the Managing Editor of Loveland Magazine
by David Miller
Loveland, Ohio– Each morning I sit on our porch at home, listening to NPR and catching up with emails and a first cup of instant coffee. I have a blanket over my legs and feet with a very basic electric heater underneath. Been poking around TikTok too – ouch!
It’s always before the sun rises and I wait to see if it’s gonna be out! The sun always rises but it’s not always out. I’ve ran over to the Farm quite a few times to hop in my car, crossing the Little Miami over to the Works Pizza parking lot in Historic Downtown that not too long ago got a fresh coat of red paint – along with the railroad passenger car attached to the restaurant.
I wanted to get the bright red sun and clouds in a photo along with the iconic red landmark. Finally, yesterday – I think my timing was pretty good because most times I was late for the peak moments.
Loveland, Ohio – It’s been quite a while ago since I came across the music of Mike Carr and for a few years thought he grew up in Loveland so that connection made me keep paying attention to what he was up to. I soon learned he was behind the eclectic promotions of the New Richmond IGA and how the grocery store’s growth is now legendary.
And, learned he is not from the Loveland area at all.
About two months ago I also discovered the quite wonderful track he recorded as a Cincinnati Vampire, “Close my Eyes Forever” featuring artist Macy Addis. That’s when I promised myself I’d see Mike play as soon as I could. I got the fortunate chance when he brought his one man electrical band, OMEB to the Works Pizza on Wednesday, November 23rd.
“The first show (2004) was terrifying because Mike had finished recording the tracks hours before setting up for the first gig! It was peculiar to the venue because they had never seen someone walk in with a desktop computer, 24-inch CRT monitor, guitars and amp and say, “I’m your band tonight”. Shockingly, it worked, and the venue wanted him back!“
“Everyone told him this concept was not going to work, “No one is going to hire a heavy metal guitarist with a computer, they’ll laugh you off the stage.” Oddly enough, OMEB quickly became a household name in the Cincinnati area finding himself the ‘house band’ for the WEBN Dawn Patrol – playing multiple events ranging from their Pregnant Bikini Contest to the main stage for the Labor Fireworks Celebration!“
I’ve used LOVELAND MAGAZINE TV to bring to our pages some short clips of Mike’s performance that night at The Works Pizza and also below is “Close My Eyes Forever” which has gained over 1 million views!
If you read Dr. Carr’s bio I think you will find it quite interesting how Mike does what OMEB does, his background in music, education, and business. Not to name drop, however reading his bio you will recognize an impressive list of performers, venues, and events.
I am fortunate that I got to meet this rather famous musician right across the river In Historic Downtown Loveland.
Loveland, Ohio – Last Friday the Little Miami River Chamber Alliance and the Clermont County Chamber of Commerce celebrated with a ribbon-cutting for Lance Sizemore, the new owner of The Works Brick Oven Pizza in Loveland’s Historic District. The restaurant is best known for its brick wood-fired pizza oven, the historic building it is located in, and a Pullman Passenger Train Car. The restaurant was founded by Scott and Jamie Gordon almost 19-years-ago.
Scott and Jamie both grew up in Loveland and of course, always held Loveland close to their hearts as they both attended school in Loveland as well. The Gordon’s first came across The Works Pizza building in high school while working on building their “Class Float,” but never imagined that they would eventually be opening a very successful restaurant within the same building. The Gordon’s will remain owners of the building.
What is now The Works Pizza was built in 1905 and was used as a water-filling station for steam locomotives. Years later the building was home to both the Fire Station and Public Works.
The Works Pizza is home to the Chime Bells that you can hear ring beautifully throughout Loveland, and “The Crusader,” a 1921 Pullman Passenger Train Car that Scott Gordon managed to find in Gettysburg, PA. The Crusader has since been remodeled so that it could seat up to 36 people, as the car can be rented out for events and parties.
We know we’re hopping right over Christmas and New Year to Valentine’s Day – but that is just what we do sometimes!
Loveland, Ohio – Debbie Murray was crowned the 2020 Loveland, Ohio Valentine Lady on December 12, 2019, at the Works Pizza in Historic Downtown. Her family and Valentine Ladies who are former holders of the crown lured Debbie to the local restaurant under false pretenses so they could surprise her – and it worked. Debbie becomes the 34th Loveland Valentine Lady.
This exclusive LOVELAND MAGAZINE TV video is of the marvelous moment and contains an interview with Debbie so our readers can get to know the next lady in red you will see all around town next year and in the schools. You might also find Debbie at the Loveland Post Office postmarking Valentine cards, but definitely not on the bulletin board. She’s too nice of a “Lady” for that!
Read these other stories about the Loveland Valentine Program…
Facts About Loveland’s Infamous Businesses You Never Knew Until Now!
Cassie Mattia is a resident of Historic Downtown Loveland
Loveland, Ohio – Our journey through Loveland’s Historic Downtown District has come to an end with our final segment of DID YOU KNOW? (Read Part 1 & 2).
The narrow path leading to Historic Downtown’s, 5 Barrel Brew house.
Loveland is known for promoting businesses that have a story, whether it’s about family or in support of the community. DID YOU KNOW Loveland has its very own brewery right off the Little Miami Bike Trail? Narrow Path Brewing Company, located in a 60 year old building at 106 Karl Brown Way is a 5 Barrel Brew house that’s mission is to craft excellent beer while supporting Loveland as a community and other non-profit organizations. Narrow Path has a team of top notch, experienced brew masters who currently have 9 beers on tap with 3 additional experimental taps that the team created themselves from scratch! Some examples of their beers on tap are The Tire Patch IPA, Coconut Porter, Trail Chaser, River Hopper and their experimental tap Orange Vanilla Cream Ale. DID YOU KNOW a large portion of Narrow Path’s earnings go towards organizations that are working hard to affect change in the lives of people both locally and globally? Narrow Path held its First Annual Home Brew Competition on November 3rd that will benefited CancerFree Kids. Along with proceeds going towards one of their missions, “Cause,” they will also be achieving another one of their missions, “Community,” by brewing the winning beer in house.
The stairs to the The Crusader at The Works Pizza.
Who doesn’t love pizza? Loveland most certainly does being that its home to one of the most well-known pizza joints in Ohio. DID YOU KNOW The Works Pizza building was built in 1905 and was used as a water filling station for steam locomotives? A bit later in Loveland history The Works building was used as the firehouse and public works facility. Owners Scott and Jamie Gordon, who were both born and raised in Loveland, can remember visiting the facility in high school during Homecoming class float building activities. DID YOU KNOW The Works Pizza is home to an authentic 1921 Pullman Passenger car called “The Crusader?” The Works enables guests to book private parties on the passenger car that can now seat up to 36 people. The Works Pizza has a number of specials on their menu that guests from all over come to enjoy, such as The Breakfast Pizza, The Works Pizza, The Commish Pizza, The Pizza Fries, Calzones and The Works Burger.
Lyle’s Bikes, Brews & BBQ is another eatery right on the Loveland Bike Trail in Historic Downtown.
A restored Police call box has been added to the Firefighters Memorial along the bike trail.
As you venture down the Loveland Bike Trail you will find an assortment of restaurants that cover just about every type of food. In the past year there has been a new wave of bike trail restaurants that have opened their doors, one of them being Lyle’s Bikes, Brews & BBQ. DID YOU KNOW Lyle’s Bikes, Brews & BBQ was previously named Trailside Smokehouse? As of July 4th, Lyle and family renovated the property adding a few upgrades to the outdoor area, a brand new menu, featuring pulled pork and chicken fresh off the smoker, and of course a new line up of performers for their live music segments. Some of Lyle’s menu items include, The Pulled Pork Quesadilla, The Smokehouse Nachos, The Pulled Pork Chili, The Smoked Chicken Wrap and The Cuban Sandwich. DID YOU KNOW Lyle’s menu includes Dog Treats? Lyle’s BBQ is completely dog friendly! Lyle’s menu offers Fido’s Freezzys Dog Treats, which are frozen dog treats made with yogurt, peanut butter and banana.
The newly renovated Firefighter’s Memorial is also along the Loveland Bike Trail.
DID YOU KNOW Loveland’s Firefighter Memorial includes a section of an I-beam from the North Tower of the World Trade Center that was positioned so that the rust would stain the pillar it sits on?
One of the new additions to the Firefighters Memorial is a restored fire call box.
All around Downtown Loveland there is history. From buildings from the 1900’s to memorials representing Loveland’s most loved individuals, the town does not fall short of historic scenery. DID YOU KNOW Loveland’s coveted Firefighter’s Memorial has been completely renovated over the last few months? In 1997 the Firefighter’s Memorial was built to represent the Loveland-Symmes Fire Firefighter’s commitment to “Never Forget.” Recently contractors along with volunteers have added stamped concrete walkways, new lighting, irrigation and landscaping. DID YOU KNOW Loveland’s Firefighter Memorial includes a section of an I-beam from the North Tower of the World Trade Center? Decorating the memorial is also, a time capsule vault that contains past LSFD’s badges and uniforms, copies of local newspapers and department documents from 1997. On top of the concrete vault is a bell from the Riverboat Reuben Springer, which served as the alarm for Loveland’s firefighters to respond to an emergency until 1934.
After the devastating Memorial Day Fire in Loveland, downtown has placed a strong focus on rebuilding those businesses that were affected. DID YOU KNOW the building that was most affected by the Loveland Fire is nearly completely renovated and ready to be opened as Paxton’s sister restaurant, Ramsey’s Trailside? Ramsey’s, named after William Ramsey who purchased 189 acres of land in 1848 that later became Loveland, will feature indoor, outdoor and rooftop dining as well as a vegan friendly menu. The goal of the brand-new restaurant will be to not only “unite carnivores and vegans,” but also give them healthier menu options. DID YOU KNOW Ramsey’s will have a separate grill dedicated just for vegans? Ramsey’s Trailside has not yet released their menu, but it’s sure to be hit with the new age foodies!
Read more about Ramsey’s Trailside and watch this interview with the owners.
Relaxed atmosphere and friendly service welcomes you back time and time again! Located in the heart of the Historic Loveland District Just outside Cincinnati, Ohio.
![[Video] Meet Mike Carr and his OMEB](https://lovelandmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/omeb-1.jpg)
![[Video] The Works Pizza slices ribbon under new ownership](https://lovelandmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/works-ribbon-cut.jpg)
