Cincinnati: The Paris of America

The city of Cincinnati is considered to be the 3rd largest in the U.S. state of Ohio. Geographically, Cincinnati lies on the border between the states, Kentucky and Ohio. It can be located at the confluence or the meeting point of the Licking River and Ohio River. Cincinnati is considered as a major city in the Ohio Valley, and its core metro area covers parts of northern Kentucky and southern Ohio. Cincinnati is the seat of government of Hamilton County. According to the United States Census Bureau, the metropolitan area of Cincinnati has a population of 2, 214, 954 as of 2010, which justifies its rank as the 25th largest MSA in the country. Cincinnati also has the largest Metropolitan Statistical Area in the state. The city of Cincinnati is incorporated as a village in 1802, and finally, a city in 1819.

The city of Cincinnati has many nicknames under its belt. It is referred to as the “Cincy”, “The Tri-state”, “City of Seven Hills and the “Queen City”. However, the city is widely-recognized for its historic architecture, which earned its title as the “Paris of America”. The European city in France is indeed a well-known spot of mixed architectural styles, such as Romanesque, Ancient Roman, Gothic, Classicism and Rococo, 19th century art, Renaissance, Art Nouveau and 20th century art among others. Some structures took years to complete, and others used mixed styles of architecture to form the French architecture of the modern times. In a way, the large collection of architectural pieces in Cincinnati was reminiscent of Paris.

In the downtown area of Cincinnati lies a neighborhood which proudly boasts the country’s major collection of Italianate architecture. By definition, Italianate architecture originated from the 19th century Classical architecture. It was the inspiration for two architectural styles, namely: Neoclassicism and Palladianism. The neighborhood was named Over-the-Rhine or the so-called OTR is included in the National Register of Historic Places for its unbroken 19th century urban district. In the year 1983, OTR has 943 distinct buildings, which can be compared to other neighborhoods in Munich, New York, Vienna, New Orleans and South Carolina, but unparalleled in terms of scope and size. Just like Paris, Cincinnati reflects a diverse architectural background composed of Art Deco, Gothic Architecture (Venetian Gothic), muted Greek revival and modern architecture among others. Projects of architecture such as the Cincinnatian Hotel, Shillito Department Store and the Music Hall are just some of the examples that modern and historic architecture is very much alive in Downtown Cincinnati.