Daffin Development’s building at 119 E 12th Street is showing signs of progress. The 5-story structure on the southwest corner of E. 12th and Clay St. is currently being renovated the owner and developer Jim Daffin into apartments and a bar space that will soon be occupied by rhinehaus – Over-the-Rhine’s first neighborhood sports bar.
I caught up with Jim and Patrick Daffin recently to view the progress firsthand and learn more about the project. The second through fifth floors will contain four apartments with the top two floors belonging to one unit. Apartments should be ready for occupancy by February or March, 2013.
New storefront by Pater Architectural Restorations / source: Patrick Daffin
The owners of rhinehaus, Jack Weston and Aaron Kohlhepp, also gave the OTR Blog an inside look at their space and plans for the future. The front entryway will be historically preserved. Sidewalk seating will be added on the north side of the building.
For those familiar with Cincinnati’s bar scene, rhinehaus is occupying the former home of Rhino’s. After a change of management and location, Rhino’s eventually closed its doors. In a nod to the location’s history, Weston and Kohlhepp have incorporated the rhino into their logo.
Some remnants of Rhino’s Bar remain:
Hiding out until the coast is clear.
The main bar will have 16+ beers on tap (and the guys are taking requests for what to put on them)
Credit: Rhinehaus Facebook
The front room will feature high tables and chairs to bring you closer to the action.
The back room will be more of a lounge with low tables to gather around.
Previous condition: 12th and Clay, overtherhine
rhinehaus will feature 15+ flatscreen TVs, 16+ beers on tap (domestic, imports and craft) and is working with local food trucks to supply some grub to their patrons (there is no kitchen). They are hoping to open their doors in early 2013. So whether it’s the EPL or watching our Cincinnati teams toy with our emotions, at least we’ll finally have a nice place to enjoy some sports.
