Camp Washington

Camp Washington used to be a heavily industrial area and still comes across as more commercial than residential. They have a small population that's remarkably diverse when compared to other Cincinnati neighborhoods. Many Camp Washington homes are older and large. Some were abandoned until the Camp Washington Community Board reclaimed and refurbished them to their original vintage beauty.

Camp Washington History
When I think of Camp Washington, first I think of Camp Washington Chili. They've been around for years and are known for chili with that classic Cincinnati taste that people either hate or love. The other thing I remember is the Workhouse, a prison completed in 1869 and destroyed about 120 years later.

By the 1970s the Workhouse was an aging, behemoth of a prison like you'd see in an old Sylvester Stallone prison movie. In fact it was used for prison scenes in the Stallone movie, “Lock Up.” When you drove through Camp Washington while driving south on I-75, the Workhouse was so imposing, you hardly noticed anything else. These days all that's left of the old Workhouse are a cell door, the prison registry and the yard bell on display at the Hamilton County Justice Center. And memories of that big old ugly prison still come to mind when I think of Camp Washington.

Speaking of big old buildings, demolition of the old Kahn's meat processing complex was completed recently. Construction for a new industrial office complex will begin on the site in 2013.

Shopping and entertainment
Unless you're looking for display pieces at Robert Bugie's on Colerain, There 's not much in the way of shopping in Camp Washington; but the neighborhood is 10 minutes from Downtown and just down the hill from Clifton and CUF. There aren't any elegant places to eat either, but the area does have its share of fast food restaurants.

The American Sign Museum (signmuseum.org) recently relocated to 1330 Monmouth St. in Camp Washington. The cool and quirky museum took over a space once occupied by a women's clothing factory and later a parachute factory. Cincinnati Museum Center is about 5 minutes away and Camp Washington is about 10 minutes from Downtown activities.

Camp Washington Urban Farm Project
The CWCB development corporation is seeking a grant to begin an urban farm. There are no grocers in the immediate area and the farm would bring fresh produce to residents, put a vacant industrial building to use and create up to 40 jobs.

Schools
Camp Washington Community School - The neighborhood school provides G. E. D. classes and tutoring two nights a week. University of Cincinnati and Cincinnati State are a 10 minutes away.

There are no medical facilities in the neighborhood, but the Good Samaritan Hospital is just up the hill in Clifton.

Though perhaps best known for its chili, Camp Washington has more to offer as a neighborhood. You’ll find beautiful homes, family-owned restaurants and businesses, and a proud community of residents.

Camp Washington’s rich history, which include a former military camp (and, of course, 70 years of delicious chili) is reflected in many of the neighborhood’s residential properties. Though homes are typically older, a community group called CWCB has been refurbishing and modernizing many of these houses with new appliances, heating, plumbing, windows, etc., making them an especially great buy for families looking for affordable, yet up-to-date, homes.

In terms of schooling, Camp Washington is home to the Camp Washington Community School (affiliated with Literacy Center West). It offers GED classes and tutoring to students of all ages. Elder High School, a well-known Cincinnati school, is also nearby, though keep in mind it’s an all-boys school.

Overall, Camp Washington is a tight-knit community with a high quality of living. The neighborhood is constantly improving and the area is safe. For those who don’t end up moving to Camp Washington, I recommend at least one visit for, if nothing else, a bowl of chili.

The community’s website is http://www.camp-washington.org/.