Crosley at the Crossroads

Nick Swartsell
  • 5.0 (7)
  • HISTORY
  • COMPLETE SERIES

If you've spent any time in Cincinnati, you know the hulking white building with the tower on top that rises just west of I-75. In a city of architectural gems, the Crosley Building in Camp Washington stands out for its size — and its neglect. What might not be apparent gazing at the crumbling building is that a significant amount of history took place there. This podcast is the story of how a now-empty building helped change the world, and how the fate of the neighborhood around it is tied up in its construction, its boom years, its decline — and efforts to resurrect it.

Episodes

  1. EPISODE 1

    A tale of two brothers

    Episode 1: The history of the Crosley empire starts with two brothers who had very different, but complementary, skill sets and personalities.

    24 min

  2. EPISODE 2

    Demand, dominance, the Great Depression — and how the Crosleys escaped it

    Episode 2: As the Crosleys were building their enormous new factory and state of the art studio facility, the world's economic system was grinding to a halt.

    22 min

  3. EPISODE 3

    'They didn't fight the fight': The migration to and tensions within the Crosley Building

    Episode 3: As the war came to an end, the Crosleys were riding high. But the company's days were numbered.

    17 min

  4. EPISODE 4

    The death of a dream — and soon, a neighborhood

    Episode 4: Crosley's departure was an omen for the future of Camp Washington and a peek at larger trends of deindustrialization.

    20 min

  5. EPISODE 5

    'The interstate was supposed to help.' That didn't happen

    Episode 5: Camp Washington — like the Crosley Building, once buzzing with life and friendship — slowly emptied out.

    22 min

  6. EPISODE 6

    With industry out, artists move in

    Episode 6: As the Crosley Building stood empty, it became a haven for adventurous and creative folks, including crews of graffiti artists.

    22 min

  7. EPISODE 7

    Can Camp Washington be revived?

    Episode 7: There are plans to address environmental concerns in Camp Washington after years of industrialization — and to rehab buildings like the Crosley Building. But such plans often bring tension.

    23 min

  8. EPISODE 8

    Crosley — and Camp Washington — at a crossroads

    Episode 8: What will the neighborhood's future be, and what role will the enormous Crosley Building play in it?

    23 min
  • 8 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

If you've spent any time in Cincinnati, you know the hulking white building with the tower on top that rises just west of I-75. In a city of architectural gems, the Crosley Building in Camp Washington stands out for its size — and its neglect. What might not be apparent gazing at the crumbling building is that a significant amount of history took place there. This podcast is the story of how a now-empty building helped change the world, and how the fate of the neighborhood around it is tied up in its construction, its boom years, its decline — and efforts to resurrect it.

Information

  • Creator
    Nick Swartsell
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    8
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2023 Cincinnati Public Radio / 91.7 WVXU
  • Show Website
    Crosley at the Crossroads