New Developments

What’s new in the Cincinnati region?

These days, it’s more like what’s NOT new! The Cincinnati region is in the midst of an exciting renaissance. There’s a convergence of new developments, projects and convention wins taking shape that collectively makes this one of the most progressive, game-changing eras in our region’s history. Almost all of this progress will directly impact and benefit visitors to the region.

Cincinnati experienced a similar boom starting in 2003 when the new Reds and Bengals Stadiums, the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, the renovated Duke Energy Convention Center and new Fountain Square emerged in rapid succession. But this latest surge of activity is even more exciting. These projects bring completely new experiences to the region, change the city landscape, appeal to a broad cross-section of individuals and businesses, and represent more than $1.4 billion in new infrastructure spending from the northern suburbs to the Ohio River.

SEE WHAT'S HAPPENING IN 2022!

The following is an overview of some of the major projects now underway or have been recently completed in the Cincinnati region:
 

New Hotels and Renovations

New Entertainment Districts

Fountain Square — Downtown's living room recently underwent a $2 million facelift to relocate and enhance the Fifth Third Center Stage. With programing more than 300 days a year, it’s an amazing place to sit in the summer and grab lunch from a food truck while catching a free concert, or practice your double axel on the ice skating rink in the winter.  

The Foundry — This $51 million development across the street from Fountain Square and downtown convention hotels involves the conversion of the former Macy’s-anchored Fountain Place into a modern, mixed-use development. It will reactivate and convert the 3.5-story structure into roughly 150,000 square feet of office space, along with 35,000 square feet of with street-level retail/restaurant space. The building will also serve as the home of a new LED board for Fountain Square visitors to enjoy.


The Banks — Winner of the “National Planning Excellence Award,” the expansive new downtown entertainment district is situated between the Reds and Bengals stadiums along the banks of the Ohio River, and just south of the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center.
The $600 million-plus development includes retailers, restaurants, a hotel, residential units and underground parking. Current and announced tenants include: 

AC Hotel by Marriott at the Banks Christian Moerlein Lager House Condado Tacos E+O Kitchen The Escape Game Fishbowl at the Banks Galla Park

Holy Grail Tavern & Grille Jefferson Social Ruth's Chris Steak House The Stretch Taste of Belgium Tin Roof  Yard House

Andrew J. Brady Music Center — Unique in design and capacity, the $27 million state-of-the-art facility opened its doors in 2021. Designed to fill the community’s need for a year-round, flexible music venue, The Brady Music Center features a general admission main floor and two balconies, and hosts multiple configurations for indoor concerts up to 4,500 capacity and 8,000 at the outdoor space. A-Listers like the Foo Fighters, KEM, the Roots and Jason Mraz have already performed. 

Pendleton and the Casino 

This small and up and coming neighborhood is full of colorful homes in the midst of the city, but it houses the Pendleton Art Center, lots of murals, a brewery, eclectic restaurants and a cool urban neighborhood vibe. You can play the role of photographer, art aficionado, foodie or craft beer enthusiast all in one district. You can even roll the dice at Hard Rock Casino if you’re feeling lucky. Totally walkable and worth your time.



Hard Rock Casino - Recently rebranded as the Hard Rock Casino. The $400 million, 400,000 square foot casino is located on 20-acres on the northeast side of downtown, just blocks from the city center, most downtown hotels and the Duke Energy Convention Center. The casino has four restaurants, including Brick'd Pizza, Council Oaks Steaks & Seafood, Noodle 8, YOUYU and the famous Hard Rock Cafe. Make your plans now to rock out to A-List concerts in the near future.

Over-the-Rhine (OTR) 

OTR is one of Cincinnati's oldest and most historic neighborhoods, home to the country's largest collection, 943 buildings, of 19th century, Italianate architecture. Since renovations began, about $93 million has been invested in the development and creation of the OTR Gateway Quarter starting near 12th and Vine Streets, the development continues north along Vine Street to 15th.  



Publications like the Chicago Tribune and the New York Times are recognizing the revitalization of this historic district, noting its collection of architecture, chic atmosphere, and culinary excellence. In addition to long time businesses, an infusion of new faces has come to Over-the-Rhine in recent years. Locally-owned restaurateurs, boutiques, bars and tour companies have opened shop and transformed the area into a most visited destination. These are a few bars and restaruants sure to satisfy any appetite: 

Abigail Street A Tavola Bakersfield Che! Restaurant The Eagle Krueger's Tavern The Lackman Louvino

Pepp & Dolores Pontiac Quan Hapa Sacred Beast Salazar Taft's Ale House Taste of Belgium Sundry and Vice

Music Hall Renovation — Renovations are now complete for one of Cincinnati’s most iconic landmark structures, the 130-year-old Music Hall in the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood. The building’s last major renovation was in the early 1970s. Renovation of Music Hall is a key piece in the transformation of Over-the-Rhine and will maintain the historic and acoustic integrity of the hall. 


 
Washington Park Renovation — The project included the renovation and expansion of the public park and the addition of a 450-space underground parking garage. It transforms a pivotal civic space in Over-the-Rhine, creating a green oasis for residents and visitors in the middle of an urban neighborhood. 

TQL Stadium —  This $250 million soccer-specific stadium is home of FC Cincinnati, our Major League Soccer team. The stadium is located in the West End neighborhood, adjacent to the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood and debuted for the 2021 season. It holds 26,000 spectators and has already hosted the World Cup Qualifier for the U.S. Men's National Team. The dazzling 700-foot motion lighting is featured on the stadium’s east façade, and made of 2.7 miles of LED lights. Every seat is covered by a 360 degree roof canopy, and the closest seat is just 15 feet from the sideline.

 

Cincinnati North Developments

Sharonville Convention Center Expansion — The Convention Center recently completed a major renovation and expansion in 2012. In total, the Center has been transformed from eight meeting rooms with 28,000 square feet of meeting space to an all-new contemporary meeting facility with 19 rooms and 65,000 square feet of space. With occupancy levels over 70%, plans are approved to expand the Center again by 2023! The exhibit hall will double in size from 20,000 sq. ft. to about 40,000 sq. ft. and will also feature an onsite restaurant and a ticket office.  www.sharonville.org/scc

Cintas Center at Xavier University