The past ten years have brought a wealth of new construction projects to the Queen City. From University Heights to Walnut Hills to Avondale, brand-new offices, residences and retail spaces are revitalizing historic Cincinnati neighborhoods.
A photo essay showcasing city-wide growth and creativity
Thanks to Google’s Street View, we have peered back into the past to compare now-and-then photos that show the transformation of Cincinnati’s cityscape over the last 10 years. Take the journey with us, and discover the ways several neighborhoods around town have changed with these new developments.
1. Great American Tower at Queen City Square – Central Business District/Riverfront
Towering 41 stories above the heart of downtown Cincinnati, this gleaming skyscraper at 301 E 4th St crowns the Queen City’s skyline. Its 33 office floors include floorplans ranging from 21,000 to 26,000 feet, all offering unobstructed views of the central business district from their floor-to-ceiling windows. As Cincinnati’s first major office building to be Certified LEED Gold, the Great American Tower also set a new standard for green construction in the Queen City. It was completed in 2011.
2. Parker Flats – West Fourth Street Historic District
An elegant new presence in a timeless district, the Parker Flats building brings a sleek contemporary touch to one of downtown’s oldest neighborhoods. This landmark structure is home to condominiums whose 16-foot ceilings house wall-sized retractable windows which allow the indoor spaces to transform into outdoor terraces, looking out over the district’s dining, shopping, and entertainment selections. With their chrome fixtures and open floorplans, these residences provide a cutting-edge urban lifestyle in the midst of Cincinnati history.
3. Current at the Banks – Downtown
Cincinnati’s downtown district offers a little something for everyone, from the Great American Ball Park to the shopping and restaurants near the Roebling Bridge, as well as the new 45-acre Riverfront Park – which is now home to the striking North and South structures that comprise the Current at the Banks apartments. Part of the new $800 million mixed-use downtown development, these luxury one- and two-bedroom residences come with access to an on-site fitness center and a professional business center.
4. Children’s Hospital Medical Center – Avondale
This modern 6-story structure breathes new life into the Avondale neighborhood – in more ways than one. Much of the work done on this 126,000-square-foot medical office building was subcontracted out to local laborers and companies – and the resulting steel-and-glass masterpiece stands as proof that Avondale is more vibrant than ever before. The specialists at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital continue the tradition of providing best-in-class care and cutting edge research to help young patients and their families.
5. Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center / Kasota Office & Garage – Avondale
As part of the expansion of Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, this 9-story structure includes a covered parking garage, a street-level cafeteria, and open-plan offices designed to let in as much natural light as possible. Its adaptable interior spaces make it ideal for accommodating CCHMC’s changing staff requirements.
6. SpringHill Suites & Baldwin 600 a.k.a. Humana Center – Walnut Hills
Standing out against the lush parkland of Walnut Hills, the SpringHill Suites Marriott hotel and the Baldwin office complex complement the scenery perfectly. The hotel sits behind a covered, tree-lined walkway built of dark wood and brick; with its indoor pool and fitness center, it promises contemporary luxury in peaceful surroundings. Meanwhile, 600 Baldwin Center serves as a spacious base of operations for more than 900 employees of the Humana insurance company.
7. The Kenwood by Senior Star – Madisonville
Tucked away amidst the hills of Kenwood and Mariemont, the 215-unit Kenwood provides luxury senior living in enchanting natural surroundings. Its balconies offer captivating views of the city and the surrounding woodlands; and its full-service day spa and wellness center promise all the comforts of a five-star resort. With a selection of independent and assisted living options in spacious studios and one- and two-bedroom apartments, residents have plenty to choose from at this comfy complex.
8. Xavier University Residential Complex & Dining Hall a.k.a. Bishop Edward Fenwick Place – Evanston
Opened in 2011, the new residential complex and dining hall rises proudly above the grassy fields and tree-lined walkways of the Xavier campus, presenting a sleek array of brick-and-glass facades. The second-largest complex on the entire campus, this 245,000-square-foot facility provides 535 beds to students, along with an 800-seat dining hall. And with hundreds of new students pouring through Xavier’s gates every year, the building is already proving its worth.
9. The Palisades of Mt. Adams – Mount Adams
Nestled near the verdant center of Cincinnati’s famous Eden Park, Mount Adams deserves its reputation as one of the lushest, most luxurious neighborhoods in the city. The Palisades fit right into that reputation, providing elegant comfort in the form of just ten elite condominiums. With their views of the park and the Ohio River, these three-bedroom residences range from 2,678 to 3,176 square feet, and have received architectural and design awards from Cincinnati Magazine and the American Institute of Architects Cincinnati chapter.
10. U-Square Apartments – The Heights
The U-Square apartment community enjoys a prime location at 255 Calhoun Street, across from the University of Cincinnati’s main campus and a stone’s throw from Over-the-Rhine, downtown, Mt. Adams, and many other shopping and dining destinations. This LEED-certified mid-rise complex encompasses two whole city blocks, and provides 161 upscale residences for students who want to be at the center of university life. Below those residences, over 80,000 square feet of retail space accommodate national chain restaurants and stores, along with a variety of unique locally owned shops.
That about wraps it up for our list of Cincinnati’s most exciting new developments – but the conversation is just beginning! Let us know what buildings we missed, and don’t be shy about sharing your favorite new additions to the city’s skyline.
This post originally appeared on the RENTCafé blog.