Quarterly Review | October–December 2024
Letter from The Banks Project Executive, Phil Beck
When we broke ground for The Banks in 2008, we only imagined the engagement, education, and entertainment opportunities that would welcome the residents of Hamilton County and the City of Cincinnati, and visitors to our region. Now, 17 years later, from businesses along Freedom Way and Second Street nestled in the DORA, to the Great American Ball Park and Paycor Stadium and professional sports teams they house, to the National Underground Freedom Center, The Brady Music Venue, and Smale Riverfront Park—there is something for everyone to experience at The Banks.
The year 2024 closed with celebrations and commemorations marking another milestone year for the
Public Parties, Developers, Cincinnati Parks, and Central Riverfront Garage. In this fourth quarter edition, we cover not only October/November/December activities and events but also offer a glimpse at what’s
to come in 2025.
Thank you for your loyal readership and partnership in making The Banks the residential, business, cultural, sports, recreational, and entertainment destination it has become. We look forward to including you in 2025.
Phil Beck, AIA, LEED AP
The Banks Public Partnership Project Executive
Entertain
BLINK at The Banks
The Banks is the perfect setting to experience this festival of light.
The Banks again served as an ideal location for BLINK installations for the October 2024 event. Visitors descended upon Smale Riverfront Park to view the work of multimedia artists and be inspired by the opening parade and drones lighting the sky for viewers along the Ohio River Trail.
Engage
ChristKindlMarkt
The Schmidlapp Event Lawn was host to a magical holiday celebration.
Prost! The ChristKindlMarkt is a festive event that blends the charm of a traditional German Christmas market with the distinctive atmosphere of one of the city’s most popular brewpubs and presenting sponsor, Moerlein Lager House. Located along the Ohio River, Moerlein Lager House offers visitors the chance to enjoy unique holiday shopping in a scenic yet cozy setting. Again this year, ChristKindlMarkt featured a variety of local artisans and vendors selling handmade crafts, holiday decorations, and offered gourmet treats from Aglamesis Brothersconfectioner, among others.
In addition to shopping, visitors enjoyed live holiday music, a visit with Santa, traditional German holiday foods, and ice skating on the Schmidlapp Event Lawn. For those looking for a way to instill the holiday spirit, enjoy delicious food and drink, or find the gift for that special someone, the 2024 edition of ChristKindlMarkt at Moerlein Lager House again delivered a festive and unforgettable experience.
Educate
Hats Off to
Smale Riverfront Park
Cincinnati Parks Foundation celebrated its 18th Annual Fundraiser at The Banks
The Cincinnati Parks Foundation’s Hats Off Luncheon is an annual event that celebrates the city’s parks and green spaces while raising vital funds to support their preservation and enhancement. Attendees gathered at John G. & Phyllis W. Smale Riverfront Park for an elegant afternoon of dining, socializing, and honoring individuals and organizations who have made significant contributions to Cincinnati’s park system. Known for its festive atmosphere, the event often features notable speakers, award presentations, and a display of the creativity and passion that drives the Foundation’s mission. The luncheon, which encourages attendees to wear their finest hats, not only highlights the beauty of Cincinnati’s parks but also fosters a sense of community, stewardship, and environmental responsibility.
This series of brief video vignettes, Before The Banks, tells the amazing stories of what came before the transformational development along the Cincinnati Riverfront.
Awards & Recognition
The Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame is honored
With more than 132,000 visitors since July of 2024, the Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame (CBMWF) continues to gain recognition. The Ohio Valley chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors presented its 2024 Award of Excellence to Messer Construction Co. for its work on the Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame. “All of the recognition and accolades are testaments to the resilience of our community and outstanding partnerships,” said Alicia Reece, president of the Hamilton County Board of Commissioners and CBMWF founder.
The free, interactive tourist attraction was honored by Blavity, Inc. as one of the top 11 museums and monuments nationwide that keep the spirit of Black music alive. In addition, CBMWF was honored for Landscape Architecture and Community Planning (Cincinnati Design Awards); received a merit award in Design/Constructed from the American Society of Landscape Architects, and garnered three MUSE Creative Awards: augmented reality, diversity and inclusion, and outdoor advertising. CBMWF’s lighting earned a Lighting Design Award of honorable mention for its design, installation, and sustainability approach.
Congratulations on your retirement, Joe Feldkamp!
After nearly four decades of public employment, including 24-plus years at Paul Brown Stadium/Paycor (the last 12 overseeing Great American Ball Park and all Hamilton County parking assets), Joe Feldkamp retired in November. Here’s what he had to say about his career.
“Of all the assignments over the course of my career, I would say the work at The Banks—from the Bengals stadium to the Reds ball park—was the highlight. Working as a team to support the development of the riverfront enabled me to institute parking programs for residents, bar and restaurant patrons and any number of riverfront events, and grow the economic impact.
“Of course, overseeing major projects at Great American Ball Park and Paycor Stadium gives me great pride. Maintaining and renewing playing surfaces, new video boards, new field lighting, concrete repairs—these activities don’t make headlines (unless they are overlooked!). I have had the opportunity to identify needs and create the solutions to keep our sports and parking infrastructure functioning and productive with many talented people along the way. That’s the gift for which I am grateful.”
Current Events
Fans gather at Great American Ball Park after the passing of Cincinnati Reds legend, Pete Rose.
Participants at the DAV 5K: Disabled American Veterans race walk, roll, run, and ride to thank those who served and raise awareness of ill and injured veterans issues.
Photo credit: Katie Carroll Aldridge
Moerlein Lager House converts Sample Space into their own special events location at The Banks.
Photo credit: The Roebling Event Center
Crews maintain Smale Riverfront Park.
All ages enjoy the Rosenberg Swings along the Ohio River Trail.
Families enjoy activities in Smale Riverfront Park.
Geothermal well cleaning and pump maintenance.
Thousands of red-suited visitors fill The Banks with holiday cheer during Santacon 2024.
Carol Ann’s Carousel was spinning with activity during the fall months—providing fun and warmth as the weather turned colder.
Some furry friends take a walk along the river.
The Cincinnati Parks team is dedicated to keeping The Banks beautiful.
2024 Highlights
What’s Next
Here is just a sampling of the activities along the riverfront:
February
Cincinnati Cyclones Frozen 5K/10K
February 1 More
March
Let’s Sing Taylor
Taylor Swift tribute concert at Andrew J. Brady Music Center. March 7 More
Bockfest
Celebrate local beer all weekend. March 7–9 More
St. Patrick’s Day Parade
The parade rolls through The Banks. March 15 More
Cincinnati Reds Opening Day
Baseball season begins in Cincinnati. March 27 More
Photo credit: cincystpatsparade.com
Q4 2024 Economic Inclusion Appendices
For more information: Phil Beck, AIA, LEED AP Project Executive The Banks Project (513) 946-4434