Quarterly Review | April–June 2025
Letter from The Banks Project Executive, Phil Beck
There’s so much going on along Cincinnati’s Riverfront! In this Second Quarter progress report, we highlight several infrastructure projects, including preparing the former Hilltop Concrete site for additional parking near Paycor Stadium, playing host to the Flying Pig Marathon events and the Pride Parade, concerts and Cincinnati Reds games, and the Juneteenth celebration.
The Cincinnati Black Music Hall of Fame announced its 2025 class of inductees, while Carol Ann’s Carousel celebrated 10 years of delighting adults and children visiting Smale Riverfront Park. Be sure to check out stories on the Police Welcome Center and what The Banks Plan Update process, launched in May, will do to encourage community engagement.
There’s always something to educate, engage, and entertain you at Cincinnati’s riverfront destination. Check out what’s new, what’s now, and what’s next at The Banks!
Phil Beck, AIA, LEED AP
The Banks Public Partnership Project Executive
Entertain
The Banks
Community Authority
Elevating The Banks: Community, Culture, and Connection
Just seven years ago, The Banks Community Authority (BCA) was launched with a clear mission: to elevate The Banks as a premier destination for residents and visitors while enhancing economic impact along Cincinnati’s riverfront. With funding generated from tenant retail sales, the BCA has created awareness and boosted patronage of The Banks as a place designed for entertainment, enjoyment, and engagement within the designated outdoor refreshment area (DORA) along Freedom Way.
The BCA’s Marketing Committee sponsors and promotes events, then issues invitations and reminders to encourage you to visit The Banks for entertainment and engagement with all the riverfront has to offer. If you patronize the bars, restaurants, sports, and cultural opportunities at The Banks, there’s a good chance one of the BCA’s campaign messages may have influenced you.
Representatives of bars, restaurants, sports and cultural properties comprise the Marketing Committee; the Committee meets regularly to review programming and marketing opportunities.
The BCA develops and executes inclusive events in partnership with major stakeholders such as the Cincinnati Reds, Cincinnati Bengals, Heritage Bank Center, Andrew J. Brady Center, and National Underground Railroad Freedom Center.
Its signature activations include Bengals Pregame Parties, Savannah Bananas Block Party, Juneteenth celebrations, and community movie screenings like The Sandlot.
The BCA also created a community partnership program to support Special Olympics, the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, the Reds Community Fund, the Pride Parade and DAV (Disabled American Veterans).
Your patronage of the businesses at The Banks supports the entertainment, engagement, and enjoyment brought to you by The Banks Community Authority.
Engage
The Banks Plan Update
Guiding future development at Cincinnati’s Riverfront
The Banks Riverfront Plan was based on urban plans developed in 2000, with modifications in subsequent years. Ground was broken in 2008 and many milestones—for infrastructure, transportation, residential, entertainment, and parks development—have been celebrated since then.
Now, nearly 25 years into the development of The Banks, the Public Parties are undertaking an update of that plan, including evaluating how well the existing plan leverages current investments in a 24-7, mixed-use neighborhood filled with opportunities for entertainment, recreation, living, working, and connecting to the riverfront. With a perspective of the current reality, the consultant team will then assist the Public Parties in determining what defines The Banks as an active and appealing place for the future, what priorities will create a strong and viable riverfront in the future, and what elements will be necessary to establish a vibrant and sustainable presence for decades to come.
Hamilton County entertained proposals in a competitive bidding process earlier this year. In May, the Public Parties selected Perkins & Will/MKSK as the consultant team to guide The Banks Plan Update. The process is expected to be completed by year’s end. A website dedicated to The Banks Plan Update will be launched in July.
Educate
Riverfront Safety Hub
Your Community Connection to Public Safety
The April 2008 groundbreaking for a new riverfront development—The Banks—presented an opportunity for Cincinnati Police to focus on public safety through a community-oriented policing strategy. Electing to create a presence in the new neighborhood development along the Ohio River, Cincinnati Police opened its Welcome Center to serve as a home base for the Central Business Section, policing the Central Riverfront and the Central Business District. Capt. Adam Hennie is responsible for personnel and operations of the Central Business Section, as well as, operation of the Welcome Center located at 150 East Freedom Way.
In addition to policing downtown Cincinnati and the Central Riverfront, the Central Business Section also oversees the Special Events Unit (planning police presence for major events) and the Marine Patrol Squad (which ensures safety on the Ohio River during riverfront events, including Reds and Bengals games, Flying Pig Marathon, and BLINK.
“As your police chief, my commitment to the safety and well-being of every citizen is unwavering. Every action, every decision, and every partnership we build is focused on creating a safe, resilient community where all are proud to call Cincinnati home.”
Theresa Theetge
Police Chief
“It’s an honor to serve The Banks community—the residents, the businesses, and those who visit Cincinnati’s riverfront. Next time you visit The Banks, stop in the Welcome Center to say hello! We are here to serve you and support the downtown and riverfront community.”
Police Captain Adam Hennie
Central Business Section Commander
This series of brief video vignettes, Before The Banks, tells the amazing stories of what came before the transformational development along the Cincinnati Riverfront.
Current Events
Logs come to life during a wood carving demonstration at the Arbor Day events.
Participants in the Flying Pig Marathon take off and cross the finish line at The Banks. More
The Cincinnati Reds honor the legendary baseball career of Pete Rose with a special celebration on May 14 at Great American Ball Park.
Carol Ann’s Carousel turned 10 years old on May 25—with a birthday party! More
Enjoying a stroll through Cathy’s Garden at Smale Riverfront Park.
44,180 visitors enjoyed the Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame in April, May, and June. More
City Councilmember Meeka Owens (center) joins the crowd to celebrate the Juneteenth Jubilee at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. More
Family Fun Days at Smale Riverfront Park have something for everyone and continue through the summer! More
The Cincinnati Pride Parade delights spectators along Freedom Way.
Brady Block Parties bring the sounds of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and welcomes all. More
AFTACON™ launches with an electric evening set along Cincinnati’s vibrant riverfront. More
Rockin’ the Roebling free concerts are every Thursday evening through September 4 at the Schmidlapp Lawn and Event Stage presented by Moerlein Lager House! More
NamasDey Yoga with Who Dey on the field of Paycor Stadium.
What’s Next
Here is just a sampling of the activities along the riverfront:
July
Cincinnati Burger Week
July 7–13 More
Bengals Training Camp
Kicks off July 23 More
Hilltop Site
Parking to open July 24 (Photo provided by Cynthia Price)
Cincinnati Music Festival
July 24–26 More
Festival513
July 25 & 26 More
Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame Induction Ceremony
Celebrating The Ohio Players, The O’Jays, Nancy Wilson, and Dottie Peoples on July 26 More
Queen City 5k
July 26 More
Flood resilient Central Riverfront Garage (CRG) handles heavy April rains and rising river levels to protect the development that sits on top. Photo provided by Messer Construction Co.
Q2 2025 Economic Inclusion Appendices
For more information: Phil Beck, AIA, LEED AP Project Executive The Banks Project (513) 946-4434