

Quarterly Review | January–March 2026

Letter from The Banks Project Executive, Phil Beck
Looking back at the first quarter, we see three months of experiencing all four seasons in a 90-day window! Despite this anomaly, we also witnessed the dedication and professionalism of those committed to engaging residents and visitors in all The Banks has to offer. Festivals and parades lined Freedom Way to celebrate saints and sluggers, while work continued at Great American Ball Park and Paycor Stadium to maintain and enhance the fan experience. The Banks Urban Development Plan Update process continued, focused on completing design guidelines and building consensus around how best to leverage current investments and ensure growth and sustainability of the riverfront as a key economic driver of the region.
Cincinnati’s March 26 Opening Day celebration did not disappoint! Check out stories and photos on the Reds Hall of Fame, Carol Ann’s Carousel, Smale Riverfront Park events, the five-year renewal of the designated outdoor refreshment area (DORA) and a feature on the Central Riverfront Garage. Visit often so you can take full advantage of all The Banks has to offer.

Phil Beck, AIA, LEED AP
The Banks Public Partnership Project Executive




Engage
Reds Hall of Fame & Museum
Two Floors of Exhibits and Self-Guided Tours for Baseball Fans of All Ages
Celebrating 50th Anniversary of 1976 World Championship and 2026 Hall of Fame Induction
The Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame and Museum, presented by Dinsmore, is an interactive, historical and educational museum dedicated to the rich history of the nation’s first professional baseball team—the Cincinnati Reds.
Located just outside the diamond at Great American Ball Park at 100 Joe Nuxhall Way, The Reds Hall of Fame will spotlight the 50th anniversary of the Big Red Machine’s 1976 World Championship—the title that secured the Reds’ legacy as one of the greatest teams in baseball history.
In addition to the Big Red Machine’s achievement, the Reds Hall of Fame will welcome a new class of Reds greats April 25–26. Inductees are Aaron Harang, Brandon Phillips, Lou Piniella, and Reggie Sanders.
Photo credits: Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame
Meet the Reds HOF Executive Director

Rick Walls was named executive director in 2007. In 2018–19, he oversaw a $5.5 million legacy campaign that funded a comprehensive renovation of the museum. Rick is a 34-year veteran of the Hall of Fame and Museum industry whose pedigree includes positions with the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame Inc. Rick coaches youth baseball and is an umpire. According to Rick, “The Reds Hall of Fame and Museum is part of the fabric of Cincinnati, a time-honored tradition for baseball lovers in general and Cincinnati Reds fans in particular. It is an honor to guide our team’s and our city’s homage to Reds history. We can’t wait to have you visit!”
Did you Know?
Hours of Operation
In-season (March 23–September 30)
Non-game days open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with extended evening hours for weekday and weekend games. Members can enter early on Saturday game days beginning at 9 a.m.
Off-season (October to March)
Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday–Sunday
Tickets
- $15 adults
- $13 seniors/students
- Free admission to kids 12 and under
(courtesy of HCS Foundation) - Active/veteran Military enter free with I.D.
(courtesy of the Sargent Family Foundation)
Membership
Memberships range from MVP-level ($275) to Silver Slugger ($50) and the Hall of Famer for youth under 18 ($20).
Walking Tours
Ball Park Tours
Big Red Machine Legacy Brick Campaign
Reds Hall of Fame and Museum participates in the national Museums for All program, an initiative of the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Individuals and families presenting Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Electronic Benefits Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card and valid photo ID are eligible for complimentary general admission to the museum. Up to four individuals can take advantage of this offer per EBT card.






Entertain
Carol Ann’s Carousel
A Magical Ride with a Cincinnati Twist
Take a spin on one of the 44 whimsical Cincinnati-inspired characters that make up Carol Ann’s Carousel. The carousel is an amazing work of art featuring original paintings by Jonathan Queen with panels depicting animal characters playing in one of the numerous Cincinnati parks. Additional panels celebrate the many historic landmarks of Cincinnati inviting riders of all ages to become part of the magic.
The carousel is housed inside a glass pavilion so it can operate year-round. This one-of-a-kind attraction was gifted to the city by the Carol Ann & Ralph V. Haile, Jr. Foundation and expertly crafted by Carousel Works in Mansfield, Ohio. Beyond everyday rides, the carousel can even be rented for private parties and special events.
Find Carol Ann’s Carousel at 8 East Mehring Way, right across from the P&G GoVibrant Playscape along the riverfront, with easy parking nearby in the Central Riverfront Garage.
Photo credits: Carol Ann’s Carousel











Educate
Central Riverfront Garage
15 Years and Going Strong

“Parking surrounds The Banks (including underground!),” exclaims Joe Paul. Joe is the director of Parking Properties for Hamilton County (owner of the Central Riverfront Garage). As manager of the County’s parking assets, Joe shared a bit of the history and current operations of the Central Riverfront Garage (CRG).
The Banks Public Partnership (Hamilton County and the City of Cincinnati) built the infrastructure to lift the 18-acre riverfront project site out of the flood plain. This supported new mixed-use development at street level, re-connecting the riverfront to the Central Business District. As a result, over 8,600 parking spaces are now available in garages and surface lots at The Banks. Owned by Hamilton County and operated by Ace Parking, the CRG spans five city blocks between Broadway and Race Street, while accounting for over 4,500 of the total number of spaces available.
Within the CRG, a Parking Guidance System uses lighting to help drivers identify and select available parking spaces. In addition, signage at each CRG vehicle entrance displays the total number of available spaces in real time. Upon entry, drivers encounter the overhead light sensors (in red, green, and blue) in the drive-lane on all levels of the garage. Red indicates occupied; green indicates available, and blue indicates designated handicap parking.
High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) parking is available Monday–Friday, 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. at 124 East Mehring Way entrance. Cars with two or more occupants are eligible and standard parking rates apply. HOV customers should ask the attendant for a daily HOV parking permit which will authorize use of the preferred HOV parking spaces. In addition, seven electric vehicle charging stations are available throughout the CRG.

ACE Parking team led by Jim Menkhaus
ACE Parking, supported by a team of more than 5,000 members, assumed management of CRG in January 2026. Founded in 1950, ACE Parking is a leading, privately held, family-owned provider of parking management and technology solutions in the United States, serving approximately a half-million customers daily. Headquartered in San Diego, the company oversees more than 1,000 parking and shuttle operations across the US.
Jim Menkhaus, vice president, manages the Central Riverfront Garage team of over 65 team members. Jim described ACE’s mission and what customers can expect, “Our experienced team leverages ACE’s proprietary technology platform to analyze data, drive smart operational and customer service decisions, implement cloud-based parking systems, and optimize revenue performance.”
ACE Parking’s goals for CRG are to provide a first-class parking option that offers visitors to The Banks a smooth and less stressful parking experience. The company also aims to create the safest and cleanest parking environment in the city, while supporting local businesses by improving access.
Here’s a look at the renderings forming the basis of the proposed use of public and open space (#15), framework for development sites (#16), and proposed uses (#17).
“Parking is the first and last interaction visitors have when they come to The Banks. We strive to ensure every visit is memorable for the right reasons, enhancing their experience of the attractions here, not detracting from it with a negative parking experience.”
Jim Menkhaus, Vice President, Ace Parking
Special Feature
The Banks Urban Design Plan Update Progress: From Vision to Reality
Since May 2025, the consultant team (Perkins & Will, MKSK, Kolar Design, HR&A, and Nelson Nygaard) has been working to update The Banks Urban
Design Plan, which focuses on the five remaining lots that wrap around Paycor Stadium. The team has completed its assessment of the current state of The Banks development; conducted an in-depth review of the site’s potential, and set priorities designed to elevate The Banks as a truly mixed-use entertainment district at an urban scale with residential density.
Through two public polls, it became clear that there is a unified desire to reinvigorate The Banks and to improve public safety by injecting more vibrancy and quality development. In order to produce greater economic impact, the plan must deliver increased residential density, provide experiential retail serving diverse user groups, and connect the city to the river and the river to the city.
In fourth quarter 2025, the consultant team presented a draft vision to Cincinnati City Council and Hamilton County Commission members. That vision has been the focus of refinement (e.g., specific design guidelines, final illustrations, and final draft masterplan) in first quarter 2026. Second quarter efforts will be finalizing the design guidelines, creating the final draft masterplan, and securing adoption by City and County.
Here’s a look at the renderings forming the basis of the proposed use of public and open space (#15), framework for development sites (#16), and proposed uses (#17).



Awards & Recognition

The Ohio River Trail at Smale Riverfront Park
The USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards recognized The Ohio River Trail as the country’s 2nd best riverwalk in 2026!
Website Spotlight




Your Guide to The Banks:
Explore the Virtual Map
Looking to quickly see what’s available at The Banks? Explore the virtual map. Each layer highlights key information, including parking entrances, public attractions, businesses, elevator and stair locations, and future development sites.
Select parking pins to view helpful details—such as directions, rates, total spaces available, and hours of operation—all in one convenient place. See the major attractions The Banks has to offer, including Smale Riverfront Park, Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame, and more.
Easily view the boundaries of the DORA district, which has recently been renewed for five years, and navigate through private business website links. Curious about what’s coming next? Turn on the What’s Next layer to see which lots are available for future development. Learn your way around with confidence and make the most of everything The Banks has to offer.
Current Events

Paycor Stadium modifications to escalators continued in first quarter. Bid documents were posted for south scoreboard demolition and replacement. Photo courtesy of Messer Construction

Clearing snow at Smale Riverfront Park in January to create a safe, walkable path. Photo credit: Cincinnati Parks

Runners enjoy an afternoon jog along the Ohio River Trail while the weather cooperates.

The river currents are fighting the freezing weather in February.

Colliers is the newest tenant at the 191 Rosa Parks Building (formerly GE Operations).

Granite facing was added to the Lot 23 Sponsor and Donor Wall.

Intense competition during the Steinholding National Qualifier at Bockfest.

The Moerlein Lager House announced a new name —Cincinnati Lager House—to focus on celebrating the rich brewing heritage of Cincinnati.

Getting a higher view of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame recognized New Edition with a Legacy Award. Visitors totaled 16,433 for first quarter. New Edition, an all-male R&B group formed in Boston in the early 1980s, spearheaded the boy band movement and is widely recognized as pioneers of the New Jack Swing R&B/hip-hop subgenre. Photo credit: Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame

Mulch and maintenance at Smale Riverfront Park.

The Polar Plunge, benefiting the Special Olympics, was postponed from January to March 21 on Joe Nuxhall Way at Freedom Way.

Reds players and beloved local mascots thrilled the crowd, taking time to sign autographs and create unforgettable moments for fans of all ages throughout Opening Day festivities all weekend.

Marty Brennaman statue returns to GABP Plaza for Opening Day.

This 17′ tall clock, gift from former Reds first baseman Joey Votto, was added to GABP Plaza in time for Opening Day.
What’s Next
Here is just a sampling of the activities along the riverfront

April
Bloom Zoom 5K
April 4 More
Easter Keg Hunt
April 4 More
Fireworks Nights
Multiple Friday Reds home games
Begins April 10 More
Water features are turned on at Smale Riverfront Park
Decorative: April 15
Spraygrounds: May 1
Fifth Third Community Days at the Freedom Center
3rd and 5th Sundays More
Arbor Day Tree Giveaway
April 25 More


June
Smale, Mind, and Body
Wednesdays from June through September
Begins June 3 More
Smale Family Fun Days
1st Thursday of June/July/Aug
June 4, July 2, August 6 More
Brady Block Party
Concert at the ICON Festival Stage
June 4 More
Music at the Esplanade
Saturdays in June/July/Aug
Begins June 6 More
2026 FIFA World Cup Viewing Village Watch Parties
Matches shown on the big screen
June 11–July 19 More
Juneteenth Jubilee
June 19 More
Cincinnati Pride Parade
June 27 More

Q1 2026 Public Parties Economic Inclusion Appendices
Q1 2026 Paycor Stadium Renovations Economic Inclusion Appendices
Q1 2026 Budget Appendices
Photography by Joan Buttner and Marie Gemelli-Carroll
For more information: Phil Beck, AIA, LEED AP Project Executive The Banks Project (513) 946-4434