Demolition is underway for phase one of a US$300 million, 8.5 acre mixed use district north of TQL Stadium, home to FC Cincinnati. The district will include a hotel, apartments, office space, retail, restaurants, and a privately owned public green space.
The district is inspired by best-in-class mixed use districts adjacent to other major leagues sports stadiums across the U.S., including Gallagher Way at Wrigleyville in Chicago, the Wharf between Washington National Ballpark and Audi Field in Washington, DC, and Titletown at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
“We intend to make Cincinnati a championship city beyond the soccer season. The district will create a community hub at the front steps of our home field, rooted in history and legacy, that aesthetically inspires and emotionally unites our city with a vision for the future. This holds true to our core values and culture as a team,” said Jeff Berding, co-CEO of FC Cincinnati. Phase one demolition will include three buildings located south of Liberty Street between Central Parkway, Central Avenue and Wade Street. O’Rourke, a market leader in this type of demolition and a certified Women’s Business Enterprise, will take the buildings down to grade level. The perimeter of the site is fenced for safety. Demolition is expected to be completed this summer.
“As a community, we are excited about this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make transformational improvements to the West End,” said Chris Griffin, President, West End Community Council. “FC Cincinnati will serve as Master Developer and Master Mixed-Use Operations Manager for the district and engage experienced third-party professional consultants to assist in executing the Master Development Plan,” said Chad Munitz, Chief Development Officer, “We believe this is a seven to eight year development. We started demolition today with the first buildings complete by the end of 2025.”
In 2022, FC Cincinnati announced The Compendium will develop the hotel. “Today marks a bold step forward for FC Cincinnati and The Compendium’s inaugural hotel,” said Josh Heuser, founder of The Compendium. “We are looking forward to creating unforgettable memories for our guests through elevated design experiences and a superior level of service across our hotel, hospitality, entertainment, and retail spaces.”
Marquee Development is serving as the initial Master Development Consultant. Marquee is a real estate developer with professional sports experience and has developed urban sites adjacent to sports stadiums including Gallagher Way in Wrigleyville and the North Loop Green adjacent to the Minnesota Twins Stadium. Government Strategies Group will manage government and community relations. An Architect and Construction Management Company will be engaged soon.
J.S. Held will serve as the owners’ representative. As a global consulting firm with expertise in construction consulting and owner’s representation, it has been providing services in Cincinnati since 1993. “We are proud to continue to support FC Cincinnati’s growing footprint in the West End and on the national stage,” Senior Vice President Michael Collins said. “We are eager to further the vision of FC Cincinnati and develop a world-class mixed-use district in the West End.”
