Revised Banks plan includes new arena, 'iconic tower'

City and county leaders, sports teams, businesses, and residents have sent the revised plan to the Cincinnati Planning Commission, aiming to restart stalled riverfront development.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 10:53am

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A high-contrast, silkscreen-style illustration featuring a repeating grid of stylized Cincinnati skyline elements in vibrant neon colors, conceptually representing the city's evolving urban landscape.A bold, colorful reimagining of Cincinnati's iconic riverfront architecture hints at the transformative potential of the revised Banks development plan.Cincinnati Today

A new vision for The Banks in Cincinnati could bring a replacement arena at the Heritage Bank Center site, an 'iconic tower' on the riverfront, and significant public subsidies. The revised plan has been submitted to the Cincinnati Planning Commission as an effort to revive stalled development along the city's riverfront.

Why it matters

The Banks development has been a long-standing priority for Cincinnati's civic and business leaders, aiming to transform the riverfront into a vibrant mixed-use district. This revised plan represents a major shift in the development's scope and scale, with the potential to reshape the city's skyline and catalyze further investment in the area.

The details

The revised plan for The Banks includes the construction of a new arena to replace the aging Heritage Bank Center, as well as the addition of an 'iconic tower' on the riverfront. The proposal also calls for significant public subsidies, though the exact details and funding sources have not been disclosed. City and county officials, along with representatives from local sports teams, businesses, and community groups, have all submitted the plan to the Cincinnati Planning Commission in an effort to restart the stalled riverfront development.

  • The revised plan for The Banks has been submitted to the Cincinnati Planning Commission.

The players

Cincinnati Planning Commission

The government body responsible for reviewing and approving development plans in the city of Cincinnati.

City and county leaders

Local government officials who have endorsed and submitted the revised Banks plan.

Sports teams

Local professional and collegiate sports organizations that have a vested interest in the development of a new arena at The Banks.

Businesses

Commercial entities and developers that have contributed to the revised plan and hope to benefit from the revitalization of The Banks.

Residents

Cincinnati community members who have provided input and feedback on the revised development proposal for The Banks.

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What’s next

The Cincinnati Planning Commission will review the revised Banks plan and determine whether to approve the proposed changes, including the new arena and iconic tower.

The takeaway

The revised vision for The Banks represents a significant shift in the development's scope, with the potential to dramatically reshape Cincinnati's riverfront and skyline. The plan's approval by the Planning Commission will be a crucial next step in determining the future of this long-standing civic priority.