Cincinnati's The Banks Riverfront to See Major Transformation

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Banks, Cincinnati's signature riverfront development, is set to undergo a major transformation over the next decade according to a newly released master plan. The plan focuses on filling the remaining vacant lots, enhancing public spaces, and adding new residential and commercial buildings, including the district's tallest structure at 24 stories.

Why it matters

The Banks has been a key part of Cincinnati's revitalization efforts, drawing residents, visitors, and businesses to the riverfront area. The proposed changes aim to further activate the district, improve connectivity, and solidify The Banks as an iconic part of the city's downtown skyline and public realm.

The details

The master plan calls for a new iconic tower at the corner of Freedom Way and Rosa Parks Street, as well as mid-rise and high-rise buildings that step up in height, with the tallest near the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. A sweeping civic plaza would be built to elevate the importance of the Freedom Center, and a serpentine pedestrian bridge over Mehring Way would improve connections to Smale Riverfront Park. The plan also recommends removing the existing roundabout at the foot of the Roebling Bridge and installing an all-way stop to better control vehicle and pedestrian traffic. Additionally, a long-planned marina with 42 boat slips and a floating restaurant is included, while standalone parking garages would be avoided in favor of integrated parking within new buildings.

• The Banks master plan was recently released in April 2026.
• Construction on the new developments is expected to begin within the next 1-2 years.

What’s next

Construction on the first phase of new developments at The Banks is expected to begin within the next 1-2 years, with the full master plan vision likely taking 5-10 years to fully realize.