CINCINNATI — A Cincinnati historic landmark will get some TLC in the coming year, but before the work begins, Greater Cincinnati Water Works wants to know what the neighborhood wants.
The Mount Airy Tanks have been an iconic landmark in the neighborhood since the 1920s. Built in 1926 and 1927, the castle-like structure is comprised of 14 water tanks.
The project has been in the works for several years — the most recent plans on the restoration efforts were presented in 2021. Those plans say the structure needs foundation repairs, brick exterior repairs, roof fixes and new concrete facades for the failing concrete towers.
In a post to social media, Greater Cincinnati Water Works said now restoration efforts are also considering whether the project can include new amenities for the residents of Mt. Airy.
"We'll also be reaching out to residents during the next year to get input on whether part of the site can be used for a neighborhood amenity like a community center or coffee shop," reads the post by GCWW.
A spokesperson for GCWW said no decision has been made yet on whether part of the site will be used for an amenity — not until after a feasibility study is completed by the city's Department of Community and Economic Development.
"If the study determines a project like that should be considered for one of the towers or part of the surrounding property, it likely would be done through renting the space to a private operator," the spokesperson wrote in an email. "No ratepayer funds would be used for the amenity if it moves forward."
The current goal is to finish the project in 2028; the design phase is scheduled to complete in the third or fourth quarter of 2025 and construction is estimated to take two years.
The restoration efforts are a direct result of civic outcry after the City of Cincinnati and GCWW engineers proposed several options to solve the water tank's structural issues — including a flat-out demolition.
"There mere thought of such a drastic approach of course created a large public outcry," wrote Mark Menkhaus, board member for Mt. Airy CURE, on the organization's website.
Now, GCWW and the city hopes to veer away from that idea. GCWW did not say when it plans to reach out to Mt. Airy residents regarding the desire for amenities on the site, but it encouraged people to keep watching for updates on how to participate.
RESTORING A LANDMARK: Greater Cincinnati Water Works is starting a major project to restore the Mount Airy Tanks! This historic landmark was built in 1926-27 and now needs repairs. As we begin work, a drone recently took aerial photos to help us assess its condition. We’ll also… pic.twitter.com/d4HPG28zQI
— Cincinnati Water (@CincinnatiWater) October 1, 2024
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