CINCINNATI — Dreams of a reimagined Downtown convention district are getting closer to becoming a reality.
This week, 3CDC announced its selected developer Portman Holdings, out of Atlanta, to build the district’s new hotel. The project will be located in what is currently a parking lot across the street from the convention center.
3CDC is now looking to hire a construction manager to finalize the budget and scope.
“We have so much going to bring people to Cincinnati,” said Jeff Berding, chairman of the board for Visit Cincy. “But we have to give them more in the way of facilities.”
Plans for the district also include $200 million worth of renovations and upgrades to the Duke Energy Convention Center. These would include rebuilding the facility’s main entrance, extending exhibit halls and building out outdoor space.
“We've been on a cycle of renovating this convention center every 20 years since 1965,” said Adam Gelter, 3CDC executive vice president. “We need to break that cycle and do a modernization of this center that addresses it holistically.”
Local businesses hope the project brings in a business boost.
“A week and a half ago was our busiest week ever,” said Joseph Parker, a barista at Deeper Roots Coffee on 4th Street. “Been here two years and in three days, we had three days that over doubled our busiest days. We had three or four different conventions that are happening in the city.”
If the upgrades can bring in more conventions, Parker thinks it will be good for business.
“Filling in that kind of empty space will be nice,” he said.
Funding plans for the projects are still being finalized. The city, county and Visit Cincy will all contribute.
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