CINCINNATI (WXIX) – Five under-used parcels near downtown’s riverfront are being eyed by city and county officials for the final development of the Banks.
On Tuesday, Cincinnati leaders and Hamilton County Commissioners will get a first look at what could be the future of the multi-use district.
Perkins&Will and MKSK are the two design firms selected for the new project.
The updated plan will be presented at the Hamilton County Commissioners meeting at 10 a.m. City Council’s Equitable Growth and Housing Committee will review the proposal at 1 p.m. that same day.
Cincinnati and Hamilton County officials, among other involved parties, are looking into the redevelopment of five parcels surrounding Paycor Stadium as part of the final phase of updating the Banks. pic.twitter.com/SSeY3ILVo7
— Mary Callaway (@lebus_mary) November 17, 2025 Why revitalize these lots?
The five lots officials are looking to revitalize are vacant and underutilized, according to the Banks Public Partnership, a group of public parties supporting to the new master plan.
Based on previous conversations and public input, the Banks Public Partnership believes that using the parcels for private development can bring in more economic impact, create a more vibrant area and make the Banks even more of destination for families and tourists.
The group is also looking to give the Banks an identity.
“Ultimately, this update is about moving beyond piecemeal progress toward a coordinated, forward-looking strategy that completes The Banks as a connected, vibrant, and beloved destination,” the Banks Public Partnership wrote online.
Cincinnati City Council and the Hamilton County Board of Commissioners currently control those five lots, with some say by the Cincinnati Bengals and the Cincinnati Reds ownership groups.
Other stakeholders who will meet to help shape The Banks’ updated plan include:
The Steering CommitteeThe Banks PartnershipCity of CincinnatiHamilton CountyCincinnati RedsCincinnati BengalsThe District Advisory GroupCincinnati Park BoardDowntown Residents CouncilNational Underground Railroad Freedom CenterBanks New Community AuthorityHeritage Bank Center/Arena Management Holdings LLCThe Brady/ICON Festival Stage – Music & Event Management, Inc. NAI Hiffman/Hiffman NationalPyramid Global Hospitality Group – AC HotelCrawford Hoying and Anderson Real Estate (landowner)Lincoln Property Company (landowner)Eagle Realty Group (landowner)What does the project’s timeline look like?
The Banks’ new master plan is still in Phase 1, the planning process.
This phase involves identifying what’s working, what’s not and what factors could grow foot traffic in the area.
According to the Banks Public Partnership, Phase 1 should be complete by the end of the year.
The project will move into Phase 2 once a plan is approved, which includes formally adopting the Banks plan as a zoning amendment.
The Cincinnati City Planning Commission and City Council are in charge of reviewing and accepting the amendment initiated by Hamilton County.
As of now, Phase 2 should be done by February 2026.
Possibilities at the Banks
Public input plays a role in the development of the Banks.
According to one of the questions on the second public poll, the Banks Public Partnership asked Cincinnati residents which of the following attractions would increase the number of times they visit the district.
Those options include:
Additional coffee shopsA bakeryA dry cleaners or shoe repair storeA pharmacyExperiential entertainment businesses, such as The Escape GameA marinaNew and/or different dining optionsA ferris wheelAdditional civic events, such as festivals, walks and races, or an outdoor theater
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