hamilton revitalization timeline the story of how we got to where we are going
DOWNTOWN Edition
hamilton's rich history Fort Hamilton was constructed in 1791 by General Arthur St. Clair to serve as a supply station for troops during his campaign in the Northwest Indian War. By 1800, the town was becoming an agricultural and regional trading town. It was platted, government was seated, and then incorporated by 1803 when Ohio became the 17th state.
19TH CENTURY By the mid-19th century, Hamilton had developed into a significant manufacturing city. Our early products were often machines and equipment used to process the region's harvest, such as steam engines, hay cutters, reapers, and threshers. Other products included machine tools, house hardware, saws for mills, paper, paper making machinery, carriages, guns, whiskey, beer, woolen goods, and a wide variety of output made from metal, grain, and cloth. The creation of a new hydraulic canal system gave power to rapid industrial growth in Hamilton.
EARLY INDUSTRIAL HISTORY
20TH CENTURY
Hamilton's hydraulic canal system was a key factor in the City's growth during 1840-1860. Canals and reservoirs were constructed to bring water from the Great Miami River into town as a source of power. The hydraulic started four miles north of Hamilton, where a dam was built to divert water into the system. Water was then stored in two reservoirs before flowing through the canal to power the mills throughout downtown. While the project was risky, it paid off when many new mills and factories were built on the hydraulic, securing Hamilton's future reputation as the "Greatest manufacturing city of its size in the World."
The early part of the 20th Century was a continuation of growth, but also brought tragedy in the form of a large fire at the Butler County Courthouse that killed 3 firefighters in 1912, and a catastrophic flood in 1913 that killed hundreds. The prohibition-era saw rampant corruption and racketeering that led to the nickname of "Little Chicago." In the wake of WWII, Hamilton was again growing at a rapid clip, peaking in population around 70,000.
Hamilton was booming in the Gilded Age of the late-19th Century. Massive industrial wealth is still evident today in the ornate architecture of the era that survives throughout the City.
In the late 20th century, the nation saw a lot of changes to heavy manufacturing, leading to the loss of many jobs in legacy industrial cities. Hamilton, like other Midwest cities, was forced to adapt to these new economic realities. Because of the very diverse nature of Hamilton industries, these changes happened over time. The City's industrial diversity is one of the main reasons why the City never suffered the same drastic change in population that other industrial cities faced. However, the City found itself far from its vibrant and illustrious past.
SCULPTURE BECOMES A THING
DOWNTOWN PROPERTY OWNERS UNITE FOR SPECIAL IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT
our modern day story begins in
1997
Governor Bob Taft declares Hamilton the "City of Sculpture," prompting a group of citizens to start a non-profit by that same name. The group focuses on bringing more sculptural art to downtown and installs more than 45 new sculptures over the next 20 years.
Central Business District property owners, the City of Hamilton, Butler County, and the Hamilton Community Foundation unite to create a Special Improvement District (SID), levying an additional tax on all properties in the area to be invested in the district as a whole, and establish a five year plan to strengthen downtown. Downtown's streetscape was drastically improved through consistent litter collection, landscaping, and snow removal.
1998 UNCOVERED: 221 HIGH IS FIRST MAJOR RESTORATION IN YEARS Carla & Larry Fiehrer purchase the Robinson-Schwenn building. Over a number of years, they restore the building back to its original glory. This includes uncovering the buildings historic facade, which had been covered in modern metal-grate-like structure.
2000 SEEDS OF CHANGE PLANTED The City of Hamilton launches its 20 year comprehensive planning process, known as the Hamilton Vision 2020 Comprehensive Plan. The plan was inspired by a desire to revitalize all of downtown Hamilton.
2001 COMMUNITY LEADERS JOIN TOGETHER TO FORM VISON COMMISSION A group of 33 citizens who were involved in the Master Plan process evolve into the Hamilton Vision Commission. The group continues to meet to this day, and is instrumental in maintaining longterm focus on downtown revitalization.
A LINE IS DRAWN IN THE SAND WITH WHAT WOULD BECOME THE MERCANTILE LOFTS
hamilton takes multiple leaps of faith
The City of Hamilton, the Vision 2020 Commission, and the Hamilton Community Foundation work together to shore up the roof of the buildings that would become the Mercantile Lofts. This project becomes the catalyst for the Hamilton Community Foundation to add Economic Development as one of their areas of support. For the community, it marks a moment where Hamilton City Council starts taking the future of Hamilton into their own hands through the strategic purchase of catalytic properties in and around downtown.
A FALSE START Work begins on the Mercantile Lofts through a local partnership. This initial effort ultimately falters in 2004, resulting in the property being returned to the City of Hamilton.
2002
2003 A HUGE HOLE IN THE URBAN CORE IS ACQUIRED The City of Hamilton acquires the former Mercy Hospital site in German Village for $200,000. The nearly-10 acre site in the heart of the urban core, would one day become Marcum Park. The move solidifies a pivotal shift by City Council towards intervention in the revitalization of downtown Hamilton.
2005 FOUNDATION SAVES HOTEL & VISION 2020 PLAN FORMALLY ADOPTED The Hamiltonian Hotel, the only downtown hotel, announces it is closing. The Hamilton Community Foundation steps up to purchase the building and raises $6.6 million to renovate it. This same year, the Hamilton Vision 2020 Comprehensive Plan is formally adopted. The plan recognizes that our urban neighborhoods and downtown districts are critical anchors for our overall economic and community vitality.
IT WAS A DARK TIME ARTSPACE SELECTS HAMILTON The building next to the Mercantile Lofts is identified as another key redevelopment site. ArtSpace, a Minneapolis-based developer that has completed over 40 artist loft projects around the country, is invited to perform a feasibility visit. While few cities with a population less than 100,000 could support an ArtSpace project, it is determined that Hamilton has a strong arts community, and can support the project.
2006 WORK BEGINS AT MERC & DOWNTOWN DINING RETURNS After a number of failed partnerships for the Mercantile Lofts building, Historic Developers LLC decide to take on the project. Significant work begins on the renovation with the help of State Historic Tax Credits. The same year, former Hamilton Mayor Don Ryan and his family open Ryan's Tavern. This major redevelopment project provides a place for people to dine & drink downtown.
2007
The years leading up to 2009 see the loss of 1,000s of local jobs from local companies like Ohio Casualty, Champion & Beckett Paper, Mercy Hospital, and more. The nation faces the consequences of the Great Recession. The facade of what would become ArtSpace is falling into High Street and the City begins to see fiscal emergency as a real possibility, resulting in layoffs and pay reductions.
2008
2009
MARRIOTT OPENS & MIAMI COMES DOWNTOWN The $12M renovation of the former Hamiltonian Hotel is completed and reopens as a Courtyard by Marriott. Miami University Hamilton also opens their downtown Hamilton location in a storefront of the Robinson-Schwenn building.
CORE HAMILTON FORMED
downtown momentum picks up
2010
In December of 2012, CORE Hamilton is launched. A non-profit development organization with a mission to accelerate CITY WELCOMES Hamilton's urban core renaissance through NEW CITY MANAGER targeted investments in real estate projects. JOSHUA SMITH CORE is a partnership between US Bank, First Financial Bank, the Hamilton Community The City of Hamilton hires Joshua Smith as Foundation, and the City of Hamilton. City Manager. Under Smith, the City of
Hamilton adopts its first strategic plan in 15 years. Primary areas of focus are revitalization of Hamilton's urban core, improving neighborhoods, customer relationship management and job retention/creation.
2012 COUNCIL BUYS FORMER CHAMPION PAPER COMPLEX
MERCANTILE LOFTS OPEN
HISTORIC DEVELOPERS DOUBLE DOWN
Under threat of the facility being converted into long-term storage, the City of Hamilton purchases the SMART Paper (formerly Champion Paper) mill after its closure for $400K. This is a pivotal decision by City Council, who saw the importance of controlling the 40+ acre riverfront site for future redevelopment.
The Mercantile Lofts offer the first new market-rate apartments in downtown in decades. An $11.1M renovation leases all 29 apartments and three retail spaces very quickly. 'The Merc' is widely viewed as one of the major catalysts for downtown's renaissance.
After the successful completion of the Mercantile Lofts, Historic Developers LLC undertake two more projects in downtown Hamilton: the former JournalNews building and the RobinsonSchwenn building.
RIVESEDGE OPENS & ODW LOCATES DOWNTOWN
core hamilton completes first projects
The completion of the RiversEdge Amphitheater transforms downtown into a vibrant hub for entertainment and community gathering.
RESIDENTIAL
ODW Logistics celebrates their ribbon cutting at their new downtown Hamilton office inside the City building, and announces plans to double in size.
2013 CORE MAKES BIG MOVE CORE takes on one of its first large strategic moves, purchasing the long shuttered ElderBeerman department store in the heart of downtown Hamilton. Renovation of the 160,000 sq. ft. building starts soon after.
The first home sold as part of its residential program is located in German Village.
COMMERCIAL Sara's House opens at 245 High Street as CORE's first completed project. After renovating the second and third floors in 2016, Sara and her family purchase the building from CORE and move in.
2014 NEIGHBORHOODS/PARKS GET ORGANIZATION UPGRADES The City moves forward with the creation of the Hamilton Parks Conservancy and 17STRONG. The non-profit Parks Conservancy breathes new life into park spaces across the City, and 17STRONG catalyzes residents to connect and become more active participants in lifting the community.
THE WORLD NOTICES OUR PROGRESS The partnership between the City and Historic Developers LLC is recognized with the International Economic Development Council's (IEDC) prestigious Excellence in Economic Development Award for Public/Private Partnerships.
hamilton looks to what comes next
2014
A NEW FOCUS IS PLACED ON MAIN STREET The City of Hamilton & CORE announce plans to develop a Main Street Business District redevelopment strategy. The district, located adjacent to the Champion Paper Mill, presents a number of redevelopment opportunities that the organizations begin pursuing.
2015 A VISION FOR THE FORMER CHAMPION PAPER SITE IS ESTABLISHED
MAJOR STREETSCAPES SEE MAJOR INVESTMENT
A feasibility study for a sports complex is completed for the former Champion Paper Mill. The findings supported the viability of a large sports complex on the site, and confirmed the transformational effect that sports tourism could have on the community. Work begins to identify potential project partners.
The $7M+ East High Street Gateway streetscape project is completed. The project beautifies the main entry into Hamilton and kickstarts years of projects to improve streetscapes and intersections all the way to Main, Cereal, and Haldimand. Additionally, the $1.6M Third Street Plaza streetscape project is also completed in German Village.
major milestones reached in downtown STARTEK MOVES IN Thanks to the renovation work that was already underway, Hamilton is able to attract a new call center that was looking for space that was move-in ready. In January 2015, STARTEK announces plans to open a 682 person call center at the former Elder-Beerman building. By the end of 2015, CORE has finished the $7.25M renovation on the building, including space for four other tenants.
COMMUNITY FIRST SOLUTIONS OPENS DOWNTOWN OFFICES Community First Solutions celebrates their $5.88M renovation of the vacant Ringel's Furniture store, and move their corporate headquarters to downtown Hamilton.
ARTSPACE OPENS ArtSpace Hamilton, an $11.8M renovation, opens. The building is 100% occupied with 42 artists lofts and three commercial spaces. The project is recognized by Heritage Ohio at the Best Public/Private Partnership that year.
2015 MERCANTILE LOFTS PROJECT RECOGNIZED BY U.S. EPA The City of Hamilton and Historic Developers are recognized by the US EPA for their partnership's impact on downtown Hamilton. Only three communities in the country receive the Smart Growth Awards in 2015.
SMALL BUSINESSES BEGIN TO TAKE OFF Private investment in the urban core picks up momentum with a recordsetting number of new small businesses opening in one year. This trend continues with more than 100 small businesses having opened in the last ten years.
public spaces take lead in transformation
2016
CONSTRUCTION STARTS ON MARCUM AND ROTARY PARKS On the heels of the historic donation by the Marcum family to develop Marcum Park, a number of corporate donations support what would become Rotary Park on High Street. It becomes increasingly clear that these parks are responsible for a large increase in development interest.
2017 BEER BREWING RETURNS TO HAMILTON Municipal Brew Works opens in the former firehouse at 20 High Street. For the first time since prohibition, beer is brewed in Hamilton. Approximately 1,500 people attend the grand opening, and MBW becomes an instant local classic.
CITY ACQUIRES KEY PROPERTIES The City of Hamilton purchases 127 N Second Street and other area properties in anticipation of the redevelopment of the site that would become the Marcum Apartments.
DOWNTOWN GETS FIRST NEW CONSTRUCTION IN YEARS CMC Properties breaks ground on The Marcum Apartments. The $13M project is the first new construction project in downtown Hamilton since 1993. It includes 102 high-end apartment units and five retail spaces.
PROMISE TURNS TO POTENTIAL IN NEW PARKS
REVERSE SCHOLARSHIP BRINGS NATIONAL HEADLINES
Marcum Park & Rotary Park open, adding new recreation opportunities in downtown Hamilton. Residents get a taste of free community concerts, urban ping pong tournaments, and cornhole. Event planners and community members alike start to see the full potential of these new public gathering spaces. New events are planned and further improvements conceptualized, as the two parks become premier destinations in Southwest Ohio.
2017
The Hamilton Community Foundation launches the Talent Attraction Program Scholarship to entice young adults who graduated college in the last 7 years to move to downtown Hamilton for a $15,000 student loan stipend. The novel program brings national news coverage for helping to pay down student loan debts of young professionals moving to downtown Hamilton.
2018
CORE GETS FRESH FUNDING
OUTDOOR REFRESHMENT AREA BOOSTS BUSINESS
CORE receives a $2.75M loan from Hamilton's Community Improvement Corporation (CIC) to rehab 4 buildings on Main Street. The renovations add 5 storefronts and 18 new apartments to Main Street.
The City of Hamilton creates a Downtown Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) which allows patrons to take their alcoholic beverages to-go, as well as two Community Entertainment Districts (CED) which add additional liquor permits in downtown. The creation of these districts helps encourage new food & beverage establishments as well as drives unique experiences for visitors of downtown's shops & parks.
NEW INCENTIVE ADDED WITH OPPORTUNITY ZONE
MAIN STREET GETS A NEW LOOK
In early 2018, the federal government announces the creation of federal Opportunity Zones. Hamilton successfully lobbies to have two of our census tracts designated as Opportunity Zones, which provides a major incentive for investment into some of the most distressed areas of our community.
The Main Street Streetscape project to replace a 100+ year old water main and create a more appealing streetscape in the Main Street Historic District begins. The project brings a renewed focus on pedestrian friendly lighting, sidewalks, and landscaping that extends from Main to the future Spooky Nook Complex.
harbingers of change
2018
FUTURISTIC FARMING ESTABLISHES ROOTS IN HAMILTON
DOWNTOWN SEES RENEWED CLASS A SPACE
80 Acres Farm breaks ground on the country's first automated indoor farm at Hamilton Enterprise Park. The company begins renovating two downtown buildings to serve as its new headquarters and vine crop farm.
After receiving historic tax credits in 2017, the former Fifth Third building at the corner of Third and High Streets in downtown Hamilton is renovated into Class A commercial office space. Anchor tenant Kirsch CPA moves in immediately.
from vacant to visionary SPOOKY NOOK CHAMPION MILL BREAKS GROUND Spooky Nook Sports at Champion Mill officially breaks ground on October 25, 2018, kicking off a multi-year, $150+ million redevelopment project that is expected to bring massive economic benefits to the entire region. Once completed it will be the second largest convention center space in the TriState area and the largest indoor sports complex in North America.
2018 MARCUM APARTMENTS OPEN WITH FULL WATING LIST
OVERPASS 100+ YEARS IN THE MAKING OPENS
The Marcum Apartments, which began construction in 2017, opens to residents in the fall of 2018. The $13M mixed-use building has 102 apartment units and five commercial spaces. The Marcum is the first major new infill development project in downtown Hamilton in over 20 years.
The Jim Blount South Hamilton Crossing Overpass, named in honor of local historian Jim Blount, is finally completed in December 2018. The project was first conceived more than a century prior.
momentum builds in business corridors
2019
VIRTUAL PINBALL LAUNCHES INTO IRL EXPERIENCE VPCabs, which appeared on Shark Tank and manufactures virtual pinball machines, relocates its production facility to 113 North Third Street in 2018. In 2019 the company begins to expand, adding an in-person pinball barcade that would become an overnight success despite the pandemic they would open into.
OHIO CASUALTY BEGINS NEW JOURNEY AS THIRD+DAYTON The Ohio Casualty complex, now called Third + Dayton, invests $5 million to create 70 new residential units on the top three floors of the largest building. The complex plans to add restaurant and retail space, commercial offices, additional apartments, and possibly hotel rooms in the future as they continue to redevelop the property.
OHIO'S BEST HOMETOWN City of Hamilton is chosen as one of Ohio’s Best Hometowns in the 14th annual issue of Ohio Magazine’s Ohio’s Best Hometowns. This magazine recognizes cities and towns that are excellent places to live, work, and visit.
MAIN STREET GETS MARKET RATE APARTMENT UNITS CORE completes the $1.8M+ mixed-use Davis building project at the corner of Main and D Streets. The first floor of the building is leased by four commercial tenants: Scripted Studio, The Village Parlor Ice Cream, Two Little Buds, and Hughes Pharmacy. The two upper floors have twelve apartment units with a unique floor plan, ranging from approximately 650 square feet to 900 square feet. These units become available in July 2019 and are completely leased by the end of September.
pandemic pushes outdoor placemaking HAMILTON FORMS RAPID RESTART TEAM IN RESPONSE TO PANDEMIC The Rapid Restart Team (RRT) is created in the first weeks of the pandemic to coordinate local programing and response to the constantly changing reality that the COVID-19 pandemic created. The cross-functional team consists primarily of City and Chamber staff members tasked with assisting the local business community in this moment of need, preparing for a fast-track reopening when allowable, and help reintroduce the public back to businesses throughout the ever changing reality of day to day life. RRT would ultimately conceptualize 100s of initiatives while putting more than 25 into action successfully.
2020 ENTERTAINMENT INCENTIVE AREAS SEE EXPANSION As businesses and investments continue to extend to areas previously overlooked as development zones, it becomes apparent that the CED and DORA districts need to expand to accommodate this growth. These initiatives prove to be powerful recruitment tools for new businesses. Additionally, the DORA plays a vital role for the RRT in helping preserve numerous businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.
STRATEGIC ACQUISITIONS ON MAIN SOUGHT FOR FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES Following the findings of a downtown housing study which revealed a shortfall of nearly three thousand market rate units, the City of Hamilton, along with CORE Hamilton and the CIC, begin strategically acquiring properties in the 300 block of Main Street. The goal - to attract a developer for a mixed-use infill development project, replicating the success of the Marcum Apartments. Additionally, the Ritzi family retires and puts their historic service station up for sale. The CIC purchases the .62 acre site on a prominent corner of Main Street to preserve and optimize its use.
MAIN STREET GETS NEW BACKYARD
grit and determination move more projects
2021
CIC SEES STRATEGIC VISION FOR US BANK The local Community Improvement Corporation (CIC) strategically acquires the historic Second National Bank building via online auction for $230K when US Bank decides to downsize their operations.
Hamilton’s Urban Backyard, a.k.a. the “HUB” on Main Street, holds its highly anticipated grand opening. The new food and drink establishment also serves as a family-friendly communal gathering and hang-out space for residents. The interior of the historic building which narrowly missed demolition has been renovated into a "Ohio sourced" full bar with a rotating variety of local brews on tap. On the outdoor patio multiple food truck spots allow for diverse food offerings. The turfed courtyard is host to various amenities including cornhole, firepits, games, and more.
TACOS TAKE OVER MAIN STREET
CITY MAKES KEY CONNECTIONS FOR HISTORIC HOTEL
Agave & Rye is selected as the recipient of the RFP for the former Ritzi's service station on Main Street, adding another prominent food and beverage tenant to the bustling corridor.
After being told that the Anthony Wayne building was available for purchase, City leaders connect the out of state owners with multiple potential developers. This ultimately leads to a private sale which would return the hotel to its former glory.
MAPLE AVENUE CORRIDOR GETTING ENERGIZED Following the release of an RFP for the former City Substation, Amp House Brewery is awarded the opportunity to redevelop the site. The project marks the first major investment in the Maple Avenue Corridor.
monumental development projects set to transform the urban landscape
2022 2022 COHATCH PLANS COWORKING SPACE FOR DOWNTOWN
ANTHONY WAYNE BECOMES A HOTEL ONCE AGAIN
The request for proposal (RFP) for the historic Second National Bank Building is released by the CIC. The redevelopment project is awarded to COhatch, a company that provides shared workspace solutions for remote workers.
The Well House, a Hilton Tapestry Hotel is announced at the former Anthony Wayne Hotel. The project will be led by Vision Realty Group, the same team that worked on the redevelopment of the Billy Yanks building (205 Main Street - Hammerle Building).
COhatch plans to invest $11M into the site, and activate 100% of the building, including adding a food & beverage tenant to the first floor that will become an additional anchor for the central business district.
WILDFIRE SPREADS Wildfire Hygge Home opens at 127 N Second Street, their second location in the urban core through a development agreement with the City of Hamilton. Property originally acquired in 2017.
WAREHOUSE HOTEL HITS THE GROUND RUNNING Spooky Nook Sports at Champion Mill hits a major milestone as the Warehouse Hotel welcomes their first overnight guests in May of 2o22.
CONSTRUCTION STARTS ON MAIN STREET APARTMENTS The Rossville Flats mixed-use development represents one of the first new construction projects along historic Main Street in decades. This is the second project for CMC Properties, who also have The Marcum, and it adds 76 apartments and two 1,600 square foot commercial spaces to the Rossville neighborhood.
visions for a greater future finally begin to come to fruition
2023
THE PUBLIC SEES THE PARKING LOT FULL FOR THE FIRST TIME Spooky Nook hosts its first major sporting event, a 15K person volleyball event in Mill 1. They also released a 6-month calendar of sporting events scheduled to take place at the facility.
HISTORIC TRAIN DEPOT RELOCATED In 2020, CSX informed the City of their plan to demolish the train depot that had played host to many historic moments in Hamilton, including visits from past presidents. Agreeing to bare the costs of moving it, Hamilton City Council intervened and approved the acceptance of the building as a donation. Building additional momentum for Maple Avenue, a parcel at the corner of Maple Ave and MLK Blvd is selected as the building's new home. The first of two buildings was moved in 2022.
2023 PEDESTRIAN TRAFFIC PICKS UP As foot traffic and small businesses in the urban core significantly increased, a Pedestrian Wayfinding program is introduced to help people navigate the area. The program involves the creation of three new districts, namely the Maple Avenue Corridor (MAC), the North End, and Champion Canyon, which aim to provide clearer direction and signage for pedestrians.
INTRODUCING THE NEIGHBORHOOD SUMMIT Hamilton introudces the inagural Neighborhood Summit, a mini-conference that brings together neighborhood, government, business, non-profit, educational, and youth leaders for conversations focused on the future of Hamilton and its neighborhoods. As part of the 17STRONG initiative, the Summit emphasizes collaboration, community engagement, and collective problem-solving to inspire positive change across the city. Through breakout sessions and discussions, leaders from diverse backgrounds come together to share ideas, build connections, and energize continued momentum in every corner of Hamilton.
placemaking projects transform the city
2024
CITY WELCOMES NEW CITY MANAGER CRAIG BUCHEIT The City of Hamilton appoints Police Chief Craig Bucheit as City Manager, Under Bucheit, the City adopts the “Restore the Core” initiative focused on rebuilding and strengthening Hamilton’s neighborhoods. Guided by a vision that is people-centered, neighborhood-focused, and developmentdriven, the initiative prioritizes neighborhood revitalization and sustainable growth for the future.
LANDMARK YWCA BUILDING ENTERS A NEW CHAPTER Hamilton’s historic former YWCA building at 244 Dayton Street begins a new era with a $5.46 million redevelopment project. Awarded $450,000 in State Historic Tax Credits, the project will transform the landmark into 42 market-rate apartments and office space while preserving much of the buildings original 1930s architectural features.
BUSINESS IS SWEET Hamilton’s growing downtown continues to welcome unique experiences and beloved regional favorites that enhance Main Street’s vibrant atmosphere. Aglamesis Brothers opens a new location in the CORE-owned Davis Building at 302 Main Street. Serving rich, premium ice creams and decadent chocolates since 1908, the family-owned Cincinnati staple brings more than a century of craftsmanship to the heart of downtown.
BUILDING COMMUNITY THROUGH PUBLIC ART Public art and placemaking continue to strenthen community connections by celebrating the city’s culture, history, and identity. StreetSpark unveils “Tourism Series: Hamilton,” the program’s second-largest mural to date, transforming a 250-foot floodwall along the Great Miami River Recreational Trail into a vibrant public artwork inspired by the river’s connection to recreation, history, nature, and the local economy.
THE WELL HOUSE HOTEL MAKES ITS DOWNTOWN DEBUT Hamilton welcomes a new era of hospitality and entertainment with the grand opening of The Well House Hamilton and its accompanying pub, the Lucky Well. Historic preservation and adaptive reuse continue to play a key role in Hamilton’s downtown revitalization efforts. This milestone marks the first time in nearly 61 years that the historic Anthony Wayne building has hosted overnight guests, thanks to a $16 million transformation from apartments into a luxury boutique hotel.
HISTORIC TAX CREDITS PROPEL LINDENWALD REDEVELOPMENT A long-vacant piece of Hamilton’s industrial history is set for major transformation thanks to a $3.5 million Ohio Historic Tax Credit award. The $29.1 million project plans to transform the former Shuler and Benninghofen Woolen Mill in Lindenwald into a 100-unit apartment complex with retail space, bringing new life to one of the city’s key corridors. Led by Cincinnati=based developer Bloomfield Schon, the redevelopment will preserve and restore the site’s historic character while creating new residential and commercial opprtunities.
2024 NEW LIFE TO EAST STREET Garcia’s Market, a beloved community staple, is expanding its operations. The first step in this exciting development is renovating the vacant building at 706 East Street, which will soon house the market along with a brand-new bakery. Meanwhile, their current location at 662 East Avenue is transforming into a fullservice restaurant, offering their acclaimed tacos and authentic dishes with dine-in options.
CONSTRUCTION STARTS ON RIVERSEDGE EXPANSION The City of Hamilton advances the redevelopment and expansion of RiversEdge, a community destination that has welcomed nearly 200,000 visitors to more than 120 events since 2017, generating an estimated $6.25 million in economic impact. Following the conclusion of the 2024 season, construction began on the amphitheater transformation, including the removal of the old canopy to make way for a new state-of-the-art roof.
MANUFACTURING HUB FUELS WORKFORCE GROWTH The City of Hamilton, Miami University, Butler Tech, and local partners further plans for the Advanced Manufacturing Workforce and Innovation Hub, a collaborative initiative to strengthen the region’s manufacturing talent pipeline and support long-term economic growth. Backed by $15 million in local funding, the project repurposes the former VORA Technology Park into a 300,000-square-foot facility where Butler Tech and Miami University will co-locate education, training, research, and workforce development programs. This project emphasizes Hamilton’s role as a regional center for advanced manufacturing education, innovation, and economic opportunity.
BUILD BACK THE BLOCK SETS THE FOUNDATION Hamilton is investing in its future through smart, sustainable development. Build Back the Block is a citywide housing and neighborhood revitalization effort aiming to create quality, attainable housing that strengthens the community from the inside out. In partnership with Habitat for Humanity, Neighborhood Housing Services, the Hamilton CORE Fund, and Community First Solutions, the City advances plans to deliver 10 new homes within 12 months, the first step toward a broader goal of 100 homes by 2030, representing nearly $30 million in investment. This initiative reinforces Hamilton’s commitment to sustainable growth, neighborhood reinvestment, and long-term community vitality.
a new era of investment and opportunity emerges
2025
UPSCALE DINING EXPERIENCE ENRICHES DOWNTOWN Our city is experiencing a renaissance in restaurant and nightlife scenes. Carmagnola Trattoria & The Grey at 24 South Third Street represents a transformative $4 million private investment in Hamilton’s Central Business District. Led by Randy and Jess Allman, the redevelopment revitalizes two formerly historic buildings into a vibrant mixed-use destination featuring Italian-inspired dining, a coffee and cocktail bar, and eight upper-floor apartments. This project brings new jobs, housing, and investment to downtown, helping activate a key corridor and support surrounding businesses.
KROGER MARKETPLACE TO NORTH BROOKWOOD AVENUE A major new investment is planned for Hamilton’s west side as Kroger advances a $35 million Kroger Marketplace at 182 North Brookwood Avenue. Located on part of the former Brookwood Shopping Center site, the 123,000-square-foot development represents a significant reinvestment in a key commercial corridor.
2025 DARANA HYBRID ANNOUNCES EXPANSION Darana Hybrid, a Native American-owned company specializing in the design, manufacturing, and installation of conveyor systems, proposes a major expansion of its facility on Belle Avenue to support its growing electro-mechanical and industrial systems business. The project expects to create at least 55 new jobs, increasing the workforce to around 120, with support from local infrastructure improvements and a long-term tax incentive agreement.
RISE AND SHINE Hamilton’s German Village continues to see renewed momentum as Early Berd’s moves into the former Neal’s BBQ space on North Third Street. The menu features classic breakfast staples with a homemade approach. This project contributes to ongoing reinvestment in German Village, enhancing its appeal as a hub for local businesses.
a new chapter of growth takes shape
2026
BUILD BACK THE BLOCK HOMES HIT THE MARKET The first Build Back the Block homes hit the market. As the first newly constructed homes in the Jefferson neighborhood in nearly 50 years, this milestone represents the transition from vision to reality. With additional homes under construction, Build Back the Block is creating lasting momentum for housing growth across Hamilton.
COHATCH AND THE EYRIE OPEN DOWNTOWN Hamilton’s downtown revitalization continues with the opening of COhatch Hamilton and the adjoining Eyrie Cocktail Lounge. The project marks the completion of the transformation of the historic 1931 art deco Second National Bank Building at 219 High Street into a modern coworking and community space. The adaptive reuse project preserves a key piece of Hamilton’s architectural history while bringing new energy to the city’s core.
SO WHAT'S NEXT? We can say with full confidence that the next three to five yeras are going to be the busiest we have ever been with more projects in the pipeline than we have had in the last decade. It is exciting to be in Hamilton at this moment in history. Looking back, we have accomplished a lot in our city’s history. One thing is clear: change is inevitable, and you never know what the future will hold. But, we can all collectively do our best to leave our home a better place than we found it.
pending projects BECKETT PAPER Beckett Paper is an ambitious revitalization project aimed at restoring a historic landmark to its former glory. The project will introduce over 200 urban apartments, providing an exceptional living experience.
HAMPTON INN & HOME2SUITES
COHEN RECYCLING
A dual-branded Hampton Inn and Home2Suites hotel development is planned for the corner of MLK Jr. Boulevard and High Street. This 160-key infill development is poised to energize the surrounding area while expanding visitor accomodations.
Get ready for a new Cohen Recycling: an all-in-one development that boasts an impressive array of amenities, including hotels, stylish apartments, cutting-edge offices, and more.
20 HIGH Expected to become a boutique hotel with around 150 rooms seamlessly blending modern amenities with the charm of a historically significant structure that has been expertly preserved.
6.6 Acres
40.6 Acres
17.6 Acres
7.9 Acres
8.5 Acres
learn more hamiltonohiobusiness.com