Nexus bridges Cincinnati’s historic Central Downtown District with the Ohio River waterfront, creating a hub of community-oriented activities over Fort Washington Freeway. The development proposal was developed by an interdepartmental team for the ULI Hines Competition, which asks proposers to develop a design, development, and financial strategy. The project connects surrounding neighborhoods to the riverfront by focusing on the pedestrian experience and celebrating Cincinnati culture with food and leisure enrichment.
Nexus site plan
The Nexus team studied neighborhood demographics as well as services available in the nearby area and found that Cincinnati’s community is diverse and spans broad income ranges, cultural groups, and commuter mode choices. The Nexus Plan builds on the Cincinnati’s highly regarded food scene to cultivate community bonds and address high levels of poverty affecting many of its neighborhoods. The plan’s centerpiece, a food hall and park, sits atop the decked freeway, unifying downtown with the riverfront district. The indoor/outdoor food hall includes a plaza, offering public open space, and supports multiple venues for farmers markets, food trucks, a beer garden, and eating/shopping (shown below).
Food hall and plaza
Downtown Cincinnati lacks abundant healthy grocery food options, as well, so the development also includes a 40,000sf grocery venue. Towards the river, Bailey Gardens allows youth and local residents to grow food and learn about healthy eating. An adjacent non-profit office workspace will support community organizations. The full development program is shown below.
Development program
The master plan put forth by Nexus emphasizes mixed-use, complete neighborhoods, with a variety of housing options near retail and services. The plan leverages the growing public transit options in the area. The district’s pedestrian-oriented mission is reinforced by a series of alleys that are reminiscent of the Over-the-Rhine townhouse typology; these also invite visitors to meander towards the riverfront on foot. The plan boasts sustainable approaches to stormwater drainage, incorporating rain gardens and flow through landscaping that drain away from downtown. New architecture uses contextual materials (stone, masonry, steel) honoring Cincinnati’s industrial past.
Project phasing, developed by others on the team, is designed to maximize pro forma return and feasibility, with housing and office development constructed first, followed by the lower revenue-generating parks and food hall.
Circulation plan
