Construction begins on new ‘Uptown Gateway’ mixed-use development

CINCINNATI, OH (FOX19) - A new mixed-use development is coming to Cincinnati and work officially began on the project Monday morning.

City officials, University of Cincinnati officials and community leaders gathered for the groundbreaking for Uptown Gateway at 10:30 a.m.

The new $250 million development by Terrex Development and Construction and Messer Construction Company will be in the Uptown Innovation Corridor in Cincinnati’s Innovation District.

The district is in the area of the southeastern corner of Reading Road and Martin Luther King Drive, which is where the groundbreaking was held.

Monday’s groundbreaking begins phase one of the Uptown Gateway project by the new Interstate 71 Interchange.

“I believe this will be the next big inflection point for our region,” Cincinnati Mayor John Cranley said.

Officials say it’s expected to catalyze reinvestment in Avondale, drawing technology, biotechnology and other high-growth industries and talent to Cincinnati.

“Today is more than just another groundbreaking,” Avondale Community Council President Patricia Milton said. “If you’re looking for a great neighborhood to move to, choose Avondale.”

Phase one includes 360,000 square feet of office space, a 1,350-space underground parking garage and a 158-room Hilton Homewood Suites hotel, officials say.

UC signed a long-term lease for a 180,000-square-foot office building to house its digital futures building. Officials say that will increase synergies with the nearby 1819 Innovation Hub.

“This investment is the game changer for the whole Cincinnati region moving forward, and I say that without hesitation,” Greater Cincinnati Chamber of Commerce President Jill Meyer said.

They say the new corridor is Cincinnati’s center of innovation and entrepreneurship that will help institutions and companies connect with start-ups. The main focus is on medicine, research and innovation.

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