Currently, Uptown's approximately 533,000 square feet of retail is dispersed among six very different activity nodes, including the Ludlow Avenue, Jefferson Avenue, Clifton Heights, Short Vine and Burnet Avenue retail corridors as well as the Avondale Town Center.
The Consortium's plan calls for the establishment of "zones of distinction" and healthy neighborhood anchors that offer unique retail, dining and entertainment options. In order to create a distinct sense of place, the plan will leverage assets that include students, major employers and the area's diversity.
Marketing Uptown Cincinnati
An important component in the economic revitalization of Uptown will the establishment of a coordinated retail leasing program to market Uptown to retailers. This will include the development of "real time" data collection on consumer capacity and available sites; creating an Uptown brand and marketing campaign; and providing technical assistance for existing businesses and to attract new retailers.
Economic Empowerment Agenda
The Consortium seeks to lead the National Urban League's (NUL) economic empowerment agenda for minority businesses in retail nodes. The Consortium will demonstrate its commitment buy helping to create a one-stop entrepreneurial technical assistance center with the University of Cincinnati and area partner organizations; increase supplier diversity initiatives among its members; and recruit area residents for employment opportunities.
Burnet Avenue Revitalization
The community of Avondale in Uptown Cincinnati is undergoing a significant transformation, thanks to thoughtful collaboration among Avondale residents, businesses and community leaders and organizations. The renewal of this historical urban environment includes a $45 million joint project of Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, the Avondale Community Council and the Uptown Consortium.
The consortium is serving as the master developer for the project, which encompasses a four- to five-block section of Burnet Avenue between Forest and Erkenbrecher avenues to the north and south, and Harvey and Drury avenues to the east and west.
Key elements of the redevelopment project, which commenced in late 2006, include:
- The acquisition and demolition of nearly 50 vacant structures
- The development of more than 60 units of new housing
- A 45,000-square foot home for the Cincinnati Herald
- A 950-space parking garage for use by Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center
- A new home for the Avondale Community Council
- Additional mixed-use retail and office space
This aggressive redevelopment project will reclaim Burnet Avenue as a strong, healthy and diverse neighborhood known for its unique retail and cultural amenities. The design and permitting for the first phase of the revitalization process are currently nearing completion, with a ground breaking expected in summer 2007.
