Rendering of Burnet Quarter
Uptown Consortium, Inc. (UCI) and Steiner + Associates (Steiner) are partnering to transform Burnet Avenue into a vibrant mixed-use district. The redevelopment project, called Burnet Quarter, is expected to include multi-family residences, condominiums, affordable housing, a hotel, short-term rentals, office spaces and retail options. The goal is to enhance the Avondale community by integrating new development with the established neighborhood, fostering growth, and providing amenities for current residents and newcomers.
Community members gathered on August 20, 2024 to learn more about Burnet Quarter
Brooke Rapp, Director of Community Development and External Relations at UCI, kicked off a community meet-and-greet on Tuesday, August 20, at the Avondale Business Center. Nearly 50 community members and stakeholders attended to learn about the plans for creating a vibrant district where women and minority-owned businesses can thrive and build strong, locally-owned businesses.
Brooke Rapp, UCI’s Director of Community Development and External Relations, kick’s off the Burnet Quarter Community Meet and Greet on August 20, 2024
“We have been actively working with the community to explore the wants and needs within this exciting redevelopment project to transform Avondale into a leading destination for living, working and playing,” Rapp shared. “Community sessions are an integral part of this process to unite businesses, neighbors and civic partners to create a cohesive community.”
“The Burnet district has been a priority of UCI and the Avondale community for many years, and we are glad Steiner is bringing the vision to life,” Rapp said. “Steiner has worked closely with Avondale leadership and the community to develop a plan inclusive of all partners.”
Burnet Quarter is strategically situated near key locations such as Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center and its new park, Rockdale Academy and its garden, UC Health, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Cincinnati and the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden. The project is also adjacent to UCI-funded NMTC projects.
Yaromir Steiner, CEO of Steiner + Associates, speaks at the Burnet Quarter community meet-and-greet on August 20, 2024
At the community meet-and-greet, Yaromir Steiner, CEO of Steiner + Associates, reviewed the plan’s concepts, shared tentative timelines and next steps and answered questions from community members. “Upon completion, we envision Burnet Quarter as the heartbeat of Avondale for residents and minority-owned retailers,” Steiner shared. “The development will help activate a dynamic environment for community members and visitors while balancing the rich, unique history of the Avondale neighborhood.” Darin Hall, Founder and CEO of Civitas Development Group, will serve as Steiner's minority development partner on the project.
Attendees of the meet-and-greet included representatives from Uptown’s key institutions and organizations, leaders and community members from Avondale. Local Black-owned businesses, Chef Mike’s Burning With Style Culinary Services and Gelato City, provided food for the event.
The proposed development aligns with key community plans, including the historic Burnet Avenue Urban Renewal Plan/Revitalization Strategy, known as BART, and the more recent Avondale Quality of Life plan, known as QOL, reflecting the priorities of local stakeholders. The project aims to bring new housing and commercial opportunities to Avondale and create jobs. UCI works with the Avondale Development Corporation (ADC) for community engagement and WEB Ventures (WEB) for economic inclusion.
Concept plan of Burnet Quarter
"Burnet Quarter is a forthcoming vibrant mixed-use development that will transform an urban neighborhood like Avondale into a thriving community hub where diverse experiences, opportunities, and connections flourish, enriching the lives of residents and neighborhood stakeholders, and fostering a sense of belonging, to one and all,” said Russell Hairston, Executive Director of Avondale Development Corporation.
The meet-and-greet highlighted workforce and contracting efforts and outlined ongoing community engagement initiatives.
Rendering of Burnet Quarter
“The Burnet Quarter development concept is truly exciting. WEB Ventures is pleased to be part of the team. We look forward to bringing our economic inclusion and workforce processes to the Burnet Quarter development team,” said Henry Brown, Principal, WEB Ventures.
A virtual meet-and-greet was held on Monday, August 26. The information shared was a repeat of the in-person event but offered another opportunity for the team to share the plans and hear feedback. The team created a feedback survey to continue engaging the Avondale community.
Community members engage with one another at the Burnet Quarter community meet-and-greet on August 20, 2024
For future project updates, click here. For inquiries, please contact Brooke Rapp, UCI’s Director of Community Development and External Relations, at brapp@uptownconsortium.org.