Developer presents Crossley Hotel plan to council; says project will preserve historic elements and create jobs

Chris Sankara, a real-estate developer, presented a plan to council and nearby residents to redevelop the Pinecroft/Crossley estate into what he described as the Crossley Hotel, a boutique wellness-focused property that would keep the historic portion of the building intact under federal and local preservation easements.

Sankara said the site is roughly 19.84 acres and that the project would open in phases: an initial phase of about 10 rooms and two cabins in 2026 followed by an event center and additional rooms through 2028. He estimated the project would create roughly 50 to 60 full-time jobs once complete and asked council to consider providing a support letter as the team pursues a zoning-use variance in Cincinnati on Oct. 21.

Sankara described amenities including a wellness spa, restaurant with locally sourced food, walking trails and a permanent event center; he also said the exterior historic features would remain because of preservation easements. Councilmembers thanked the presenter, requested renderings and site plans, and said they would accept the materials for review; no formal city action or endorsement was taken at the meeting.

Other public commenters used the meeting to propose adaptive reuse for city-owned buildings: one resident urged converting the 5100 Building into a multi‑age community recreation hub and suggested partnering with Great Oaks or local trades for phased work instead of demolition.

What happens next: the developer said he will provide renderings and site plans to council and will return after zoning approvals. The city did not commit to any formal support or funding and noted further vetting and planning approvals will be required before private development or city partnership steps forward.