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City Council approves convention‑center hotel and related development agreements
Summary
Cincinnati City Council on Feb. 25 passed a package of emergency ordinances authorizing a convention‑center headquarters hotel, related tax‑payment agreements and property conveyances aimed at reimagining downtown and supporting convention demand.
Cincinnati City Council on Feb. 25 approved a multipiece package of emergency ordinances to advance a convention‑center headquarters hotel and related downtown improvements.
The measures, passed by roll call, authorize an expansion of a project financed with up to $23 million in economic development revenue bonds; a development agreement with Cincinnati CH LLC and the Hamilton County Board of Commissioners; tax‑exemption treatment for a hotel at 240 West 4th Street and 251 West 5th Street with payments in lieu of taxes; a set of easements and conveyances to allow construction and renovation of the WEX Garage; and repeal of a 1997 ordinance governing convention‑center booking procedures.
Council members described the package as transformational for downtown vibrancy and economic development. Council member Grama Dean said the effort is a “reimagination” of a section of downtown and thanked the administration and 3CDC for their work. Council member Walsh noted construction is difficult but said the project will enable Cincinnati to host larger conventions and events that drive hotel demand.
City Manager Cheryl Long and other administration officials thanked council and partner organizations, including 3CDC and the county, for extensive negotiations. Long described the outcome as “a huge win” and emphasized collaboration among the city, county and private partners.
The ordinances include provisions the council said will require developer payments in lieu of certain lodging and property taxes rather than outright exemptions. Council members also approved related real‑estate agreements to permit a pedestrian connection and to renovate the WEX Garage to serve the project.
Council voted to suspend the rules and adopt these items as emergency ordinances; roll calls recorded unanimous or near‑unanimous support on each related item. The council framed the approvals as necessary to keep downtown competitive, increase convention capacity and stimulate adjacent development.
