Construction of Cincinnati’s long-anticipated convention headquarters hotel is set to begin July 21, as developer Portman Holdings prepares to break ground on a 700-room Marriott that city leaders view as a cornerstone of downtown’s transformation.
The groundbreaking, which Portman announced June 23, follows the closing of $540 million in financing for the project, a major milestone in the city’s broader Convention District redevelopment effort.
Hotel will feature terrace, skybridge
The hotel will feature 60,000 square feet of meeting space, a 17,000-square-foot event terrace and multiple ballrooms. A skybridge will connect the property to the renovated First Financial Center.
The hotel is being developed through a public-private partnership involving the city of Cincinnati, Hamilton County, the state of Ohio and Cincinnati Center City Development Corp., among others.
Officials say the headquarters hotel is a critical component of Cincinnati’s $828 million Convention District revitalization plan, designed to attract larger conventions, trade shows and major events to the urban core.
Hotel pitched as catalyst for downtown growth
The development is supported by approximately $249 million in public funding, including state assistance, city financing and tax-related incentives, along with private investment and financing from multiple lenders.
City and development leaders say the project is expected to strengthen Cincinnati’s tourism industry, generate new business for downtown restaurants and retailers, and spur long-term economic growth throughout the city center.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Cincinnati’s new convention hotel set to begin construction
Reporting by Randy Tucker, Cincinnati Enquirer / Cincinnati Enquirer
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By Randy Tucker, Cincinnati Enquirer | USA TODAY Network
