8 hours ago, Cincy513 said:

Are we ever going to get an announcement on the hotel?  The county is going to cost themselves millions of dollars by not having this started before the pre tariffs.

Wait 9 months tariffs are short term

3 hours ago, Lazarus said:

 

It appears that the 2006 addition, which is 1/4 of the building (and roughly 5 million square inches), isn't getting touched at all:

 

The ballroom will remain 2006 vintage, the 2006 escalators are being kept, and the exterior isn't being changed at all (including the "Cincinnati" sign and Union Terminal murals).  In many photos you can see that the dividing wall is drawn across the seem between the 1980s and 2006 section, hinting that the main hall expansion isn't being altered at all.

You have absolutely no clue what you’re talking about. It’s exhausting responding to you most of the time. The entire center is going to be one beautiful cohesive design, the idea you would think portions of the building like the 2006 expansion would not be updated too in this 240 million dollar renovation is ludicrous. Furthermore in the construction photo link you can clearly see recent shots in that 2006 section with walls, lighting, carpet etc ripped out. The Grand Ball Room is going to keep its theme for the most part with tech and lighting upgrades and the second ballroom Is getting totally ripped out and re done brand new.

Edited April 26Apr 26 by 646empire

2 hours ago, Lazarus said:

 

I turned out to be right about everything:

 

Allow me to revisit my fourth point, which I was able to accurately deduce without setting foot inside the building, since I am extremely familiar with it. 

 

The low-rent, low-ceiling section where the original 1960s loading dock was located remains perfectly intact:

 

This view of the low ceiling, diagonal pillars, and hanging skywalk hallway is completely unchanged...I remember it looking exactly like this 1985:

 

Wow just wow. LOLLL.

50 minutes ago, 646empire said:

You have absolutely no clue what you’re talking about. 

The whole previous color scheme, design everything is going bye bye. Tech, Way Finding Signage, Carpet, Lighting, Paint, Doors, Restrooms, Everything will be new.

 

Edited April 26Apr 26 by 646empire

 

1 hour ago, 646empire said:

You have absolutely no clue what you’re talking about.

 

With just 7 months to go, are you suggesting that work has yet to commence on a radical transformation of the main convention hall?  That the exterior of the 2006 expansion is going to be removed and replaced?

 

1 hour ago, 646empire said:

The whole previous color scheme, design everything is going bye bye. Tech, Way Finding Signage, Carpet, Lighting, Paint, Doors, Restrooms, Everything will be new.

 

Everything?  Except the main ballroom?  Except the whole organization of the space?  Except almost everything about the 2006 expansion?  That's not what the word "everything" means. 

 

The 2006 interior design was done by Sussman & Prejza Associates from Los Angeles.  I know because they cut me a check for stuff they used in the concourse graphics.  I was nervous about it at the time and it ended up looking so lame I never used it in my own portfolio.  It's now being covered up, to be rediscovered in the 2042 renovation:

https://sussmanprejza.com/

 

On 4/26/2025 at 1:13 AM, Lazarus said:

 

 

With just 7 months to go, are you suggesting that work has yet to commence on a radical transformation of the main convention hall?  That the exterior of the 2006 expansion is going to be removed and replaced?

 

 

Everything?  Except the main ballroom?  Except the whole organization of the space?  Except almost everything about the 2006 expansion?  That's not what the word "everything" means. 

 

The 2006 interior design was done by Sussman & Prejza Associates from Los Angeles.  I know because they cut me a check for stuff they used in the concourse graphics.  I was nervous about it at the time and it ended up looking so lame I never used it in my own portfolio.  It's now being covered up, to be rediscovered in the 2042 renovation:

https://sussmanprejza.com/

 

Again you don’t know what you’re talking about. The 2006 exterior didnt need replacing it still looks great and will blend wonderfully with the new glass and aluminum facade wrap. 3CDC considered removing features like the Cincinnati sign and the public overwhelmingly said to leave it. Radical transformation of the main convention hall????? What??? Main convention halls are mostly blank concrete boxes by design, There isn’t anything “radical” to do to an industry standard giant empty box LOL, it will receive state of the art tech, audio, visual equipment signage, concessions etc. The convention center didn’t need to be totally gutted but the entire building needed total comprehensive renovations and upgrades which is what this quarter billion is going to do. Buddy this conversation is absolutely pointless. The January opening will impress that I guarantee. Moving on.

Edited April 27Apr 27 by 646empire

On 4/26/2025 at 1:13 AM, Lazarus said:

The 2006 interior design was done by Sussman & Prejza Associates from Los Angeles.  I know because they cut me a check for stuff they used in the concourse graphics.

Its going bye bye.

@Lazarus, you gotta relax brother. Just wait till the convention center reopens and 3CDC/the Chamber put that mobile ZYN booth in there.

Then you’ll see the vision.

Snapped some photos today of the convention center today!

A lot of the glazing on Fifth is installed. And the main entrance at the corner is taking shape as it turns on Elm.

I was thinking the other day about how much I would love to see a new high rise on the lot south of the CC. It would really stretch the skyline to the west. Right now most pics of Cincy stop at Carew. Not that an esthetic skyline is that important, but I also feel like that side of downtown is just kind of dead.

These photos remind me of a '57 Buick Roadmaster. just needs more chrome.

Kinda crazy that the hotel hasn't been announced yet and work hasn't commenced.

2 hours ago, Miami-Erie said:

Kinda crazy that the hotel hasn't been announced yet and work hasn't commenced.

Yeah at some point I just gave up lol. The former Saks Fifth Avenue building is going to be completed before we even get a brand name.

Agree. I thought someone on this board quoted sources as "late Q2". Time's a wastin'.

46 minutes ago, jvarney1 said:

Agree. I thought someone on this board quoted sources as "late Q2". Time's a wastin'.

I haven’t heard anything different. Late Q2 is basically June. I think some on here are under the impression there is going to be a chunk of time between final details (Hotel Flag) and the ground breaking and it seems that isn’t the case. Review, Approvals, groundbreaking etc are going to happen very fast. Im expecting a very eventful next 30-45 days.

Edited May 20May 20 by 646empire

I will say the roll out has been unusual. Rarely do you see a giant convention hotel not have basic details like hotel flag so close to a planned ground breaking. At the same time it’s very Cincinnati.

Edited May 20May 20 by 646empire

I don't take for granted how far things have come since moving here in 07, but the pace of development in Cincinnati is often painfully slow. I'm also pretty sick of everything proposed being downgraded in some way, from The Banks, to The Ovation, to the fact that the western part of TQL didn't get the lighting. It's as if half of the proposed projects here just get turned into something mediocre. It sucks to feel as if Cincinnati is still just a city on the outside looking in. Sometimes I want to move to somewhere more vibrant, but more so I just hope we can get our act together and see some positive growth soon. And if we don't cap FWW in the next 15 years I'll be pissed.

Edited May 20May 20 by anusthemenace

9 minutes ago, anusthemenace said:

western part of TQL didn't get the lighting

I completely agree with the pace of things.

In regards to TQL I remember being told the west half wasn’t wrapped with fins because of the residential on that side. Residents did not like the idea of the lights shining on that side of the venue. I remember people as far as Mt Adam’s pushing back on the fins, LOL

Edited May 20May 20 by 646empire

Are there any renderings for the 6th Street façade of the Convention Center? Contractors removed a portion of the corner façade, but much of the block still has the 1988 stone panels remaining at this point. I don't recall seeing anything on that side. Also, has anyone heard of possible development proposals for the vacant lot on the NE corner of 6th and Elm at the old Moore's Fitness location?

1 hour ago, GHOST TRACKS said:

Are there any renderings for the 6th Street façade of the Convention Center? Contractors removed a portion of the corner façade, but much of the block still has the 1988 stone panels remaining at this point. I don't recall seeing anything on that side. Also, has anyone heard of possible development proposals for the vacant lot on the NE corner of 6th and Elm at the old Moore's Fitness location?

No renderings for that side really. The 6th St side of the building is going to be a kinda of mix because it’s way less trafficked by visitors and is mostly where trucks, vendors, contractors etc are stationed. The corner/ front quarter portion of 6th is being completely ripped out and brand new just like most of 5th St and all of Elm. The rest of the 6th St side like the visitor entrance thats sorta center building and will see extensive work as seen in the pics. The loading dock portion of the building didn’t make sense to touch much. 3CDC and architects did a very good job at looking at the whole building comprehensively.

Edited May 21May 21 by 646empire

A bit of a project update, now that the building is well on the way to being sealed with new exteriors attention turns to an ENORMOUS amount of interior work which is now underway. Will be fascinating to see it come together over the Summer and Fall.

Edited May 21May 21 by 646empire

21 hours ago, GHOST TRACKS said:

Are there any renderings for the 6th Street façade of the Convention Center? Contractors removed a portion of the corner façade, but much of the block still has the 1988 stone panels remaining at this point. I don't recall seeing anything on that side.

People said "no piece of this building will be left untouched" yet they aren't touching hundreds of feet of the facade. Bring it up and you're the bad guy.

Also, has anyone heard of possible development proposals for the vacant lot on the NE corner of 6th and Elm at the old Moore's Fitness location?

At :20 we get that classic theme song plus the Mexican-with-no-accent Monster Truck narrator:

39 minutes ago, Lazarus said:

People said "no piece of this building will be left untouched" yet they aren't touching hundreds of feet of the facade. Bring it up and you're the bad guy.

Meaning every aspect of the building will be seeing renovations. Meeting Rooms, Ball Rooms, Concourses, Facades, New Rooftop Event Space, New Event Plaza, New Carpet, New Lighting, New Audio, New Visual, Security, New Signage, Exhibit Halls , Heat and Cooling, Roof Replacement/Repairs, kitchens and back service areas and lot more. The renovation is total but does not mean literally every inch as in the entire building is being gutted to the steel frame.

You are a special person Lazarus. But Im glad I can help.

Edited May 21May 21 by 646empire

On 5/20/2025 at 5:16 PM, anusthemenace said:

I don't take for granted how far things have come since moving here in 07, but the pace of development in Cincinnati is often painfully slow. I'm also pretty sick of everything proposed being downgraded in some way, from The Banks, to The Ovation, to the fact that the western part of TQL didn't get the lighting. It's as if half of the proposed projects here just get turned into something mediocre. It sucks to feel as if Cincinnati is still just a city on the outside looking in. Sometimes I want to move to somewhere more vibrant, but more so I just hope we can get our act together and see some positive growth soon. And if we don't cap FWW in the next 15 years I'll be pissed.

Same. Anything that is talked about anymore as far as development in this metro, I assume will never happen or will be a third of the size/scope proposed. Still a good chance the BSB companion falls through, right? We get an inconsequential convention space makeover, stalled Banks, and The Artistry.

Edited May 21May 21 by Rabbit Hash

I don't know enough about the project to know if this is true or not. But I'll take your word for it. Where are the hundreds of feet of the facade that aren't being touched?

19 hours ago, Lazarus said:

People said "no piece of this building will be left untouched" yet they aren't touching hundreds of feet of the facade. Bring it up and you're the bad guy.

Again, Sit back and relax the building is going to turn out VERY nice.

Another Big update especially for our friends on here that seem to be always gloomy. Lol

Convention center's 'Cincinnati' sign getting facelift

The iconic 'Cincinnati' sign on the western facade of the Duke Energy Convention Centerwill get a facelift this year as part of the more than $200 million renovation of the Downtown convention center.

The upgraded sign will feature letters illuminated with LED lights that can be customized individually with color changes, gradients and different hues, according to a press release from the Cincinnati Center City Development Corp., or 3CDC.

The upgraded sign will also allow for live video playback, similar to the Fifth Third LED board at Fountain Square, according to the press release.

Demolition on the current sign is scheduled to begin in June

https://www.cincinnati.com/story/news/2025/05/28/cincinnati-sign-getting-first-upgrade-since-2014-as-part-of-conventfresh-upgrade-with-led-lights-and/83895921007/

Edited May 28May 28 by 646empire

finaLLy wE Can gET aLL ThE LeTTeRs To bE OnE CaSe!

That sign is one of my least favorite things about Milwau... I mean, Cincinnati.

Mixed feelings about this. Analog was nice.

Kinda funny that the render doesn't show a hotel.

On 4/25/2025 at 8:12 PM, Lazarus said:

 

It appears that the 2006 addition, which is 1/4 of the building (and roughly 5 million square inches), isn't getting touched at all:

 

The ballroom will remain 2006 vintage, the 2006 escalators are being kept, and the exterior isn't being changed at all (including the "Cincinnati" sign and Union Terminal murals).  In many photos you can see that the dividing wall is drawn across the seem between the 1980s and 2006 section, hinting that the main hall expansion isn't being altered at all.

Hmmm...

On 4/25/2025 at 8:20 PM, Lazarus said:

 

I turned out to be right about everything:

 

Allow me to revisit my fourth point, which I was able to accurately deduce without setting foot inside the building, since I am extremely familiar with it. 

 

The low-rent, low-ceiling section where the original 1960s loading dock was located remains perfectly intact:

 

This view of the low ceiling, diagonal pillars, and hanging skywalk hallway is completely unchanged...I remember it looking exactly like this 1985:

 

Hmmm...

20 hours ago, Rabbit Hash said:

Mixed feelings about this. Analog was nice.

I also like the analog. It was an architectural scale mega-graphic.

The renderings and construction photos don’t do the building justice. It’s looking GOOD! Go see it in person if you have a moment. When the metal panels go on it’s going to be super sleek.

Edited 16 hours ago16 hr by 646empire