Tuesday, Dec. 30: Hotel Slump + Bike Share Boost + Mixed-Income Housing
Tuesday, Dec. 30
Your local news briefing
5 Headlines You Should Know Today
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Cincinnati hotel sector sees downturn; convention center fuels hopes.
Cincinnati’s hotel sector is experiencing a downturn, with September’s average revenue per available room falling to $73.13—a 7.3% drop from two years ago. Analysts blame declining leisure travel, weaker group bookings, and fewer international visitors. However, local leaders are optimistic about a 2026 rebound, tied to the renovated convention center’s reopening and hotel renovations at the Westin and 21c Museum Hotel. National trends show top-tier hotels thriving, while mid-range and budget accommodations struggle. Inflation and labor costs are squeezing operators, prompting increased reliance on automation and AI.
Red Bike rebounds: 125,000 rides; new funding boosts plans.
Cincinnati’s Red Bike program marked a strong rebound in 2025, logging over 125,000 rides—the second-highest total in its history. After a temporary shutdown in early 2024 due to a major funding shortfall, the bike share reopened with a new three-year funding plan supported by public and private partners. Despite a 15% dip in fare revenue, Director Doug McClintock says optimism is high for 2026. The nonprofit added seven new stations this year and plans to adjust its Go Pass program, which provided over half of all rides to low-income users.
Atlas Building slated for 67 mixed-income apartments.
Urban Sites plans to convert Cincinnati’s 10-story Atlas Building into 67 mixed-income apartments by 2026. Located at 530 Walnut Street, the nearly vacant 1920s-era structure currently houses Urbana Café on the ground floor and a single office tenant. The $20.8 million project may draw financing from downtown tax-increment funds and the Cincinnati Affordable Housing Trust, and will receive $2.08 million from the Ohio Historic Preservation Tax Credit. The building’s units will serve households earning between 60% and 120% of area median income. Construction is expected to begin in summer 2026.
Camp Washington skate park starts February; cheese-coney obstacle planned.
Construction on a new skate park in Cincinnati’s Camp Washington neighborhood is set to begin by early February. The project, spearheaded by the Cincinnati Skatepark Project, has secured funding from both the city and a state grant, along with private donations. Co-founder Evan Walker says the aim is to have skaters using the space by summer. Additional fundraising will support features like lighting, trees, and pollinator gardens to enhance community use year-round. The park will occupy a greenspace behind the Camp Washington Rec Area and include whimsical elements, like a cheese coney-shaped obstacle.
Wayfarer Tavern tops 2025 new restaurants list.
The Cincinnati Enquirer has named Wayfarer Tavern in Dayton, Kentucky the standout among Greater Cincinnati’s best new restaurants of 2025. Opened by Mike Dew, the upscale pizza and cocktail bar draws both local regulars and regional foodies with its crispy Detroit-style pies, creative small plates like gigante beans with sun-dried tomatoes, and a curated bar program. Six other notable additions were recognized, including Marigold’s Indian-British fusion downtown, Carmelo’s Italian-American homage in Covington, Miami-inspired Flamingo Drive in Milford, Pennyflower Bistro downtown, Guardia Pizza in Mount Lookout, and Alveo Sandwich Shop in Mariemont.
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