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$46M Findlay Community Center Under Construction
disinvestment and population migration to outlying neighborhoods. By the late 1900s and early 2000s, Located in a neglected Cincinnati the area faced deep socioeconomic neighborhood, the 60,000-sq.-ft. challenges. The neighborhood had Findlay Community Center will largely fallen into disrepair.” serve as a beacon of light when it The southern portion of OTR is opens later this year. The $46 million recognized for its growing small project includes an 8,400-sq.-ft. early businesses, strong arts and cultural learning childcare center, a public footprint and ongoing efforts to outdoor space and a playground. maintain equity and diversity. Now, “The facility will provide a wide the non-profit 3CDC is focused on range of amenities designed to serve the northern portion of OTR, where residents of all ages, including a the Findlay Community Center is fitness center, an indoor swimming under construction. pool, roller-skating rink, gymnasium, “North OTR has been identified as indoor running track, community an area with incidents tied to chronic rooms and outdoor recreation vacancy, open-air drug activity and areas,” Ismael Hassan, 3CDC blight,” said Hassan. “As a result, it’s senior development associate, told faced issues with public safety and Construction Equipment Guide. sanitation in recent years. Despite “Programming will include fitness these challenges, North OTR is classes, youth activities, sports entering a historic redevelopment Skanska photo phase, with several large projects leagues, childcare services and other community-based programming that The $46 million project includes an 8,400-sq.-ft. early learning childcare center, a public out- planned and underway that are supports healthy lifestyles and youth door space and a playground. intended to catalyze neighborhooddevelopment.” wide change.” According to Hassan, Over-the-Rhine (OTR) is one of bakeries, churches and theaters. Landmarks from this era, Prior to redevelopment, the site was home to the former the most intact historic urban districts in the United States, like Findlay Market and Cincinnati Music Hall, remain Findlay Playground, which had served the neighborhood for anchors of the neighborhood today. known for its Italianate architecture. years, but had become increasingly underused and in need of “Despite its rich history, OTR experienced significant reinvestment. “In the mid-1800s, OTR became the center of Cincinnati’s see CENTER page 8 German-American life, filled with beer gardens, music halls, decline in the 20th century, driven by industrial job loss, Cindy Riley
CEG CORRESPONDENT
Blaine Hill Bridge Re-Opens Two Years Ahead of Schedule
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine joined the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) and Belmont County community leaders to celebrate the re-opening of the U.S. Route 40 Blaine Hill Bridge two years ahead of the original project completion date. “I am proud of the teamwork that brought this project to completion significantly ahead of schedule,” said DeWine. “This new bridge restores a vital connection between neighboring communities and delivers the safe, dependable roadway that Belmont County drivers expect and deserve.” ODOT closed the Blaine Hill Bridge, also known as the Arches of Memory Bridge, in August 2024
after a routine bridge inspection revealed significant deterioration, including cracking on the deck and damage to the columns and concrete structure. Construction to overhaul the bridge deck was originally expected to begin in 2027, but ODOT accelerated the project’s timeline to begin work in 2025. “Safety dictates every decision we make at ODOT, which is why the closure in 2024 was absolutely necessary,” said ODOT Director Pamela Boratyn. “However, thanks to the relentless dedication of ODOT engineers and design partners, we fast-tracked this project. We appreciate the patience of Belmont see BLAINE page 10
ODOT photo
The U.S. Route 40 Blaine Hill Bridge opened two years ahead of the original project completion date.