Once-in-a-generation
District Transformation
Every project in the reimagined Convention District plays a vital role in positioning Cincinnati as a premier destination for conventions and events—while showcasing our unique culture and vibrant community to the world.
Convention District
Elm Street Plaza is the first completed project in a broader $828 million investment to revitalize the entire Convention District. This transformative initiative also includes the historic renovation of Cincinnati’s convention center and the future construction of a new Marriott convention headquarters hotel.
3CDC is serving as the Development Manager for the District, working on behalf of the City of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, and in conjunction with numerous partners, including Visit Cincy, Portman Holdings, The Port, the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber, the African American Chamber of Commerce, and more.
Transformative Convention District Projects
Cincinnati Convention Center
Located in the heart of downtown, Cincinnati’s 55-year-old convention center was outdated in many ways, from technology and functionality to aesthetics and efficiency. In July 2024, project partners kicked off an 18-month renovation to transform the outdated structure into a sought-after space for convention and event industry leaders. Upon completion, the revitalized building will boast a primarily glass façade that will allow for significant natural light inside the building, a sleek, modern, aesthetically pleasing design on the exterior, and a completely new roof. The revitalized facility will also include upgraded meeting rooms and ballrooms, as well as major improvements to building systems and technology, making it much more energy efficient and capable of accommodating high-caliber conventions and events. The transformed convention center is set to open in January 2026.
Convention Headquarters Hotel
One critical piece of the Convention District is the construction of a new convention headquarters hotel to support the travel and hospitality industry, which will replace a surface parking lot located just south of the convention center, at Fifth and Plum streets. The hotel will consist of 700 rooms, including 36 suites; more than 62,000 square feet of flexible meeting space; a full-service, 3-meal restaurant and outdoor bar overlooking 5th Street; an outdoor event terrace, including a lawn and deck; and a skybridge connecting to the convention center. The property will join the Marriott Hotels industry-leading brand portfolio and serve as the anchor for the city’s reimagined Convention District—marking a major milestone in the effort to transform the area into a premier destination for large-scale meetings, events, and tourism. Full hotel construction will begin in the fourth quarter of 2025 and will be completed in the second quarter of 2028.
Convention Center Garage
Situated at 212 W Fourth Street in Cincinnati’s Convention District, the former “Whex Garage” is being renovated and redesigned to complement the new convention headquarters hotel. In addition to structural repairs throughout the garage, the renovation includes the elimination of the Fifth Street ramp and loading dock, reconfiguration of internal ramping, and a new stair/elevator tower. Upon completion, the 780-space garage will provide parking for the new hotel, in addition to public parking for the convention center and other local attractions. Renovation construction is underway and expected to be completed in Spring 2026.
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