Reimagined Duke Energy Convention Center
On July 1, 2024, the Duke Energy Convention Center began significant updates and renovations to become more flexible, functional, cutting-edge, and environmentally friendly -- a meeting planner's dream space.
The completely reimagined Center will feature modernized meeting rooms, upgraded ballrooms and renovated exhibit hall and pre-function space. In addition, a new expansive rooftop terrace on the second level will provide stunning views of Cincinnati's downtown skyline. Major improvements are being made to building systems and technology making it much more energy efficient.
The development will pour over the Elm Street Plaza, a new, two-acre park and outdoor convention area convenient for event activations and relaxing breakouts.
The project is expected to cost $240 million and reopen by January 2026 making it one of the premier convention centers in the Midwest.
New Headquarters Hotel
Located directly across the street and south of the Convention Center, a brand new Headquarters Hotel will be built. It is expected to feature:
- 800 Hotel rooms
- Up to 80,000 square feet of meeting space with junior and senior ballrooms
- 15,000 square feet of retail space
- Panoramic outdoor terrace with a pool
Construction is expected to begin in Q1 2025 and cost about $480 million. Portman Holdings is the developer and a hotel brand will be announced soon.
New Elm Street Convention Plaza
Located east of the Convention Center and across Elm Street, a brand new, two-acre park is also going through an upgrade. The plaza will feature:
- An additional two-acres of outdoor activation space extended from the renovated Convention Center; great for receptions, parties, live music and food trucks
- Retractable bollards/posts for easy flow and street closures over Elm Street for a seamless event space activation
- Programming and events when not being utilized by convention groups
- New pavilion and walking paths
Construction is in conjunction with reimagined convention center which began in July 2024.
Key Development Dates
- Convention Center Renderings Finalized: September 2023
- Convention Center Groundbreaking: July 2024
- Hotel Groundbreaking: Q1 2025
- Convention Center Grand Reopening: January 2026
- Hotel Grand Opening: Q3 2027
More Convention District Developments
Within two blocks of the downtown Convention Center, dozens of new restaurants, shops, retail and parking have opened making it easy for visitors to grab a bite near their hotel or walk across the street for a cocktail. Explore a few of the developments below.
More Developments in Cincy North
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