Sydney Franklin
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Architecture, urban design, real estate, art, gender & identity issues in the professional workplace, labor practices, commemorative design, parks, and preservation in the built environment
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@enquirer real estate enterprise reporter // Formerly @nytrealestate, @archpaper // @Syr_Arch & @GoldringAJCs Alum ‘15 // send tips to: sfranklin@enquirer.com
Articles by Sydney Franklin
Covington's Radisson Hotel to become Reverb by Hard Rock
Artist rendering of the future Reverb by Hard Rock Hotels in Covington, Kentucky Covington's landmark Radisson Hotel will soon become a Reverb by Hard Rock Hotel. The towering cylindrical structure just south of the Brent Spence Bridge, with its revolving restaurant, is expected to eventually shutter and transform into a 220-room hotel under the Hard Rock flag.
Lawsuits replace bathing suits at former Beach waterpark
An aerial view of the defunct Beach waterpark in Mason on Sept. 16, 2026. The Beach began operations in 1985 and closed permanently after the 2019 season. Mason's beloved The Beach waterpark remains closed, embroiled in a courtroom fight over a lease agreement – and even an unpaid water bill.
Anderson Township admits Open Meetings Act violations in settlement
Anderson Township trustees violated Ohio's Open Meetings Act earlier this spring, according to a settlement agreement approved by a Hamilton County judge. Last month, township resident Olaf Rask filed a complaint in the county's Court of Common Pleas alleging:
Anderson Township admits Open Meetings Act violations in settlement
The Hamilton County Commission on Women and Girls hold their annual Pay Equity Commitment Signing Day at Memorial Hall on Tuesday March 31, 2026. This initiative encourages fair pay and addresses gender pay gap. 40 new local businesses joined this year. Anderson Township trustees violated Ohio's Open Meetings Act earlier this spring, according to a settlement agreement approved by a Hamilton County judge.
These contest-winning housing ideas could be built in Cincinnati
Sept. 19, 2026, 12:31 a.m. ET Cincinnati leaders have announced the winning designs in the BuildReady competition, a city-backed effort to create pre-approved plans for two-, three- and four-family homes. The initiative, which launched earlier this spring, is part of a growing national trend to use pre-approved plans as a way to speed up construction and solve the large housing crisis.
Valvoline Global to get tax credit, furniture grant from city
Sept. 15, 2026, 12:25 a.m. ET Cincinnati is planning to give Valvoline Global Operations $510,400 in incentives to move Downtown. In August, the company announced its plan to lease 50,000 square feet of space in 312 Elm St. − The Enquirer's former headquarters − for over 160 employees. As part of the move, the firm promises to create 54 new full-time jobs with a total payroll of $9.5 million.
Before Cincinnati considers expanding the streetcar, prove it works | Opinion
Mayor Pete Buttigieg and Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval speak at a town hall Sunday, Sept. 6 at The Clubhouse at Rhinegeist Brewery in Cincinnati. For years at the U.S. Department of Transportation, I worked on audits involving multibillion-dollar transit projects in Seattle, San Juan and Washington, D.C. So I followed The Enquirer's recent examination of Cincinnati's streetcar at its 10-year anniversary with particular interest. The Connector has now carried more than 7.5 million passengers.
Exclusive: Go inside the abandoned Crosley Building with The Enquirer
Sept. 13, 2026, 7:30 p.m. ET Take a tour with The Enquirer of the abandoned Crosley Building in Cincinnati's Camp Washington neighborhood. Vacant since 2006, the Samuel Hannaford & Sons-designed building once housed Crosley Radio Corp.'s manufacturing operations. It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2015. Local history writer Jeff Suess, real estate reporter Sydney Franklin and News of Now editor David Wysong went inside the behemoth structure with current owner, The Port.
Exclusive: Go inside the abandoned Crosley Building with The Enquirer
The interior of a cleared floor at the vacant Crosley Building in the Camp Washington neighborhood of Cincinnati on Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2026. The 330,000 square foot facility was built by Samuel Hannaford & Sons in 1929 for the Powell Crosley radio company, which operated there until 1960. Take a tour with The Enquirer of the abandoned Crosley Building in Cincinnati's Camp Washington neighborhood.
'Not the reality.' Buttigieg talks expansion of Cincinnati streetcar
Cincinnati's streetcar isn't going to expand any time soon, according to Pete Buttigieg and Mayor Aftab Pureval. But that's not because interest doesn't exist.
Anderson Township ordered to rescind pay equity commitment
Sept. 5, 2026, 12:31 a.m. ET Anderson Township trustees have been ordered by a court to rescind their public commitment to paying women and people of color equally. Township resident Olaf Rask filed a lawsuit on Aug. 28 against the township and its three trustees, Dee Stone, Katie Nappi and Tom Hodges. The complaint alleged they violated Ohio's Open Meetings Act when two of them signed Hamilton County's Pay Equity Commitment on the township's behalf before the full board publicly approved it.
Up for sale, here's what could happen to Northgate Mall
Sept. 4, 2026, 12:30 a.m. ET The future of Northgate Mall in Greater Cincinnati is uncertain as it remains on the market for redevelopment. Colerain Township officials envision a mixed-use town center with retail, housing, and restaurants for the site. While the main mall parcels are for sale, several surrounding properties, including the former Sears, have different owners. Northgate Mall's future is more complex than it looks. The struggling Greater Cincinnati mall at 9501 Colerain Ave.
Construction to start on new Black cultural hub at West End theater
Sept. 2, 2026, 12:20 a.m. ET A historic theater in the West End − once the heart of Black arts and culture in Cincinnati− is finally being redeveloped after 30 years. The Regal Theater on Linn Street will soon become the Robert O'Neal Multicultural Arts Center, also known as ROMAC. The Port, Sanders Development Group and 8K are expected to host a groundbreaking event for the project on Wednesday, Sept. 2 at 11 a.m. at 1201 Linn St. Mayor Aftab Pureval, Ohio State Sen.
We followed the Cincinnati streetcar's tracks through a decade of data
Sept. 1, 2026, 9:32 p.m. ET We worked together to report on and write about the 10th anniversary of Cincinnati's streetcar. So we'll each chime in here to explain how we came to the story. Newberry was the newbie As The Enquirer's resident transportation reporter, I've crossed pretty much every Greater Cincinnati bridge over the Ohio River. I use interstates daily and know my way around dozens of neighborhoods without help from my phone.
Cincinnati's streetcar has become 'embedded.' But is it a success?
Sept. 1, 2026, 9:30 p.m. ET Ten years after its launch, the Cincinnati streetcar's ridership has grown but momentum to expand has slowed. The system, with an initial price tag of $144.6 million, has required millions more in operating dollars. At the same time, supporters credit the streetcar with connecting neighborhoods and spurring millions in economic development. Cincinnati's streetcar story has always been one of numbers: riders, delays and dollars.
Cincinnati renters are getting less space in newly-built apartments Original
Aug. 31, 2026, 12:25 a.m. ET Cincinnati apartments are getting smaller, according to a new report from RentCafe. Over the last decade, builders in Cincinnati have shrunk the size of new apartment units by 52 square feet to a total 849 square feet, the August report from RentCafe shows. This places the Queen City 67th on a list of 100 metros analyzed by RentCafe, an apartment search firm and multi-family housing data tracker.
After 40 years, a new Downtown plan will direct development and growth
Aug. 27, 2026, 1:47 p.m. ET Cincinnati officials are creating the first new neighborhood plan for Downtown in 40 years. The new plan comes as Downtown experiences a major development cycle and population growth. After 40 years without a dedicated plan, Cincinnati officials are preparing a new vision for Downtown. Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval and others are expected to announce a new neighborhood planning process in an press conference on Friday, Aug. 28 at 1 p.m. at the Contemporary Arts Center.
After 40 years, a new Downtown plan will direct development and growth
Aug. 27, 2026, 1:47 p.m. ET Cincinnati officials are creating the first new neighborhood plan for Downtown in 40 years. The new plan comes as Downtown experiences a major development cycle and population growth. After 40 years without a dedicated plan, Cincinnati officials are preparing a new vision for Downtown. Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval and others are expected to announce a new neighborhood planning process in an press conference on Friday, Aug. 28 at 1 p.m. at the Contemporary Arts Center.
Which Cincinnati companies are committed to paying women equally? Original
Aug. 26, 2026, 12:15 a.m. ET Over 200 Cincinnati-area organizations have pledged to address gender and race-based pay gaps. The Hamilton County Pay Equity Commitment is a non-binding pledge led by the county's Commission on Women and Girls. Ohio has one of the nation's larger wage gaps, with women earning about 70 to 75 cents for every dollar a man makes. Over 200 Cincinnati-area organizations have publicly committed to paying women and people of color equal wages to white men.
Valvoline Global to move to downtown Cincinnati next spring Original
Aug. 25, 2026, 12:30 a.m. ET Valvoline Global Operations has announced plans to create a new headquarters in Cincinnati. As part of a larger corporate reshuffle, Valvoline Global will renovate 50,000 square feet of office space inside The Enquirer's old building at 312 Elm St., according to JobsOhio. Its current Lexington location will be rebranded as its Americas Hub, a central site with 400 employees working on operations in Canada, the U.S. and Latin America.
Cincy Shakes to build $25M expansion to Over-the-Rhine theater campus
Aug. 21, 2026, 1:12 p.m. ET Cincinnati Shakespeare Company has announced plans for a $25 million expansion of its Over-the-Rhine campus. Designed by Downtown architecture firm GBBN, the addition will include a 19,000-square-foot community arts and education center, and a new studio theater with over 150 seats arranged in a flexible, moveable layout. The studio theater will be built just south of The Otto M.
Cincy Shakes to build $25M expansion to Over-the-Rhine theater campus
Updated Aug. 21, 2026, 2:34 p.m. ET Cincinnati Shakespeare Company has announced plans for a $25 million expansion of its Over-the-Rhine campus. Designed by Downtown architecture firm GBBN, the addition will include a 19,000-square-foot community arts and education center, and a new studio theater with over 150 seats arranged in a flexible, moveable layout. The studio theater will be built just south of The Otto M.
City opens public voting for pre-approved housing plans. See designs
A city-sponsored design competition could inform the way multifamily houses are built in Cincinnati − and the public gets to decide which ideas are the best.
City opens public voting for pre-approved housing plans. See designs
Aug. 21, 2026, 12:25 a.m. ET Cincinnatians are invited to vote on pre-approved housing plans in the city's BuildReady competition. The program is meant to speed up construction of multifamily housing and reduce construction costs. The design competition ideas won't necessarily be built, but they will inform design concepts. A city-sponsored design competition could inform the way multifamily houses are built in Cincinnati − and the public gets to decide which ideas are the best.
RENDERINGS: See 16 pre-approved housing ideas for BuildReady contest
Follow RENDERINGS: See 16 pre-approved housing ideas for BuildReady contest Sydney Franklin, Cincinnati Enquirer Updated Fri, August 21, 2026 at 12:25 AM EDT RENDERINGS: See 16 pre-approved housing ideas for BuildReady contest "Housing Commons" concept for a two-family home in Cincinnati, submitted for the city's BuildReady pre-approved housing plan competition.
RENDERINGS: See 16 pre-approved housing ideas for BuildReady contest
RENDERINGS: See 16 pre-approved housing ideas for BuildReady contest Sydney Franklin, Cincinnati Enquirer Fri, August 21, 2026 at 12:25 AM EDT RENDERINGS: See 16 pre-approved housing ideas for BuildReady contest "Barrel House" concept for a four-family home in Cincinnati, submitted for the city's BuildReady pre-approved housing plan competition.
RENDERINGS: See 16 pre-approved housing ideas for BuildReady contest
Sydney Franklin Aug. 21, 2026, 12:25 a.m. ET "Housing Commons" concept for a two-family home in Cincinnati, submitted for the city's BuildReady pre-approved housing plan competition. Provided By City Of Cincinnati "The Seamless Two-Family" concept for a two-family home in Cincinnati, submitted for the city's BuildReady pre-approved housing plan competition.
Hyde Park's Parkside to move in spring 2027 Original
Aug. 13, 2026, 7:40 a.m. ET Parkside will move into the former MexCantina space in spring 2027. The move is a long time coming for owner Trevor Snowden, who has been eyeing the corner space for years. Snowden plans to open a new restaurant concept inside the old Parkside space at 2637 Erie Ave. A popular Hyde Park restaurant and bar will soon close after just over three years − and move next door.
The Port plans industrial arts district around Crosley Building
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3CDC lays out plans for Grant Park, more housing in north OTR Original
Aug. 4, 2026, 12:25 a.m. ET As work wraps on the $48 million Findlay Community Hub, Cincinnati City Development Corp., also known as 3CDC, is eyeing a handful of other major projects north of Liberty Street. Together, these are expected to liven up what's still a derelict part of the city's Over-the-Rhine historic district. Here are the major developments to watch out for: Grant Park Among 3CDC's future projects is the renovation of Grant Park on East McMicken Avenue.
On Cincinnati's East Side, flooding renews fears over adding housing Original
As Cincinnati cleans up from another round of flash flooding, a familiar question is resurfacing: Can the city's aging infrastructure handle both increasingly intense rain and a wave of new development? Many don't think so.
Cincinnati's Farmer Music Center caught on fire. Will it open on time? Original
A brief fire July 29 at the under-construction Farmer Music Center will not affect the venue's planned spring 2027 opening, according to contractor Messer Construction. Work has resumed on the $160 million music and entertainment venue next to Riverbend Music Center. Brian Campbell, Messer Construction's vice president of operations, confirmed the project remains on schedule.
UC reveals design of new STEM facility replacing Crosley Tower Original
July 30, 2026, 3:25 p.m. ET The University of Cincinnati has released a timeline and rendering of a new campus STEM Academic Facility. Earlier this spring, university board of trustees approved $30.3 million for the first phase of construction, which is slated to rise on the site of the iconic Crosley Tower. The 16-story Brutalist building has been under demolition since February and should be gone by 2027.
Meet the influential hotel developer adding to Cincinnati's skyline Original
Every city gets only a handful of chances to redesign its front door. Cincinnati is doing just that with a glass-clad convention hotel that, by the end of 2028, will reshape how hundreds of thousands of visitors enter and experience the Queen City.
Cincinnati's Fidelity Hotel opens with French flair | Going In Original
The Enquirer's new Going In series is a companion series to Going Up, giving you details and an inside look into the region's new construction projects.
Cincinnati Marriott Downtown begins construction by convention center Original
July 21, 2026, 12:30 a.m. ET Construction starts today on the 21-story Cincinnati Marriott Downtown, the Queen City's new convention headquarters hotel going up at Fifth and Plum streets. Developer Portman Holdings and Cincinnati Center City Development Corp., also known as 3CDC, will hold an official groundbreaking event on Tuesday, July 21st. The event will take place at 10 a.m. inside the First Financial Center on the second floor overlooking the project site.
Work starts on new convention hotel that will change city's skyline
Construction officially started July 21 on the 21-story Cincinnati Marriott Downtown, the Queen City's new convention headquarters hotel going up at Fifth and Plum streets. Regional leaders celebrated the occasion alongside developer Portman Holdings and Cincinnati Center City Development Corp., also known as 3CDC, at an official groundbreaking event. Site preparation work has already begun. The event took place inside the First Financial Center on the second floor overlooking the project site.
UC's Crosley Tower is nearing the end of demolition. See photos Original
Construction crews have been busy dismantling the University of Cincinnati's Crosley Tower over the last six months. Cincinnati's woman-owned O'Rourke Wrecking Co. is leading the project with construction manager Skanska. Check out The Enquirer's latest photos for a progress update on one of the most complex demolition projects in the region.
UC's concrete tower is still being demolished. What it looks like now
UC's concrete tower is still being demolished. What it looks like now Jacob Sebastian, Albert Cesare and Sydney Franklin, Cincinnati Enquirer Updated Tue, July 21, 2026 at 1:33 AM UTC Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. UC's concrete tower is still being demolished. What it looks like now Crosley Tower after a day of demolition on the University of Cincinnati’s campus on Tuesday, July 14, 2026.
UC's concrete tower is still being demolished. What it looks like now
Jacob Sebastian Albert Cesare Sydney Franklin July 20, 2026, 9:33 p.m. ET Crosley Tower after a day of demolition on the University of Cincinnati’s campus on Tuesday, July 14, 2026. Jacob Sebastian/The Enquirer Crosley Tower during its demolition on the University of Cincinnati’s campus on Tuesday, July 14, 2026. Jacob Sebastian/The Enquirer Crosley Tower being demolished on the University of Cincinnati’s campus on Tuesday, July 14, 2026.
UC's concrete tower is still being demolished. What it looks like now
Jacob Sebastian Albert Cesare Sydney Franklin July 20, 2026, 9:33 p.m. ET Crosley Tower after a day of demolition on the University of Cincinnati’s campus on Tuesday, July 14, 2026. Jacob Sebastian/The Enquirer Crosley Tower during its demolition on the University of Cincinnati’s campus on Tuesday, July 14, 2026. Jacob Sebastian/The Enquirer Crosley Tower being demolished on the University of Cincinnati’s campus on Tuesday, July 14, 2026.
UC study shows over half of new restaurants closed during 15-year span Original
A new study found that 60% of restaurants that opened in Cincinnati between 2008 and 2023 eventually closed.
Cincinnati culinary legend to open new restaurant on Main Street
A new restaurant is slated to open downtown in the long-shuttered Gwynne Building on July 28. Reservations are now live at Gwynne inside Cincinnati's Fidelity Hotel at 610 Main St. The upscale lifestyle hotel is expected breathe new life into the historic Beaux Arts structure after years of construction.
Cincinnati culinary legend to open new restaurant on Main Street
July 16, 2026, 12:16 p.m. ET Gwynne will open at 610 Main St. inside Cincinnati's Fidelity Hotel in late July. The menu comes from executive chef and Cincinnati culinary legend Brad Bernstein. The restaurant and hotel will bring people to a long-shuttered historic building in downtown Cincinnati. A new restaurant is slated to open downtown in the long-shuttered Gwynne Building on July 28.
Mayor to share next steps on city-funded day center for the homeless
July 13, 2026, 12:31 a.m. ET Mayor Aftab Pureval is expected to announce new details on the city's plan to build a year-round day center for Cincinnati's homeless population. Pureval is slated to hold a press conference on Monday, July 13 at 1 p.m. at Cincinnati City Hall at 801 Plum St. Last summer, city officials allocated $5.5 million toward buying 760 W. Fifth St., a Queensgate property owned by the Cincinnati Museum Center.
Mayor to share next steps on city-funded day center for the homeless
Mayor Aftab Pureval is expected to announce new details on the city's plan to build a year-round day center for Cincinnati's homeless population. Pureval is slated to hold a press conference on Monday, July 13 at 1 p.m. at Cincinnati City Hall at 801 Plum St.
3CDC, Parks talk next steps for Piatt Park after state funding fail Original
July 13, 2026, 12:31 a.m. ET A plan to renovate Cincinnati's Piatt Park is now in limbo after developers failed to secure state funding. The developer, 3CDC, did not receive tax credits from Ohio's Transformational Mixed-Use Development grant program. The Cincinnati Parks Department leased the park to 3CDC to help secure the competitive tax credits. Despite the setback, 3CDC stated it remains committed to pursuing its development projects in the area.
A 7-story mural will cover downtown's $28M convention center garage
July 9, 2026, 7:02 a.m. ET A new mural will cover the $28 million convention center garage in downtown Cincinnati. Austin-based artist DAAS will design and install the roughly 20,000-square-foot mural. At its expected size, the piece could become the largest contiguous mural in Ohio. The project is a collaboration between 3CDC and 1001 Colors (formerly ArtWorks).
A 7-story mural will cover downtown's $28M convention center garage
Downtown Cincinnati's latest mural will cover one of the city's newest and highest profile developments: the $28 million convention center garage. And it could hold the title of Ohio's largest contiguous mural.
$25M grant puts Fort Washington Way cap on deadline Original
For many, capping Cincinnati's Fort Washington Way may still feel like a pipe dream. But a recent $25 million award from the federal government means it's really happening − and on a deadline.
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