ARCO

The Neoclassical icon in East Price Hill, designed by Samuel Hannaford and constructed in 1912, has found new life as a community hub. After sitting vacant for 30 years, the building reopened as ARCO in 2021. The $9.8MM redevelopment project transformed the historic structure into a community, art, and event center, incorporating:

• Office Space for Price Hill Will, Price Hill’s community development corporation
• Community and event space
• Arts education and performance space anchored by MYCincinnati Youth Orchestra

The project restored many of the structure’s original Neoclassical architectural elements, including stained glass skylights and an orchestral-style stage. Located a block from the recently renovated Price Hill Branch Library and Warsaw Creative Campus, ARCO contributes to the strong momentum underway to revitalize East Price Hill’s commercial corridors.

“The Port was able to join our complex financial structure, which includes New Markets Tax Credits, Historic Tax Credits, and a grant from the City of Cincinnati, bridged by loans from Local Initiatives Support Corporation and Cincinnati Development Fund, fairly late in the deal. The Port’s nimbleness and ability to effectively partner with many lenders and funders kept our project moving forward without delay.”

Rachel Hastings, Executive Director, Price Hill Will

The Port’s Role:

The Port provided a structured lease, providing savings to the project in the form of sales-tax exemption on construction materials, which helps fill a project financing gap. The Port’s DREAM Loan Fund helped finance the building’s interior finishes to ensure the space best serves community needs.