The 1400 block of Race Street in Cincinnati’s Over-the-Rhine neighborhood stands as an impressive illustration of strategic urban redevelopment. Once defined by historic yet neglected buildings and persistent social challenges, this stretch of blocks has reemerged as a focal point of energy and innovation. At the helm of this turnaround is the Model Group—a developer with a track record of taking on projects that demand both inventive financing and deft community engagement. Their success here underscores how a thoughtful mix of historic preservation, public-space activation, and carefully selected tenants can spark neighborhood-wide revitalization.
The Over-the-Rhine area boasts one of the nation’s largest concentrations of Italianate architecture. However, years of disinvestment left many of these buildings languishing. High vacancy rates, deteriorating structures, and a sense of uncertainty about the neighborhood’s future made revitalization a steep uphill climb. Model Group responded by formulating a multilayered approach that started with rescuing landmark buildings. In one case, they saved the historic Davis Furniture Building through a blend of Federal and Ohio Historic Preservation Tax Credits, combined with New Markets Tax Credits (NMTC) and opportunity zone equity. This intricate “capital stack” lowered financial risks while guaranteeing that the completed development would serve community needs—not just private interests.
Tenant curation played an equally critical role. Model Group recognized that simply filling storefronts was not enough; the goal was to shape a distinct destination that would resonate with both locals and visitors. By focusing on experiential businesses with strong ties to the neighborhood—such as pizzerias, craft breweries, and other locally owned ventures—they created a lively environment that encourages repeat visits and fosters an inviting street-level atmosphere. This “sticky” retail mix has drawn foot traffic throughout the day and into the evening, benefiting not just the businesses themselves but also the broader neighborhood.
Beyond individual buildings, Model Group collaborated with community partners and city officials to invest in public amenities. Ziegler Park and its outdoor gathering space, known as the Porch, became a vital element in this effort. By incorporating seating, programming, and flexible-use areas, the park now functions as a natural social hub where residents come together for markets, exercise classes, and community celebrations. The resulting uptick in regular activity transformed local perceptions of safety and vitality, leading other property owners to reinvest in once-overlooked properties.
One of the most visible outcomes of the redevelopment is the rapid appreciation in property values within a few blocks of the project. Buildings that had long been vacant became appealing investment opportunities, and vacancy rates dropped significantly. This phenomenon illustrates the catalytic effect that a single, well-orchestrated project can have on an entire district, demonstrating the potential for carefully planned developments to stimulate additional improvements.
Several lessons emerge from this success story. First, a complex but deliberate layering of financing can make revitalization feasible in economically distressed areas, especially when historic preservation is involved. Second, programming ground-floor spaces thoughtfully with local, experience-driven businesses helps create a “destination block” that attracts people throughout the day. Third, interactive public spaces are crucial for building social cohesion and dispelling negative perceptions. Finally, such transformations often spur broader neighborhood investment and reestablish a sense of momentum and optimism.
For cities across the country searching for ways to revitalize underutilized historic corridors, the 1400 block of Race Street in Over-the-Rhine offers a compelling template. Through a combination of precise financial strategies, a commitment to local identity, and the creation of inclusive public spaces, this project exemplifies how urban redevelopment can honor the past while laying the groundwork for a vibrant future.
