Mixed-Use Developments Coming to Northern Kentucky
It’s easy to see why Northern Kentucky is on track to add several major mixed-use developments. It is becoming a must-live destination for people of all ages. Thanks to its job opportunities, entertainment and outdoor recreation options, affordability, food and drink scenes, and fun, inviting communities, this region is the perfect place for those looking to build a life they love and start or advance in their career.
A mixed-use development combines multiple livability assets, such as residential, commercial, office, retail, restaurant and entertainment space, all in one project.
“Northern Kentucky is attractive for these kinds of developments because the region is fast-growing and part of the Cincinnati metro area, and the major connectors of Interstates 75 and 275 make this whole area easy to access,” says Lee Crume, president and CEO of BE NKY, an economic development company that works to attract, retain and grow businesses in Boone, Campbell and Kenton counties.
One of the many mixed-use developments taking shape in Northern Kentucky is Cold Spring Pointe in Campbell County. Cold Spring Pointe is expected to open in 2025, and its commercial lineup will include grocery chain Publix, Chase Bank, Chick-fil-A, Hobby Lobby, Marshalls, Five Below and 5 Digit.
In Boone County, the 62-acre mixed-use development Union Promenade is underway along U.S. Highway 42 in Union. The project continues to progress with residential, commercial, office, medical, retail and restaurant space, though United Dairy Farmers, a convenience store with several fuel pumps, is already open.
“There is enough land throughout Northern Kentucky for several mixed-use projects, with billions of dollars already being invested,” Crume says. “Many people want to live, work and play in one spot, and this region is certainly supplying that lifestyle and livability.”
Important Developments in Northern Kentucky
In Covington, a former Internal Revenue Service data processing facility that closed in 2016 and sat vacant has been demolished. The property, a 23-acre site one block south of the Ohio River and next to the Northern Kentucky Convention Center, is being transformed into Covington Central Riverfront.
“There have been a number of other successful mixed-use projects completed in Covington in recent times, including the John R. Green Lofts, RiverHaus Apartments, Duveneck Square and The Hayden luxury apartments,” says Tom West, City of Covington director of economic development. “Now, the Covington Central Riverfront is an exciting endeavor because the development is basically starting from scratch.”
City leaders say the site could feature a variety of spaces, including Class A offices, hotels, apartments, condos, single-family homes, stores, restaurants, bars, entertainment venues and green space.
“There is also talk about expanding the Northern Kentucky Convention Center and also possibly establishing campuses for the University of Kentucky College of Medicine and the Northern Kentucky University Chase College of Law,” West says. “Overall, construction of the Riverfront neighborhood project has begun, with several developers involved.”
Game-Changing Projects
Covington-based development company Corporex is involved in several mixed-use developments taking place in Northern Kentucky, including CirclePort in Erlanger and Ovation in Newport.
“Our company turns 60 years old in 2025, and Northern Kentucky is very active these days with mixed-use projects that are real game changers for this region,” says Brett Blackwell, Corporex president and COO.
CirclePort includes plans for residential, commercial, office, retail and restaurant space as well as a convenience store/fuel center. Blackwell says CirclePort is considered a front door to Cincinnati, with much of its property situated around Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport.
Ovation, on the other hand, spans 25 acres and will feature about 1,000 residential units (condos and apartments), office, retail and entertainment space, and hotels. Blackwell says its riverfront location provides great views of the downtown Cincinnati skyline.
“With hotels also being built in Ovation, that development will offer a ‘live, work, play and stay’ lifestyle environment,” he says. “In addition, the MegaCorp Pavilion indoor-outdoor entertainment venue is on the Ovation campus, and there will be much more investment occurring throughout the property over the next several years. Ovation will be incredible.”
Get to Know Northern Kentucky
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