This has been a banner year for Uptown Consortium, Inc. (UCI), especially around progress in the Uptown Innovation Corridor. Looking back on 2019, it’s important to note the many milestones and exciting events that took place this year.
First groundbreaking in the Corridor
In April, Terrex Development & Construction and Messer Construction Co. broke ground on Uptown Gateway, the first development to begin construction in the Corridor. The project’s first phase includes UC’s Digital Futures building, a spec office building, a Hilton Homewood Suites hotel and an underground parking garage. Terrex and Messer began construction in November and expect to complete phase one development in 2021.
UC Gardner Neuroscience Institute grand opening
UC Health and the University of Cincinnati hosted the UC Gardner Neuroscience Institute grand opening in April. The 114,000-square-foot, $68 million state-of-the-art outpatient facility is the region’s leading treatment center for complex neurological and psychological conditions. UC Health worked with UCI and its diversity and inclusion consultants to meet extensive goals for minority business enterprise (MBE), women business enterprise (WBE) and Uptown resident inclusion on the project.
Award-winning innovation and inclusion work
UCI received local and state-wide awards for its innovation and economic inclusion work in Uptown and the Corridor. The Ohio Economic Development Association awarded UCI with its Excellence in Innovation award, which recognizes an organization that is uniquely approaching economic development and developing innovative practices and programs. Then in November, the Minority Business Accelerator awarded UCI with its Goal Setter of the Year award as part of the Cincinnati Business Courier and Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber’s CLIMB Awards (Cincinnati Lifts Inclusion and Minority Business).
Increased visitors and attention in Uptown
UCI continued to gain regional and national attention as a leader in urban development and inclusive innovation. As a result, economic development, government, healthcare and other civic leaders from across the country visited Uptown to learn about UCI’s work in Uptown and in the Corridor and how similar efforts can be applied in other cities. UCI hosted the eighth annual Anchor District Forum in September as well as a group of leaders from Chattanooga, TN in November to discuss best practices in economic development, inclusion, and community and institutional partnerships.
New companies move into the Corridor
Multiple large companies leased space in UC’s 1819 Innovation Hub to collaborate with students and faculty to enhance their innovation efforts and proactively attract and retain talent. In 2019, Worldpay from FIS, Cincinnati Insurance Companies, and Kingsgate Logistics moved into 1819, and Fifth Third announced plans to join them and other high-profile tenants such as Kroger, P&G, Cincinnati Bell, and CincyTech, bringing the number of Fortune 500 companies with a presence at UC’s 1819 Innovation Hub to four.
This year marked UCI’s 15th anniversary and the 10th anniversary for Beth Robinson, UCI’s president and CEO. These organizational milestones, along with many other small and large accomplishments, made 2019 an exciting year in Uptown. As the Corridor continues to grow, 2020 is shaping up to be an exciting year as well.