UNION, Ky. – The City of Union celebrated the groundbreaking of the Union Promenade on Friday, marking the official start of the 61-acre commercial and residential development that will now also include Cincinnati Children’s Hospital.
Union Mayor Larry Solomon tossed a shovelful of ceremonial dirt alongside elected officials and investors while excavators moved mounds of it in the background. Solomon and city commissioners at the groundbreaking looked at the flat piece of land, imagining the buildings that they hope will make their city “a destination” when the $150 million development is completed.
The 61.8 acres at U.S. 42 and Old Union Road were marked for the mixed-use concept in November 2021. The development will feature 50 single-family homes and around 300 multifamily units. With 13 standalone commercial buildings, the city hopes to bring “both upscale retail and restaurant experiences,” the city explained in its original announcement of the Promenade.
Nine of the Promenade’s retail spaces have already been spoken for by a cigar bar, a Mexican restaurant, a spa, a brewery, and another indoor dining experience. Two medical offices and a United Dairy Farmers store will also be in the Promenade.
“I hear often from some of you, your friends and neighbors, that having a nice sit-down restaurant that’s not fast food … when I see these names across the board, I see that and I am excited as a resident of the county to be coming here and be a part of what you’re going to develop,” said Judge/Executive Gary Moore.
Cincinnati Children’s Hospital recently announced they will be building their next location in Union on the Promenade as well. The initial investment from the hospital “is expected to top $10 million, which includes the purchase of nearly 6.4 acres from the developers of Union Promenade,” according to the city.
Construction on the hospital is planned for 2023, and Children’s will begin seeing patients in 2024.
The groundbreaking happened down the street from where the city is planning to build another mixed-use space at the Union Town Center, set to be located at U.S. 42 and Brilliance Avenue.
That investment is still in its early stages as commissioners await a second draft design from MKSK Studios. The first draft concept that was previewed by the commission featured a new city building, community center, a park, outdoor gathering spaces and more residential and retail spaces.
Solomon said his focus for “the next four years” will be on completing the Promenade. He is up for re-election this year, running against current city commissioner Eric Dulaney.