Description

A streetcar route through Queensgate could help densify an area once leveled by urban renewal. To the east, it could utilize a track couplet on Sixth and Seventh Streets through the heart of downtown. To the west, it could connect Lower Price Hill and a new regional attraction: an aerial gondola lift to the Price Hill Incline District.

Eastbound Stops	Westbound Stops
W 8th and State	6th and Main
W 8th and Dalton	6th and Vine
W 8th and Linn	6th and Elm
7th and Plum	6th and Central Ave.
7th and Race	9th and Central Ave.
7th and Walnut	W 8th and Linn
7th and Sycamore	W 8th and Dalton
	W 8th and State

Route Highlights

The route begins at the intersection of W 8th and State, in industrial and historic Lower Price Hill. A new regional attraction could be built here, an aerial gondola lift to the Price Hill Incline District, which would provide spectacular views of Cincinnati to be featured on television and social media, as well as provide connectivity to Price Hill. The streetcar could help revitalize historic buildings in Lower Price Hill. 

Using the W 8th Viaduct, the streetcar can race across the Mill Creek towards downtown. In Queensgate, a pair of stops could help re-develop low density land uses in between active industry. Then, the track crosses over I-75 into downtown. 

The route heads east on Seventh Street with stops evenly spaced every two blocks. There are several landmark historic buildings along the route here or in close proximity, as well as hotels. Several planned and potential redevelopment opportunities are present, such as the Shillito West building, former Macy’s HQ, and multiple surface parking lots. Stop placement provides easy transfer to and from the existing streetcar route. 

On the return journey it travels west on Sixth Street, passing close by to activity centers such as the Aronoff Center, CAC, and Fountain Square.    Still further west, the old Terrace Plaza Hotel presents a redevelopment opportunity.  In this area, the route would serve the convention center and could contribute to the building of a new convention center district, where much effort is currently being made.  Any new developments on the land freed up by the Bridge Forward concept for the Brent Spence Bridge would be served as well. 

The streetcar would turn north on Central Avenue and serve a stop near City Hall, before using W 9th Street to cross back into Queensgate. It then travels westbound on W 8th Street back to Lower Price Hill.

Strengths

A streetcar could spur development, even residential uses, in a long forgotten area close to downtown (Queensgate.) There is room for large scale development, if necessary. 

In Lower Price Hill the route passes by many historic structures of the type that were successfully revitalized by the original streetcar route through Over-the-Rhine.

Challenges

Queensgate lacks any core historic buildings or walkable areas to build outward from. 

Without an aerial gondola lift up Price Hill, the route would currently lack a major destination at its western endpoint.

Related Concepts

Works with the Sixth and Seventh Street Streetcar concept.