The Library is working with Emersion Design on this project upon successful completion of closing on the property. The design process will begin immediately with a goal of bidding in February 2026 so that work can begin by the spring with a completion by the end of 2026. The current budget for construction is $4.5 M with a project budget of $6 M exclusive of the purchase price.

The due diligence period for the purchase of 1609 W. North Bend Road ends October 12, 2025. There have been no unexpected or significant findings. The Library will proceed with closing no later than November 12, 2025.

The Library will work with Emersion Design on this project upon successful completion of the property closing. At that time, the design process will begin with a goal of bidding in February 2026 so that work can begin by the spring with a completion by the end of 2026. The current budget for construction is $4.5 million with a project budget of $6 million exclusive of the purchase price.

The purchase sale agreement for the property has been executed. The Library has engaged J.S. Held to manage the due diligence process, which is scheduled to be completed by Oct. 12, 2025. The process will closing no later than Nov. 12, 2025.

The Library will begin the design process upon a successful closing with community engagement this winter.

The current branch library is on property leased from Cincinnati Public Schools. The agreement states that if the building is not a library it reverts to CPS. Once the project timeline is defined, we will be in contact with CPS.

The Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library and the College Hill Community Urban Redevelopment Corporation (CHCURC) are working to finalize terms on a Purchase Agreement for 1609 W North Bend Road, prominently located at the corner of Hamilton Avenue and North Bend Road, for $2.1 million.

This transaction paves the way for the relocation of the College Hill Branch from its current site at 1400 W. North Bend Rd. directly into the thriving College Hill Business District.

A 90-day due diligence process on the property will begin immediately.

The purchase of this property follows the Library’s Facility Master Plan recommendation for the branch to be relocated with new, expanded facilities to learn, work, create, and connect.

In February, we shared that the Library has been exploring improvements to the College Hill Branch as part of CHPL's Facility Master Plan, opens a new window, which is guiding capital upgrades to all 41 library locations.

At the June 2025 Board Meeting, the Board approved pursuing these improvements, which includes purchasing property located at 1609 W. North Bend Rd., pending the outcome of the state budget in June. The Library will have more information once the state budget is finalized. We will keep you up to date as we know more.

The College Hill community is vital to us, and the Library will continue to provide welcoming spaces so you can learn, work, create, and connect!