Historic Covington's new neighborhood set to transform riverfront
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The Covington Central Riverfront development is one of the most ambitious and potentially transformative projects in local history. Photo and renderings: Courtesy of the City of Covington
Blink transformed Covington's streets last weekend, but a more lasting transformation is taking shape along the Ohio River.
Why it matters: The 23-acre Covington Central Riverfront development promises to reshape the historic city for years to come.
- Covington has a rare opportunity to build an entire neighborhood from scratch, adding housing, businesses and public spaces that could benefit the broader city.
The big picture: The city has committed more than $100 million to transforming the former IRS processing facility, which occupied the property for more than 50 years.
- That includes demolition, cleanup and infrastructure for a walkable neighborhood with homes, shops and riverfront green space.
What they're saying: "When you get a chance to build a whole neighborhood, it's a big shot in the arm for your city," Mayor Ron Washington tells Axios.
- After a year of community input, the city wants developers who understand Covington's historic character.
- "Our intention is not to jump at the first shiny object," Washington says. "What we want is something that will fit in."
The challenge: Making a brand-new neighborhood feel like a natural part of a city that dates back to 1815.
- Covington reconnected Third Street, extended Washington and Russell streets, and insisted on alleys to mirror the surrounding neighborhoods.
- "The planners thought we were crazy for doing that," acting economic development director John Sadosky tells Axios.
- "They're like, 'No one builds alleys nowadays' — but we knew that we had to get this right."
The intrigue: Parks and public art are part of the plan, building on Covington's arts culture, from murals to Blink.
- Two artworks have been commissioned for Russell Park, including one sculpture already installed and another selected through a public competition.
- There are also plans for a prominent promenade.
The balancing act: Covington's growing popularity has increased demand for housing and parking, but city leaders don't want to sacrifice downtown's character.
- A 670-space public garage is planned, largely hidden beneath future development to preserve walkability.
- Building heights will taper toward MainStrasse Village to complement surrounding neighborhoods, Sadosky says.
Yes, but: Affordability remains a question. Some new townhomes start at $645,000, while Riverstone Place's 269 planned apartments will be market-rate.
- Sadosky says projects are being staggered to avoid flooding the housing market.
What's next: Covington aims to have all first-phase development blocks under contract by the end of 2026, with construction on the parking garage starting this year.
- The second phase could trail by another couple of years.