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Welcome to Montgomery
Walker Bros. Ice Cream
Elevate Academy of Beauty Twin Lakes Senior Living Montgomery at Night
The City of Montgomery has a lot going on! Here’s your guide to the exciting new developments—and the beloved institutions—that make our future bright.
Stone Creek Dining Company
Twin Lakes Senior Living Photographs courtesy City of Montgomery
INTRODUCING THE
GERRI HARBISON MEMORIAL STATUE
HONORING A BELOVED MONTGOMERY SUPPORTER WITH A MEANINGFUL TRIBUTE. BY ELIZABETH MILLER WOOD
Abronze statue memorial opened July 4, 2022, in honor of Gerri Harbison, a former Mayor of Montgomery and Council Member who passed away suddenly in January 2021, much to the grief of all who knew and loved her.
The memorial, which sits in Montgomery Park, depicts Gerri sitting on a bench overlooking City Hall. It was sculpted by Tom Tsuchiya of Blue Ash and funded by the generous donations of city officials, business leaders, and local residents.
Gerri dedicated more than 25 years of service to the City of Montgomery, epitomizing a life of civic servanthood. She began her community involvement as a member of the Montgomery Bicentennial Commission in 1994–1995 and fronted Montgomery’s annual Independence Day Festival in 1995, which she continued every year until 2021. She also Chaired the Sister Cities Commission from 1997 to 1999 and led the Bastille Day Celebration in 1999.
Gerri served as a City Council Member from 1999 until her passing in 2021, including six years as Mayor from 2005 to 2011. During that time, Gerri supported multiple committees, including Financial Planning, Parks and Recreation, Government Affairs, and Law and Safety. In 2016, Gerri was named Citizen of the Year by the Rotary Club of Northeast Cincinnati.
Gerri’s memorial statue will serve as a permanent reminder of the life and legacy of one of Montgomery’s most beloved community members. Residents and visitors are welcome to visit the statue and sit on the bench with Gerri during park hours.
A look at Montgomery’s latest development projects.
The Wicks at the Vintage Club
Construction continues on these luxury apartments at the northern end of Montgomery. Building A was completed in 2020 and is home to Orange Theory Fitness. Building B was also completed, now housing GE Credit Union. Building C, which will include restaurant, retail, and office options, began construction in Spring 2022.
Bethesda North Hospital
Adding to the top of the main hospital’s 300 Tower, a 33,000-squarefoot addition will provide 44 private patient rooms within the Oncology Med-Surgical Care division. The project will also update the exterior of the hospital tower with modernized metal and tan paneling.
The Audi Connection
Expanded parking and inventory space were completed in Summer 2021.
Columbia Chevrolet
Construction began in Fall 2022 to expand parking and inventory space while also adding a new pre-owned vehicle sales building. —E.M.W.
CONSTRUCTION
FOR THE KIDS
THE SYCAMORE COMMUNITY SCHOOLS MASTER FACILITY PLAN IS WELL UNDERWAY. BY ELIZABETH MILLER WOOD
In 2019, voters passed a $127.5 million bond to conduct improvements at multiple campuses throughout Sycamore Community Schools.
For Symmes Elementary, a 13,300-square-foot addition was completed in Fall 2021 to add preschool rooms, update the music center and gymnasium, and expand the cafeteria and kitchen.
In Winter 2021, renovations for Sycamore High School commenced to reorganize much of the 293,000-square-foot facility. Entrances and bus lanes will be relocated for better traffic flow, and learning areas have been redesigned to better accommodate project-based collaboration. The renovations are expected to continue through Summer 2024. Also at Sycamore High School, Phase 1 of the multi-use athletic stadium is expected to be completed by Fall 2022 and will include the field, stands, concessions area, restrooms, and a grand entry plaza. Funding for the stadium includes $2.5 million from the bond, plus private funding .
For E.H. Greene Intermediate School, a new 151,000-square-foot building opened at the start of the 2022–2023 school year. The new building features courtyards, a large media center, STEAM spaces, and suites for music and visual arts.
Construction for a new, 182,000-square-foot building for Sycamore Junior High School began in Winter 2021. The building will feature two gymnasiums, a media center, a state-of-the-art theater, and a music suite.
“Great schools make great communities and vice versa,” said Mallory Bonbright, Community Relations Director of Sycamore Community Schools, in a statement. “These new facilities are flexible for future trends and support curriculum and instruction to help students achieve their full potential.
EH Greene Intermediate School
The Wicks at the Vintage Club
MONTGOMERY QUARTER:
WHERE WE ARE, WHERE WE’RE GOING
BY ELIZABETH MILLER WOOD
After its initial approval in 2019 and the commencement of construction in 2020, Montgomery Quarter—a $150 million mixed-use project—was thrilled to welcome its first tenants by the end of Summer 2022. The development, which sits at the southern gateway of Montgomery’s bustling downtown district, has replaced the site of two former car dealerships and is designed to be a local, amenity-rich getaway with a little something for everyone. At its completion, Montgomery Quarter will feature 38,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space, 260,000 square feet of office space, 128 luxury apartments, 48 condominiums, and a boutique hotel. Here’s what’s opening in the coming months:
BRU Burger Bar: The third Cincinnati location of this regional burger establishment, owned by Cunningham Restaurant Group, is expected to open in Fall 2022 and will offer a locally sourced menu of burgers, sandwiches, and salads.
Livery: This Latin eatery featuring empanadas, tacos, yucca fries, and other cultural dishes will have indoor seating for approximately 120 diners, plus a 60-seat outdoor patio space. The space is expected to open in Fall 2022.
Fifth Third Private Bank: A wealth management division of the locally headquartered bank, this 15,000-square-foot office sits atop BRU Burger Bar and Livery and opened August 22, 2022.
The Tapestry by Hilton: Construction for this 118-room, boutique hotel with multiple event spaces is expected to begin by late 2022, with a projected finish in 2024.
Luxury apartments: Construction is well underway for the four buildings that will comprise the collective apartment grouping built by CASTO Real Estate (The Apartments at MQ). At its completion, the project will feature two buildings of “flats” and two buildings of townhomes. Leasers are expected to take residency in Summer 2023.
Hellman’s (formerly Blaine’s Fine Men’s Apparel): This longtime Montgomery retailer relocated from its current location in downtown Montgomery to become the first retail tenant at Montgomery Quarter, opening August 15, 2022.
Public parking and green space: A lawn-like park is planned to sit at the center of Montgomery Quarter to promote gathering, relaxing, and socializing. The space will include a 500-square-foot fountain that can convert to a performance stage, as well as a fire pit feature and decorative concrete seating to accommodate crowds of 250–300 people for events, concerts, and performances.
MONTGOMERY
MAINSTAYS
These fun-and-familiar favorites have shaped Montgomery’s memorable landscape. By Elizabeth Miller Wood
Montgomery Inn
Haute Chocolate
EATS N’ TREATS
Montgomery Inn: The flagship location of this iconic upscale rib joint has been serving timeless barbeque bites since 1951.
Carlo & Johnny: This award-winning steakhouse—part of the Jeff Ruby’s family—is housed in a historic, lodge-like mansion.
The Original Pancake House: Breakfast favorites, including the delicate Dutch Baby, an oven-baked pancake. Kofinas Olive Oil: High-quality olive oil imported from the family’s olive groves in Greece.
Aglamesis Brothers: A Cincinnati staple since 1908, this old-fashioned ice cream establishment is one of the sweetest stops in Montgomery.
Haute Chocolate: Homemade chocolatey treats are perfect for on-site snacking or gifts to-go.
LET’S PLAY
Go Bananas Comedy Club: Get ready for giggles! Touring and local comedians perform five nights a week.
Montgomery Cyclery: Cyclists of all skill levels find expert repair, fittings, events, and advice at this long-standing cycle authority.
Woodhouse Day Spa: Indulge in massages, facials, manis/pedis, and more within a luxurious atmosphere. Board and Brush: Create a custom DIY wood board with the help of step-by-step workshop guidance.
MPH Brewing: A fully stocked brewery plus seltzers, bourbon, wine, and a robust pizza menu.
The Woodhouse Day Spa
Designer Items and More
WILL STOP FOR SHOPS
Furniture by Otmar: A family business carrying the finest contemporary furniture brands for more than 60 years.
Montgomery Jewelers: Since 1978, this independent retailer has offered jewelry, gifts, and repair services in downtown Montgomery..
Downtown Girl: Trendy tops, dresses, and accessories for fashionable gals. Wild Birds Unlimited: Fans of feathered friends flock here for knowledgeable advice and resources for bird watching and bird feeding.
You to the Rescue: This donation-based, upscale clothing boutique donates 70% of profits to animal rescue organizations.
Designer Items and More: A boutique specializing in high end, new with tags, gently used, or vintage designer items from Dolce & Gabbana, Valentino, and
