Cincinnati Subway: Inside the Untapped Potential Beneath the City

Beneath the bustling streets of Cincinnati lies a two-mile stretch of forgotten ambition—a defunct subway system that never carried a single passenger. While many residents know it exists, few realize just how close this underground world came to reshaping the city. Now, nearly a century after its abandonment, the Cincinnati Subway is back in the spotlight. And this time, it's not about transit. It's about transformation.

A Brief History: Dreams Derailed

In the early 20th century, Cincinnati had a vision: replace the aging Miami and Erie Canal with a 16-mile rapid transit system connecting downtown to the suburbs. Construction began in 1920 with major promise. But by 1927, inflation, budget overruns, and political in-fighting brought the project to a halt. Only 11 miles of the system were completed—and none of it ever opened.

Cars took over. The Great Depression deepened. The dream was buried beneath concrete, quite literally.

Today, 2.2 miles of this historic infrastructure remain underneath Central Parkway. The city still owns the tunnels and spends taxpayer money maintaining them each year. So, what to do with these cavernous voids? In 2023, Cincinnati issued a Request for Information (RFI), asking designers, architects, and visionaries to pitch their boldest, wildest ideas.

And the ideas? Nothing short of extraordinary.

1. The Underground Bathhouse

Proposed by: Platt Architecture & Design

Imagine the quiet serenity of a spa tucked beneath the city's surface. Roman bathhouse meets luxury wellness center. Pools, saunas, private massage rooms, and meditation lounges. Designed to emulate Istanbul's famed Basilica Cistern, this concept would turn the Cincinnati Subway into an urban oasis.

Even better? A chic underground café for that post-soak latte.

Pros:

• Unique and luxurious

• High potential for tourism

• Inspired use of ambiance and lighting

Cons:

• Extremely costly

• Complicated humidity and ventilation challenges

Bottom line: A spa beneath the city? Sign us up—if the logistics and budget can align.

2. Return of the Canal

Proposed by: KZF Design

A homage to history. This idea envisions resurrecting the Miami and Erie Canal within the subway tunnels. Think boardwalks, kayak routes, lock systems, and even a marina. Green spaces, urban art, and public paths would flank the waterways.

It’s bold, it’s beautiful, and it’s incredibly ambitious.

Pros:

• Deep historical tie-in

• Visually captivating

• Offers both recreation and relaxation

Cons:

• Major structural overhaul required

• Massive cost to connect to Ohio River

Bottom line: A dreamy return to our aquatic roots, but likely a fantasy unless funding flows.

3. The Rhineline: Underground Entertainment Districts

Proposed by: Yard & Company

Picture this: multiple themed zones below ground—each with its own vibe. An underground beer garden. A live performance space below Music Hall. A food and art market below Findlay Market. Skylights would puncture the tunnels, pouring natural light into what hasn’t seen the sun in a century.

Pros:

• Realistic and modular

• Energizes local culture

• Connects key urban destinations

Cons:

• Still requires infrastructure upgrades

• Noise, access, and crowd management could be tricky

Bottom line: Possibly the most executable concept—fun, flexible, and distinctly Cincinnati.

4. Speakeasy & Event Venue

Proposed by: Merriman Anderson Architects

For those craving glamour underground, this concept transforms the subway into a velvet-draped speakeasy and elite event space. Imagine weddings, galas, and private concerts with original rail lines under glass floors. An upscale cocktail lounge would add shimmer to Cincinnati nightlife.

Pros:

• Instagram-worthy atmosphere

• Revenue-generating events

• High-end appeal

Cons:

• Accessibility concerns

• Potential exclusivity over community use

Bottom line: Stunning in theory, but will it serve all Cincinnatians or just the elite?

5. Art Walk and Culture Corridor

Proposed by: GBBN Architects

Cincinnati is rich in art. Why not use the subway to celebrate it?

This concept turns the tunnels into an underground gallery, hosting light installations, performance spaces, and pop-up exhibitions. Local orgs like ArtWorks and Cincinnati Shakespeare Company would curate rotating content.

Pros:

• Amplifies local creatives

• Family-friendly and accessible

• Budget-conscious compared to other ideas

Cons:

• Lower revenue potential

• Might need frequent updates to maintain appeal

Bottom line: Inclusive, inspiring, and authentic to Cincinnati’s cultural DNA.

6. Recreation & Resilience

Proposed by: Hub & Weber Architects

Kayaking canals. Bike paths. Flood prevention systems. This design combines active lifestyle with infrastructure improvement. Not only would it offer fun ways to explore the tunnels, but it would also protect neighborhoods from stormwater runoff.

Pros:

• Blends utility with recreation

• Encourages healthy urban living

• Addresses flooding concerns

Cons:

• Requires enormous retrofitting

• Water systems add layers of engineering complexity

Bottom line: Smart, sustainable, and forward-thinking—but a heavy lift.

Community Pulse: What the Public Wants

When Cincinnatians voted on their favorite proposals, two ideas rose to the top:

1. Finishing the subway system as originally intended

2. Bringing back the canal

It turns out, there's deep nostalgia for the subway’s original purpose. Many residents still hope it can become the transit network it was meant to be.

But is that dream practical in today's car-centric and budget-constrained world? That remains to be seen.

A Realtor's Vision: Underground Sports Paradise

Danny Baron, local realtor and host of this exploration, couldn’t help but imagine something truly unique:

• A subterranean sports bar

• Indoor pickleball courts

• Golf simulators

• And yes—a landmark Chick-Fil-A or Skyline Chili

Why not combine entertainment, food, and recreation into one sprawling underground complex? It would offer year-round fun and serve as a new destination for locals and tourists alike.

What's Next for Cincinnati's Subway?

While no final decisions have been made, the excitement around reimagining these tunnels is building. From dreamy spas to immersive art corridors, these proposals reveal how Cincinnati is ready to innovate boldly.

City officials now face a big decision: which concept is feasible, fundable, and future-forward? Public input will play a crucial role in shaping what lies ahead beneath our feet.

Final Thoughts

The Cincinnati Subway isn’t just an abandoned project. It’s a symbol of what could be. A blank slate for imagination. A legacy waiting to be rewritten.

As residents, dreamers, and designers submit their ideas, one thing is clear: Cincinnati's forgotten tunnels may finally get the second chance they deserve.

What would YOU do with the Cincinnati Subway? Drop your ideas in the comments. The city is listening.