Greater Cincinnati arts nonprofit ArtWorks is moving its headquarters from Over-the-Rhine to Walnut Hills after having been at its current location in the Hale Justis building on Central Parkway for 11 years.
The group will be taking over the first floor of the Paramount Square II development at 2450 Gilbert Ave. in April 2021. The space encompasses two storefronts and 4,318 total square feet.
“We’re overjoyed to move to such a prime location and important historical center of our city,” said Colleen Houston, ArtWorks’ CEO and artistic director. “The move will anchor ArtWorks as an arts and community center for the youth, artists and residents in Walnut Hills as well as for the entire region.”
ArtWorks is no stranger to Walnut Hills. The nonprofit says they first operated their summer apprenticeship and mural program from tents in Eden Park from 1998 to 2000. Since then, apprentices with the program have helped complete the fresco in Mirror Lake as well as Elaine Lynch’s "Dottin’ the Hill" mural, Anthony Luensman’s "C A M P G R O U N D," Morag Myerscough’s "#5: We Are Walnut Hills" mural and Brandon Hawkins’ Fredrick Douglass Elementary School street mural. They also applied a mosaic to the Eden Park bus shelter.
This year, ArtWorks hired 123 youth apprentices and 68 artists to complement their team of 13 permanent staff.
“It feels like a coming home moment for ArtWorks to choose Walnut Hills for their headquarters,” said Kathryne Gardette, president of the Walnut Hills Area Council. “ArtWorks choosing the heart of Walnut Hills expands the compliment of arts and cultural opportunities for our residents and businesses.”
Paramount Square II is near the aforementioned Eden Park, home to the Cincinnati Art Museum, its new Art Climb and the Krohn Conservatory.
The area will also soon be home to the Cincinnati Ballet's Margaret and Michael Valentine Center for Dance (1801 Gilbert Ave.).
The ballet company is currently headquartered in the West End, near the site of the new FC Cincinnati stadium, but has plans to open at the center in 2021. Cincinnati Ballet was involved in a dispute with FCC over zoning, parking and noise issues, but eventually settled with the team. The new 57,000-square-foot building will have eight studios and will also offer physical therapy and training services in conjunction with Mercy Health, for both performers and members of the public.
Model Group, which is overseeing the development at Paramount Square, helped ArtWorks find their new home.
“In working with ArtWorks, I know this move isn’t just about renting a space that suits their needs,” said Matt Reckman, vice president of property management for Model Group. “They want to jump in and be part of the neighborhood revitalization effort in Walnut Hills, and this is why we are so excited about this partnership. We are thrilled.”
Learn more about ArtWorks at artworkscincinnati.org.
