A high-end, 18-hole mini-golf course called Putt House is lining up for The Banks' Freedom Park, with developer Jeffrey R. Anderson planning to sink more than $1 million into the attraction. City officials are betting the temporary course will pull in more families and foot traffic to the riverfront later this year.
The city rolled out a proposed partnership with Jeffrey R. Anderson Real Estate earlier this month, pitching the installation as a short-term activation while long-term planning for The Banks keeps grinding along. The course is planned for Lot 18 at 55 E. Freedom Way, right in front of the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, and the proposal is scheduled to go before the city planning commission tomorrow, according to WLWT.
Jeffrey R. Anderson told The Cincinnati Enquirer his firm plans to spend more than $1 million to build Putt House and has secured the right to operate the course under a three-year city lease. As part of the deal, the company also plans to donate $100,000 each year to the Freedom Center. Anderson described the project as high end and first-class, saying the 18-hole layout will use professional-grade artificial turf and borrow design cues from PopStroke in Jupiter, Florida. Construction is slated to start by Aug. 15 with a target opening of Nov. 15, according to the outlet.
Where It Fits In The Banks Game Plan
Lot 18 sits between existing restaurants along Freedom Way and has been flagged as a key activation site while the city and county chase an $800 million vision for the rest of the undeveloped Banks parcels. The mini-golf build would occupy that single lot and act as a near-term draw while planners and stakeholders sort out how the district ultimately fills in, Cincinnati Business Courier reported.
Timeline And Day-To-Day Operations
Under the current proposal, the course would be operated out of space tied to The Filson on Freedom Way. Putt House would use The Filson's setup for tickets and concessions and stay open seven days a week whenever the restaurant is open. City leaders, including Mayor Aftab Pureval, along with county officials, have framed the concept as a family-friendly attraction meant to bring consistent visitors to the riverfront district. Next steps include a review by the planning commission, according to FOX19.
Park Board Flags Turf And PFAS Concerns
During a recent meeting, park board members pressed on the environmental side of the project, asking whether the planned artificial turf would contain so-called forever chemicals known as PFAS. Cincinnati Parks Director Jason Barron said he would dig into the question and report back to the board. The park board also voted to transfer control of the Lot 18 site from Hamilton County to the city and gave parks staff final authority over certain design and operational details, according to The Cincinnati Enquirer.
Why This Little Course Carries Big Weight
Supporters say a short-term but polished putting course could bring more families to The Banks throughout the week and help generate revenue and programming tied to the Freedom Center. Jeff Anderson and city officials have pitched the project as a way to keep the riverfront lively while the larger, long-range development plans inch forward. The initial proposal and financial terms are now set for scrutiny by city staff and the planning commission as the project seeks a formal city lease, according to WLWT.
