By the end of March, nine historic, mosaic murals will likely have been relocated from the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport to the Duke Energy Convention Center.
Cincinnati City Council approved several items Wednesday to allow the project to happen.
“I think it’s kind of cool that these amazing murals are going to be outside,” Mayor John Cranley said. “At first I was surprised by the fact that it could be done, but it does add some walkability in addition to all the wonderful artworks, murals that now decorate so much of our city.”
The airport board is paying about $1.5 million to remove, pack and transport the large murals. The city will pay $750,000 to unpack and install them behind glass on the west side of the convention center along Central Avenue.
Members of the Cincinnati Preservation Association are concerned about the new location.
“We hope that we can be good stewards of the murals, both by making sure they’re safe while they are there and taking them towards an appropriate display for the future.”
The association has suggested the murals be placed inside the convention center lobby.
Meanwhile, businesses seeking liquor licenses in Over-the-Rhine will soon find the process a little easier.
Cincinnati Council voted Wednesday to set up two entertainment districts in OTR. That will make an additional 15 liquor licenses available.
Attorney Brad Thomas said it will continue progress in the neighborhood.
“As pointed out, we want to jumpstart development in and around Findlay Market and in the Brewery district area, create new jobs and help small businesses lower the barriers and increase investment,” Thomas said.
The licenses in the current district have been exhausted.
Without the split, businesses wanting to serve alcohol would have to get on a lengthy waiting list or buy a license from another establishment in the city.
