Finding a place to live in downtown Cincinnati used to be a gamble. You either ended up in a drafty "historic" walk-up with plumbing from the Taft administration or a sterile box that felt like a dorm for corporate consultants. Then came The Reserve at 4th and Race Cincinnati. Honestly, it changed the math for what luxury looks like in the Queen City.
It’s not just a building. It's a statement.
Located at the intersection of—you guessed it—4th and Race Streets, this development represents a massive $116 million investment in the urban core. It’s a joint venture between Flaherty & Collins Properties and the Cincinnati Center City Development Corp (3CDC). If you've been around the block, you know 3CDC is the engine behind basically everything cool happening in OTR and the Central Business District. They don't miss.
The Bones of the Building
Let's talk specs. The Reserve at 4th and Race Cincinnati isn't just a few floors of apartments; it’s a massive 15-story mixed-use tower. It sits right where the old Pogue’s garage used to be, which was, frankly, an eyesore. Now, you have 264 luxury apartments perched above a 584-space parking garage and 22,000 square feet of street-level commercial space.
It’s big. It’s shiny. But does it actually feel like home?
Walking into the lobby, you get that "new building smell" mixed with a high-end hotel vibe. The architecture is sharp—lots of glass, metal, and clean lines. It feels permanent. You aren't just renting a unit; you're buying into a lifestyle that actually values your time.
Why the Location at 4th and Race Matters
Location is a cliché for a reason. Here, it’s everything. You are three blocks from Fountain Square. You're a five-minute walk from the Banks. If you work at P&G, Kroger, or Western & Southern, your commute is basically a leisurely stroll with a latte in hand.
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I’ve spent a lot of time wandering these streets. 4th Street has this quiet, established dignity that OTR lacks. OTR is fun, sure, but it's loud. 4th Street feels like the grown-up version of downtown. You have high-end dining like Sotto and Jeff Ruby’s nearby, but you also have the convenience of being close to the streetcar line if you want to head north for a game or a beer.
The retail situation is also hitting its stride. Having 22,000 square feet of commercial space at the base means you don't even have to leave the block for the basics.
What’s Inside the Units?
The floor plans aren't your typical cookie-cutter setups. They have studios, one-bedrooms, and two-bedrooms. The square footage varies wildly, ranging from roughly 600 square feet to over 1,200.
The finishes are what you'd expect from a $100 million+ project:
- Quartz countertops that can actually take a hit.
- Stainless steel appliances (the ones that don't feel like plastic).
- Floor-to-ceiling windows. This is the big one. If you’re on the upper floors, the view of the Ohio River or the city skyline is distracting. In a good way.
- Smart home tech. Keyless entry is a godsend when you're carrying three bags of groceries and a tired dog.
One thing people often overlook is the soundproofing. In many downtown builds, you can hear your neighbor's Netflix binge. The Reserve used high-grade acoustic dampening materials. It’s quiet. That matters when you’re trying to sleep and a siren goes by on 4th Street.
The Amenities Most People Get Wrong
People think amenities are just a gym and a roof. They’re wrong. At The Reserve at 4th and Race Cincinnati, the amenities are designed to actually be used, not just shown off during a tour.
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The 4th Floor Sky Terrace
This is the crown jewel. It’s an outdoor amenity deck that feels like a private club. You’ve got a heated pool—yes, even in Cincinnati winters, it stays open longer than you’d think—plus fire pits and grilling stations.
There’s also a "bark park." If you have a dog in the city, you know the struggle of the midnight bathroom run. Having a dedicated space on-site changes the game. It’s clean, it’s safe, and your dog won't get distracted by a rogue squirrel on the sidewalk.
The Fitness Club
Stop paying for a gym membership. Seriously. The fitness center here isn't a dark basement with one broken treadmill. It’s a high-performance space with Peloton bikes, free weights, and enough cardio equipment that you never have to wait. They also have a yoga studio if you need to decompress after a day of Zoom calls.
Work From Home is Actually Easy Here
Since the pandemic, everyone "works from home," but most apartments aren't built for it. The Reserve has dedicated co-working spaces and a "cyber cafe." If you need a change of scenery from your kitchen table, you just go downstairs. The Wi-Fi is fast, the coffee is usually fresh, and it’s a great way to meet neighbors who are also grinding away on their laptops.
The Reality of Living Downtown
Let’s be real for a second. Living downtown isn't for everyone. It can be loud. Parking can be a nightmare. But The Reserve solves the parking issue with that 584-space garage. You don't have to circle the block for 20 minutes looking for a spot.
Security is another thing people worry about. The building has 24/7 controlled access and professional management on-site. It feels secure without feeling like a fortress.
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According to data from the Downtown Cincinnati Inc. (DCI) annual reports, residential occupancy in the Central Business District has remained remarkably high—often hovering around 95%. People want to be here. The "flight to the suburbs" is reversing for a specific demographic: young professionals and empty-nesters who are tired of mowing lawns.
Comparing The Reserve to Other Options
If you’re looking at The Reserve at 4th and Race Cincinnati, you’re probably also looking at Encore, Seven at Broadway, or maybe some of the newer spots in OTR.
Here is how it stacks up:
- Encore: Great views, but can feel a bit "busy" due to its proximity to the casino.
- Seven at Broadway: Very high-end, but the price point is often significantly higher for similar square footage.
- OTR Renovations: You get the "cool" factor, but you lose out on the professional management, elevators (often), and the massive amenity decks.
The Reserve hits the sweet spot. It’s luxury without being pretentious. It’s modern without being cold.
The Cost of Convenience
Luxury isn't cheap. You’re looking at rents that start in the $1,500 range for studios and can easily climb over $3,500 for the premium two-bedroom units. Is it worth it?
If you factor in the "time tax," yes. If you save 45 minutes a day on a commute, that’s 15 hours a month. What is your time worth? Plus, you save on a gym membership and the gas you’d spend driving everywhere.
Actionable Steps for Potential Residents
If you’re thinking about making the move, don't just look at the website photos. They're great, but they don't tell the whole story.
- Schedule a "Golden Hour" Tour: Visit the building around 4:00 PM or 5:00 PM. You want to see how the light hits the units and get a feel for the energy of the neighborhood when people are getting off work.
- Check the Specific View: Not all units are created equal. Some face other buildings; some have an unobstructed view of the river. Ask the leasing agent specifically about what’s across the street.
- Test the Commute: If you work outside the CBD, do the drive from the garage during rush hour once before you sign. 4th Street can get congested, and you should know what you're getting into.
- Ask About Move-In Specials: Large developments like this often have "concessions"—think a month of free rent or reduced deposits. It never hurts to ask.
- Talk to a Resident: If you see someone in the lobby or at the dog park, ask them how they like the management. A building is only as good as the people running it.
Living at The Reserve at 4th and Race Cincinnati is about embracing the city's future. Cincinnati is no longer just a "flyover" town; it’s a place where people want to live, work, and stay. This building is right at the heart of that shift. It’s a bit of an investment in your lifestyle, but for many, it’s an investment that pays off every single day.