Cincinnati Skywalk

[1] Since then, city leaders began to see the skywalk as a barrier to economic development, as it may decrease street-level and sidewalk pedestrian traffic.

[4] In 1957, Cincinnati Director of Planning Herbert W. Stevens introduced the idea of "elevated skywalks" as a way to keep pedestrians safe from cars driving through downtown.

[1] The concept developed further in the 1960s as part of an urban renewal effort, hoping to make downtown easier to navigate and enjoy at a time when indoor, climate-controlled suburban shopping malls were growing in popularity.

[2] When the federal government agreed to provide urban renewal funds to help pay for the project, Cincinnati city's council decided to move forward with the skywalk.

As the skywalk was built, Cincinnati signed dozens of agreements with private property owners for upkeep, which made it confusing to determine who was responsible for making fixes and providing security.

Crews tore out a segment connecting Riverfront Stadium to the Atrium I and II office buildings while configuring Fort Washington Way.

Cincinnati Skywalk over 5th Street near Vine Street
This section of Skywalk crossed 5th Street near Vine Street , connecting Carew Tower with Macy's . It was removed in October 2020.
Skywalk over Vine between 4th and 5th Streets
A Skywalk bridge over Vine Street between 4th and 5th Streets connects the Westin hotel complex to the Carew Tower complex.
A section of the Cincinnati Skywalk inside the Mercantile Building near E. 4th St. and Main St.
A segment of Skywalk next to Saks Fifth Avenue. The skywalk bridge in the background crosses Race Street near 5th Street.