CINCINNATI, OH – September 22, 2025 – In a move that could begin reshaping the city's subway, the City of Cincinnati's Department of Transportation & Engineering has officially released a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a comprehensive feasibility study on the adaptive reuse of its long-abandoned subway tunnels. This marks a critical first step in reimagining one of the city's most unique and underutilized physical assets.

The RFP, issued today, invites professional service providers to explore the practical challenges and opportunities of converting the historic infrastructure beneath Central Parkway. While a wide range of potential uses are on the table, from cultural venues and retail to recreation and event spaces, the explicit inclusion of transit is a major development for transportation advocates across the state.

At the heart of the initiative is what the City calls a "big idea—can we breathe new life into this long-abandoned subterranean space and create something extraordinary beneath our streets?"

The goal of the study is to move beyond creative concepts and establish the practical groundwork needed for any future project. The selected firm will be tasked with identifying the physical, economic, and regulatory pathways forward. Key areas of the feasibility study will include:

• Engineering and Structural Viability

• Environmental and Regulatory Compliance

• Economic Sustainability and Market Demand

• Required Infrastructure Enhancements, such as ventilation, waterproofing, and accessibility systems.

For decades, the Cincinnati subway has been a storied piece of local history and a symbol of ambitious plans halted by changing times. Its concrete shell, running for over two miles, has remained a tantalizing "what if" for urban planners and residents alike. This RFP signals a renewed and serious commitment from the City to find a viable answer to that question.

The ultimate goal, as stated in the document, is to "transform this space into a one-of-a-kind amenity... that reflects the spirit of Cincinnati's past while propelling us into the future of urban innovation."

Proposals for the feasibility study are due by 3:00 PM ET on October 21, 2025.