Kroger building on Vine Street set to be demolished

Crews have mobilized at the site of the former Kroger store on Vine Street to begin demolition of the roughly 15,000-square-foot structure.

Following the completion of the new Kroger On the Rhine store at the corner of Court and Walnut streets, Kroger officials transferred ownership of the building at 1420 Vine St. to the Cincinnati Center City Development Corp. (3CDC). Kroger transferred the 60 employees that had worked at the Vine Street store to its new 45,000-square-foot store that opened in late September. The new store, which is part of an 18-story mixed-use development featuring a 560-space garage and 139 apartment units, made the old store on Vine Street unnecessary.

O’Rourke Wrecking Company will conduct the demolition, which is expected to last approximately six weeks. The Historic Conservation Board approved the demolition in June 2019.

After the demolition is completed, a 103-space surface parking lot will be created. The lot is expected to open in spring 2020. 3CDC will develop the lot so that it can be built upon in the future. 3CDC’s long-term plans for the space include a larger mixed-use development featuring a commercial component paired with either office or residential.