The Ridge Market

6142 Montgomery Road
Cincinnati, OH

This community-organized fresh-food market saved the neighborhood from a big-box retailer.

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Why It Works

The Market is the first of its type and size in Cincinnati, outside of historic Findlay Market in downtown’s Over-The-Rhine neighborhood. It is unique in its formation as a community business. After the IGA grocery store closed in 2001, neighborhood residents banded together to keep the building from being left empty or being leased to a business that didn’t fit the needs of the surrounding population.

What Makes The Ridge Market a Great Place?

When the IGA closed, elderly and transit dependent residents lost their only source of food within walking distance. The Ridge Market has brought that back. The entrance to the market was moved to the side of the building to allow customers easier entry into the newly- constructed atrium. The loading dock was demolished to allow auto traffic to exit on to a side street. The city just completed a multi-million dollar streetscape improvement that gave the business district new sidewalks, brick pavers, unique crosswalks and pedestrian-level street lamps.

The former IGA grocery store was largely gutted and replaced with vendor spaces separated by 6-foot-high partitions. When shoppers enter, they can look over all the vendor stalls to the other end of the Market. The new atrium with clerestory windows gives the feeling of an open-air market at an indoor space. Both men and women shop equally. There is open bench seating in the common area. It is kept clean by a janitorial staff and by the vendors, during business hours.

Cooking and food demonstrations have been held, and a Montessori School fundraiser is planned in November.

A recent study by the Cincinnati Board of Realtors showed that homes in the neighborhood of Pleasant Ridge had a 21% jump in sale prices in the past year - while the community was renovating the Market. This was the highest increase in all of Greater Cincinnati. Homeowner’s newspaper ads tout "within walking distance of new market". The customer base is a cross-section of the ethnicity of the neighborhood.

History & Background

Pleasant Ridge is a 200-year-old neighborhood within the city of Cincinnati. After the IGA grocery store closed, residents were concerned that the location would attract undesirable businesses: a big-box retailer, or a 99-cent store. Improve Pleasant Ridge, along with the Pleasant Ridge Community Council, three churches and other local businesses and residents, developed a plan to create a market patterned after Findlay Market. The project was funded entirely by private investment and doesn't include any public money. IPR bought the vacant store with low-interest loans from individuals and churches in the community.

Contact Info:

Doug Newberry: 513-631-3273

User Comments:

> Add your own comment about The Ridge Market

12/17/02 Shirley Reischman said:: The Ridge Market is one of the best things to ever happen to our community. From the beginning idea to the year of working on the building, it was a community effort. And now that it's done, shopping is a real pleasure. I can walk to the market each day and get absolutely fresh wholesome ingredients for dinner. The vendors know me by name, as they do all of the locals. And when there's a product they don't carry, all we need do is ask and a few days later, it appears on the shelf. I can even call before I leave home and my order will be ready when I get there. This is better than any chain grocery store ever was.
12/30/02 Christina Phalen said:: The Ridge Market is the pride of our community. From the begining, organizers solicited opinions about how to make the space fit our area's needs. Neighbors were involved in the fund raising and helped with the construction of the building. Relationships in our community are strengthened as a result of this project. I feel good shopping in this space since I know it contributes to the well being of our neighborhood.
12/18/02 Vivian Coulter said:: I think it's a great idea that is working quite well. It's easy to get in and get out, there is good quality food and gourmet items as treats, and it's nice to be able to interact with the vendors and ask questions. I think it's a real plus for the community and demonstrates the value of community, cagey planning, and thinking beyond the box.
12/30/02 Karen Stewart said:: Although I do not live in Pleasant Ridge, my sister does. I live in Hyde Park, a nearby neighborhood. Developing the old IGA building as an indoor market was a stroke of genius. I enjoy shopping where I can get to know the merchants and they, me. We purchased our first hormone-free, locally-grown turkey there this year. Delicious! Findlay Market, downtown, is wonderful, but Ridge Market is closer to home.
12/18/02 Cathy Thurkill said:: I am pleased and proud to work at Madison's Produce in The Ridge Market. What forsight endevoring in such a collaborative effort for the community, local economy, support of private business owners, and setting a model for the city at large. Each business is run by professionals who are excellent and care about their customers. How great to serve and meet so many residents in the community and share in their enthusiasm. Many find when shopping The Ridge Market pricing at all vendors is competative and affordable. Thanks to all of you for your continued support!
12/19/02 Judith Harmony said:: The market will serve as the key to revitalizing Pleasant Ridge. The mix of retail stores is excellent, and the ambiance is perfect. Although I am not a resident of the neighborhood, I drive there to shop and to enjoy the space.
08/08/03 Bill Brown said:: If you're willing to change your shopping habits slightly away from the once a week trip to the huge supermarket, "The Ridge Market" can change your cooking and eating habits for the better. The chicken breasts and steaks at the butcher are noticeably better than the supermarket. Ourbanks Seafood can eliminate the intimidation from preparing seafood with their cooking advice. Madison's and the Deli have 90% of what you would normally get from the supermarket. The flowers, pastries and all the rest give the market a great mix and actually make shopping fun! Try stopping in 2-3 times a week, get to know the people and see for yourself why this is a great public space.