A nonprofit publication of the Kentucky Center for Public Service Journalism

North American Properties reveals renderings of the reimagined Newport on the Levee


Cincinnati-based North American Properties (NAP) unveiled the first glimpse at its plans to transform Newport on the Levee into a regional attraction welcoming new dining options, authentic experiences, inviting spaces, and vibrant events that can entertain guests for 18 hours a day.

The 360,000-square-foot development was purchased by NAP in December 2018.

The renderings, designed by Reztark Design Studio, do not represent the final drawings but begin to reveal how the project will come alive over the next 18 months.

“Newport on the Levee has been a central location for connecting the community since it opened in 2001,” said Tim Perry, Managing Partner of NAP Acquisitions. “Over the last several months we’ve taken the time to understand what truly makes Newport on the Levee special to our office tenants, surrounding residents, and regional guests.

Newport on the Levee has become a regional draw, with more than 3.5 million annual visitors. The development includes about 55,000 square feet ofoffice space.

Current retail tenants include Barnes & Noble, AMC Theaters, Brio Tuscan Grill and Dewey’s Pizza. Office tenants include David J. Joseph Co., Constellation Brands and Intrinzic. The Levee also has a relationship with Herschend Family Entertainment Corp., the owner of the neighboring Newport Aquarium.

“We are excited to re-introduce the Levee with renewed relevance, offering enhanced restaurant and entertainment options to be announced for freshly defining its place,” said Perry. “People celebrate–and make–milestones here, and we’re reclaiming it as a beloved destination ready to come back to life, to reenchant guests and to welcome new generations.”

Construction Manager Turner Construction along with Owner’s Representative J.S. Held will lead the transformative improvements to capital spaces throughout to take advantage of the panoramic Ohio River and downtown views and to realign the spaces for today’s marketplace needs.

Click to enlarge

Visitors might already notice barriers in place in the former Mitchell’s Restaurant space as improvements are already underway. Construction begins in earnest in late Summer and will continue through 2020.

Along with the improvements to the building itself, Newport on the Levee has already begun transforming the space through programming, including free wellness classes four times a week and Summer Music on the Levee, weekly concerts overlooking the Ohio River, presented by Braxton Brewing.

Newport on the Levee also recently won a global silver MAXI award from the International Council of Shopping Centers for its excellence in presenting Winter Wonder on the Levee, against competitors both domestic and international. 

Its holiday activation included Kentucky’s largest ice skating rink and Santa house.

“We are boldly envisioning the possibilities of dynamic indoor and outdoor spaces for activation and events as well as the interplay of long-term commercial and hospitality relevant tenant relationships, both existing and new to provide a year-round venue that attracts people that live, work, and play in the region,” said Brett Kratzer, President of Reztark Design Studio.

Over the next few months, NAP will announce new restaurant and retail concepts for the property.

Click to enlarge

This will include chef-driven restaurant concepts and first to market operators, to celebrate the iconic location and leverage local talent, warm Southern hospitality and a commitment to unassuming luxury for guests.

For more information on future plans and ongoing programming, click here.

North American Properties is a privately held real estate operating and development company that has acquired, developed and managed more than $7 billion of mixed-use, retail, multifamily and office properties in the U.S. 

Headquartered in Cincinnati with offices in Atlanta, Dallas and Fort Myers, Fla., the company has developed 22 million square feet of commercial space and 19,000 residential units in 15 states and 67 cities.

In the past three years, North American Properties has launched 36 projects totaling $2.2 billion.

North American Properties


Related Posts

2 Comments

  1. Loron Brusner says:

    I thought they were going to put a Multicultural Understanding Museum there? Similar to the underground railroad museum? This gentrification of low income neighborhoods like this is sickening. Take your redevelopments and take them back out to the suburbs, we don’t want redevelopment downtown anymore…

  2. Renee Wright says:

    Just saw they’re taking my book store and all I see on the renderings is restaurants. No thank you. I was born and raised in Newport and loved the Levee, but no thanks on what NAP thinks should go there now.

Leave a Comment