The Phoenix Will Reopen as Event Venue in 2027
The historic downtown Cincinnati landmark will return to service under a new operating agreement with DelightMore.
Updated on Oct. 3, 2026 in Openings & Closings
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The Phoenix, a 133-year-old building in downtown Cincinnati, is scheduled to reopen as a large-scale event venue in early 2027. The project follows a 10-year operating agreement signed between hospitality firm DelightMore and the Scottish Rite, which purchased the property in 2024.
Why it matters
The Scottish Rite acquired the building to address declining membership, while the partnership aims to revitalize the space for weddings, corporate gatherings, and social events. The venue closure in December 2023 left a gap in the local event market that this reopening is designed to fill.
The venue features 40,000 square feet of total space, with DelightMore operating 28,000 square feet of that footprint. Peak season rental rates for the building's larger ballrooms will range from $6,000 to $8,000.
The players
The Phoenix
This historic downtown building was originally constructed in 1893.
DelightMore
This hospitality firm entered a 10-year agreement to operate the event space.
Scottish Rite
This organization purchased the building in 2024 to address its membership needs.
The details
Renovations at the 812 Race St. location include updated restrooms, new carpeting, fresh paint, and hardwood flooring. The project also features the installation of a 25x45-foot LED wall inside the Legacy Ballroom.
Timeline
The Phoenix was originally constructed in 1893.
The venue closed under its previous owner in December 2023.
The Scottish Rite purchased the building in 2024.
The venue is currently scheduled to reopen in early 2027.
Market Landscape
This project reflects the broader trend of adaptive-reuse, where historic urban buildings are repurposed into multi-functional event centers. This strategy allows property owners to maximize real estate value while preserving the architectural character of downtown districts.
Event planners and residents can expect the return of a significant local venue capable of hosting large-scale social and corporate gatherings. The new LED wall and interior updates will provide modernized amenities for those booking events in the downtown area.
The takeaway
Historic building redevelopments like this often serve as anchors for local economic revitalization in downtown areas. Interested parties should monitor the project timeline, as major venue openings frequently require significant lead time for booking initial dates.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest commercial developments in the region by visiting the Cincinnati Openings & Closings section.
More information
Prospective clients can submit an event space inquiry form to receive updates on future bookings.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Cincinnati.
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