Streateries have become permanent fixtures in downtown, Over-the-Rhine

The first phase of development of permanent outdoor dining space in downtown and Over-the-Rhine has been completed.

The City of Cincinnati, Cincinnati Center City Development Corp. (3CDC), and Duke Energy will unveil the outdoor dining areas late Friday afternoon.

The unveiling ceremony will be held at 4 p.m. at Japp’s, 1134 Main St.

Speakers will include Cincinnati Mayor John Cranley and several nearby business owners, including John Coleman of Reveal OTR Urban Winery and Chris Breeden from Arnold's.

Nearly 70 businesses will use the so-called "streateries'' - a combination of concrete sidewalk expansions, and partial street closures to provide restaurants and bars with permanent patio space and wooden "parklets."

The parklets are constructed with wood decking, integrating railings and planters as barriers between the seating areas and the street.

The city and 3CDC launched a temporary streateries program last summer when outdoor seating became crucial during the COVID-19 crisis.

The city recently contributed $2 million in federal stimulus funds to make the streateries permanent, along with additional grant funding.