Cincinnati Preservation is under contract for the sale of the historic Pinecroft Estate in Mt. Airy, marking an important next chapter for one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. A condition of the sale is securing permanent preservation protection for Pinecroft’s architectural and landscape integrity, while paving the way for a major reinvestment that will bring new life, economic growth, and community pride to Mt. Airy.
Cincinnati Preservation is the current owner of the historic Pinecroft Estate, the estate of famed inventor, innovator, and former owner of the Cincinnati Reds, Powel Crosley, Jr. Built in 1928 in the Tudor Revival style, this historic mansion is located on 18 acres in Cincinnati’s Mt. Airy neighborhood. Pinecroft Estate was designed by nationally significant architect Dwight James Baum, and the house retains many wonderful original features inside and out. The Pinecroft Estate is listed in the National Register of Historic Places (National Register), a national program to identify and document America’s historic resources. While listing in the National Register makes the property eligible for certain federal and state financial incentives, it does not protect the property from inappropriate alterations or other activities.
At the time the property is transferred, a preservation easement, one of the strongest forms of legal preservation restrictions, will be placed on the property to ensure its historic character and integrity are safeguarded in perpetuity. Cincinnati Preservation will continue to play an active role in the preservation of the property through oversight of the easement, including reviewing any major alterations that would affect the historic integrity of the property.
In 2011, Cincinnati Preservation received Pinecroft Estate as a generous charitable donation from Mercy Health to help further our mission of saving and celebrating the region’s historic places. At the time of the donation, Mercy Health worked closely with Cincinnati Preservation to secure a for-profit tenant to operate the estate as an event and wedding venue, ensuring that the property remained active and maintained while continuing to serve the public. Since 2012, Pinecroft Estate has operated in that capacity, welcoming guests to experience the beauty and craftsmanship of this nationally significant estate.
After more than a decade of stewardship, Cincinnati Preservation’s Board of Directors made the decision to sell Pinecroft Estate in order to refocus our resources toward preservation work across Greater Cincinnati, ensuring our organization serves the entire region rather than supporting a singular historic site. The sale allows us to reinvest in our core mission of protecting, promoting, and preserving historic buildings, communities, and landscapes throughout the Greater Cincinnati region.
The Crosley Hotel LLC, the prospective new owners, plan to build upon the Pinecroft Estate’s legacy by investing millions of dollars to thoughtfully adapt the estate into a boutique hotel, wellness center, year-round event venue, and farm-to-table restaurant. Throughout this process, the potential new owners have demonstrated a strong commitment to preservation. With the preservation easement in place, they will work closely with Cincinnati Preservation to ensure the estate is carefully restored, sensitively reused, and positioned as a treasured community asset.
This investment represents an exciting opportunity to bring new life to one of Cincinnati’s most significant historic properties while strengthening the vitality of the Mt. Airy neighborhood. The revitalization of Pinecroft Estate is expected to have a positive economic impact through increased property values, job creation, business development, and local tax revenue.
The project has received enthusiastic support from the Mt. Airy Community Council, Mt. Airy CURE, and nearby neighborhoods including Northside and North College Hill, all recognizing the potential for Pinecroft Estate’s transformation to both celebrate the area’s rich heritage and foster sustainable growth. By combining historic preservation with thoughtful reinvestment, this project ensures that Pinecroft’s legacy continues to shine for generations to come.
October 20, 2025