A food access study was recently completed by graduate students in the University of Cincinnati’s School of Planning, and focuses on the Kroger in Walnut Hills. The study, conducted during the Fall 2012 semester, examines several possible scenarios, dependent on whether our neighborhood Kroger stays or eventually closes. Scenario 1, where Kroger stays in Walnut Hills long-term, envisions a complete site redesign emphasizing walkability and green space. Scenario 2, where Kroger leaves the neighborhood, leads to several alternate solutions: a new national grocer, a local farmer’s market, and a healthy food center. While there are no plans for the store to depart, the study is important as a tool to help residents envision the Kroger site as a hub of food access well into the future.

The student authors were Andrew Badinghaus, Alexis Barnes, Tiffany D. LaCour, Brenden Regan and Yue Wu, and the study, part of a semester-long course, was led by Dr. Marisa Zapata. They have produced two documents: 1) an Existing Condition Report report; and 2) a Recommendations Report. Both documents provide a wealth of information about Walnut Hills, with excellent graphics and photographs to help readers imagine a future where fresh food continues to be readily accessible. We couldn’t be happier with what these students have accomplished! Please click the links to download and read the reports.