Procter & Gamble Gardens
Since its 1837 founding, the Procter & Gamble corporation has been headquartered in Cincinnati. In 1985, the organization expanded their downtown campus with the opening of twin postmodern office towers.
The P&G twin towers as seen from Cincinnati’s Van Meter St in 2012.
Though prominent additions to the city skyline, work had also taken place at ground-level where an expansive green space was built.
The P&G Gardens as seen in a Google Earth aerial view from September 2023. Neighboring and intersecting streets can be seen lined with vendors for the annual Oktoberfest Zinzinnati (which has since moved locations).
Per the company’s website, the gardens were originally the idea of then-CEO John Smale and his wife Phyllis, both of whom “understood the importance of green spaces in urban landscapes.” The two were noted advocates for local philanthropic and horticultural efforts, eventually having the city’s prominent riverfront park named in their honor.
I’m not entirely sure what existed on these city blocks previously—and downtown Cincinnati had definitely been overrun with surface parking by 1985—but the gardens are now longstanding downtown fixtures. While technically private property, they’re generally open to the public and it’s not uncommon to find office workers from all over downtown relaxing there rather than just P&G employees exclusively. The spaces have also regularly been incorporated into local cultural events such as the Taste of Cincinnati and the nation’s largest Oktoberfest.
These manicured areas reside on the quieter end of downtown where a handful of established residential developments can be found among several office towers. It’s a “nine-to-five” type of area that’s relatively quiet in the evenings, but easily the best patch of grass in the Central Business District. Especially if you’re a dog.
Of course, I’m always mindful to clean up after mine (and most of my neighbors seem to have the some moral code).
This place is an oasis for Egypt—regular relief from strolling over the same old sidewalks and peeing in the same old places. She’s a big fan of rolling in the grass, and stopping to sit with her under the vines is always a good way to relax for a bit.
We’ve lived downtown for five years, though, and I started working/hanging out down here long before that. While the the P&G Gardens have always been a highlight, it was also clear that the area had lost some of its luster. Former fountains, for example, were just covered up by gravel when their water was shut off years ago. All that to say: it wasn’t entirely surprising when P&G announced a renovation of the area.
Screenshot from the project page.
Renderings of the project can be found on the BHDP firm’s website and according to the P&G:
“The work will happen in phases beginning in early 2026 and will include updates to the Gardens outside the Towers and Central buildings as well as modifications to the driveway outside of the Central Building.”
“The project is expected to be completed in 2027.”
“The updated Gardens will create a vibrant, enjoyable and work-friendly environment for employees, featuring more gathering spaces, improved accessibility and reduced maintenance needs.”
When I noticed earlier in the month that work was already underway on one of the sections, I decided to go make some photographs of what would soon be gone.
The easternmost section of the P&G Gardens under renovation in May 2026.
The sun trailed off when I got there, but I think these images do a decent enough job of reflecting how the area looked in the spring of 2026 right before its renovation.
Former fountain/reflecting pool.
Looking westward towards some of the former fountains.
Looking southwest towards the Taft Theatre.
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