Greenhills, Ohio is a National Historic Landmark, having been one of three federally planned and constructed greenbelt communities in the nation. (The other two greenbelt communities are Greenbelt, Maryland and Greendale, Wisconsin.) Undertaken by the government in the 1930’s, the purpose of the federal greenbelt project was to supply jobs and offer an escape from the congested inner-city neighborhoods through the construction of a small town with plenty of park-like areas surrounded by a greenbelt. Greenhills is the only one of the greenbelt communities that has maintained its greenbelt – the Village is totally surrounded by Winton Woods, a premier park of the Hamilton County Park District. Greenhills is a safe community with a wonderful small-town charm with quiet streets, beautiful trees, a Village Commons that is the venue for a summer concert series and other community events, a network of walking trails, a community swimming pool, a public library, and more!
By design, Greenhills is a walkable community, easily accessible from all parts of the region, is within a reasonable driving distance of major employment centers, and is close to shopping centers.
Directions to Greenhills:
From north, east or west of Cincinnati: Take I-275 to exit 39 for Winton Road. Follow signs for Winton Road South. Head south on Winton Road for 2 miles.
From downtown Cincinnati: Take I-75N to exit 10A for OH-126 W (Ronald Reagan Cross-County Highway). Take exit 25 for Galbraith Rd./Winton Rd. Turn left onto Galbraith Road. In 1 mile, turn right onto Winton Road. Continue north on Winton Road for 4 miles.
What to See When Visiting Historic Greenhills
The Village has a number of wonderful venues that you might want to stop by during your time in the village.
*Listed on the National Register of Historic Places is the James Whallon House (aka the Marquardt House) located at 11000 Winton Road. This is a fine example of a Federal style house built by James Whallon, the head of a prominent pioneer family, around 1816. Mr. Whallon had purchased approximately 225 acres of land for $700 in 1806 and constructed a log cabin. After serving in the War of 1812, Mr. Whallon built the more substantial brick home in 1816. The building was the headquarters for the engineers and survey team during the construction of Greenhills between 1935 and 1939. The house had various owners, including George Marquardt until it was purchased by Greenhills in 1958. (Not open to the public.)
SHADOWS OF FREEDOM POLE. On the northeast corner of the Greenhills Commons stands a shadow pole that quietly pays tribute to important dates in our Country’s history, as well as the history of Greenhills and Ohio. Called the Shadows of Freedom, the pole was a gift - dedicated to Greenhills in July of 1988 on the occasion of its 50th Anniversary - from American Legion Post #530. For more information about this unique memorial, click here.
Farmer's Market Stand. This long gable-roofed structure in the rear parking lot of the Greenhills Shopping Center was constructed in 1938 and served as a farmer's market. The market stand is stepped to allow the farmer's to bring their goods and sell from the back of their trucks.
Gazebo on the Commons. Through the generosity of many, in particular the Stacey Family, the Gazebo on the Commons was erected in the spring of 2002, and has been a welcome addition to the Greenhills community. It is the centerpiece of The Commons, and the location for the summer Concerts on the Commons. The gazebo is also a popular location for wedding photos.
Community Building. Located on the east end of the Greenhills Commons, the Community Building was constructed in 1937. The building once housed K-12 for the Greenhills School, along with serving as the early home of local churches, a movie theater and an activity center for the Village. Murals and artwork from the WPA period are located in the building.
Greenhills History Museum. Located in the Community Building, the museum is open by appointment and during special events.
Recreational Opportunities in Greenhills
Spoils Ball Field. Spoils Field is a unique home-town ball field and a favorite of many leagues and tournaments. An outdoor deck, satellite television and great concessions complete the perfect setting for a summer evening of ballgames. Evening games are played most Mondays and Thursdays.
Greenhills Swimming Pool. Home to the Greenhills Gators Swim Team, the Greenhills Swimming Pool boasts a great slide, a diving board, lap lanes, a zero-depth area, shaded grass areas for cooling off on those hot summer days, light concessions, and picnic tables providing an area to have a family meal. Open to the public, daily rates are posted at the gate.
Concerts-on-the-Commons. Held every Wednesday throughout the summer, Greenhills has had free concerts for 20 seasons!!! Offering a variety of music, the full schedule can be viewed through this website. Bring a blanket or lawn chairs and settle back to enjoy music from 7 pm until 9 pm.
Where to Eat in Greenhills
Foster's at the Troubadour. 46 Eswin Street. Serving breakfast and lunch. Hours Tuesday - Saturday 8 am to 2 pm, Sun 9 am to 2 pm, closed on Monday
GH Sandwich. 36 Eswin Street. A Mediterranean grill.
Ameristop. 2 Eswin Street. Pick up a snack or drink, or have a sandwich made at the Ameristop deli.
