Building in Foundry Park, Oakley - Downsizing is looking a little different these days

For decades, the word "downsizing" conjured images of empty nesters trading their sprawling suburban homes for modest condos or ranch-style properties. That definition is changing. In 2025, a new generation of downsizers across Cincinnati is discovering that smaller footprints don't have to mean smaller living—they just mean smarter living.

Enter vertical living.

With developable land becoming increasingly scarce in desirable urban neighborhoods, homebuyers looking to simplify their lives are turning to multi-story homes that maximize square footage without sprawling across precious real estate. Classic Living Homes is leading this charge in Cincinnati's Oakley neighborhood, building thoughtfully designed residences that redefine what downsizing can look like in today's market.

Why Foundry Park Is Capturing Attention

Foundry Park at Three Oaks represents exactly what modern downsizers are searching for. Tucked just blocks from Oakley Square, this community sits on the historic site of the former Kenner Toys factory—a 31-acre property being transformed into one of Cincinnati's most desirable addresses.

The community features 79 thoughtfully planned homesites surrounded by green spaces, pocket parks, and gathering areas complete with cozy fire pits. It's not just a place to live. It's a lifestyle centered around connectivity and community.

What makes Foundry Park particularly attractive to downsizers? Every home qualifies for Cincinnati's coveted 15-year tax abatement through LEED certification. That's a significant financial benefit for buyers looking to reduce ongoing expenses while enjoying brand-new construction.

HOMEARAMA 2025: A Showcase of Modern Urban Living

Foundry Park earned the distinction of hosting HOMEARAMA 2025, the region's premier luxury home show. For the first time in five years, the event returned within Cincinnati city limits, showcasing seven fully decorated homes priced between $1.4 million and $1.7 million.

The show, which ran September 27 through October 12, drew thousands of visitors eager to see what's possible when exceptional builders like Classic Living Homes bring their vision to an urban setting. Each home featured rooftop terraces—a signature element that exemplifies vertical living done right.

The HOMEARAMA homes are now available for purchase, offering buyers the rare opportunity to own a showcase property.

The Appeal of Vertical Living

Traditional downsizing often meant sacrificing square footage. Vertical living flips that assumption. These 3-4 story homes range from 2,570 to over 4,000 square feet while occupying compact lots.

Consider what that means practically. A buyer trading a 4,000-square-foot suburban home with a massive yard requiring constant maintenance can move into a similarly sized home at Foundry Park with virtually no exterior upkeep. Small front yards intentionally encourage residents to use community gathering spaces instead.

Elevators in many of these homes ensure accessibility on every floor. Rooftop decks create additional entertaining space that simply doesn't exist in traditional single-story downsizer homes. Media rooms, home offices, and dedicated guest suites stack vertically rather than spreading horizontally.

The result? All the space anyone could need, without the burden of maintaining it.

Current Homes Available from Classic Living Homes

For buyers ready to make the move, Classic Living Homes currently has three exceptional properties in Foundry Park:

The Dimora at 2920 Three Oaks Lane (Lot 25) — Priced at $1,679,000, this 4,000+ square foot home represents move-in ready luxury. The main level features a spacious kitchen with an oversized island, a walk-in pantry, and a great room with built-ins and fireplace. Two elegant bedroom suites and a versatile office/loft occupy the second floor. The rooftop level delivers a media room, bar area with wine storage, and access to a luxurious outdoor living space. With 10-foot ceilings throughout the lower level, first, and second floors plus dual HVAC systems, this home demonstrates exactly what thoughtful vertical design can achieve.

2907 Iron Oak Avenue (Lot 33) — Listed at $1,789,000, this build-to-suit opportunity spans four stories and 4,124 square feet. A private courtyard on the ground level sets this property apart. The elevator provides effortless access to all floors. The third floor houses a generous primary suite, second suite, and laundry room. On the fourth floor, buyers will find a media loft, additional suite, office space, and access to a rooftop deck complete with fireplace.

4466 Water Oak Circle (Lot 48) — At $1,289,000, this 3,400+ square foot home offers an accessible entry point into Foundry Park. The modern, open-concept layout includes three bedrooms and five bathrooms. An elevator provides convenient access to all three levels. The rooftop level features a family room, full bath, and sprawling covered outdoor living area perfect for entertaining.

Everything Oakley Has to Offer

Moving to Foundry Park doesn't mean giving up anything except hassle. Oakley ranks among Cincinnati's most walkable and vibrant neighborhoods, offering residents immediate access to:

Dining: Sleepy Bee Café serves farm-to-table breakfast and lunch favorites. Red Feather Kitchen delivers contemporary American cuisine in an upscale-casual setting. MadTree Brewing offers house-brewed beers alongside wood-fired pizzas in a spacious taproom. Rosewood specializes in sushi, Thai, and seafood. Aglamesis Bros has been crafting handmade ice cream and chocolates since 1908.

Shopping: Deeper Roots Coffee provides expertly brewed specialty drinks. Redtree Art Gallery combines rotating local exhibits with handcrafted jewelry and ceramics. King Arthur's Court delights families with classic toys and STEM kits. Local boutiques like Threads and The Spotted Goose offer curated selections of clothing and gifts.

Entertainment: The historic 20th Century Theatre, an Art Deco landmark from 1941, hosts live events and private functions. Oakley Station and Factory 52 bring major retail and dining within minutes. Downtown Cincinnati sits just 12 minutes away via I-71.

Residents of Foundry Park can walk to coffee, dinner, or shopping—then return to a home where someone else worries about landscaping.

Who Is Making This Move?

The buyers drawn to Foundry Park aren't giving anything up. They're gaining freedom. Many are empty nesters whose children have left for college. Others are successful professionals tired of maintaining properties that no longer serve their lifestyle.

As one recent transplant to urban Cincinnati noted, downsizing allowed her family to reduce to one car, eliminate home repair headaches, and spend more time traveling. The contemporary aesthetic of vertical living forced her to let go of furniture that no longer fit—which turned out to be more liberating than bittersweet.

These buyers want to live where life happens. They want restaurants and entertainment within walking distance. They want community gathering spaces that encourage connection rather than isolation. They want rooftop decks where they can enjoy city views without driving somewhere else.

Classic Living Homes has built exactly that at Foundry Park.

Frequently Asked Questions About Foundry Park

What is vertical living, and why is it popular for downsizers?Vertical living refers to multi-story homes that maximize living space by building upward rather than outward. This approach appeals to downsizers because it provides comparable square footage to larger suburban homes—often 2,500 to 4,000+ square feet—while eliminating extensive yard maintenance. Features like elevators, rooftop terraces, and stacked living areas create luxurious, functional spaces on compact lots.

What are the benefits of buying in Foundry Park at Three Oaks?Foundry Park offers several distinct advantages. All homes qualify for Cincinnati's 15-year tax abatement through LEED certification, providing significant long-term savings. The community includes green spaces, pocket parks, and gathering areas with fire pits. Its location just blocks from Oakley Square provides walkable access to dining, shopping, and entertainment. Easy access to I-71 means downtown Cincinnati is just 10-12 minutes away.

What price range should buyers expect at Foundry Park?Homes at Foundry Park range from approximately $1 million to over $1.7 million. Current listings from Classic Living Homes include properties priced at $1,289,000, $1,679,000, and $1,789,000. The variation reflects differences in square footage, lot position, and finish levels.

Are these homes suitable for buyers who want to age in place?Yes. Many homes at Foundry Park include elevators providing access to all floors, making them highly suitable for aging in place. The vertical design with essential living spaces accessible via elevator ensures long-term accessibility. Features like first-floor entries and attached garages further support convenient daily living.

What was HOMEARAMA 2025, and why does it matter?HOMEARAMA is Greater Cincinnati's premier luxury home showcase, now in its 62nd year. The 2025 event was held at Foundry Park from September 27 through October 12, featuring seven fully decorated homes from the region's top builders. Being selected as the HOMEARAMA site validates Foundry Park's quality and desirability. The showcase homes are now available for purchase.

What makes Oakley an attractive neighborhood for new residents?Oakley consistently ranks among Cincinnati's most desirable neighborhoods for its walkability, dining scene, and community atmosphere. The area features a mix of historic architecture and modern development, with easy access to Oakley Square, Factory 52, Rookwood Commons, and downtown Cincinnati. Young professionals and downsizers alike appreciate the urban energy combined with neighborhood charm.

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