In a bid to revitalize a prime piece of real estate in Newport, the city has approved plans to move the historic and gigantic World Peace Bell. The bell, which gained international attention in 2000, currently stands at 12 feet tall and weighs 66,000 pounds.
The mixed-use development project will see the bell relocated from its current location on Monmouth, York, Fourth, and Fifth streets to General James Taylor Park along the Ohio River. The parking lot currently occupying the space will be demolished to make way for new amenities and commercial spaces in the community.
The agreement for the redevelopment was reached with hotel operator Shaun Pan, who is also the owner of the nearby Hampton Inn & Suites. Funding for the project comes from a combination of private and public sources, including bonds issued with approval from the city, county, state, and local school district. The developer is expected to invest $20 million by October 2025 as part of the agreement.
Site preparation has already begun with demolition and construction activities set to intensify in May. The project took about five years of planning before it was approved by the Newport City Commission during a special meeting held earlier this year. With this development project underway, Newport is set to become an even more vibrant and dynamic city.
