University of Cincinnati green-lights key step in $60M renovation project

 

University of Cincinnati is moving forward with a $60 million-plus renovation project after officials approved funding for its first stage of construction this week.

 

UC’s board of trustees Tuesday OK’d $6.5 million to fund design and pre-construction services work related to an estimated $60.5 million renovation of Siddall Hall, a 15-story residential tower located off Calhoun Street on Corbertt Drive.

 

The project has been in the works for years. UC said Siddall Hall, built in 1964 with 121,409 gross square feet, is past its need for a half-life renovation. All building systems are near terminal failure and require replacement.

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2021/08/27/uc-approves-first-step-siddall-hall-renovation.html

 

^Glad they're doing both. Even though I'm not thrilled with the design, I think it's better for the pair to "match". 

OSU's dorm renos were much nicer, and I don't compliment OSU too much for its architectural choices.

I'm not always a 'withhold judgement till I see it in person" but even though the renderings make this look like a soviet block housing project, and I don't like that it accentuates the horizontal instead of the vertical like it used to; I am holding out to see the 'megapanel' prefabricated facade system. This is the first project in the city I know of to use this kind of facade and it might end up having way more detail/contrast/dimension than the renderings suggest so I'm still holding out some hope that it surprises me.

 

Anybody seen a mockup? 

4 hours ago, ucgrady said:

I'm not always a 'withhold judgement till I see it in person" but even though the renderings make this look like a soviet block housing project, and I don't like that it accentuates the horizontal instead of the vertical like it used to; I am holding out to see the 'megapanel' prefabricated facade system. This is the first project in the city I know of to use this kind of facade and it might end up having way more detail/contrast/dimension than the renderings suggest so I'm still holding out some hope that it surprises me.

 

Anybody seen a mockup? 

 

You'd think UC was hiding something with how hard it is to find anything beyond the same news articles for this project. I found some full res renders on MSA's site. You can zoom and see the detail. Warning though, they're 15MB+.

 

EDIT: You can see Siddall getting the identical treatment in the background of the second image. 

Edited August 30, 20213 yr by RealAdamP
Bonus detail in background

5 minutes ago, RealAdamP said:

I found some full res renders on MSA's site

Thanks! I had no idea that the new “window frames” had so much texture/depth. I had previously (incorrectly) assumed was just a flat exterior envelope. I’ll be curious how it sheds water and if those contours are going to quickly look “dirty” with drip lines. 

10 minutes ago, jwulsin said:

Thanks! I had no idea that the new “window frames” had so much texture/depth. I had previously (incorrectly) assumed was just a flat exterior envelope. I’ll be curious how it sheds water and if those contours are going to quickly look “dirty” with drip lines. 

 

I thought it was flat as well. I'm curious to see if they're going to have some sort of drainage between each piece. The prior facade drained in the aluminum pieces between the windows, but it backed up constantly. At least during my time there. 

 

I also stumbled upon some studies for the "Calhoun Corridor", aka the strip of grass between the old YMCA and the law building. I'd imagine this building will become much more of the focus in that area rather than the two dorms. I'm not sure if these have been posted before. The imagery they used dates it back prior to 2016.

1 hour ago, jwulsin said:

Thanks! I had no idea that the new “window frames” had so much texture/depth. I had previously (incorrectly) assumed was just a flat exterior envelope. I’ll be curious how it sheds water and if those contours are going to quickly look “dirty” with drip lines. 

From what I understand the prefabricated facade is hung onto the new structural at slab edge in pieces, each interlocking and creating a rain screen. Because of how it attaches the self-supporting structure behind it, each floor plate is actually getting (slightly) larger by about a foot on either side. 

 

Here is an example from NY (though MSA is not Neil Denari) from the same prefabricator that was indicated on the drawings. Not sure if this got value engineered to a cheaper facade system, but this similar process to what we should expect. 

 

I will concede, having seen the view from Calhoun, that that stairwell will be fabulous.
Although this was the early 90s. A lot of the view looks to be obscured now?

On 9/3/2021 at 2:41 PM, zsnyder said:

I will concede, having seen the view from Calhoun, that that stairwell will be fabulous.
Although this was the early 90s. A lot of the view looks to be obscured now?

It’s still amazing. To be honest, the part of the view that is obscured is from trees. This is the view from the 9th floor. 

Anyone know why they're adding these steel beams between columns on the facade?

Those will act as part of the support structure the prefab exterior panels will attach to.

On 8/30/2021 at 3:36 PM, ucgrady said:

From what I understand the prefabricated facade is hung onto the new structural at slab edge in pieces, each interlocking and creating a rain screen. Because of how it attaches the self-supporting structure behind it, each floor plate is actually getting (slightly) larger by about a foot on either side.

I didn't describe it very well in my first post, but this is bringing all the structure into the same plane to hang the prefab curtainwall panels on, and again it makes all the floorplates slightly larger than they were. 

Old Chem is getting renovated. https://ofcc.ohio.gov/Portals/0/RFQ-UCN-20233A Criteria AE_1.pdf

 

Quote

This project (also known as “New Old Chem”) will renovate the campus’ original and historic 1917 portion of the Old Chemistry building and will demolish the building’s 1930’s-era addition and construct a new lab wing in its place which will connect to the 1917 building. When complete, the fully renovated 1917 building plus the new connected wing is intended to support between 140,000 to 160,000 gross square feet of future-forward academic and research space. In total, the project will provide:

• New state-of-the-art open-bay chemistry research labs and supporting shared and core research service facilities to replace those that are inflexible and outdated in the adjacent 1960’s-era Crosley Tower.

• New faculty and departmental offices for the department of Chemistry, designed to current University standards and to replace those currently located in Crosley Tower.

• New standardized offices and open/flexible research labs for the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences. • New faculty collaboration spaces.

• New state-of-the-art general-purpose classrooms with capacities and configurations to support enrollments and generally-accepted good room utilization, and to replace classrooms that will be removed from service when the 1930’s-era addition of Old Chemistry is demolished. • New state-of-the-art basic science biology and chemistry teaching labs to augment those recently constructed in the adjacent Rieveschl Hall to meet anticipated enrollments.

• New student study and collaboration spaces.

• New chemical storage, materiel support, and facility service spaces for the functions occupying the facility.

 

The project includes full renovation and re-use of the historic 1917 portion of Old Chemistry; construction of the lab new wing including new open lab bays to support the ability to flexibly-assign lab space and to support research group growth; all new energy-efficient 100% outdoor air mechanical system with heat recovery; all new electrical, plumbing, and life safety systems; and all new instructional and technology systems and fully-furnished all new interiors throughout. Basic sitework and supporting connections to campus infrastructure are also included.

 

And the RFQ for Siddall Hall renovations have been posted as well. Nothing too interesting beyond that there's going to be a bridge between Calhound, Siddall, and the dining hall there. https://ofcc.ohio.gov/Portals/0/RFQ-UCN-22051A AE.pdf

 

Quote

An enclosed bridge between Calhoun Hall, Siddall Hall, and the adjacent Market Pointe Dining Hall has been designed and will be constructed as part of the ongoing Calhoun Hall renovation project. The arrival point of the bridge into Siddall Hall will be incorporated into the design of the renovated Siddall Hall lobby spaces as part of this project.

 

What part is the 1930 addition? Can't figure it out. 

43 minutes ago, tonyt3524 said:

What part is the 1930 addition? Can't figure it out. 

I have the same question...it's not obvious to me where the 1930 addition begins. 

43 minutes ago, tonyt3524 said:

What part is the 1930 addition? Can't figure it out. 

According to this webpage it's this part of the building

On 8/30/2021 at 2:40 PM, RealAdamP said:

 

I thought it was flat as well. I'm curious to see if they're going to have some sort of drainage between each piece. The prior facade drained in the aluminum pieces between the windows, but it backed up constantly. At least during my time there. 

 

I also stumbled upon some studies for the "Calhoun Corridor", aka the strip of grass between the old YMCA and the law building. I'd imagine this building will become much more of the focus in that area rather than the two dorms. I'm not sure if these have been posted before. The imagery they used dates it back prior to 2016.

 

I've never seen this drawing, but it could absolutely be showing a new Alumni Association Building for this site. John Ronan Architects were looking at the site back around the time you mentioned.

I've been thinking about the recent brouhaha over the temporary bike lane on Clifton Ave... and mulling over what a proper street diet would look like there. One thing that immediately jumps out is the fact that there is free (no meters, no permit required) street parking on the west side of Clifton. On the east side of Clifton, there is hourly paid parking. Similarly, on the other side of campus, the east side of Jefferson has free street parking, which also seems nuts to me.

 

Does anybody know if there have been recent conversations about getting rid of any of the free street parking on Clifton or Jefferson? Obviously, the residents (and/or landlords) who live right there will throw a fit... but using that precious space as free parking does not serve the best interests of the university or the broader community and city. 

 

 

 

 

11 minutes ago, jwulsin said:

I've been thinking about the recent brouhaha over the temporary bike lane on Clifton Ave... and mulling over what a proper street diet would look like there. One thing that immediately jumps out is the fact that there is free (no meters, no permit required) street parking on the west side of Clifton. On the east side of Clifton, there is hourly paid parking. Similarly, on the other side of campus, the east side of Jefferson has free street parking, which also seems nuts to me.

 

Does anybody know if there have been recent conversations about getting rid of any of the free street parking on Clifton or Jefferson? Obviously, the residents (and/or landlords) who live right there will throw a fit... but using that precious space as free parking does not serve the best interests of the university or the broader community and city.

On that note, this crossing distance seems absurd. The curb lane is a 14 foot wide sharrow. 

31 minutes ago, Dev said:

On that note, this crossing distance seems absurd. The curb lane is a 14 foot wide sharrow. 

Yikes. I knew it felt overly car-centric... but that's egregious. Not surprising that cars speed there. 

There's also a ton of "jaywalking" near campus so there's probably 3 or 4 mid-block crossings with beacons and raised crosswalks that should be added. The 2 existing traffic lights should have leading pedestrian intervals and hopefully separate signals for the bike path as well.

UC eyes $95 million upgrade of building in heart of main campus

 

The University of Cincinnati is planning a massive renovation of a building in the heart of its Uptown campus.

 

UC has sent out a request for qualifications for architects/engineers for the renovation of the Old Chemistry building, located at 2855 Campus Way. The total estimated cost for the renovation of the building is $95 million.

 

The project, known as “New Old Chem,” would renovate the campus’ original and historic 1917 portion of the Old Chemistry building and demolish the building’s 1930s-era addition, as well as construct a new lab wing in its place that will be connected to the 1917 building. The fully renovated 1917 building, with the additional new wing, is expected to support between 140,000 and 160,000 square feet of “future-forward” academic and research space, according to the RFQ.

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2021/09/20/uc-eyes-old-chemistry-upgrade.html

 

Would love to total up the amount of investments on campus in the last 10-15 years. Don't even have to include the surrounding area to reach a pretty significant number.

Just now, tonyt3524 said:

Would love to total up the amount of investments on campus in the last 10-15 years. Don't even have to include the surrounding area to reach a pretty significant number.

 

Might have missed some but here's what I can think of off the top of my head:

Quote

120 000 000 - Linder College - 2016
35 000 000 - Morgens Hall - 2013
38 000 000 - Scioto Hall - 2016
95 000 000 - New Old Chem - 2021
60 000 000 - Sidall Hall - 2021
45 000 000 - Calhoun Hall - 2021
87 000 000 - Fifth Third Arena - 2017
45 600 000 - New College of Law Building - 2021
93 000 000 - Clifton Court Hall - 2021
25 800 000 - Turner & Schneider - 2015

 

$644,800,000

12 minutes ago, RealAdamP said:

 

Might have missed some but here's what I can think of off the top of my head:

 

$644,800,000

Nippert as well in 2015 that was $87mm

Looks like they are focusing on the Sheakley site and not the park area across the Vine/McMillan intersection.

 

 

UC athletics in talks to build new indoor practice facility

Owen Racer | Sports Editor

Oct 12, 2021

 

 

A permanent indoor practice facility to replace the outdated bubble is a work in-progress for John Cunningham, the University of Cincinnati (UC) director of athletics.

 

The facility would be used by all athletic programs and would be located where the Sheakley Athletic Complex currently stands. For now, the Bearcats practice on the outdoor fields during the warmer months and in the winter months, the bubble is assembled.

 

more

^I'm glad to hear this news. The Sheakley site makes so much sense, and I think has the potential to be a great assset for the whole university, not just the football program. 

Looks like they are focusing on the Sheakley site and not the park area across the Vine/McMillan intersection.

 

 

UC athletics in talks to build new indoor practice facility

Owen Racer | Sports Editor

Oct 12, 2021

 

just an idea. i thought building the new indoor practice facility at Vine, McMillan and Calhoun may solve a big ugly problem. It would float, if you will , above the drop off at those corners. by driving the pilings for the building and leaving the rock formation visible. Some clever architecture could pull this off i bet. it gets enough light to have grass and some sort of park theme. And, it would be intimidating when big 12 teams drove up vine. remember, just an idea.

 

 

4 hours ago, RJohnson said:

Looks like they are focusing on the Sheakley site and not the park area across the Vine/McMillan intersection.

 

 

UC athletics in talks to build new indoor practice facility

Owen Racer | Sports Editor

Oct 12, 2021

 

just an idea. i thought building the new indoor practice facility at Vine, McMillan and Calhoun may solve a big ugly problem. It would float, if you will , above the drop off at those corners. by driving the pilings for the building and leaving the rock formation visible. Some clever architecture could pull this off i bet. it gets enough light to have grass and some sort of park theme. And, it would be intimidating when big 12 teams drove up vine. remember, just an idea.

 

 

I’d rather have mixed used development with retail and apartments there instead of all that land taking up a practice facility…

On 10/14/2021 at 4:03 PM, RJohnson said:

Looks like they are focusing on the Sheakley site and not the park area across the Vine/McMillan intersection.

 

 

UC athletics in talks to build new indoor practice facility

Owen Racer | Sports Editor

Oct 12, 2021

 

just an idea. i thought building the new indoor practice facility at Vine, McMillan and Calhoun may solve a big ugly problem. It would float, if you will , above the drop off at those corners. by driving the pilings for the building and leaving the rock formation visible. Some clever architecture could pull this off i bet. it gets enough light to have grass and some sort of park theme. And, it would be intimidating when big 12 teams drove up vine. remember, just an idea.

 

 

 Interesting. And I get that it's just an idea so I won't pile on. But those of us old enough to remember the old Burgundy's/Prime Time and how they used some creative architecture to have a garage at that end of the building will cringe at this idea. It was nasty.

Edited October 15, 20213 yr by Rabbit Hash
cringe

Interesting. And I get that it's just an idea so I won't pile on. But those of us old enough to remember the old Burgundy's/Prime Time and how they used some creative architecture to have a garage at that end of the building will cringe at this idea. It was nasty.

Edited yesterday at 05:01 PM by Rabbit Hash

 

 

You see UC, that's why you hire an architect. let's talk about bad decisions that were made in the past. Cincy's newest skyscraper looks like the 1980s. Paul Brown chose a practice facility next to a toxic creek. Paul Brown Stadium demanded 3 facility fields beside the stadium. I think a pretty expensive mistake for developmentof downtown. FC Cincinnati practice facility is in Milford 15 miles away. the subway. removing all the street car tracks. Our governor not accepting the $37 million dollar federal money to extend the new street car to Clifton.

 

I do remember that Prime Time place. It always reminded me of the tin roof and cardboard abodes that adore third world countries. What if the final product looked like the new Neuologoical Center at UC. Maybe it could have the ambiance of FL Wright's, Falling Walter. A natural looking water feature that cascaded and was illuminated at night. Of course this is just an idea. all glory to Polyeidus.

image falling water right here in Cincinnati, it's easy if you try...

UC put out some RFQs for some smaller projects:

 

University Pavilion renovations for improved branded experience to visitors ($1.75M):

 

Quote

The University of Cincinnati seeks AE services to renovate selected spaces in University Pavilion. Home to senior administration and other divisions, University Pavilion is considered by the University to be a signature building. It was designed by Leers Weinzapfel Associates and was completed in 2002. This project primarily serves to enhance the functions of the Enrollment Management division and will update the spaces that measurably impact enrollment by welcoming potential students and families to the University. These spaces provide the first impressions and experiences for students coming to visit and tour the University. The intent of the project is to provide a contemporary and branded experience that integrates with the signature architecture of the building to present to visitors the extraordinary educational opportunities that the University of Cincinnati offers.

 

Affected spaces include the 3rd floor atrium, reception desk, entrance, meeting, and event spaces. This project will renovate the entry, expand assembly rooms 310 and 320, and provide new furniture, accent and area rugs, branded environmental graphics, and AV/IT enhancements. Given the building’s signature status, it is imperative that the design of all new components both respect and integrate with the existing Leers Weinzapfel Associates design.

 

Stratford Heights landscape changes ($1M):

Quote

The University of Cincinnati seeks Statements of Qualifications for the Stratford Heights’ Hardscape Improvements. Stratford Heights is due west of Clifton Avenue adjacent to the University of Cincinnati’s Uptown West Campus. This area includes approximately 26,000 sq ft. of open space on a hillside consisting of hardscape and softscape elements which connect pedestrian traffic from Stratford Avenue to Clifton Avenue via a series of sidewalks, stairs, and switchbacks. The area includes structural retaining walls along with smaller cheek walls. Redesign criteria will account for any retaining wall failure, handrail issues, and will address the sidewalk switchbacks and radii. The switchbacks are utilized by both pedestrians and utility vehicles, so design accommodations are needed for vehicular access and intermittent parking.

 

All hardscape, landscape, site furnishings, and land infrastructural elements need to be addressed as well as a phasing schedule to minimize construction impact on student and maintenance access to the buildings.

 

Varsity way landscaping ($1.1M):

Quote

The University of Cincinnati seeks Statements of Qualifications for the redesign of a new O’Varsity Way Plaza. This plaza on the University of Cincinnati’s Uptown West Campus is an iconic outdoor space designed by Hargreaves & Associates, providing a major pedestrian connection to many athletic venues on campus. Located adjacent to the Varsity Village Garage/Tennis Courts, Nippert Stadium to the west, and Sheakley Lawn to the east, the 32,000 sq ft. pedestrian plaza is the connective tissue that ties together all the surrounding Varsity Village features. O’Varsity Way plaza includes a series of distinct linear paver bands providing a direct connection from Gettler Stadium across Corry Boulevard to the crown jewel of Varsity Village, the Bernard Tschumi-designed Robert E. Lindner Center.

 

All hardscape, landscape, site furnishings, and infrastructural elements need to be addressed as well as a phasing schedule to minimize construction impact on pedestrian and vehicular access to all adjacent facilities. The redesign must respect the plaza’s original design and take into consideration settling and shifting issues. Differential settlement and horizontal shifting of the pavers occurs in several areas in and adjacent to the plaza. The project will determine the root cause and implement a remediation plan.

 

 

Also, I noticed they added more renderings to the construction site signage at Calhoun showing the lobby and rec area. I can't seem to find them anywhere online, par for this project for some reason. This is overshadowed, in my opinion, that they had signage indicating that the YMCA next to Calhoun Hall is getting reno'd as well into an new alumni center.

1 hour ago, RealAdamP said:

signage indicating that the YMCA next to Calhoun Hall is getting reno'd as well into an new alumni center.

Wonderful to hear!

 

As somebody who walks down varsity way every day (athletics), thank GOODNESS. The constant filling of asphalt into the missing brick spots has looked terrible. 

Edited October 18, 20213 yr by tonyt3524

So over/under on how UC current rise in college football and soon joining big 12 will affect the campus and the surrounding area? 
 

Still a bit early, but one can certainly think that UC has a legit shot to be in the top 4 and might even be the #1 team in the nation by the end of the season. 
 

If they play a championship game against someone like Alabama and even dare I say become national champions then I have to imagine this would have some affect on UC as a whole.

 

That much national spot light attention would be absolutely insane for the university and practically unheard of.

 

I read some recent articles about how local business around Clifton are really benefiting the rewards right now with UC rise in the rankings and how there is most definitely a buzz like never before.

 

You see for many other universities how much benefits this brings to universities and a part of me is curious if this could be a  catalyst of some sorts for even more new businesses to open around Clifton and potentially increase UC enrollment and have even more apartment and mixed use towers to be built around Clifton.

 

What do you guys think?
 

 

 
 

 

1 minute ago, Troeros2 said:

So over/under on how UC current rise in college football and soon joining big 12 will affect the campus and the surrounding area? 
 

Still a bit early, but one can certainly think that UC has a legit shot to be in the top 4 and might even be the #1 team in the nation by the end of the season. 
 

If they play a championship game against someone like Alabama and even dare I say become national champions then I have to imagine this would have some affect on UC as a whole.

 

That much national spot light attention would be absolutely insane for the university and practically unheard of.

 

I read some recent articles about how local business around Clifton are really benefiting the rewards right now with UC rise in the rankings and how there is most definitely a buzz like never before.

 

You see for many other universities how much benefits this brings to universities and a part of me is curious if this could be a  catalyst of some sorts for even more new businesses to open around Clifton and potentially increase UC enrollment and have even more apartment and mixed use towers to be built around Clifton.

 

What do you guys think?
 

 

 
 

 

I think one of the biggest things will be that we’ll see an explosion of applications to the university and I’m sure UC will continue to try and rapidly expand the student population. 

As we enter the Big 12, we're going to see a lot of people visiting (from other Big 12 schools) to the tune of probably 2k-3k per game. That number has been <400 for most AAC schools.

2 minutes ago, Ucgrad2015 said:

I think one of the biggest things will be that we’ll see an explosion of applications to the university and I’m sure UC will continue to try and rapidly expand the student population. 

That’s definitely exciting. From what I understand there is already a pretty bad shortage of housing for the current UC population. Hopefully all in all this will attraction more outside developers and we might see some legit dense apartment and mixed use towers around Clifton popping up in the next 5 years. 
 

Also, kind of a pipe dream at this point, but I hope this will be a catalyst for the new Cincinnati mayor and council and UC to devise a plan to connect cbd to UC. Especially if UC continues on this trajectory of consistent UC attendance growth. 

35 minutes ago, Troeros2 said:

That’s definitely exciting. From what I understand there is already a pretty bad shortage of housing for the current UC population. Hopefully all in all this will attraction more outside developers and we might see some legit dense apartment and mixed use towers around Clifton popping up in the next 5 years. 
 

Also, kind of a pipe dream at this point, but I hope this will be a catalyst for the new Cincinnati mayor and council and UC to devise a plan to connect cbd to UC. Especially if UC continues on this trajectory of consistent UC attendance growth. 

Yes, I know someone who works for the university in the student housing section and at one point they were having to block off rooms in some of the hotels and non student apartment buildings because they’re were so many students. I’d love to see more student housing high rises around the university in the near future. 

I think there will be a big uptick in midrises around campus with mixed uses. I also see the push for more hotels to dramatically increase. There's already a massive shortage in the area.

My question is how soon will we see something beyond the generic 1+5? I think demand is starting to be enough to push out of that space.

 

 

31 minutes ago, Troeros2 said:

Also, kind of a pipe dream at this point, but I hope this will be a catalyst for the new Cincinnati mayor and council and UC to devise a plan to connect cbd to UC. Especially if UC continues on this trajectory of consistent UC attendance growth. 

 

UC would be more interested in connecting up their off campus "Innovation Corridor" to main campus rather than CBD. On a realistic level, I can see them increasing their bus fleet to have their own little bus metro going through that area. 

36 minutes ago, RealAdamP said:

My question is how soon will we see something beyond the generic 1+5?

There is the proposed tower on the old Deaconess site... I believe is proposed to be 25 floors (or perhaps that is the *max* height permitted by their zoning appeal). Not sure what the latest is regarding their construction schedule. Here's a rendering showing Hughes HS in the forground with the propsoed tower behind it. 

 

I think that tower has moved beyond the proposal phase.

I don't understand why there aren't more mid to high rises in the University area. Amazing views to be had.

Edited October 18, 20213 yr by zsnyder

1 hour ago, jwulsin said:

There is the proposed tower on the old Deaconess site... I believe is proposed to be 25 floors (or perhaps that is the *max* height permitted by their zoning appeal). Not sure what the latest is regarding their construction schedule. Here's a rendering showing Hughes HS in the forground with the propsoed tower behind it. 

 

I have a feeling this project is going to end up taking way too long. They haven't even started any site work on their next phase. Which will, estimating here, take 5 years to build. Give another 2 years buffer on the final phase and then maybe 8 to 10 years to build.. Honestly if the deacon site gets completed within 25 years I'll be surprised. Wouldn't be surprised if that whole phase gets scrapped due civil engineering problems since they infilled the site with building rubble. 

 

1 hour ago, zsnyder said:

I think that tower has moved beyond the proposal phase.

I don't understand why there aren't more mid to high rises in the University area. Amazing views to be had.

 

I think financing for deacon is rough state with how expensive construction materials go. So I'd imagine that's getting pushed out. I have a feeling that we'll see a lot of infill of empty lots around the area, as well as replacing the high demand area's low quality or abandoned buildings with midrises before high rises.

Whatever they are building there now can be seen from the cut in the hill and also from Winton Road heading south. It's quite large. I thought it was the tower? 

what's that old saying, don't count your chickens before the rooster crows? something like that.

https://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2021/05/21/district-at-clifton-heights-lands-development.html
 

per this article. Phase 1 which includes the HUB (14 floor building) and the hotel is scheduled to completed in 2024. Phase 2 which includes the empty Deaconnes lot is scheduled to be completed in 2025. 

20 hours ago, jwulsin said:

Wonderful to hear!

 

Not so sure that’s the case unless I missed something. Good to see it’s getting worked on though.

I know like 8-9 years ago Santa Ono talked about this being a possible new Alumni Center, which I think would be a great use. I have only heard that they are prepping it for an eventual full renovation, but I haven't heard anything lately about it.