November 25, 200717 yr Riverfront high-rise opening delayed BY JOE WESSELS | POST STAFF REPORTER Failures during testing of the windows in the upscale Ascent at Roebling's Bridge high-rise in Covington, combined with a manpower shortage, have delayed the riverfront development's expected opening. "They had some problems early on with leakage," said Jeff Bechtold, a Northern Kentucky Area Planning Association senior building official. "That's a typical application you have to test." Brian Sims, also a senior building official with the planning association, worked as a plan reviewer on the project. He said there were problems early on with the windows leaking, but they have been repaired. "It got out of hand, but once you caulk and seal them it was fixed," he said. Officials with developer Corporex Cos. LLC acknowledged there have been some problems uncovered during standard testing, but say they have been corrected and there will be no problems once the structure is completed. Corporex is developing the $55 million, 22-story condominium building at the foot of the Suspension Bridge. Its sweeping, glass-enclosed design was done by high-profile architect Daniel Libeskind, the architect who designed the replacement for the World Trade Center in New York City. Full article at http://news.nky.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/ae/20071122/NEWS02/711220347/1014/NEWS02
November 25, 200717 yr I've always seen a Jan move in date. Not sure where they got Nov. I'm waiting to see the lighting of the building at night.
December 12, 200717 yr Ascent project nears completion December 12, 2007 | CINCINNATI BUSINESS COURIER COVINGTON - A signature condominium tower on the Covington riverfront is structurally completed, its builder said Tuesday. The "shell and core" of the Ascent at Roebling's Bridge is finished and has received a certificate of occupancy, construction manager Dugan & Meyers said in a news release. The company added that it expects to receive certificates of occupancy for individual condos this month. Construction began on the 22-story tower, developed by Corporex Cos., in November 2005. The $45 million project, designed by Daniel Libeskind, will include 64 condo units, seven penthouses and a penthouse at the pinnacle of the tower.
February 12, 200817 yr Dugan & Meyers sues Corporex over Ascent overruns BY LAURA BAVERMAN | CINCINNATI BUSINESS COURIER February 12, 2008 COVINGTON - Dugan & Meyers Construction Co., the construction manager of Covington's almost-complete landmark condominium building The Ascent at Roebling's Bridge has filed a lawsuit against building developer and general contractor Corporex Cos. Dugan & Meyers claimed in the Monday filing in Kenton County Circuit Court that it had not been reimbursed for cost overruns associated with the project. Actual costs surpassed Corporex's $44 million budget by more than $4 million, Dugan & Meyers said. On Jan. 18, it was only paid for services detailed in the original contract. The building was originally scheduled to be complete in November 2007. At the time, Corporex admitted to problems with the installation of the building's curtainwall system by a Cincinnati firm called Waltek & Co. The building's opening would be delayed to January.
February 13, 200817 yr Dugan & Meyers + Corporex = Lawsuit waiting to happen! http://www.thompsonhine.com/publications/publication1089.html
February 15, 200817 yr Wine to high design, Covington's Ascent owners know what they want BY LAURA BAVERMAN | CINCINNATI BUSINESS COURIER February 15, 2008 COVINGTON - One evening early in 2006, Steve Frank dragged his skeptical wife to the top of the 10-story Kenton County garage in Covington and introduced her to the panoramic view of Devou Park, downtown Cincinnati and the Ohio River's eastern bend. Within days, the longtime Wyoming, Ohio, residents had signed a contract to reside in unit 1103 at the garage's skyward sloping neighbor, The Ascent at Roebling Bridge, being developed by Corporex Cos. "Steve was convinced from the very beginning," said Nancy Frank, an Accenture consultant. "For me to make this jump, it really had to be special." The Franks were involved in an early focus group during the 22-storyAscent's design phase. In January, they became the first homeowners to close on their 2,350-square-foot condo and will move into the building late in March. The remaining 51 buyers, who range in age from the late 20s to the mid-80s, will close over the next three weeks. Units will then be occupied beginning with the building's low floors to the upper ones, and from west to east throughout the spring.
February 23, 200817 yr The sky's the limit Ascent leads high-rise invasion of shoreline BY MIKE RUTLEDGE | CINCINNATI ENQUIRER February 23, 2008 COVINGTON - People scoffed a decade ago when urban planners predicted that Covington and Bellevue would someday have some of the region's hottest downtown living sites. After all, both communities were a bit down on their heels. In fact, some powerbrokers were doubtful in 2004 when developer Bill Butler of Corporex Cos. announced plans and unveiled drawings for the Ascent at Roebling's Bridge. Now the angling, jutting structure with blue-tinted windows is a distinctive part of Northern Kentucky's skyline. And this week, families are moving into the 22-story, crescent-shaped luxury condo tower that has drawn nationwide attention. The building with its soaring 10-story roofline was designed by architect Daniel Libeskind, the man guiding development of New York City's new World Trade Center. At the start of the project, Butler had told Libeskind he wanted a building that somehow expressed a reaching upward toward the sky. As the tower rose, Covington's image also climbed regionally with the architectural coup and the appeal crosses the river. Of the Ascent's 72 units (including eight penthouses), 54 have sold and Ohioans account for 80 percent of them. Units aren't cheap: Prices started at $395,000. Five penthouses remain, with asking prices from the $730,000s to $5.5 million for the top unit - a three-story home with 35-foot ceilings known as the Pinnacle.
March 2, 200817 yr First Buyers Move Into Artsy $55M Condo Tower By Robert Carr COVINGTON, KY-With sweeping views of downtown Cincinnati, the first three buyers of condominiums at the 22-story Ascent have moved into their new homes, in one of the largest and most interesting multifamily projects in the region. The $55 million Ascent, designed by renowned European architect Daniel Libeskind, is a wedge of glass and steel that now dominates this former downtrodden city. The project was begun in 2005. Now, with the grand opening set for March 26, developer Corporex Cos. has sold 54 of the 70 units in the building. The condos range in price from the some of the first units sold, about $395,000, to the $5.5 million penthouses. The lowest-priced condo now available is $880,000, says a Corporex spokeswoman. “The first closings started two weeks ago,” she tells GlobeSt.com. “Our average unit price is about $1 million.” Full article at http://www.globest.com/news/1104_1104/cincinnati/168687-1.html
March 12, 200817 yr Ascent opening March 26 BY LISA BERNARD-KUHN | [email protected] COVINGTON – A grand opening for the Ascent at Roebling’s Bridge has been set for March 26, according to Corporex Cos, which is constructing the more than $44 million riverfront condominium tower in Northern Kentucky. On Wednesday, Debbie Vicchiarelli, chief marketing officer for Corporex, shared the news with a group of local developers during an afternoon luncheon hosted by the Home Builders Association of Northern Kentucky. An invitation only event, the grand opening is slated to begin at 10 a.m. with a ribbon cutting, followed by a private open house and tours, according to invitations sent out by Corporex. Eight couples have already moved into the 22-story luxury high rise condo tower, and the remaining owners, Vicchiarelli said, will be able to move in by the end of the month. To date, 57 of the 70 condos available have been sold, she said. Prices start at $395,000, and go as high as $5.5 million for the top unit - a three-story home with 35-foot ceilings known as the Pinnacle. More at http://www.enquirer.com
March 27, 200817 yr Here is an updated regularly webcam for your viewing pleasure: coming from the jaded ny'er side of me let me say....that pic is so freakin awesome!!!! wow! the ascent has added some real creativity, personality and individualism to the river skyline.
March 27, 200817 yr I took this one last week. I'll add more...the building is looking better day and night now that it's active. It actually looks better from the south in my opinion, where its tilting character is more obvious.
March 28, 200817 yr Profit-taking hits Covington's Ascent BY LAURA BAVERMAN | CINCINNATI BUSINESS COURIER March 28, 2008 COVINGTON - As Corporex Cos. unveils its long-awaited signature condominium building, the Ascent at Roebling's Bridge, a handful of its buyers are reselling their units on the Multiple Listing Service. As many as five homes will be available for resale in coming days, listed 15 percent to 30 percent higher than their original sale prices. That's a reflection of appreciation that started soon after units began selling at the $45 million, 22-story Covington tower designed by world renowned architect Daniel Libeskind. "The price of the homes increased as the supply of the homes decreased," said Debbie Vicchiarelli, Corporex's chief marketing officer. "The market came up with us." Corporex has 19 of the 70 homes still available for sale, ranging in price from $829,900 to $5.5 million. Homes sold ranged in price from $389,100 to $1.75 million. Certain product lines, like the one-bedroom "River Vista" units, the corner "Panorama East" homes and the "City Lights" units, with larger balconies, sold more quickly than others. It's those small details, like view and balcony size, that are differentiating units and helping resellers determine the new listing price.
March 28, 200817 yr "15 percent to 30 percent higher than their original sale prices"? more wow. there it is. the otherwise battered open real estate market has spoken. this apt building is officially a home run. is there any public access up there planned? a restaurant/bar something? thx
March 28, 200817 yr Wow, I had no idea so many people were buying "investment condos". Anyone actually planning on living in this thing? :wink:
March 29, 200817 yr I think the building itself and (from what I've seen in pics) the units, are awesome. I just wish the area around it was designed better. I suppose it's "walkable" but it doesn't look very 'inviting' to a walker.
March 30, 200817 yr I wonder why someone would resale when all the units have not been sold yet? Good luck to them..lol
March 31, 200817 yr ^ likely because they are different sizes, floors, etc. there seems to be quite a bit of variety in the apts in there. that's common for fancy new apt construction. flippers seeking higher prices are a good sign of health.
March 31, 200817 yr I wonder why someone would resale when all the units have not been sold yet? Good luck to them..lol It happens all the time and for a variety of reasons. First, some may have purchased early before any price increases and much of the percentage increase reflects the finished value of the unit. Second, they may have done that plus not had many things installed by the dev. but installed on their own-floors, fixtures etc. Third, it could be both of those plus it is a unique unit, of which there are many so demand may be high for a finished building now but supply low on features like a view, a balcony or something else. Fourth, they may be caught in a circumstance that they were unable to move into the unit and price it above as they need to recapture both their purchase price, Realtor fee, and need the cushion for negotiations. This is hardly newsworthy but it gets people talking about the building again and gives the impression of it being of great investment to those who may be on the fence about buying a condo there.
April 1, 200817 yr oh i think its a lot better than hardly newsworthy. that's pretty cavalier. it's a sign the building is doing well right off the bat even as the real estate market is in the toilet.
April 1, 200817 yr As long as it doesn't boil down to pure profit and greed. There was a condo at $125,000 that was completely finished at CenterCourts (here in Lexington) that I was seriously considering purchasing. One-bedroom, balcony on the fourth floor, hardwood floors, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances. It was a steal. Then a greedy "investor" purchased the property in a development that was completed and when only 50% of the units were sold. This was before the housing bust, mind you. Jacked the price in a matter of TWO days to $155,000, having done no improvements to the property. He did this from his "office" in Florida, then drove up the next day to meet us for a meet. Which we told him to basically "@^&$ off." Five months later, I learned that he went out of business. The units that he purchased at CenterCourts never sold, and they have since been turned over for leasing. In fact, all of our new development projects here have leasable units for very reasonable prices -- by the developing company, not an investor. $895/month for a one-bedroom in downtown? That's a very good deal.
April 1, 200817 yr naw, he jumped on them while you (wisely) hesitated. he got stuck. that's the free market for ya. who knows? with the way the market is now maybe you can get an apt there for even less money?
April 1, 200817 yr it's a sign the building is doing well right off the bat even as the real estate market is in the toilet. The sale at that amount is a sign that the building is doing well. And I have no doubt that it is. Any property can be listed for any amount and that alone proves nothing that is why I say that this stage is hardly newsworthy. The article talks about Brian Hubert purchasing only 3 weeks ago but I spoke with Brian about his purchasing in the building 6 or 8 months ago (his office is next to mine). I wonder if they mean he just closed on it 3 weeks ago but it has been under contract for much longer meaning that he got in before price increases. And did you notice the rest of my point. I say gives the impression of it being of great investment you say sign the building is doing well right off the bat So if I am an owner, especially one who is selling, it is most newsworthy indeed.
April 1, 200817 yr of course. yes when people actually buy some of the flipper apts at a higher price than the inital purchase price then that is what will cinch it. sure it's just speculation until news of that happening. thats why i said the flipper activity was a "sign." still, the flippers aren't offering resales at a lower than-purchase-price either. there is faith in the building by the stakeholders. also, others are buying & holding tight, so the ascent is a stable market and not a flipper fire sale. all in all at this point it looks like there is a healthy market for new construction in an iconic building, which was quite a gamble for the the developer to undertake, so it's more than non-news. it's something worth noting. time will tell, we'll see how the ascent action plays out in reality in this currently wretched re market.
April 28, 200817 yr I wonder if the same thing will happen over at SouthShore. If it does it will most likely happen with the second tower...
April 30, 200817 yr I have to admit, I didn't like the design at first but now it's the best looking building in the cincy metro area in my opinion.
April 30, 200817 yr That is really beautiful. And it really contrasts against the boring brown brick building in the foreground!
April 30, 200817 yr ^Chris Cousins was wrong as usual. LOL...more interesting views. I love your new job.
April 30, 200817 yr ... but now it's the best looking building in the cincy metro area in my opinion.
April 30, 200817 yr ^ It's nice too but I like the modern architecture of the Ascent better. That's just my opinion.
May 1, 200817 yr you know what? i dont like jmecks angles of it so much. the interesting views of it are of the twist. i just hope we can have public access with a bar or restaurant up there or something.
May 18, 200817 yr I really like the way the building appears as viewed from Downtown streets...where you can only see a portion of the building poking through it looks really neat.
May 29, 200817 yr Recent decent Ascent story over at ArcSpace.com: Daniel Libeskind The Ascent Covington, Kentucky Sited along the river front the Ascent at Roebling’s Bridge, Libeskind’s first residential high rise in the United States, echoes the colors of the Suspension Bridge and warm earth tones. The ascending height of the building, from 14 to 22 stories, resonates with the sweep of the Bridge’s structure and links the low horizon of residential structures to the east with the more modern commercial buildings to the west. The facade is a graphic pattern of pre-cast concrete and blue-tinted glass that extends up one elevation, across the slanted, curving roof, and back down the opposite elevation. Balconies on the north and northeast sides look across the river to Cincinnati. The lobby colors are white and cool blues. The black slate tile floor is decorated with stainless steel Xs that are mirrored in the recessed fluorescent ceiling lights above. The Owners Club level, overlooking the lobby, has the same color scheme. Two elevator cores lead to the condominium units, each with a different floor plan. Read more at http://www.arcspace.com/architects/Libeskind/ascent/ascent.html
May 29, 200817 yr The photographer went a little nuts with the perspective correction, or rather incorrection.
May 29, 200817 yr Esp. at the fourth photo. "You don't just walk into a bar and mix it up by calling a girl fat" - buildingcincinnati speaking about new forumers
May 30, 200817 yr Does the lobby floor remind anyone else of the Cincinnati entrance to the Purple People Bridge? :-)
May 30, 200817 yr If there is, they better invite us over to check it out. I give great house warming gifts.
May 30, 200817 yr although, I'm a pre-war building lover, this building looks cool to me. I just wonder is it functional? I'd loved to see some units.
May 30, 200817 yr I like how every unit has a different floor plan. They don't appear to be different. As you go higher or there are architectural details, most units vary.
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