Development News

Qualls travels to D.C. to advise on new LEED neighborhood standards

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Development News
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April 21, 2009

Cincinnati City Councilmember Roxanne Qualls traveled to Washington, D.C. last week to assist in the development of a new worldwide system for rating and certifying green neighborhoods.Qualls and a group of national experts met with the U.S. Green Building CouncilCongress for the New Urbanism, and the National Resources Defense Council to advise them on how to educate elected officials, construction managers, city administrators, developers, architects, and urban designers about the new LEED for Neighborhood Development (LEED-ND) pilot program rating standards.LEED, a third-party verification system for energy efficiency and sustainability, has been applied to buildings since 1998.  LEED-ND would broaden its scope to include entire neighborhoods and communities.Qualls says that, while energy efficiency in buildings is important, one-third of our greenhouse gases come from transportation."This new standard will help promote the kind of transit- and bicycle-friendly, walkable neighborhoods that will help us reduce greenhouse gas emissions and give our urban neighborhoods a competitive advantage," she says.  "The idea is to look beyond individual buildings, and incorporate land use and neighborhood design into a broader standard for sustainable neighborhoods."LEED-ND would rate neighborhoods according to the categories of smart location and linkage, neighborhood pattern and design, green infrastructure and buildings, and innovation and design.Criteria for the ratings include density, conservation of wetlands and agricultural lands, reducing automobile dependence, proximity to housing and jobs, walkability, and energy efficiency.More than 200 projects have sought certification in the LEED-ND pilot, including The Arbors in Pleasant Ridge and the Greenhills residential redevelopment.A post-pilot version of LEED-ND will be launched this summer."This initiative will encourage development teams, planners, and local governments to construct sustainable, compact neighborhoods," Qualls says.  "It is an innovative approach that will give us one more tool to improve our quality of life and help build a globally-competitive economy here in Cincinnati."Qualls is council's representative on the City Planning Commission and the Hamilton County Planning Commission, as served on the Congress for the New Urbanism board from 2000 to 2008.Writer: Kevin LeMasterSource: Roxanne Qualls, Cincinnati City Council; Jennifer O'Donnell, office of Councilmember Qualls

Latest in Development News
New Walnut Hills hotel a positive indicator of region’s long-term health
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Development News
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April 21, 2009

The most recent indicator of the region's positive outlook and long-term economic health came online with the opening of the Spring Hill Suites Cincinnati Midtown in Walnut Hills.During a ceremony last week, executives from Commonwealth Hotels, Cincinnati Mayor Mark Mallory, and local business and hospitality leaders celebrated the opening of Marriott's first foray into downtown Cincinnati."By all means, this opening is a positive indicator that a number of entities believe in the long-term viability of Cincinnati USA as a destination," says Commonwealth Hotels President, Dan Fay.  "Despite current economic constraints, this new property signifies the collective optimism shared by Commonwealth Hotels, Corporex, and the entire Cincinnati USA region."Part of Corporex's Baldwin 300 complex that also includes a 250,000-square-foot office building that serves as the headquarters of Humana of Ohio and an 1,100-space parking garage, the 122-room hotel is the first to open in the downtown market since 1984."The addition of a new hotel property is always in and of itself noteworthy, but when it is brand new construction, it's even more exciting," Fay says.Launched in 1998 and boasting more than 150 locations, the Spring Hill Suites brand is built to appeal to both leisure and business travelers.Not only does the hotel offer meeting space for small functions of up to 12 people, but each guest suite features a separate work area complete with a desk, high-speed Internet, and two phone lines with data port and voice mail.Guests also have access to a free breakfast buffet, same-day dry cleaning, laundry facilities, a complimentary shuttle service, and indoor swimming pool, exercise room, and "grab and go" food service.Writer: Kevin LeMasterSources: Barbara Gurren, sales and marketing field director, Commonwealth Hotels, Inc.

Home Depot Foundation awards grants to Price Hill, Northside
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Development News
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April 21, 2009

Two Cincinnati community development groups have each been awarded $10,00grants by the Home Depot Foundation and Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) to assist them in improving their neighborhoods' physical health, energy efficiency, and sustainability.Price Hill Will, which has rehabilitated and sold 16 vacant properties since 2005, will use its grant to hire a consultant to ensure that green practices are used in its current and future renovation projects.Cincinnati Northside Community Urban Redevelopment Corporation, developer of two LEED Silver houses and leader of several renovations as part of its Fergus Street Homeownership Project, will use the funds to create a pedestrian-friendly greenspace in an abandoned railroad right-of-way."These community groups have been at the forefront of transforming Price Hill and Northside into sustainable, environmentally friendly neighborhoods, and these grants will help them advance their already impressive work," says Kathy Schwab, executive director of LISC of Greater Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky.  "People are increasingly drawn to diverse, pedestrian-friendly communities like Northside and Price Hill, and additional green features will add to their appeal."Created in 2002, the Home Depot Foundation has granted nearly $30 million to non-profit organizations, supported the development of more than 40,000 affordable and healthy homes, and planted and preserved more than one million community trees.LISC, which supports non-profit community developers through the resources of corporations, governments, and philanthropists, has raised more than $7.8 billion to build or rehab nearly 215,000 affordable homes and develop 30 million square feet of retail, community, and educational space nationwide since 1980.Writer: Kevin LeMasterSource: Kathy Schwab, executive director, LISC of Greater Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky

$1.6M Mount Adams steps project nearly complete
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Development News
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April 21, 2009

The $1.6 million reconstruction of the public steps between the Adams Crossing condominiums and the Holy Cross-Immaculata Church in Mount Adams is largely complete. The Mount Adams Steps Restoration Project began shortly after Easter 2008, when work began on replacing the 369 steps and missing railing along the key pedestrian corridor. But the most significant part of the project was the installation of the historic Arch and Ellipse, uncovering of a weed-strangled public plaza, and construction of a new retaining wall at the end of Adams Crossing.The Arch and Ellipse, which have been part of the Ohio Historic Inventory for 32 years, were constructed for the city's first park around 1853 and were known at the time as the Riverfront Playground Entrance.The structures were moved in 1990 to make way for the Adams Place Condominiums, where they sat in storage at Hummel Restoration.The project is scheduled for completion within the next few months.Still to be completed are final painting of hand rails, landscaping, and wayfinding and educational graphics.Partial funding for the project came from $647,000 in Federal Transportation Enhancement Funds, and project partners included the Ohio Department of Transportation, Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Regional Council of Governments, and the city's departments of Transportation and Engineering, Public Services, and Parks.The Adams Place Condominium homeowners association and AP Parking Company, LLC donated one-eighth acre for the project.Writer: Kevin LeMasterSource: Tiffaney Hardy, senior communications specialist, City of Cincinnati

Board approves schematic designs for The Banks’ first phase
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Architecture + Design
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April 21, 2009

Cincinnati's Urban Design Review Board gave approval to schematic designs for the first phase of the $1 billion Banks project last week at the offices of CR Architecture + Design downtown.The approval is the result of three meetings over a three-week period between the board and the design team of CR Architecture and Design and Moody Nolan, during which refinements were made in the building façades, window placement, retail spaces, and prominent corners of the buildings that will house up to 300 apartments and 70,000 square feet of retail space.The development team of Carter Real Estate and Dawson Company plans to begin construction of structural framing by June, meaning that they needed the okay as quickly as possible to prepare for meetings with the City Planning Commission for final planned development district approval.The board asked the design team to solidify how the buildings along Joe Nuxhall Way (Main Street) relate to Great American Ball Park, and how people leaving the ballpark will be drawn to the retail and entertainment options along Freedom Way."Part of what we've started discussing is kind of a whole branding of the civic space and the use of signage," says Jeff Dodge, center project manager for CR Architecture + Design.  "It's more than just the buildings.  How do I know The Banks is here when I'm in the city?  How do I know where Freedom Way is when I'm in The Banks?"The project now moves into the design and development phase, and the board and design team agreed to meet again about building finishes prior to the application for building permits for the buildings' outer skins.Bailey Pope, vice president of design and construction for Dawson, says that the project is seeking LEED for Homes Mid-Rise pilot program certification, which should help with its marketability."We're going to be making national news with this," he says.  "Where we expect to get an impact on it is in our target market, a demographic that's more environmentally conscious.  So, all things being equal, we think that by having a LEED-certified building versus a non-one, they would choose us."A 14-story office building and – possibly – a 12- to 14-story boutique hotel are also envisioned as part of the first phase.Approvals for those structures are still required.Writer: Kevin LeMaster

Riverside Electric hosting seminar on green energy innovations
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Development News
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April 21, 2009

Riverside Electric, Inc., a full-service contracting firm specializing in proactive lighting management services and green energy audits, will host a series of seminars on green and sustainable lighting, energy, and HVAC solutions on April 30 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Sharonville Convention Center.At "Two Shades of Green", eight experts will present updates on innovations in their respective industries and will take questions from the audience.Topics and speakers include:GreenSourceCincinnati: Ez and Will Housh, president and operations director,Monroe MechanicalLED Products, Applications, and Case Studies:  Chris Cullen, sales manager,Beta-Kramer LightingLED and Induction Lamps: Jack Melena, executive account representative,Osram SylvaniaEnergy and the Rebate: Robert Jung, energy engineer, Wisconsin Energy Conservation Corp.Solar Possibilities: Bob Sisco, regional sales manager, AEE SolarDaylight Harvesting and Occupancy Sensors: Eric Eshenbaugh, sales manager, Watt StopperEPACT 2005: Rick Sebold, sales manager, Richards ElectricRiverside Electric president Paul Gangloff organized the event in recognition of Earth Day."Earth Day recognition is a great opportunity for us to learn how to blend the best in economic efficiency, environmental friendliness, and new technologies," he says.  "There are two shades of green involved in green, sustainable energy solutions -- saving energy and saving money."Admission is free to commercial property managers and business owners, and lunch is included.Participants are required to RSVP by April 23 by calling (513) 936-0100 or by visiting www.riverside-elec.com.Writer: Kevin LeMasterSources: Paul Gangloff, president, Riverside Electric, Inc.; Melinda Zemper, Oak Tree Communications, LLC

Cincinnati State announces Energy and Environment Center for Clifton campus
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Development News
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April 21, 2009

Cincinnati State Technical and Community College president John Henderson has announced the establishment of the Energy and Environment Center, further strengthening its regional leadership in energy efficiency, renewable energy, sustainable design, and the environment.Representing what Henderson calls "just a first step", the center will not only consolidate the college's green energy and construction offerings, but also will serve as a regional resource for businesses and community leaders who are interested in environmental and energy-related issues and careers.The college plans to conduct city, county, state, regional, and national meeting and events about vegetated roofs, sustainable design and construction, biofuels, and stormwater management."Cincinnati State already has one of the strongest energy management and environmental technologies programs in the Tri-State," says Henderson.  "The Energy and Environment Center at Cincinnati State will help students, job seekers, businesses and the general public develop and execute a smart, cost-effective approach to energy policy, and protect the environment in the process."The new center will launch with the assistance of a $500,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Labor to expand its programs; a $25,000 grant from the Ohio Department of Development (ODOD) to help displaced workers find jobs in green industries; an anonymous donation of $10,000 to support scholarships; and a renewable energy lab funded by the college, Duke Energy, the Josephine Schell Russell Charitable Trust, and ODOD.Cincinnati State has the region's first comprehensive program devoted to sustainable construction practices developed by the U.S. Green Building Council and the region's first on-campus major devoted to renewable energy.Majors also are available in environmental engineering technologies, power systems engineering technologies, and the design and operation of water and wastewater treatment plants."The people here at Cincinnati State are among those who believe that Cincinnati should become the center for sustainable, renewable energy in the Midwest," says Henderson.  "We're committed to making that happen."Writer: Kevin LeMasterSources: John Henderson, president, Cincinnati State Technical and Community College; Robert White, communications coordinator/media relations, Cincinnati State Technical and Community College Photography by Scott Beseler

Neyer Properties to celebrate Earth Day with Evanston workshops, fair
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Architecture + Design
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April 14, 2009

In honor of Earth Day, Neyer Properties will host "It's Easy to Be Green", a series of workshops to be held April 22 at its company headquarters at Keystone Parke in EvanstonChad Edwards, secretary of the Cincinnati chapter of the U.S. Green Building Counciland an architect at emersion DESIGN, plans to focus on the April 27 launch of LEED version 3."LEED version 3 will raise the bar for not only buildings, but also professionals," Edwards says.  "For instance, some existing credits have moved to become prerequisites, and LEED APs will need to prove working experience on LEED projects.  These modifications help push us to a more sustainable future with qualified individuals."He also plans to address two of his firm's projects – the April 17 groundbreaking for the new American Red Cross headquarters, and his work in achieving  LEED Platinum for commercial interiors for emersion DESIGN's Norwood headquarters."emersion DESIGN’s office was designed as an experiment in getting the best for low cost," Edwards says.  "At under $27 per square foot, we were able to achieve a design-award winning LEED Platinum office.  We're the first architecture and engineering firm in the world to have LEED Platinum office.  The feat was achieved through careful planning and close collaboration with all the stakeholders."Michael Chapman, regional director of landscape architecture for CDP Engineers, will address the question of whether or not rain gardens are a fad or the future, and how the recent popularity of rain gardens can be encouraged and fostered.He also will speak briefly about his work with theGreater Cincinnati Rain Garden Alliance (GCRGA)."My experience as the technical chair for the GCRGA has shown me that rain gardens on a small scale can make a difference," Chapman says.  "I think that municipalities should capitalize on this by doing what they can to encourage the widespread use of rain gardens.  Although small in scale if viewed lawn-by-lawn, the conglomeration of many individual rain gardens has real potential for reducing the damaging effects of storm water overflow problems that many cities are facing."Workshops begin at 1 p.m., and will be followed by a community fair from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.Admission to the workshops and community fair is free, but registration is required for the workshops.Writer: Kevin LeMasterSources: Chad Edwards, secretary, Cincinnati chapter U.S. Green Building Council; Michael Chapman, regional director of landscape architecture, CDP Engineers; Susan Chapin, marketing director, Neyer PropertiesPhotography: Amber Kersley

Developers ‘jump in with both feet’ for Pendleton loft project
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Architecture + Design
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April 14, 2009

The model unit is now open at Glass House Lofts at 512 Reading Road in Pendleton, the first development project by Fat City Properties, LLC.Developers Ben Anderson and Chad Worz have transformed three former shipping and warehousing buildings of the H. Neuer Glass Company into a combination of 11 single-level and two-level industrial loft condominium units, eight of which have city views."We definitely jumped in with both feet with this," Anderson says.   "A 33,000-square-foot condo development project, from gutting it to flipping it....We were naive enough to jump in, but optimistic enough to know that it's going to work regardless if you have a space that's cool enough."Priced from between $167,000 and $319,000, six of the units have already sold."We haven't been really beat up by the economy," Worz says.  "I feel like people are trying to move downtown.  You have the young professionals and you have the downsizers."After several months of looking at properties in and around downtown, the duo was sold on the buildings as soon as they saw them."We saw the buildings, we saw the steel, and we thought, 'This is the building,'" Worz says.The units come in various shapes and sizes, but all feature two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and exposed duct work, beams, and utilities.Buyers are free to customize, from the countertops and flooring to additional walls"Some people come in and they love the brick, some people want it painted," Worz says.  "And that's part of our intent too down here -- we give everybody the opportunity to customize their unit."Upon closing, buyers get three hours with Patrick Korb, designer of all of the units."He's got a really unique feel for where we can go with these things," Anderson says.  "It's been fun to see the different people finish it out and work with Patrick and see the wide range of what he can do.Anderson and Worz plan on beginning work on two rooftop decks and an underground wine cellar by mid-spring.And they say that they'll definitely tackle another project."I'd say without a doubt," Worz says.  "You've gone to school now for three-and-a-half years on how to do an eleven unit development.  If you didn't do it again, it would be kind of like getting a degree and not really practicing that degree.  So I can't imagine not doing it, because I feel like the next one we did we would be a little bit better than even this one."Writer: Kevin LeMasterSources: Ben Anderson and Chad Worz, Fat City Properties, LLC

Issue 9 debate engages local businesses one month before the November vote
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Development News
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April 14, 2009

Keep Cincinnati Beautiful's biggest event of the year takes place on April 25 with a kickoff in College Hill, and the organization could use your help.Great American Cleanup, the nation's largest community improvement project with an estimated 2.8 million volunteers, is aimed at boosting the quality of life in neighborhoods by planting flowers and trees, picking up litter, collecting discarded tires, painting façades, landscaping, and recyclingBecause of the massive amount of work to be done, Keep Cincinnati Beautiful program manager Josman Rodriguez says that volunteers are very much needed.Just last year, 8,352 volunteers collected 406,460 pounds of litter and debris; planted 13,500 flowers and bulbs; cleaned 578 miles or roads, streets and highways; and recycled more than 40,000 plastic bottles and more than 2,500 scrap tires."We're expecting 10,000 volunteers beautifying 90 communities, 25 parks, and 30 schools," Rodriguez says.He also says that Give Back Cincinnati, community leaders, and Cincinnati council members plan to participate, and that United Dairy Farmers is serving as a co-sponsor.To volunteer, contact Liz Bowater at (513) 352-4380 or at liz.bowater@cincinnati-oh.gov.Writer: Kevin LeMasterSource: Josman Rodriguez, project manager/public awareness, Keep Cincinnati Beautiful

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