A new residential, retail, and office space will break ground this summer in the backyard of the University of Cincinnati's campus. Located between Calhoun and McMillan streets,
University Square at the Loop is a joint effort with developers Towne Properties and Al Neyer Inc.
"It's been a collaborative and organic effort all the way to gain community and university support and to make sure the project reflects the unique and authentic values of the neighborhood that serves the students and Uptown employees," said Gail Paul, business development at Al Neyer Inc.
The project consists of 161 residential units that will be built over 80,300 square feet of restaurant and retail space, a 100 room hotel, 716 space parking garage, and 44,000 square feet of Class A office space. The developers incorporated the opinions of UC's student body, including 1500 student participants in a survey, and met consistently with student body representatives during the planning phase. Students told the developers that they would like to see clothing stores, bookstores, electronic and supply stores, and affordable restaurants at the development.
"We will continue to go out and gain input as the project develops to make sure UC students get behind the project, shop at its stores, and eat at its restaurants and socialize at its bars," said Alan Hagerty, incoming student body president at University of Cincinnati. "We are happy to be a part of the development process."
Developers expect to attract graduate students, young professionals and UC employees with studio and one to two bedroom apartments that have nine-foot ceilings, granite countertops, and stainless steel appliances. The construction and buildings will be LEED certified.
"When you're building in a university setting with major institutions like the Cincinnati Zoo and Children's Hospital, you're walking among green giants in a way," Paul explained. "So you want to stand tall with the neighborhood and company, allowing residents to appreciate the green qualities while wanting to work and live in a green environment."
Writer: Lisa Ensminger
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