KZF returning to its roots

KZF Design Inc. has announced plans to renovate two connected structures at 700 Broadway for its new headquarters.

The $6 million project on the 36,000-square-foot space is pursuing LEED Silver certification, and is expected to be completed by summer 2009.

Architectural plans are still being developed, as are details on the sustainable features.

Tim Sharp, vice president of KZF Design, says that the move Downtown is a return to the firm's roots.

"We have a long history with the Downtown area, beginning with our company's first Downtown offices being located in the Ingalls Building on Fourth Street back in 1956," he says.  "Downtown Cincinnati is important to KZF, and when the opportunity arose to purchase and renovate 700 Broadway, KZF Design couldn't pass up the chance to continue our investment in Downtown Cincinnati."

As an architecture and design firm, the renovated building will show off KZF's abilities to potential clients.

"An added benefit is the opportunity for KZF Design to reuse an existing building and be able to showcase the beneficial aspects of a sustainable workplace to our clients and the Downtown community," Sharp says.

Continuing growth led to the need for a new building, which will give the firm 30 percent more space than they currently have at the Baldwin Building in Walnut Hills.

"KZF Design is very diversified with deep expertise in multiple markets, which makes it adept at growing and prospering regardless of changes in the economy," says president and CEO William H. Wilson III in a media release.  "We are involved in a number of joint ventures and consulting arrangements and have projects in many states.   All of this keeps our business growing."

Writer: Kevin LeMaster
Source: Tim Sharp, vice president, KZF Design
Photography by Scott Beseler