Portfolios Archive - A359

1819 Innovation Hub at UC

architecture359 — Wed, 14 Dec 2022 15:57:46 +0000

A Study in Adaptive Reuse

In September of 2018, A359 finished a 3 year engagement with the University of Cincinnati for the adaptive reuse of a former Sears Department Store into a collaborative Innovation Center. Located off campus along a future “technology corridor” and in an urban renewal zone, the University of Cincinnati saw the potential for this existing building to become a strong asset for the University and a catalyst to jump-start development along this corridor. Given its proximity to the university campus, UC and Cincinnati Children’s Hospitals, and a new interchange connector to I-71, this site was in a prime location for UC’s vision of a facility to bring together students and faculty, businesses, non-profits, and researchers to foster innovation. We studied the building to determine if it could be repurposed to support this vision and developed concepts for this transformation.

Restoration and Rebuild

When A359 was first initiated to undertake the renovation of the UC Central Services Building it had been dormant for a significant time. Formerly housing university-based offices, the 1920’s Art Deco Structure was in significant disrepair with a failing roof, failing parapets, and high-pile corrosion in exterior walls which resulted in significant masonry displacement. The existing facade had also been modified extensively over the years.

Originally contemplating demolishing the structure, UC saw value in maintaining this historic fixture for the neighborhood and recognized the sustainable nature of salvaging the facility for adaptive reuse.

A359 and consultants THP and Hardlines Design studied the structure and delivered detailed reports and cost studies to the client which allowed for key decision -making resulting in selective demolition of a later addition and loading dock, facade rebuild for code compliance and full restoration of the tower component including historic details.

Original 1920’s drawing sets and photos were used to develop a template for rebuilding the failing flanking facades to match the original masonry detailing and stone accents.

Atrium and High Bay Addition

The planning for selective demolition of a later addition provided an opportunity to develop a new 4 story atrium to the North which allowed for new pedestrian access, the claiming of a former “basement” level as the primary entrance level, and the infusion of natural light into the space. This atrium provides evident vertical transportation to all floors and connects each level with shared huddle spaces and overlooks from adjacent tenant spaces. Envisioned as a casual social or touch-down work area, the space can also be used for receptions and other events.

Immediately adjacent to the atrium to the West is a new high bay space that was developed to house large equipment that might otherwise not function in the existing floor-to-floor height of the lower level in the facility. Natural light was infused into this space and overlooks from collaborative student labs on the level above provide visual connectivity and allow for students and visitors to see the working maker space below.

In collaboration with Human Nature Landscape Architects, the remaining site to the North was developed into open space including an expanse of green lawn, a shaded plaza with outdoor seating, and a public bus stop. The existing parking lot was re-developed to include a bioswale and new landscaping.

Maker Space

The lower level off of the first floor atrium is outfitted as a Maker Space where university students, faculty, and industry tenants have access to specialty equipment for research, exploration, and creation of new ideas, objects, and products. The space is outfitted with a broad array of tools from traditional to state of the art – including high-performing 3D printers, laser cutters, CNC router, and a waterjet cutter.

Portions of the Maker Space were developed with deep, isolated foundations for large scale, sensitive equipment. A fabrication area with natural light anchors the north end of the space and is connected visually to the Venture Lab above. This area is equipped with lockers to allow for ongoing student projects and group work. Classes and industry workshops are also held in this area.

Shared Amenities and Collision Zones

From the earliest design stages common shared amenities were designed into the project. These central areas are the connectors which link all of the building’s shared spaces – flexible classrooms, conference rooms of varying size, small group huddles, as well as open collaboration, social spaces, and break areas. The central location of these amenities on each floor and the specific lack of these spaces within each suite promotes the “collision” of the multi-faceted groups using the building – students, faculty, industry leaders, private corporations, non-profits, and researchers.

The integration of transparency or open mesh materials into the edges of each learning or lab space allows for visual connection and the ability for building users and guest to see the innovative projects taking place beyond the shared corridor.

Interior Design Details

At the 1819 Innovation Hub the team used many methodologies to allow for flexible use, providing a constant lighting strategy, a range of power options to mitigate challenges with the existing floor structure, and worked to organize programmatic spaces to maximize natural light infiltration.

This 110,000 SF facility includes flexible classrooms, an 11,000 SF maker space, multi-purpose spaces with accommodations for natural light, shades, or black-out features, open office suites, and student and faculty labs. One of these spaces, UC’s Venture Lab, provides business incubation for student and professor led start-ups.

Additional open suites are leased to industry tenants, providing an opportunity for innovative companies, students and faculty to work collaboratively. At the time of the grand opening, Cincinnati Bell, Kroger and Procter & Gamble had leased office space. UC’s Simulation Center, a partnership with Procter & Gamble capitalizes on the College of Engineering and Applied Science’s computer simulation expertise, providing engagement opportunities for students to study real-world business challenges. Additional tenants, Live well Collaborative and Village Life, are non-profit organizations that also foster innovation and creative research through the collaboration of students and industry partners.

The work spaces are envisioned to be have multiple uses over the course of years, with simple methods for modification including convertible, plug and play furniture systems that can be re-utilized as needs change. Audio Visual considerations for changeable spaces were developed with mobile screens and lecterns. Electronic room scheduling allows for on-the-fly flexibility with meeting and classroom scheduling. A gallery space allows for rotating exhibits to showcase the innovative work going on in the facility.

The building is managed by UC’s Office of Innovation which provides the creative direction and connection of key partnerships to drive innovation in our region. Led by David Adams, UC’s Chief Innovation Officer, this group occupies office space on the fourth floor which includes a shared conference room that sits at the base of the building’s tower. This space is designed to provide a unique visual connection to a key element of the building facade while welcoming collaborators to the facility.

Urban Redevelopment in Action

For decades, the Sears store served as a landmark for the Avondale neighborhood of Cincinnati. Designed by Chicago architects, Nimmons, Carr & Wright in 1924, it was introduced as the first suburban department store in Cincinnati. The brick building, adorned with intricate stone inlays and featuring an art deco influenced tower is a distinctive fixture for neighborhood residents and those traveling along Reading Road. The adaptive reuse program allowed for a sustainable and community-minded solution that saved and restored this iconic structure. The building is now the anchor for the ongoing mixed-use development in the neighborhood and has been a catalyst for growth of the innovation district.

One of the things I’m most excited about as we look to 2019 and beyond is our partnerships with the University of Cincinnati and the 1819 Innovation Hub, where UC students will work with local companies to develop drones, virtual reality tools and other technology. Our ability to grow that district is a direct way to compete for, attract and retain that talent, which ultimately we know will be the driving decision factor behind these platform company decisions.

Kimm Lauterbach, President and CEO of REDI Cincinnati

Empower Media Marketing

architecture359 — Wed, 14 Dec 2022 14:58:35 +0000

The Marketer: Empower OTR Headquarters

The Marketer is the headquarters of Empower, a creative multi-media agency in Cincinnati. It is also a story of an urban infill building in the heart of Cincinnati’s historic Over-the-Rhine neighborhood.

This state-of-the-art corporate workspace represents the final phase of a multi-year, $17.5-million development managed by Cincinnati Center City Development Corporation (3CDC). 3CDC commissioned A359 to design, restore and integrate the historic Hukon building with a new four-story contemporary office block on the adjacent vacant lot.

The site of the project, Over-the-Rhine (OTR), is home to A359 offices and is one of our country’s largest, most intact urban historic districts. The sprawling neighborhood is architecturally comparable to New Orleans’ French Quarter and the historic districts in Charleston and Savannah. OTR contains more than 1,100 historically contributing buildings. Greek Revival, Italianate and Queen Anne architectural style buildings line OTR’s streets.

Urban Infill Architecture Advantages and Challenges

For this project, the unique size and positioning of the infill site afforded the opportunity for a large office footprint and open floor plan workspace. Both larger size office footprints and open spaces are rare amenities in the dense OTR neighborhood. The design concept called for integrating the adjacent 1860s structure into the project. Not only would it mean rescuing a piece of the neighborhood fabric, it also provided the opportunity for historic tax credits to contribute to the project.

Originally, the historic building was a German bakery and residence. The brick, limestone and wood structure was later converted into the Hukon Manufacturing Company, a local company specializing in metal spinning.

As part of an historic neighborhood, the project challenged A359 to follow strict design and materials guidelines. Exterior finishes, roof lines, window openings, setback, height and other materials were carefully studied and reviewed with the local historic conservation board.

Views and Daylight

A359’s concept for the building features a setback at Level 4, allowing the building’s mass to fit the context of the street and align with adjacent structures. This setback also creates a linear outdoor terrace with sweeping views to the north.

Circulation zones and mechanical areas were carefully organized to maximize the open office footprints. Contemporary full-height glazing to the north and south provides unencumbered views and daylit work spaces. The concrete panel clad exterior features punched windows that echo the patterning of the surrounding historic buildings. The base of the building is clad with terra cotta panels, echoing the rich brick history of OTR.

The transparency at the base of the building at the primary facade provides views to the collaborative office spaces beyond, including the monumental connecting stair. The interior is open and organized to encourage movement on and around the communicating stair.

Restoration and Urban Redevelopment

The existing site presented many challenges, not unexpected in an urban infill project. Sitework included installation of rammed aggregate piles throughout the site, which required careful vibration monitoring to avoid damage to adjacent structures. Site grading and foundation excavation revealed abandoned cisterns and a buried vault that needed to be filled.

The 150-year-old historic structure had been abandoned for more than 10 years: Windows were missing, the roof was leaking, portions of the interior floors and walls had collapsed. The interior elements that remained were not salvageable. Exterior brick was spalling and cracked and entire walls were significantly out of plumb. Several stone arches and lintels were cracked and damaged. The original bracketed cornice was missing.

In order to restore the historically significant exterior, all four sides were stabilized with scaffolding. While the exterior brick was tuckpointed and restored, the interior was completely gutted and replaced with a steel structure. The restored brick exterior walls were then anchored to the new steel structure, allowing for an open floor plan.

A New Face in Cincinnati's OTR

The Marketer, a 64,000-square-foot, corporate workspace opened in fall 2017. Empower CEO Jim Price called the building “future-focused office space that is surrounded by urban core energy.”

As architect for the building’s core and shell, A359 collaborated with the engineering teams of Praeter Engineering (MEP), Uzun +Case (structural) and Kleingers (civil). General contractor Oswald Construction Company executed the project. MSA Architects provided interior design and brand identity for the building.

Both state and federal New Markets Tax Credits were used to fund the project. The building achieved LEED Silver Certification, qualifying the project for local tax abatements. The building houses about 150 employees.

This very large project is mortised into the block quite nicely. The historic corner building is given its prominence. Empower plays a supporting actor role by acknowledging the significance of the historic building.

Jury remarks from the Cincinnati Design Awards

Cincinnati Design Awards 22 Award Winner - Building Architecture | Merit - with MSA Design (Interiors and Branding)

The project was named 2017’s Office Deal of the Year by the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Chapter of the NAIOP Commercial Real Estate Development Organization.

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Kricker Innovation Hub

architecture359 — Wed, 14 Dec 2022 14:50:32 +0000

Puppets Lead to Urban Redevelopment

Founded in 1981, Madcap Puppets, a Cincinnati-based theater group, is known for performing nationwide for audiences of all ages and backgrounds. The traveling group presents shows in schools, community centers, outdoor festivals and concert stages. Since its beginning, Madcap Puppets has called the Westwood neighborhood of Cincinnati home. For many years, its offices were housed in a former savings and loan building. That space simply wasn’t large enough to accommodate Madcap’s dreams of offering performances and classes on site.

Madcap envisioned an education center and theater to fully realize its potential. The group identified a former Cincinnati Bell switching station, where operators once manned busy switchboards. Madcap tapped into A359’s urban redevelopment and renovation expertise for the project located on Cincinnati’s west side. In 2012, Madcap purchased the Cincinnati Bell Exchange building for $1 from the Westwood Community Urban Redevelopment Corp. (WESTCurc).

The Fundraising and Building Plans

From the early stages of this process, A359 provided assistance to Madcap in the form of building surveys, assessments and conceptual planning. After many years of fundraising and securing local grants, Madcap had raised $1 million. But it wasn’t enough to transform the building. A partnership with Cincinnati Landmark Productions (CLP) in 2017 added momentum. CLP, which operates several local theaters, had been looking for space to host classes.

Together, the two entities raised more funds and secured New Markets Tax Credits from the Cincinnati Development Fund in addition to the City of Cincinnati development grant. As they worked toward raising $3.4 million for the project, A359 completed the design for the 130-seat performance space, classrooms, studios and production space for puppet making and scene building. Renderings of the building’s amenities were developed to showcase the concept with the public and assist in the fundraising process.

More Than a Puppet Theater

In the 1920s, architect Harry Hake designed the former Bell Telephone Exchange Building. Opened in 1928, the Classic Revival building shows influences of Italian Renaissance style. It features arched windows, a tile roof and an exterior heavily ornamented with terracotta cherubs. Following the closure of the telephone exchange, the building served as a book repository for the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County.

A359’s design utilized this historic open floor plate for a full lineup of amenities for the arts and education center. Space for pre-performance gatherings is available both upstairs and down. The first floor offers a dance and drama studio and voice instruction rooms. In the large classroom space, students can learn from teachers on-site or through live-streamed classes online. The upper floor features a theater for performances of all kinds, served by a green room on the first floor. Plans for the center also include hosting kids’ camps and rehearsals for performing groups.

Creating a Destination

The Madcap Education Center takes center stage as a catalyst for growth and revitalization. As the culmination of years of planning and far-ranging imagination, the center created critical mass to further propel the rebirth of the business district and reposition a building empty for years in the historic Westwood business district. In part, the early vision for the Madcap center kick-started investment in the area, leading to Cincinnati Parks' improvements to the grounds of nearby historic Westwood Town Hall.

Coupled with the resurgence of local businesses including an urban winery, a brewery, an upscale café and plans for a new restaurant in the historic firehouse, Westwood has rebounded in part due to the civic investment made in the Madcap center. Outside, a planned terrace spans the north side of the building. Accessible green space creates additional areas for events or socializing.

I recommend the architectural firm A359 for their thorough dedication to client satisfaction, their attention to detail and the congenial atmosphere brought to all aspects of their collaboration. We would not hesitate to engage A359 on any project that requires historical preservation and a client-centered approach to the work.

The Artistic/Executive Director at Madcap Productions

A359 provided strategic planning and design services for the center. Cincinnati Landmark Productions completed the project with a production architect.