Board approves schematic designs for The Banks' first phase

Published April 21, 2009 at 12:00 a.m.
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.
Theapproval is the result of three meetings over a three-week periodbetween the board and the design team of CR Architecture and Design andMoody Nolan,during which refinements were made in the building façades, windowplacement, retail spaces, and prominent corners of the buildings thatwill house up to 300 apartments and 70,000 square feet of retail space.

The development team of Carter Real Estate and Dawson Companyplans to begin construction of structural framing by June, meaning thatthey needed the okay as quickly as possible to prepare for meetingswith the City Planning Commission for final planned developmentdistrict approval.

The board asked the design team to solidifyhow the buildings along Joe Nuxhall Way (Main Street) relate to GreatAmerican Ball Park, and how people leaving the ballpark will be drawnto the retail and entertainment options along Freedom Way.

"Partof what we've started discussing is kind of a whole branding of thecivic space and the use of signage," says Jeff Dodge, center projectmanager for CR Architecture + Design.  "It's more than just thebuildings.  How do I know The Banks is here when I'm in the city?  Howdo I know where Freedom Way is when I'm in The Banks?"

Theproject now moves into the design and development phase, and the boardand design team agreed to meet again about building finishes prior tothe application for building permits for the buildings' outer skins.

BaileyPope, vice president of design and construction for Dawson, says thatthe project is seeking LEED for Homes Mid-Rise pilot programcertification, which should help with its marketability.

"We'regoing to be making national news with this," he says.  "Where we expectto get an impact on it is in our target market, a demographic that'smore environmentally conscious.  So, all things being equal, we thinkthat by having a LEED-certified building versus a non-one, they wouldchoose 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


Back | Read more at SoapBoxMedia.com-Cincinnati blogs