Rookwood Pottery finishes first phase of $18M rehabiltiation project in OTR

Published May 19, 2009 at 12:00 a.m.
Rookwood Potterygot its start back in 1818, but is currently in the midst of anexciting period of expansion and growth.  Christopher Rose brought thehistoric company back to life in 2006 and has been responsible for therevival of the brand and its history ever since.

The fruits ofthat labor have led to the relocation of the venerated business from asmall Corryville operation to a new 100,000 square-foot location near Findlay Market in the historic neighborhood of Over-the-Rhine.  So far, the company has invested $2.3 million into the building.

Plansare to quickly move into the second phase of the project which includesan additional 55,000 square feet of renovated space featuring a retailcomponent and Race Street facade that will quickly become aneighborhood landmark.

Once complete, the $5.5 million first andsecond phases of the rehabilitation work will be completed within twoyears, with an additional future investment of $18 million also being apossibility.

Rookwood Pottery is working with GBBN Architectson the rehabilitation work that will lead to a complete reprogrammingof the space. The new structure will eventually house their mainoperations, storage of raw materials, a museum and showcase area,retail space, and a Japanese arts and crafts style garden on the roofsuitable for entertaining.

Rose says they receive a number ofrequests from around the country to tour their operations and learnmore about Rookwood’s rich and venerated history.  As a result, thebuilding is being designed to handle some 200,000 visitors per year,many of whom will be from out of town.

Rose is also working toensure that the rehabilitation work is environmentally friendly.  Inaddition to the rooftop garden, they are also looking to incorporate asmuch solar power as possible, says Rose.  According to recentestimates, Rose hopes to take 90-95 percent of the building off thegrid once complete.

“I chose this location so that we could beright on the streetcar line.  If you want to start looking at a returnon investment, for the streetcar, then you can look at us.  We’re goingin here with the streetcar in mind,” says Rose.

Also importantis the close proximity to Findlay Market and the opportunity to be asecondary anchor for that part of Over-the-Rhine.  Future plans includemonthly meet-and-greets so that people can visit the new facility.

RookwoodPottery also hopes to leave a lasting impression on Cincinnati’s urbancore by encouraging Over-the-Rhine developers to use Rookwood finishesin their buildings, and especially on the exteriors of theirredeveloped properties.

"Over-the-Rhine has great Italianatearchitecture and we could really make this unique by leaving aCincinnati touch on the street-level finishes of these buildings," saysRose.  Rookwood is currently working on several Over-the-Rhine projectsincluding Lackman Lofts, Fourteenth & Vine and the exterior ofTwist on Fourth Street.

Throughout the rest of the year,Rookwood Pottery plans to host several fundraising events at their newOver-the-Rhine location.  Those interested in staying up-to-date on thelatest Rookwood news can sign up for the First to Know Rookwood Club.

Writer: Randy Simes
Source: Christopher Rose, owner, Rookwood Pottery; Suzanne Blackburn, public relations & managing manager, Rookwood Pottery

Illustrations provided
Race Street facade
Japanese arts and crafts style rooftop garden



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