Parkside Development Project
Lexington, KY
| The first phase of the Parkside redevelopment is the replacement of an abandoned YMCA facility in a Hispanic neighborhood in Lexington, KY, with new housing, commercial space and a community center. Phase one is a 36 unit apartment complex, including some fully ADA compliant units. The commercial spaces will bring a level of activation to the ground floor while the Community Center provides public meeting spaces and vocational training. Also included in the project is the buildout of one commercial space for the Sunshine Kids, a service that provides supervised visitation for court-ordered visits with non-custodial parents. The second commercial space will house a community outreach office for the Bluegrass Domestic Violence Program - a service provider for prevention and intervention services which provides counseling, support groups and a healing shelter program. | Size: -Construction of 36 new apartments, 5000 s.f. of commercial space including space for the Sunshine Kids Visitation Center, and a 1000 s.f. community center Firm Responsibility: -2010 Kentucky Housing Corporation funding package -Master Planning -Design and Construction Documentation -Construction Administration Project Status: -Completed January 2012 |
  Interior view of one of the units at the new Parkside development.   The building feaures several outdoor areas, including a patio space at the second floor that overlooks the courtyard.   Each unit features an exterior balcony. These elements help provide for a dynamic facade.   The new building is organized around a central courtyard area.   The primary facade materials are EIFS and cement fiberboard |
Forest Square Senior Apartments
Cincinnati, OH
| As part of the ongoing revitalization effort under way in the Uptown neighborhood of Cincinnati, CITYSTUDIOS, in association with the Uptown Consortium and Model Group, Inc. has designed a new, 21 unit senior living apartment building. This project will afford local residents a safe, accessible housing option, allowing them to remain in their neighborhood and contribute to the vitality of the area. The project is LEED for Homes Silver certified, and includes sustainable features such as brownfield site mitigation, paneled wall systems, water-saving fixtures, cool-roof materials and utilization of energy-star appliances and equipment throughout. The overall carbon footprint of the project is substantially reduced by taking advantage of the strength of the existing neighborhood as a walkable community, with multiple public transportation options, inviting sidewalks and commercial and retail establishments within easy walking distance. Additional site amenities include walking paths, private patios, private parking and community gardens. The project increases the density of the neighborhood, contributing to its vitality and sustainability. | Size: -28,000 s.f. of new construction containing 21 unit Senior Living Apartments Firm Responsibility: -2008 Ohio Housing Finance Agency funding package (funded) -LEED For Homes Silver Certification -Zoning Variance Preparation and Hearing -Design and Construction Documentation -Construction Administration Project Status: -Completed Fall 2010 |
  Elevation detail   View of the community lounge area   Model Group CEO Steve Smith onsite with HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan   View of the interior of one of the senior apartments. The design was tailored to allow aging in place, by providing accessible appliances and work surfaces.   Main sign on Forest Avenue. The project takes advantage of its context - a strong, vibrant, walkable community. |
Christ Church Glendale Addition
Glendale, OH
| This project consists of an 18,000 s.f. addition to the historic Christ Church in Glendale, OH. The project replaces a 1959 addition by Woodie Garber that had fallen into disrepair. The new addition will contain a contemporary worship space, a 2,000 s.f. Fellowship Hall, new offices, meeting rooms, classrooms and a nursery. The facility will also serve as part of the Interfaith Hospitality Network, accommodating outreach services for homeless families. The original church, completed in 1872, is part of the Glendale Historic Register. Throughout the design process, CITYSTUDIOS has worked closely with a church building committee to provide a solution that is both contemporary, but also respects the existing church and does not compete with it. Careful selection of masonry materials will respect the essence of the existing church, while trying not to mimic. The current solution involves a recessed entry plaza, an exterior courtyard that provides outdoor worship space, and glazing throughout that maximizing views back to the historic church. | Size: -18,000 s.f., two story addition to historic church, including a new chapel, fellowship hall, offices, meeting rooms, classrooms and IHN outreach services for homeless families. Firm Responsibility: -Programming and Schematic Design Project Status: -Client Review and Fundraising |
  A new entrance plaza is set back in front of the new addition, simultaneously respecting and giving views of the historic stone structures.   The new chapel will serve as a flexible, contemporary worship space that contrasts with the formal grandeur of the existing church. With seating for ~200 people, the space will both serve a growing congregation, and will be flexible enough to provide space for a variety of activities.   An open staircase and entry lobby provides both a visual and aural connection between the different areas of the church, once again helping to connect the new facility to the existing.   The design massing creates an exterior courtyard space that can also be used for services.   View of the new Chapel from Sharon Rd.   The entry to the new addition will be a light, glass filled area that incorporate the traditional red door.   The design massing creates an exterior courtyard space that can also be used for services. |
Burnet Place Renovation
Cincinnati, OH
| The Burnet Place project involved the complete renovation of six existing multi-family buildings on scattered sites in the Cincinnati Uptown Neighborhood. Prior to beginning this project, the area was struggling with a high crime rate in spite of the inherent vitality of the neighborhood. The project was phased so as to avoid permanently displacing any residents by providing temporary housing during the construction period. In addition, the developer provided temporary commercial space for existing business tenants during the duration of the construction process. Undertaken in association with the Uptown Consortium and Model Group, Inc. and under the guidelines of the Green Communities Initiative for affordable housing, this project now provides safe, accessible housing in an environment that “promotes smart growth, public health, energy conservation, operational savings and sustainable building practices in affordable housing design”. Renovated street level commercial units further contribute to the already healthy local economy while generating vital eyes on the street for the residents. The project is currently under construction. | Size: -Renovation of six existing buildings containing 65 dwelling units and 5 commercial spaces Firm Responsibility: -2008 Ohio Housing Finance Agency funding package (funded) -Green Communities Certification -Design and Construction Documentation -Construction Administration Project Status: -Completed Spring 2010 |
  View down Burnet Avenue, with 3501 Burnet and Stag's Barbershop in the foreground   View of 3493-5 Rockdale Avenue   Drawing of front and side elevation   Typical floor plan |
Eastside Revitalization Phase II / Phase III
Covington, KY
| The City of Covington, Kentucky, is characterized by its rich stock of three story early 1900’s brick masonry housing stock. Recently they have undertaken a major revitalization effort to restore these beautiful old buildings and improve the quality of life in the neighborhoods while maintaining its affordability to all who desire to live there. The Eastside project consists of two phases of 35 buildings each on scattered sites throughout the east side of the city. The second phase is complete, with the third scheduled to be completed in fall 2010. CITYSTUDIOS has worked closely throughout the process with the developer and the city to maintain a high level of quality and durability throughout the project, assuring that the buildings will maintain their value and provide a healthy and safe environment for all who use them for years to come. | Size: -70 dwelling unit, scattered site historic renovation. Firm Responsibility: -KHC (Kentucky Housing Corporation) Affordable Housing Funding -Kentucky and Federal Historic Tax Credit Certification Documentation -Design and Construction Documentation -Construction Administration Project Status: -Completed Summer 2009, Summer 2010 |
  Interior view of 1420 Scott Street   Historic Fireplace at 1420 Scott Street   Bedroom at 1414 Greenup   Staircase to upper level at 1420 Scott Street   Staircase at 1424 Greenup Street |
114-122 East Sixth Street (The Maisonette)
Cincinnati, OH
| This project is prominently located adjacent to the Aronoff Center and across the street from the Museum of Contemporary Art, the new work will engage the neighborhood and reanimate the street with vibrant new restaurant(s) on the first two floors, a roof-top bar and high-end luxury condominiums on the upper floors. In addition, the former Power Station building, located at the back of the building, will house a night-club/restaurant and dedicated parking for the residential units. The design of the project works with the existing masonry structure of the building, carving out spaces in some locations and pushing beyond the envelope in others in an effort to make the best use of available natural light, creating dynamic façades that address the high-profile neighbors while respecting the integrity of the existing historic building. CITYSTUDIOS is completing this project in association with local developer Towne Properties and 3CDC. | Size: -Four existing buildings combined to make an eight story building with 8 dwelling units, interior parking and restaurant space(s) Firm Responsibility: -Feasibility/Code Analysis -Design and Construction Documentation -Construction Administration |
  Interior rendering of condo kitchen.   Exterior rendering of project facade from 6h street.   Site context model, showing proximity of the project to The Contemporary Arts Center and the Aronoff Center for the Arts.   Existing south facade facing 6th street.   Schematic plan showing the project - new circulation core and parking. |
Villas of the Valley, Phase I
Lincoln Heights, OH
| This project replaced a dilapidated 1950’s era housing complex with a new neighborhood of single family senior homes and a community center. The master plan takes into account the need for secure traffic patterns, wide inviting sidewalks and safe places for the residents to work and play. There are four models of houses, each with two-bedrooms, including a model that is fully ADA compliant, allowing a variety to the neighborhood that allows for individuality and identifiable places. The project arose out of an initiative on the part of the residents and they have been instrumental throughout the design process. Due to the high vacancy rate in the previous buildings, all of the residents that chose to were able to remain in the neighborhood throughout the duration of the construction process, with the remaining buildings to be replaced in Phases II and III. The Community Center will provide public meeting spaces, vocational training, child and day-care options, secure play areas and a community vegetable garden. The project is designed to the standards of the Green Communities Initiative. | Size: -Construction of 49 new detached single family houses and a 2400 s.f. community center Firm Responsibility: -2008 Ohio Housing Finance Agency funding package (funded) -Green Communities Certification -PUD documentation (with Kleingers) -Master Planning -Design and Construction Documentation -Construction Administration Project Status: -Completed Fall 2010 |
  Many of the tenants from the former housing that existed on the site have moved into the new housing units.   The dilapidated housing that had existing on the site prior to the redevelopment had been condemned - though people were still living in many of the boarded up buildings.   Several different housing types were designed to offer variety of both form and color to the new block.   The project was completed this past winter. |
Villas of the Valley, Phase II
Lincoln Heights, OH
| The second phase of the project replaced the remaining structures (which will have housed the residents displaced by the demolition and subsequent construction of Phase I) with new townhouses along the southern half of the site. The Phase II units are designed to address the needs of a different demographic than that of Phase I and provide additional living space for younger residents and families, adding to the diversity and vitality of the neighborhood. The final result is be a strong community of long-term residents with a shared history and commitment to a neighborhood with a powerful sense of identity. Shared outdoor and common spaces encourage active connection both to nature and to one another. | Size: -Construction of 35 new townhouses Firm Responsibility: -2009 Ohio Housing Finance Agency funding package (funded) -Green Communities Certification -PUD documentation (with Kleingers) -Master Planning -Design and Construction Documentation -Construction Administration Project Status: -Completed January 2012 |
  Phase II will help to create a pedestrian friendly neighborhood.   The Townhouse style of Phase II will provide variety of housing in the area, and will provide a more pedestrian friendly massing.   Phase II will be constructed across the street from Phase I. Phase II townhouses will contrast with the single family homes of Phase I, but similar materials and colors will relate the two.   Phase II consists of 1,2 and 3 bedroom units - again providing variety for the tenants. |
The Elberon
Cincinnati, OH
| The Elberon is an existing five story early 1900’s historic building in East Price Hill, Cincinnati. The project consists of a complete renovation of the building, including a new elevator and layout reconfiguration for thirty-six units of affordable senior housing. Working in association with the developer and the local not-for-profit agency Price Hill Will, CITYSTUDIOS is developing the project in accordance with the sustainable design principles of the Green Communities Initiative and Silver level LEED for homes midrise program. In addition to the interior renovation, the project provides extensive exterior improvements including the demolition of two adjacent dilapidated structures for off-street parking, patios for garden level apartments, and landscaping. Accessibility upgrades and the incorporation of Universal Design standards are a major factor in the development. Project includes two accessible entrances, fully accessible units and the installation of a new elevator serving all levels. A residence community room will be located in the historic sidewalk level commercial space. | Size: -48,000 s.f., four story building with 37 dwelling units Firm Responsibility: -2010 Ohio Housing Finance Agency funding package -Pursuing Green Communities Certification -LEED for Homes Silver - Midrise Certification -Design and Construction Documentation -Construction Administration Project Status: -Construction scheduled to begin February 2011 |
  Photograph of existing building.   First floor plan.   Photograph showing ongoing construction in the courtyard area.   Construction is ongoing.   Photograph of the main facade - construction is ongoing. |
North Rhine Heights Redevelopment
Over the Rhine - Cincinnati, OH
| North Rhine Estates consists of 14 historic multi-family buildings on scattered sites, extending the Over-the-Rhine revitalization efforts to the area north of Liberty Street. All of the building renovations are designed to meet the standards of the Green Communities Initiative. The project has been undertaken in association with the not-for-profit agency Over-the-Rhine Community Housing. | Size: -Scattered site development of 14 historic buildings. Firm Responsibility: -2009 Ohio Housing Finance Agency funding package -Green Communities Certification -Master Planning -Design and Construction Documentation -Construction Administration Project Status: -Construction to begin Fall 2011 |
  Site plan of proposed building renovations.   Rendering of 1-bedroom unit.   1636 Main street perspective.   Photomontage of 124-128 East McMicken Avenue. |
The Shawnee Hotel
Springfield, OH
| CITYSTUDIOS was the design architect for the total renovation of the local landmark hotel building, which had previously been converted to senior housing, located in Springfield, Ohio. In addition to leading the design and working with a local architect, CITYSTUDIOS completed state and federal historic tax credit documentation for the project. The work included renovations to the interior spaces and a complete restoration of the exterior of the building with a new roof, masonry cleaning and repair, and replacement and repair of the historic terra cotta tilework. Construction documents were prepared by the local architect and reviewed by CITYSTUDIOS, with construction administration services being shared by both firms. | Size: -Eight story (97,900 s.f.) historic hotel with 72 unit senior living apartments on 6 floors and two stories of commercial and community spaces. Firm Responsibility: -Historic Tax Credit Certification Documentation Project Status: -Completed Summer 2009 |
  Front facade of the restored Shawnee Hotel.   The Restored Entry Lobby of the Shawnee Hotel.   The Restored Mezzanine space of the Shawnee Hotel. |
East Row Residence
Newport, KY
| The project was a kitchen renovation and a 2-story addition to an existing single family residence located in Newport Kentucky’s East Row Historic District. The goal was to incorporate a contemporary and compatible addition to the prominent historic home and to create a larger and more open kitchen. Work included existing bathroom demolition, new bathroom, a rear entry porch, 2nd floor screened in porch, new kitchen finishes, and site work. | Size: -Single family 2-story addition including new bathroom, porch and deck, and kitchen renovation. Firm Responsibility: -Design and construction documentation. -Historic Certificate of Appropriateness. -Construction Administration Project Status: -Completed Spring 2010 |
  Facade of the East Row Residence showing the restored brick, porch, and the new addition.   View of the rear of the house, showing the restored porch.   Elevation of the new addition on the rear of the home.   View of the new kitchen area. |
The Globe Furniture Building
Over the Rhine - Cincinnati, OH
| This project involves the complete renovation of the historic structure ‘Globe Furniture’ building, prominently located across from Findlay market at 1801-1805 Elm Street. The renovated building will contain a ground floor restaurant space, with for-lease offices above including space for the Corporation for Findlay Market main offices. Firm responsibilities are to include complete documentation of the existing building, creation of construction documents for the renovation, and navigation of a historic certificate of appropriateness. | Size: -Renovation of 14,000 sf building at Historic Findlay Market. Firm Responsibility: -Feasibility Study -Design and construction documentation. -Historic Certificate of Appropriateness. Project Status: -Conceptual design completed May 2010. |
  View of the existing interior.   View of the existing interior.   View of the Globe building, framed by the Historic Findlay Market.   Front facade of the existing globe building.   Taking measure of the existing conditions. |
Vine Street Design Charrette
Over the Rhine - Cincinnati, OH
|
As part of an overall study of parking and land use in Over the Rhine, CITYSTUDIOS provided the client with several explorations of programmatic uses for a currently underutilized surface parking lot on Vine Street. The project involved several quick 3d studies of different renovation/infill ideas in an effort to better connect the site to the existing dense urban fabric. In the end, CITYSTUDIOS produced four distinct programmatic options for the space. Option 1 was the least intensive redevelopment, and involved the conversion of the lot into a public ‘pocket park’, replete with running water, elevated seating areas, and a shade canopy. Option two involved the creation of a smaller park area and the construction of a cafe/bar pavilion. The third option (shown above) dedicated the majority of the site to outdoor seating for an adjacent restaurant space. The final option involved the complete infill of the site with a new two story building. |
Size: -Reprogramming of existing 3500 sf surface parking lot in Over-the-Rhine. Firm Responsibility: -Development of program ideas and design iterations. |
  Scheme 2: A restaurant/bar extension, linked to the adjacent retail space on Vine St.   Scheme 3: New infill construction   Scheme 4: A pocket park.   Scheme 1: An independent cafe/retail establishment set in a small, pocket park like setting.   Scheme 1: An independent cafe/retail establishment set in a small, pocket park like setting. |