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 has been designed to meet the standards for LEED Silver Certification, and includes brownfield site mitigation, innovative waste management strategies, 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: -Completion Spring 2010 |
  Ground floor plan   Rendering of proposed rear patio area |
Burnet Place Renovation, Cincinnati, OH
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The Burnet Place project involves the complete renovation of five 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 has been phased so as to avoid permanently displacing any residents by providing temporary housing during the construction period. In addition, the developer is providing temporary commercial space for existing business tenants for 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 will provide 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. continue |
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: -Completion Spring 2010 |
  Proposed floor plan, showing core layout   Existing street view |
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 first phase is currently under construction, with the second in the process of completing construction documents. 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: -Completion 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 Project Status: -Construction to begin Fall 2009 |
  Site context model, showing proximity of the project to The Contemporary Arts Center and the Aronoff Center for the Arts   Rendering of West facade, facing the Contemporary Arts Center   Interior rendering of condo unit B   Exterior rendering of project facade from 6h street   Interior rendering of condo unit A, facing the CAC |
Villas of the Valley, Phases I and II, Lincoln Heights, OH
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This project will replace a dilapidated 1950’s era housing complex with a new neighborhood of single family 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 three 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 existing buildings, all of the residents will be able to remain in the neighborhood throughout the duration of the construction process, with the remaining buildings to be replaced in Phase II. 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. The second phase of the project will replace 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 will provide additional living space for younger residents and families, adding to the diversity and vitality of the neighborhood. The final result will 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 will encourage active connection both to nature and to one another. |
Size: -Construction of 69 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: -Completion Spring 2010 |
  Site plan for Villas Phases I and II   Rendering of Phase I detached single family houses, with Phase II townhouses in background.     |
Shawnee Hotel, Springfield, OH
| Working in conjunction with a local architect and contractor, CITYSTUDIOS completed a total renovation of the local landmark hotel building, which had previously been converted to senior housing. The work included preparation of all historic documentation required to obtain funding, including extensive 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 Interior Finish Selection Exterior restoration Project Status: -Completion summer 2009 |
  Front facade of the restored Shawnee Hotel   Restored Entry Lobby   Restored Mezzanine space |
The Elberon, Cincinnati, OH
| The Elberon is an existing four story early 1900’s historic building in Lower 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 developed the project in accordance with the sustainable design principles of the Green Communities Initiative. In addition to the interior renovation, the project provides extensive exterior improvements including landscaping, additional parking and a community garden for use both by the residents and the neighborhood. | Size: -28,000 s.f. of new construction containing 21 unit Senior Living Apartments Firm Responsibility: -2009 Ohio Housing Finance Agency funding package -Green Communities Certification -Design and Construction Documentation -Construction Administration Project Status: -Submitted for OHFA funding review |
  Typical one bedroom unit   Aerial rendering of new entry area   First floor plan   Photograph of existing building   Rendering of new entry ramp |
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: -Submitted for OHFA funding review |
  Site plan of proposed building renovations   Rendering of 1-bedroom unit   1636 Main street perspective   Photomontage of 124-128 East McMicken Avenue   Rendering of rehabbed 1636 Main street |