It's Not Easy Bein' Green
Kermit once said, “It’s not easy being green.” But, today it can be, both in fighting hunger and the depletion of our environment. On March 25, 2008, C+RA participated in a unique, national community service project and design competition—“canstruction” to spotlight hunger and our firm’s commitment to sustainable architecture. C+RA designed and built an eight foot Kermit the Frog entirely made out of canned food. The quirky sculpture is on public display at the Aronoff Center’s Westin Art Gallery from March 25 through April 7, 2008. All of the food used in the construction benefits the FreeStore/FoodBank. A special thanks to our platinum contributing partners: Jane Schank in memory of Bertha E. Schank, Bayer Becker Engineers, Kleingers & Associates, KLH Engineers, Messer Construction and Steven Schaefer Associates.
The Banks
Carter and the Dawson Company selected Cole + Russell Architects, Inc., and collaborative partner Moody Nolan as the design team for the first phase of The Banks project. The mixed-use commercial and residential neighborhood planned along the Ohio riverfront is anticipated to bring connectivity and vibrancy to downtown and enhance the city vernacular. The Banks is scheduled to break ground in April..
Lofts@4120 Grand Opening
The grand opening for the luxury condominium, the Lofts@4120, is on February 29, 2008, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at 4120 Allendale Drive, Cincinnati, Ohio. The urban-style, loft living complex offers 20 units ranging from 2,400-sf to 2,800-sf. The units feature exposed concrete columns, hardwood floors, modern amenities and golf course or wooded views. C+RA collaborated with structural engineer THP Limited and mechanical/electrical engineer Heapy Engineering.
Cincinnati Fire Station No. 9 Dedication
The City of Cincinnati's first firehouse in 24 years is complete. The dedication for Cincinnati Fire Station No. 9 is scheduled for February 27, 2008. The 15,142-sf sustainable station features such green measures as horizontal sun screens to reduce HVAC loads, light pollution reduction, 15 percent better than current energy code and operable windows. C+RA collaborated with civil engineer ME Companies, structural engineer Steven Schaefer Associates and mechanical/electrical engineer Heapy Engineering.
1920s Master Plan Inspires Jordan Park
The Village of Mariemont’s historic architecture, developed by Cincinnati philanthropist Mary Emery in 1921, marked it as a National Historic Landmark. However, with the death of Emery in 1927 and the Depression in 1929, much of the original master plan never got developed. This history inspired the $17 million up-scale housing project Jordan Park, developed by Greiwe Development and designed by C+RA. The exterior carries on the Village’s Tudor façade, highlighted by wood-frame and stone work. The project is scheduled for completion by October 2008.
Cambria Suites Under Construction
The Cambria Suites in Maple Grove, Minnesota is under construction and scheduled for completion in December 2008. This 129-key, new upscale, select-service all suites hotel creates a warm, home-like environment that reflects sophisticated contemporary design, thoughtful luxury and comfort.
LEEDing the Way
Beyond design and construction practices, C+RA is taking steps to reduce the impact of the building industry on the environment. This year, C+RA made a donation to the Arbor Day Foundation to have 2,500 Lodgepole Pine and Douglas Fir Trees planted to rebuild our national forests. According to the Arbor Day Foundation over the course of 50 years, a single tree can generate $31,250 worth of oxygen, provide $62,000 worth of air pollution control, recycle $37,500 worth of water and control $31,500 worth of soil erosion.
Housing Authority Celebrates Homeownship
C+RA, the Housing Authority of Newport, the Campbell County Fiscal Court and the U.S. Department of Housing and the Kentucky Governor's Office for Local Development celebrated the completion of the first homes for the Campbell County Homeownership Program at an Open House on January 28, 2008.
Batavia Local Schools Selects C+RA
Batavia Local Schools selected C+RA and partnering firm Fanning/Howey Associates to design the new elementary school and middle school. The total project cost is estimated at $44 million. Both projects will be designed to achieve LEED Silver status and will receive partial funding by the Ohio School Facility Commission.
Historic Church Conversion Design Recieve Honors
Corpus Christi received the Cincinnati Preservation Association Rehabilitation Award at an awards ceremony on November 11 at the Art Academy. The historic church conversion to affordable housing was one of 11 total projects given honors. C+RA preserved the craftsmanship of the building and used stained glass windows from the original church to let in colorful light to the custom, interior living spaces.
Convention Center Receives Cincinnati Design Award
Cincinnati Architects Collaborative, of which C+RA is a part, and LMN Architects received a 2007 Honor Award for Collaborative Design for the Duke Energy Convention Center. A traveling exhibit of the award-winning project will be on display at several locaations throughout the tri-state area, tenatively including the University of Cincinnati, Miami University, the Cincinnati Museum Center, Tower Place Mall and the Greater Cincinnati International Airport.
FIERO Honors Montrose Fire Station No. 2
The Montrose Fire Station No. 2 in Colorado received a Recognition Award at the 2007 FIERO Conference in Charlotte, North Carolina. The 8,000-sf station opened in June and complements the rural context of the Uncompahgre Valley on the Western Slope of the Rocky Mountains.
The Ultimate Urban Tour of Living
C+RA is proud to sponsor the 2007 Ultimate Urban Tour of Living featuring new homes in Downtown, Mt. Adams, Mt. Auburn, Over-the-Rhine, and Walnut Hills. The tour is free and takes place October 13th and 14th. For more information see the website: www.toururban.com.
Parma Fire Stations Win Bronze
Parma Fire Stations No. 1 and 2 won the 2007 Station Style Bronze Award from Fire Chief magazine. The prototype design is an interpretation of the early 1920s residential and institutional architecture in Parma, Ohio. Red brick and white cast stone, along with the overall detailing, all tie the new stations to the architectural context of the community. The stations opened in May 2007.
Celebrating 25 Years
C+RA celebrated 25 years in business on October 1, 2007. C+RA's goals today are the same as when it was founded in 1982—to create enduring value for clients, their communities and our firm by thinking big and doing what it takes everyday. This commitment and the loyal support of clients and friends are the foundation for our many accomplishments over the years. C+RA commemorated this milestone with an Oktoberfest celebration.
