Duke Energy Center
client: City of Cincinnati
markets : Arts/Entertainment
services : Planning, Construction

In association with two other local architectural firms, GBBN Architects created Cincinnati Architects Collaborative (CAC) to manage the design team and function as Architect-of-Record for this important urban project. CAC, in conjunction with the City of Cincinnati selected LMN Architects of Seattle as Signature Design Architect.

The Duke Energy Center Expansion will transform the existing facility to a state-of-the-art facility, reestablishing its competitive position within the market. The facility will be expanded to provide 200,000 sq.ft. of contiguous exhibit hall, and 61,000 sq.ft. of meeting rooms combining renovated existing spaces and new. In addition, a new 40,000 sq.ft. ballroom will provide a multi-purpose assembly space linked to a glass-enclosed prefunction lobby with views to the city skyline and river.

The new expansion, will feature a sculptural icon forming the word “CINCINNATI” with glistening metal planes whose composition changes from the various vantage points of its exposure. The expanded facility will feature a striking new public circulation gallery, connecting the various exhibit halls with the meeting and ballroom levels above and opening the experience of the facility out to the streetscape and city.