Jan 24, 2019 _ news

In the News: The Columbia Building at 1301 Walnut

GBBN is working with 3CDC and HGC Construction to breathe new life into the Columbia Building at 1301 Walnut in the Over-the-Rhine (OTR) neighborhood of Cincinnati. The mixed-use project will bring retail space, and both market-rate and affordable housing to the neighborhood.

“1301 Walnut attracts a lot of attention because it is a large building on a prominent corner of OTR, and because it is emblematic of the neighborhood’s historic architecture,” says Mary Jo Minerich, part of the GBBN project team working on the renovation.

While the building’s outward appearance hasn’t changed much, a 1970’s renovation gutted the inside, including all the historic fabric, and removed the street level retail. It reflected a time when dense housing was created at the lowest cost possible with few other considerations.

“For GBBN, one of the interesting challenges has been following historic guidelines while creating spaces that support the ways people want to live now,” adds Mary Jo.  “We can’t put back historic features and materials, but we can return a sense of the space that historically existed by drawing attention to things like the quality of light that comes through those tall, striking widows.”

GBBN’s design takes a step back so the spaces can be appreciated for what’s there. We are focusing on a few materials like solid hardwood floors, plainsawn to emphasize movement in the grain, that will impart long lasting warmth and beauty. Part of managing the project’s modest budget is the desire to create something that feels high quality, comfortable, and welcoming, while making sure there are dollars in the project to support the return of eight affordable units desperately needed in the city today. The renovated building will also reactivate street retail which engages pedestrians and animates Walnut Street.

Read the Cincinnati Business Courier story here.