As the first building in the $100 million Keystone Parke project conspicuously rises at Dana Avenue and Interstate 71, its developers hope the campus takes root at another intersection, this one theoretical: where classical and urban design meet the forward-thinking and eco-friendly approach of the Leadership in Environmental and Energy Design rating program.
"Neyer (Properties Inc.) wanted to tap into the urban Cincinnati market, and we tried to contemporize that urban setting with a campus feel," said Jason Williams, principal with PDT Architecture/Planning/Interior Design, which designed Keystone Parke. Equally important, he said, is that Neyer is seeking Silver LEED certification for all the campus buildings from the U.S. Green Building Council. Such recognition requires that buildings earn points in categories from energy and water efficiency, to sustainable construction, and use of materials and resources.
The project's master plan includes three buildings with a total 465,000 square feet of Class A offices, a four-story public parking structure and space for a restaurant and retailers. A fourth building, where the Cincinnati Area Chapter of the American Red Cross has said it will establish its headquarters, is also in the planning stages.
The entire Keystone campus is in the city of Cincinnati. It's being sold as a perfect spot for companies that don't want to leave the city yet aren't interested in being in the downtown area.
"The highway visibility and convenience to downtown is extremely important," said Bill Schneller, vice president at CB Richard Ellis, the leasing company.
The first building will house Neyer's headquarters. The four-story, 65,000-square-foot structure is the smallest on site and is street-level and approachable.
"We opened up the building so there was a connection to the park and the center courtyard in order to encourage people to get out and mingle," Williams said.
The designer "took clues" from the classical architecture of downtown, he added. The windows serve not only to make the building appear modern but also to provide natural light.
Future phases will rise higher, with the second building at seven stories, 160,000 square feet, and the third at 10 stories, 240,000 square feet. "It is that way so the eye is drawn up through the park," Williams said.
Future phases will rise higher, with the second building at seven stories, 160,000 square feet, and the third at 10 stories, 240,000 square feet. "It is that way so the eye is drawn up through the park," Williams said.
Charlie Pond, Neyer's director of building development, said the company is using recycled materials throughout construction as well as paints and coatings that contain minimal volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which have been the target of the green movement because of way they contaminate air, particularly indoors.
The green focus is largely about educating the community about efficient office construction, Pond said. "We feel this region of the country does not yet really understand how it can be done affordably."
Keys to Green
• Keystone Parke includes a landscaped boulevard, park-like area and a hiking and biking trail.
• Keystone Parke includes a landscaped boulevard, park-like area and a hiking and biking trail.
• A second building will break ground by early 2009. The schedule for future buildings will depend on the market.
• Evanston Playfield will get an upgraded swimming pool and athletic facilities.
