HiMark Construction Update

The construction at HiMark is really rolling along, with all the steel work, floors, guardrails, and lighting in place! Still waiting on a bar top, new floors, and kitchen equipment, but it's on track to open this spring. It's such an awesome and unique space to be in, with the raw, gritty history of the building on full display. Nick Motz has done a great job with it!

HiMark Bar under construction- main space - Spherical Image - RICOH THETA

HiMark Bar under construction- Mezzanine above the bar - Spherical Image - RICOH THETA

HiMark Bar under construction- Mezzanine - Spherical Image - RICOH THETA

Crossroads - Old St. George Flyover

Old St. George was one of those rare projects that every firm dreams of being a part of. We were really challenged to both preserve and refresh this beautiful historic building, and the impact it had on the neighborhood was incredible.

We couldn't resist taking our new drone out for a test run to document this beautiful edifice. Break out the good headphones and full HD for maximum effect..

The fall foliage with the red brick is a great accent, and we were fortunate to snag some shots right at sunset. The building really shines though at night, with the steeples lit against the uptown skyline, and the courtyard aglow. It's just such a photogenic building!

We Love Tuckers

Tuckers: Yes! They're Open!

Not many places in Cincinnati have as much history and character as Tucker's.  This eclectic little diner has been serving the residents of Over-the-Rhine for over 60 years, and we were honored to be a part of the team to get them back open.  Polly Campbell at the Enquirer did a great job capturing the unique challenges and history behind rebuilding such an iconic neighborhood institution.  Please read her article below:

Read the Tucker's Article here

While we are used to renovating historic Italianate buildings in OTR, designing amazing restaurants, and working with clients of all walks of life, this project was unique in that it combined all of these issues and had the added challenge of preserving a place that meant so much to so many people.  

We cannot stress enough what an amazing job Urban Fast Forward, Brother Tim, Jim McMahon, John Lowe, and everyone else who contributed time, knowledge, skill, and money did to keep this project afloat.  Our role was largely ceremonial, trying to guide the project and help navigate the complexities of the building code.  The one thing we made sure to emphasize was the value of getting Tucker's back on their feet, without compromising the character and history of Tucker's.  The grease may be gone, but the place still feels untouched.

The rear kitchen was badly fire-damaged, and almost entirely rebuilt, along with the bathroom. The front was mostly unscathed, and we worked to carefully preserve and restore much of the old equipment and fixtures.  A new hood and safety equipment were badly needed though.

Tucker's is a melting pot of people from all socioeconomic backgrounds, all unified in their love of delicious, comforting food. Thanks to the efforts of so many, the Tuckers' doors are open again! 

Before the fire, Tucker's was a hidden gem right on Vine St., mostly overlooked but greatly appreciated by those who knew it.  The restaurant has been a constant in a neighborhood which has seen many changes, and will soon be transformed again.  But we're so glad that it returns again to be discovered and loved by a new generation, who may or may not know the history of such an important landmark. They'll know about the biscuits though, and that's what's most important.

Photography by Tamer Azzazi

Old Saint George Tower Installation

Crossroads- Old St. George has been an exciting project for many reasons, but particularly cool was the installation of the new steeples, to be completed this summer.  Here are some awesome shots of the base being craned into position and attached.

More shots of the final 70' tall steeple segments to come!

On the 2016 Drawing Board

We've been so busy here at Platte we've hardly had time to post to this site. That said, seems about time to put up a few images. The slideshow below is a teaser of a few of the projects currently on the drawing board!

SLOANE Storefront- OTR Matters Feature!

We at Platte Design were delighted to find the newly-completed storefront renovation at Sloane Boutique was featured on the OTR Matters Instagram feed today.  Our design process involved collaboration with 3CDC as well as a successful uphill battle with the historic board, which has set a new standard for Over-The-Rhine when it comes to minimal and modern architectural moves. 

Urban Spelunking

Just when you think you know whats under your feet, you come across one of these:

Cincinnati has a long history of beer brewing, and one of our latest projects owns a unique piece of that history. The building at 1826 Race street was originally owned by Benjamin Weik, who used the sub-basement to store beer he brewed at his other facilities. Named 'Lafayette Hall', the 4th floor of the building was originally an event center. 

Over the Rhine is full of such sub-basements, used for similar storage and for lagering of beer. More info about OTR's brewing history can be found at the following links:

OTR Brewing District

Lafayette Hall

Broadway Square: Transforming A Neighborhood

Our work with Model Group on Broadway Square has been getting a lot of attention lately as it transforms two city blocks in the Pendleton area. With the support of the community council, Model Group is bringing retail space along with residential development. We're excited and proud to be a part of this great project.

Read more here.