Platte Projects

Micro-Condos in OTR /  by PLATTE

EXISTING PHOTOS

Construction at the Stafford project is nearing completion – the project is a mixed-use development combining 3 buildings into a single development, including 11 residential units and several white-boxed commercial spaces. 

EARLY PROCESS PHOTOS

 

At 1233 Walnut, careful removal of several unusable attic spaces allowed us to open up the space and create dramatic lofts units full of light. At 33 East 13th street, existing historic bay windows and brick light-wells allowed for gracious, open kitchen-living-dining rooms, as well as spacious bedrooms with full-height storage and rolling glass doors. 

NEAR COMPLETION PHOTOS

The project also incorporates several micro-units with rolling library ladder storage and built-in millwork. These micros, along with several other loft spaces will be coming online shortly – stay tuned!

 

Findlay Project by Black Rock Construction /  by PLATTE

We have been waiting in eager anticipation for one of our prized Findlay projects to wrap up and it looks like our wait is nearly over!

This projects is a residential addition and heavy renovation of a historic 1880’s building in Over-the-Rhine. Though the residence is in the heart of an dense urban neighborhood, it was designed with plenty of outdoor living space as well as ample natural light. The building features modern aesthetics while preserving the building’s historic features. This project will achieve a LEED Platinum rating, the highest rating on the LEED green building rating system. This custom home was designed by us and is being built by our sister company, Blackrock Construction.

We are so impressed with what they have done! Well done BRC.

Two of the three roof patios open up onto a park and a 12 foot glass wall provides further connection from the dining room to the park.

Two of the three roof patios open up onto a park and a 12 foot glass wall provides further connection from the dining room to the park.

The roof patio provides a covered kitchenette for barbequing, entertaining, and dining. Sleek, low profile glass and steel handrails maintain an unobstructed connection to the park and neighborhood. The catwalk leads to a spiral stair down to the di…

The roof patio provides a covered kitchenette for barbequing, entertaining, and dining. Sleek, low profile glass and steel handrails maintain an unobstructed connection to the park and neighborhood. The catwalk leads to a spiral stair down to the dining room terrace on the second floor.

The original wood joists were removed in the basement to open up the space. The original fieldstone foundation walls were stabilized and sealed to make a basement theater space.

The original wood joists were removed in the basement to open up the space. The original fieldstone foundation walls were stabilized and sealed to make a basement theater space.

The main living space, which includes the living room, kitchen, and dining room, was kept as open as possible. A steel and glass lightwell brings in natural light and fresh air in the summertime

The main living space, which includes the living room, kitchen, and dining room, was kept as open as possible. A steel and glass lightwell brings in natural light and fresh air in the summertime

Crossroads - Old St. George Flyover /  by PLATTE

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 /  by PLATTE

Tuckers: Yes! They're Open!

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 equipm…

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! 

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

Shou Sugi Ban: Vol. II /  by PLATTE

Inspired by our success with the Anchor Bar (previous post) we're now installing some shou sugi ban as an accent piece in our office.  As before, we decided to burn the wood ourselves following the technique the Japanese perfected over 300 years.  Shots of the final install to come..

With just some newspaper and some welding gloves we were able to create some pretty dramatic affects.

**Don't try this at home!

It was actually really intense when it got going.  We particularly like the shot with Scott breathing fire..