Panel is disappointed by layout of GE building at Banks

Members of Cincinnati's Urban Design Review Board had no argument about t click for more.e economical impact General Electric Co. will have in the city by finding its U.S. Global Operations Center at The Banks. But the advisory panel was less than avid about the layout of the $90 million building to be located in a high profile spot near Cincinnati's riverfront. "We'd like to see something which is a little more special - a building that says something about GE's great corporate relationship with Cincinnati," board chair Buck Niehoff said at the board's first meeting to contemplate the construction's design. More than half of GE's almost 16,000 Ohio workers work in Greater Cincinnati. Board members cited a want for a construction that displayed a more "enthusiastic expression" and "civic nature." The design board's recommendations are not apt to halt the project, however. The Design Board's acceptance is an advisory opinion to the city manager. The city, county and state already have approved supplying $112.4 million to tempt GE and its job obligations to The Banks - the most lucrative tax incentive package that Ohio has ever offered. Rattling the cage too ardently could also send the wrong message to an employer planning to bring thousands of jobs and investment into the area. Created in 1964, the five-member board guides the city manager on the design of major private and public development around Downtown. Four of five members are required to have backgrounds in architectural or urban design; the chair may be a lay person with a demonstrated interest in artwork, architecture or design. Carter is part of the joint venture directing The Banks development. Swadel said price was a factor in planning a custom building for GE. "GE isn't willing to buy an iconic building," Swadel said. She said she'll take the board's concerns back to GE for consideration; Wednesday a business representative did not speak. Construction could start in October, Swadel said. The building with almost 338,000 square feet of office space is expected to open for operations in 2016. The building of GE will be built next to a building featuring 20,000 square feet of retail space and nearly 300 flats. Drawings of the 10-story, 185-f oakley fives squared sunglasses.ot-tall building were first made public two weeks ago when GE selected The Banks because of its centre instead of locations in Mason and Oakley. GE would be the lone office renter at the mixed-use development. GE needed a traditional building layout that doesn't compete with more dynamic structures nearby and reflects its corporate culture, Greg Blaylock, a project architect with Rule Joy Trammell Rubio in Atlanta, said. Based Carter said the building will be developed to get silver certification . "It is safe to say GE needs a great new place that (has) a really timeless, mainstream type design," Blaylock said, including the building will accommodate 2,500 workers. Blaylock said the building will feature a cafe in the anteroom, a third-floor patio for employees and a backyard space for workers. Offices will feature window glass letting abundant natural light to filter through the building. Folks outside the building will have the ability to see action in, he said. Swadel said the building will feature 33,000-square foot flooorplates, which is less than what websites in Oakley would have offered. "There is lot of things they could do to improve the design that don't cost a whole lot of extra cash," said Niehoff, who has been on the board since November. The Urban Design Review Board has provided remarks on designs for various endeavors through the years like the Fountain Square redevelopment, Authorities Square Transit Facility enhancements, expansion and the dunnhumby Centre construction. Carter said after board opinions are supplied to GE another meeting will be likely held by the panel.