Cincinnati (March 2, 2018) — Members of the University of Cincinnati College of Business project team were on hand Thursday afternoon as the university celebrated the structure’s “topping out,” which is a traditional milestone that signifies when the steel frame of a structure reaches its maximum height.
Woolpert is providing civil engineering, structural engineering and landscape architecture for the 225,000-square-foot, $90 million facility. BuroHappold Consulting Engineers is Woolpert’s strategic partner on this project, while Henning Larsen Architects is providing design architecture services. KZF Design is the Architect of Record on the project.
Woolpert Project Manager and Structural Engineer of Record Frank Monastra was among the team members who attended the ceremony and signed the symbolic steel beam. Monastra said he has thoroughly enjoyed watching this impressive development rise from the ground.
“Every time I step onto the construction site, I’m literally living out a dream,” Monastra said. “The building has an iconic presence with dramatic roof slopes at a key juncture on campus. It is a privilege to be part of a global project team, while showcasing Woolpert’s creative design solutions at my alma mater.”
The facility is being built on the main campus and is adjacent to the site of the current College of Business, which will be renovated and expanded for the College of Law’s new home. The project is on track to achieve LEED Gold Level Status, which is the second highest designation by the U.S. Green Building Council.
Monastra lauded the work of Woolpert Engineer Michael Solar, Engineering Technician Doug Ellis and Design Engineering Intern Karlie Clark for their commitment and hard work, as well as their navigation of the complex geometry involved in this project.
The new school, which is more than double the size of the current facility, broke ground in the summer and is on schedule to be open for classes in the fall of 2019.
“The topping out ceremony is just one milestone after a two-year collaborative design process that included input from the university, designers and the construction team,” Monastra said. “I’m looking forward to this signature building opening next year, primed to train our next generation of world-class economic leaders.”
About Woolpert
Woolpert is the fastest growing architecture, engineering and geospatial (AEG) firm in the country, delivering value to clients in all 50 states and around the world by strategically blending engineering excellence with leading-edge technology and geospatial applications. With a dynamic R&D department, Woolpert works with inventive business partners like Google and Esri; operates a fleet of planes, sensors and unmanned aircraft systems (UAS); and continually pushes industry boundaries by working with advanced water technologies, asset management, building information modeling (BIM) and sustainable design. Woolpert’s mission is to help its clients progress and become more progressive. For over 100 years and with 25 offices across the U.S., Woolpert serves federal, state and local governments; private and public companies and universities; energy and transportation departments; and the U.S. Armed Forces. For more information, visit woolpert.com or call 937-531-1258.