Empower

Empower’s new headquarters integrates a restored historic building into a new infill development in the heart of Cincinnati’s historic Over-the-Rhine neighborhood.

The infill site afforded the opportunity for large open floor plates, a rare amenity in this dense historic neighborhood. The integration of the historic 1860’s structure was critical to the project as it rescued a piece of the neighborhood fabric and brought historic tax credits to the project.  Circulation zones and mechanical systems were organized to maximize the open office footprints. A setback at Level 4 allows the massing of the architecture to fit the context of the street, aligning with adjacent structures while creating a desired amenity – a linear terrace with sweeping views to the North.

The use of full height glazing to the north and south brings light deep into the space and allows surrounding buildings to serve as the visual enclosure of the space. Concrete panel clad volumes feature punched windows which correspond with the patterning of existing context. The base of the building is clad with terra cotta panels to tie into the rich brick history of OTR. The workspaces focus on an open collaborative, social place which encouraged chance meetings, firm wide gatherings and a strong interactive culture. The interior is open and organized to encourage movement on and around the communicating stair. The integration of existing and new celebrates the rich historic past of OTR while showcasing the vibrancy of the creative multi-media agency that is headquartered in this facility.