CINCINNATI – GBBN Architects, Turner Construction Company and Ellington Management Services, Inc. have been selected by the newly formed Union Terminal Corporation to lead the much-anticipated restoration and renovation of historic Union Terminal. GBBN Architects will serve as architect and design lead with Turner Construction serving as construction manager. Ellington Management Services joins the project as a diversity inclusion consultant.
The project is currently in the planning stages with construction set to begin in late second quarter 2016. It will include an exterior restoration, renovation of the interior architecture and structure as well as restoration of the historic fountain and grounds. The $212.7 million full structural renovation of Union Terminal will take approximately two years to complete.
“This is an exciting time for our region as we begin the full restoration of Union Terminal in earnest,” says Elizabeth Pierce, president and CEO of Cincinnati Museum Center. “We have assembled an incredibly strong team that shares our commitment to restore Union Terminal in a way that is transformational for future generations. The talent and expertise of GBBN, Turner and Ellington are integral to the success of this project.”
While a project like the one to restore Union Terminal presents new challenges, it is not uncharted territory for GBBN Architects and Turner Construction Company. Both firms have experience designing and renovating historic buildings and cultural assets. GBBN’s and Turner’s commitment to inclusion was an important factor in their selection to take on the restoration of a building that continues to have such an impact on people from diverse backgrounds across the community.
GBBN, Turner, Union Terminal Corporation and Cincinnati Museum Center will work with Ellington Management Services to manage the economic inclusion and workforce efforts that will ensure maximum participation among minority and women-owned firms as well as small business firms. Ellington will assist the Museum Center in developing an inclusion and workforce policy and will track and monitor compliance to that policy.
“We are excited about being a part of the team that will restore not only an iconic building, but will also create opportunities for minority, female and small businesses to participate in the renovation of a valuable landmark in our community,” says Eugene Ellington, President and CEO of Ellington Management Services, Inc.
Union Terminal has experienced severe water damage and deterioration that puts the National Historic Landmark at a critical point in service to the community. The beloved and very well-used icon requires significant repair and restoration to remain functional. In 2014, the National Trust for Historic Preservation listed the building on its list of the “11 Most Endangered Historic Places” in the United States.
“The entire project team realizes that we are not just working on a building; we are saving a piece of history by restoring a one-of-a-kind artifact, historic Union Terminal,” said Turner Construction Company General Manager David Spaulding. “We are looking forward to discovering the hidden potential in this building and helping maximize the unused spaces.”
In addition to preserving the building and restoring its iconic exterior and historic interior spaces, GBBN is working with all departments of the Museum Center to make the building more efficient and sustainable, and to make spaces more accessible to the public.
“Everyone in Cincinnati has stories about Union Terminal, dating from its original construction, its role in the railroad era and its creation as one of the most unique museums in the country,” said GBBN CEO Matthew Schottelkotte. “The entire team is working to preserve the building for the future, so the next generations will also have fabulous stories to tell.”
“It is exciting to see the project moving forward with such a strong renovation team,” said Hamilton County Commissioner Chris Monzel. “The county looks forward to working with them to complete the project on time and within its budget scope.”
While GBBN, Turner and Ellington are firmly engaged in the design and planning process of the project, Cincinnati Museum Center remains fully open to guests.
“We are still several months away from the start of construction, and are prepped for an incredible year that includes the opening of The Art of the Brick–featuring inspired LEGO® creations–the debut of the new OMNIMAX® film Journey to Space, and the return of the key family favorite Holiday Junction featuring the Duke Energy Holiday Trains,” says Pierce. “Cincinnati Museum Center is open for business, don’t miss the amazing experiences we are bringing to the community!”
For more information, visit www.cincymuseum.org