CINCINNATI | Queen City Tower | 660' | 41 fl | Demo

[Flyboy41]

Phase One is already complete. Phase 2 should be starting soon. Will be tallest building in Cincy and home to Western and Southern Financial.

http://www.cincinnati-transit.net/queencitysquare-1.jpg

javascript:openWindownew('interior10.htm')

http://urbanlife.net/cincinnati/future/queencitysquare/model.gif

[Unionstation13]

I dident even know they were building that!
Wow, I love the design, very timeless yet modern and sleek.

[ScraperDude]

Yea I didn't know this was a go. Isn't phase one a 9 floor building or something? Someone should get down there and snap some pics :)

[MilwaukeeMark]

The crown looks sweet in the last rendering. My only complaint about it is that the building seems to be a bit on the fat side. When is construction scheduled to be complete? And what do you mean by "phase one"... a hole?

Just an FYI, we do not have this building listed as being under construction on Emporis.

[Flyboy41]

Phase 1 is a 9-floor office building, seen on the right of the first picture. It is already finished and is awaiting interior finishing. Phase 2 is the main tower. I've heard Phase 2 was a "go" and the tower is supposed to be 664'-8", but I haven't seen anything to confirm it.

[cincyimages]

Nothing is confirmed yet. The renderings posted above are a good 4 years old.

Here is the latest rendering to be leaked:

http://www.pbase.com/cincyimages/image/83864902/original.jpg

And here is an image that Ronnie Garrett made about 3 years ago that included Queen City Square in the skyline:

http://www.pbase.com/cincyimages/image/32947965/original.jpg

You can see the rest of them here:

http://www.pbase.com/cincyimages/queen_city_square

[cwilson758]

Are you sure this thing is a "go?" It has been in limbo for a number of years and with the vacancy rate up in DT, can Cincy support a new high rise?

[ragerunner1]

They are actively trying to get companies from the suburbs or other cities to locate in the building. Should be interesting to see if they can finally get it off the ground, they have been working on this for several years. With that said, I really like the design and it would make a huge impact on the downtown skyline.

[cwilson758]

I really like the design too, I just think it should be more "slender" to complement the crown. I have always thought that this building would compliment indy's skyline nicely.

[Whosville]

I like the building, but I don't get the "crown." It looks more like a tiara to me ... fit for a queen.

But, seriously, would that just be wasted space? Just an ultra large atrium at the top of this building? Seems like it would cost a ton for relatively little use. I bet it would look good lit up at night though. Perhaps alternating Orange and Black lights on the panes when the Bengals make a run in the playoffs and Red if the ... nevermind.

Looks nice. I just don't get the tiara.

[mobyhead]

Rarely do the top of hi-rises go without the usual antennas and satellite equipment.

[Cincinnatus]

I like the building, but I don't get the "crown." It looks more like a tiara to me ... fit for a queen.

But, seriously, would that just be wasted space? Just an ultra large atrium at the top of this building? Seems like it would cost a ton for relatively little use. I bet it would look good lit up at night though. Perhaps alternating Orange and Black lights on the panes when the Bengals make a run in the playoffs and Red if the ... nevermind.

Looks nice. I just don't get the tiara.


The project is called "Queen City Square" ... Cincinnati is "The Queen City" ... hence the tiara.

[Whosville]

I get it. That is why I call it a tiara.

However, just because the city is called the Queen City does not justify a developer putting a useless tiara on top of this building. What is the purpose of it? Does anyone know? It is just for looks?

[cincyimages]

I believe it is just a cosmetic thing right now. There is still much to learn about this project and I am skeptical we will ever see it built considering how long Western Southern has been dragging their feet.

[Pilliod Njaim]

If anything, this project will not happen. There's little sign of progress, and the market cannot support it. There is no market in Ohio that can support this much new square footage in their CBD. If it's ever built (say ten years down the road), it won't be anywhere near this size.

[MilwaukeeMark]

lol Flyboy.

Nice try.

[Bonjourtoledo]

If anything, this project will not happen. There's little sign of progress, and the market cannot support it. There is no market in Ohio that can support this much new square footage in their CBD. If it's ever built (say ten years down the road), it won't be anywhere near this size.

Toledo will take it. This can be the new downtown headquarters for HCR Manor as they move from a leased property to their owned property.

[Azn_chi_boi]

That is a great building and a great new tallest for Cincinnati.

[MilwaukeeMark]

^^ dur.

[Cincinnatus]

If anything, this project will not happen. There's little sign of progress, and the market cannot support it. There is no market in Ohio that can support this much new square footage in their CBD. If it's ever built (say ten years down the road), it won't be anywhere near this size.


Dude, you must work for W&S ... how do you know this type of inside info? Keep us in the loop!

[Avian001]

I think it would be a breathtakingly spectacular space if the "tiara" was, say, a ballroom or some other rentable space.

This could be an iconic image for the city. And I hope it is.

Otherwise, (I've said it before) I still think it looks like Robby the Robot (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robbie_The_Robot)...


http://img170.imageshack.us/img170/5550/robby001jg5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Shot at 2007-08-17

[MABCLE]

If anything, this project will not happen. There's little sign of progress, and the market cannot support it. There is no market in Ohio that can support this much new square footage in their CBD. If it's ever built (say ten years down the road), it won't be anywhere near this size.

Actually if things keep going the way they are Cleveland may get a brand new Class A tower in its CBD within two years.

Anyway the tower looks good, I think it'd be better placed near fountan square in keeping with the height build up towards the square, but it will be a great addition to downtown Cincinnati when complete.

[Cincinnatus]

This is the word from an employer at Eagle Realty (from www.UrbanOhio.com):

"Start demo June 2008

Topped Out April 2010

Open December 2010"

[Khanrak]

I dont think the design is cutting edge at all - its as if they designed the building in 1996, and are only now getting to the point where it can actually be constructed.

But then again, didn't someone say that Cinci is 20 years behind the times?;)

[Cincinnatus]

I dont think the design is cutting edge at all - its as if they designed the building in 1996, and are only now getting to the point where it can actually be constructed.

But then again, didn't someone say that Cinci is 20 years behind the times?;)

Assuming you live in Dubai ... I didn't know Dubai had a historical significance? Actually, I thought it's boom was fairly recent? No? It seems that Dubai is the one playing catch up, but is obviously doing better than anyone else on this planet ... ;)

Dubai 1950:

http://www.burjdubaiskyscraper.com/2006/uae-dubai-1950-aerial-view.jpg

Cincinnati 1914:

http://img168.imageshack.us/img168/2425/27619460oldcincy2ii8.jpg

[Unionstation13]

How is it not cutting edge?
The design is timeless, beautiful, and has its not going to be ugly in ten years becuase it was a fad design thing going on.
I love it!
BTW, love the 1914 picture, but cincinnatus dont be mean :lol:

[mudvayneimn]

Wow, I stumbled upon this proposal using the diagrams page on SSP comparing Louisville's buildings to Cinci's, I really like this tower. Is there any recent news on this project? It'd be nice to see Museum Plaza in Louisville and QCSII in cinci going up at the time.

[Bonjourtoledo]

City's tallest building OK'd
At 574 feet, it will surpass Carew Tower
BY JANE PRENDERGAST | JPRENDERGAST@ENQUIRER.COM

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/QueenTower.jpg

Work should start in July on Cincinnati's tallest building, the $322 million tower with a top that will look like Princess Diana's tiara.

Cincinnati City Council on Wednesday gave final approval to the financial package for the Western & Southern Financial Group's 41-story building at Queen City Square. Great American Insurance Co. will occupy more than half of the tower, with other tenants yet to be announced.

See full story at this link: http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080612/NEWS01/806120329

[Cojapo]

Nice looking tower. It's always kinda cool when a city gets a new tallest. Cities like Cincy, OKC, Tulsa, Indy, Wichita, Columbus....could use some new towers. There is just not enough high-rises going up outside of Chicago, Miami, NYC, Las Vegas. Get people back into the cities and out of the suburbs! Density is great!

[StevenW]

Awesome tower! :yes:
I love the crown!! :yes:

:drool:

[Paule]

Glad to hear this was finally oked! It seems like this was first proposed 4 years ago? Nice looking building but it looks like it will be alot taller than 574ft though, more like 674.

[ColDayMan]

The tower is 660 feet. The article MEANT to say that Carew (the current tallest) is 574 feet.

[Evergrey]

is the tower a tribute to Princess Diana?

[Paddington]

Ohio needs skyscraper construction.

Queen City reminds me a lot of 1930's era skyscrapers like the Empire State building and the Chrysler building.

[Dale]

Nice looking tower. It's always kinda cool when a city gets a new tallest. Cities like Cincy, OKC, Tulsa, Indy, Wichita, Columbus....could use some new towers. There is just not enough high-rises going up outside of Chicago, Miami, NYC, Las Vegas. Get people back into the cities and out of the suburbs! Density is great!

OKC is getting a new tallest as well. A tower designed by Pickard Chilton for Devon Corp - reportedly 44 stories. Slated to break ground early '09.

[araman0]

^^ Cool! Do you have any pics?

That tower is going to do wonders for Cincinnati, a city well deserving of a new tallest.

[ragerunner1]

This tower is going to really add to the Cincy skyline. Its beautiful. I love the top.

[Rogee]

Queen City reminds me a lot of 1930's era skyscrapers like the Empire State building and the Chrysler building.

Yes, it definitely has the art deco look, which is really cool in my opinion. This will be a great addition to Cincinnati.

[Dale]

^^ Cool! Do you have any pics?

That tower is going to do wonders for Cincinnati, a city well deserving of a new tallest.

I don't think the OKC design will be unveiled for a few more months.

And I'm a big fan of the Cincy tower.

[araman0]

This tower and Key Tower in Cleveland share a resemblance, minus their crowns. Coincidence?

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/Decker9999/QueenTower.jpg

http://www.clevelandskyscrapers.com/goodtime0608/goodtime0608_15.jpg
(This great picture is from MayDay's tour over on SSP.)

[Cincinnatus]

Monthly parkers that use the garage where the new highrise (QCSII) is going to be were sent notices a couple of weeks ago to find a new parking space because demolition was starting soon. Good news!

[Cojapo]

OKC is getting a new tallest as well. A tower designed by Pickard Chilton for Devon Corp - reportedly 44 stories. Slated to break ground early '09.

Nice! I had no idea! Hope you can post renderings as soon as they become available.

[ScraperDude]

I have been waiting FOREVER to see this tower get going.... Lucky Kentucky is getting an even more awesome view.

[MN_Badger]

Good news Cincy, congratulations. Kind of reminds me of Wells Fargo in MPLS up to the crown, which not-so-vaguely resembles an open roof at Miller Park.

[nickw311]

Good looking building, now get to work on the light rail transit ;-)

[Cincinnatus]

http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=3170.0;attach=4964;image

[runwaydiva]

Demolition of Western & Southern parking garage... 8/11/08


http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b177/fashionking615muah/cincinnati014.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b177/fashionking615muah/cincinnati016.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b177/fashionking615muah/cincinnati018.jpg

[mudvayneimn]

I got to drive past this on my way to Kings Island. I didn't know what it was at first and then I saw Phase One right beside the garage and knew it was QCS. It's interesting how close this is gonna be to 71 (well to me atleast). Also quite interesting to see it being taken down this way....I'm used to my city blowing stuff up..err, into itself.:lol:

[Cincinnatus]

There's no way this could have been imploded with 3rd, Broadway, and 4th Streets remaining open, not to mention the new class little brother sitting within feet next door.

[Cincinnatus]

Almost done!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3081/2788310102_43908505a4.jpg

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j231/jmecklenborg/queencity-4-1.jpg

(thanks to 5chw4r7z & jmecklenborg from UrbanOhio for these)

[ljubav_aha]

who is the architect,the design of new builidng is old-fashioned,not a classic,I am very dissapointed :ohno:

[ljubav_aha]

Ohio needs skyscraper construction.

Queen City reminds me a lot of 1930's era skyscrapers like the Empire State building and the Chrysler building.


cincinnati needs fresh design,like a dubai city has it ,I still can not bleive it :ohno:

[Cincinnatus]

cincinnati needs fresh design,like a dubai city has it ,I still can not bleive it :ohno:

Even though Dubai is developing at a pace no other city IN THE WORLD can touch ... It can have its architecture. :ohno:

[ljubav_aha]

cincinnatians should ask ZAHA HADID for excellent advice,she is amaizing

[Cincinnatus]

cincinnatians should ask ZAHA HADID for excellent advice,she is amaizing

We know who she is ... she designed her first building built in the US here. ;)

http://miamiartexchange.typepad.com/maex_art_blog/images/cac-building-thumb.jpg

If there is any city that needs help in the architecture area, it isn't Cincinnati.

[socrates#1fan]

cincinnati needs fresh design,like a dubai city has it ,I still can not bleive it :ohno:

Too bad this is a classic 300 year old western city and not a random middle eastern city that popped up because of oil.
Cincinnati is building something timeless and beautiful that reflects the history and architecture of Cincinnati.
I think it is quiet the beauty!

[ljubav_aha]

Too bad this is a classic 300 year old western city and not a random middle eastern city that popped up because of oil.Cincinnati is building something timeless and beautiful that reflects the history and architecture of Cincinnati.
I think it is quiet the beauty!

hey,I am from europe,and even in the europe new buildings look amaizing,great design,so your explenaton si lame

[ljubav_aha]

We know who she is ... she designed her first building built in the US here. ;)

http://miamiartexchange.typepad.com/maex_art_blog/images/cac-building-thumb.jpg

If there is any city that needs help in the architecture area, it isn't Cincinnati.

based on ? criteria

[Cincinnatus]

based on ? criteria

Have you ever seen DT Cincinnati? Most of the buildings DT are amazing and offer details you don't see put into modern architecture.

This thread is about Queen City Square and you are coming over here stirring shit up with off-topic post. You've just been reported to the moderators. ZAHA HADID is fabulous and all ... but she has nothing to do with QCS. Get over it, or start a new thread.

[socrates#1fan]

hey,I am from europe,and even in the europe new buildings look amaizing,great design,so your explenaton si lame

Yes, but just because Europe is doing it doesn't mean it will age well.
Look at all that junk built in the 50's and 60's during rebuilding that was considered progressive at the time but ugly later.
Cincinnati is being smart about this. They are looking LONG TERM.

[Whosville]

So it looks like this is finally a go, eh? Good. It will be a nice addition for Cincy and I am looking forward to seeing it.

Hopefully we will see cranes on the site soon.

[Cincinnatus]

So it looks like this is finally a go, eh? Good. It will be a nice addition for Cincy and I am looking forward to seeing it.

Hopefully we will see cranes on the site soon.

Yeah, they've been cleaning up the rubble for the past few days and we're beginning to see a giant hole.

[Cincinnatus]

http://cmsimg.cincinnati.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=AB&Date=20090119&Category=NEWS01&ArtNo=901190345&Ref=AR&Profile=1055&MaxW=550&MaxH=650&title=0

[socrates#1fan]

The pit of doom.
What was there before?

[quigley]

A parking garage.

[cailes]

I found a couple pictures of this going up on flickr today

This one is dated September 29th, so its pretty fresh
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2449/3970918884_edc7ef32d7.jpg

This one is dated September 9th
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2498/3966143718_96c4f62b0d.jpg

[runway whore]

i can't wait to go home and see this project... i am so glad pics are finally up for this project I have wanted my friends to take pics of this project but they could like care less... wake up Cincinnati Ohio...

[Ian604]

I didnt even know that this had gotten underway! I haven't heard any news on it for a long time. Way to go Cincy!

Looking forward to see this thing towering over the river when making that turn on 75 north!!!!!

[EddieB317]

Doe any one know the final design and the specifications? Floors? Crown? Facade? Update on the final design please.

[Cincinnatus]

Webcam Action!

http://cms.qcrepro.com/eaglecam/webcam.JPG

[Cincinnatus]

Doe any one know the final design and the specifications? Floors? Crown? Facade? Update on the final design please.

http://img401.imageshack.us/img401/5778/32947965queencityqb2.jpg

http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php/topic,3170.2550.html

[GarfieldPark]

Nice. That addition really enhances an already very beautiful skyline!

[runway whore]

This is just amazing..I grew up about 45 min from Cincinnati and it is just good seeing something rising in Cincinnati for once... I dunno about that Banks project though...I love the sky"line" of Cincinnati... I think its a very strong characteristic of Cincinnati, and I don't know about the 600 million dollar price tag for this Banks project, sounds like a lot to me. I rather have two Queen City towers, or a 300 million dollar park designed by some genius (are there any great landscape architects?), then mediocre infill. That is just so much space, I don't know they didn't have Zaha Hadid just work her magic on "the Banks" project. She would whip up something like icing on a cake honey... oh and demolition One Lytle Place..just disgusting..if I was worth as much as Warren Buffet I would have a field day in Cincinnati...