Over-the-Rhine, Cincinnati OH
The project description
Location
Over-the-Rhine
Cincinnati OH
Specifications
- 88,900 SF complex, historic renovation of one of the top concert halls in the country.
- $51.5 million project that includes state-of-the-art technology
- Seating over three levels that accommodates 1,500+ patrons.
The project summary
- 88,900 SF complex, historic renovation of one of the top concert halls in the country.
- $51.5 million project that includes state-of-the-art theatrical systems.
- Expanded Front-of-House spaces including new elevator, new restrooms, expanded lobby, new concessions, and full accessibility to all theater levels.
- Expanded Back-of-House spaces including new secured actor entrance, dressing rooms, green room, wardrobe, crew break area, stage trap room.
- Seating that accommodates over 1,500 patrons.
Terrex services
- Design-Build
- Design Selection
- Conceptual Budgeting
- Cost Estimating
- Bidding
- Construction Management
- Structured Financing
- Incentive Negotiations
Design Team:
- GBBN Architects
- Aperio Design (Theatrical Consultants)
- Heritage Consulting (Historic Consultants)
- dbHMS (MEP Design)
- Schaefer Engineering (Structural Design)
- Kirkegaard (Acoustical Design)
TCT AT THE EMERY THEATER
Reimagining The Emery Theater
As the oldest professional theatre for young audiences in the country, The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati (TCT) has created lifelong memories for children and families for more than a century. The Taft Theatre was home to TCT’s MainStage productions for 52 years but had its challenges. TCT explored several other space options, but ultimately all roads lead back to their original performance home – The Emery Theater.
TCT raised over $50 million for the project, including Federal Historic and New Markets Tax Credits allocations.
On December 22, 2023 TCT officially purchased the Emery Theater. Construction started shortly thereafter and new life was given to the Emery, preserving its rich history while ushering in a new era.
TCT Trusted Terrex Leadership
The Emery Theater historic renovation is truly a once in a generation opportunity to take what was once considered one of the greatest theaters in the country and restoring it well beyond it’s former glory! TCT put their trust in Terrex to assemble the best team possible to manage this process and to lead one of the most complex historic renovation projects.
Moving to the Emery means:
Year-Round Programming – as opposed to just 40 days at the Taft Theatre, TCT’s previous location.
Increased Access – More school ticket subsidies and increased access to the arts for low-income students.
Economic Growth – Participation in OTR revitalization, historic preservation, and economic growth as families dine and shop in conjunction with TCT productions.
Welcoming All – Continuing an intentional focus on equity in casting and within production crews, and programming inspiring creativity and opportunity for all.
New Works – More original programming for younger children and teenagers, as well as premiere and newer works.
Advanced Stage Magic – Utilizing a state-of-the-art theatrical lift, built-in turntable, and projection mapping technology.
Once Upon a Time…
Mary Emery built the impressive and acoustically perfect Emery Theater.
Once home to legendary arts organizations, including The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati, The Emery fell into a deep slumber, never to awake until its perfect match was found.
Ready For an Encore…
Over the last 56 years, the theater has fallen into disrepair. Opened in 1911 in Over-the-Rhine, this acoustically exceptional theater was once considered one of the top concert halls in the country. Sergei Rachmaninoff, Eleanor Roosevelt, John Philip Sousa, George Gershwin, and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. all stood on the Emery stage at various points in its history.
The Emery was also TCT’s performance home until 1969, when TCT had to relocate its mainstage productions to the Taft Theatre.
Maximum Impact
TCT purchased the Emery Theater on Central Parkway and, using 21st century technology, transform it into a unique venue impacting the more than 100,000 children and families who come to a MainStage production in downtown Cincinnati each year.
Terrex could not be more proud to have worked on restoring this legendary venue that will once again inspire children and families for generations to come.
Testimonials
Terrex has been a trusted partner to us in revitalizing Uptown Cincinnati. They have exceeded our expectations by bringing a thoughtful and cooperative approach to project development and aligned it with a shared vision for the future. We are proud of our partnership with the Terrex team.
Having worked with Terrex on multiple projects over several years, I have found them to be key project team members. From the early concept phases, all the way through construction, Terrex is a trusted partner and advisor in every step of the way. They help guide teams through the decision making process for fantastic outcomes that align with the client’s vision. Trustworthy, transparent, and collaborative are traits that I would use to describe their team. It is always a pleasure to have them be a part of the project team.
My WEB Ventures partners and I have developed a close, collaborative relationship with Terrex. We worked closely with Tom Rowe and Peter Horton, Terrex Principals, to complete a Community Benefits Agreement (CBA) for the Digital Futures Project and collaborated to implement the CBA during the development, construction, and completion of the Digital Futures Complex in Uptown Cincinnati. Tom and Peter would work with us and supported interventions necessary to stay on track with CBA objectives Because of the close collaboration with Terrex and their leadership, we exceeded all the goals of the CBA. Tom and Peter proposed innovative, “outside of the box” actions beyond the specific CBA goals to help us meet not only the specific goals of the CBA but the spirit of true economic inclusion.
Terrex has been an invaluable partner to the zoo as we have embarked on the most aggressive and ambitious capital campaign in our 150 year history. Specifically, their pre-construction team was absolutely crucial in helping us navigate the chaos of the recent few years, through the pandemic, in helping us keep our budget up to date and on track on our massive Elephant Trek Project. Top notch professionals all the way around!