Urban Projects

VIA Design is actively involved in projects located in historic urban districts. Working with these buildings revitalizes the city’s center and enhances the urban environment. Providing private and multi-family housing in downtown neighborhoods can help reduce suburban sprawl.

Grammer's Multi-million dollar mixed use with preservation and infill

Mt. Adams Condominium Cincinnati's historic Mt. Adams district

Residential Renovation – Multiple locations in Liberty Hill, Over the Rhine, and Newport

Press Release

VIA Design, Ltd. Participates in 2008 Over The Rhine Infill Design Charrette

Karen Sullivan joined other architects as well as college students and community activists for the OTR Infill charrette, which focused on creating awareness of Cincinnati’s architectural heritage and tested the Over the Rhine Design Guidelines.

In 2006 Cincinnati’s Over the Rhine area was named one of America’s most endangered Historic Places by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The neighborhood is rich in Italianate, Federal, Queen Ann and Greek Revival style structures, most which were built in the 1800’s. Many of the 1,200 significant buildings currently sit vacant. Over the Rhine was listed on the National Registry of Historic places in May 1983.

The charrette was held at the Art Academy of Cincinnati, where participants were divided into four diverse teams. VIA Design focused on the two family residential site at 533 East 13th Street. “The narrow infill site posed a challenge, especially to provide daylighting for the interior spaces”, said Karen Sullivan. The design solution created two separate residences which overlooked a private courtyard.

This infill building, as well plans developed by the other three teams can be found at the website of the sponsoring organization, The Architectural Foundation of Cincinnati.