Latest Rothenberg concept presented to OTR community

On March 25, Cincinnati Public Schools, WA Architects Inc. and GBBN Architects updated the Over-the-Rhine community on the design process for the $21 million Rothenberg Preparatory Academy project.

As part of the new proposal, existing buildings at 146, 154 and 158 E McMicken Avenue would be preserved.

A one-floor gymnasium would be built at the intersection of Main Street and E McMicken Avenue, a service drive would be built along Hust Alley, and an elementary play area would be expanded by 9,600 square feet along Clifton Avenue.

The ground floor of the renovated school would contain early childhood classrooms, administration space, and a media center; the first floor classrooms and the cafeteria; the second floor classrooms, music, and art rooms; and the third floor classrooms.

Sixty-seven surface parking spaces would be provided between Main and Hughes streets, and the bus loading zone would be located along the school's Main Street frontage.

Originally slated for closure, Cincinnati Public Schools announced in 2008 that it would cost less to renovate the building to support 550 students than it would to build a new school on a nearby site.

Since then, community members, school staff, parents, students, and other stakeholders have been working to decide the building's layout and programs so that the school can open in time for the 2011-2012 school year.

The next planning meeting will be held tomorrow evening at 5 PM at the Peaslee Neighborhood Center.

Previous reading on BC:
Rothenberg planning continues (4/23/08)
Rothenberg School sends parents survey (4/16/08)
Rothenberg meeting Thursday (3/12/08)
Community brainstorms on Rothenberg engagement process (2/28/08)
Peaslee to host meeting on Rothenberg (1/15/08)