Banks developers create new website, branding

Carter Real Estate and The Dawson Company, master developers of the $800 million The Banks project, have unveiled a new website and new branding in an effort to better market the property and to build momentum for its spring 2011 grand opening.

The new website, designed by Strata-G Communications offers construction information, leasing details, and, for the first time, street-level renderings showing the buildings' façade coloring, window sizing and other architectural details.

A new tagline announces, "It's happening on the river," declaring to the public that a project that has been in the works since 1996 is indeed under construction.

"I think after all these years, it's hard for people to believe that things are finally happening at The Banks," said Malloy Peterson, vice president of marketing at Carter, in a media release. "This campaign, along with the ongoing construction now visible at the site, will help change that perception and start to build interest among the community that The Banks is really taking shape."

Phase 1 of The Banks will include 180 Walnut, an office building with 200,000-250,000 square feet of office space; 300 luxury apartments; 80,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space; and a 200-bed boutique hotel.

"Throughout all aspects of this project, we've been steadfast in delivering a development that creates excitement and interest throughout Greater Cincinnati," said Harold A. Dawson, Jr., president and CEO with The Dawson Company. "With a grand opening a year away, this new campaign brings to life our team's vision of The Banks."

A portion of the public parking garage is scheduled to open this June.

At buildout, the 3 million-square-foot mixed-use The Banks project is expected to include up to 300,000 square feet of Class A office space, up to 1,800 residential units, the hotel, and a 1,600-space parking structure. Estimates are that the project will drive $600 million in private development.

Carter and Dawson also announced that they have contracted with Village Green Management Company to be the leasing agent and property manager for the apartments.

The Banks' public-private partnership, responsible for much of the project's infrastructure, launched a website earlier this year.

Previous reading on BC:
General contractor selected for The Banks (11/9/09)
Stimulus funding for The Banks moves up schedule, costs (6/17/09)
First street poured at The Banks (5/26/09)
Cincinnati passes three funding ordinances for The Banks (3/30/09)
Three ordinances to be considered for The Banks (3/9/09)