550 at Lytle Park

Project Narrative

The renovation of 550 E. 4th Street in downtown Cincinnati reimagines a brick Brutalist mid-century building into a luxurious residential community. With a focus on refined and timeless elegance, the project revitalized this apartment building through facade improvements, a new entry sequence, architectural upgrades, site rework, and a complete overhaul on the interior to elevate units and upgrade amenities.
The new glass entrance on 4th Street invites residents to the building. The historic concept of street level residences on the park, prior to the construction of the interstate tunnel, has been reintroduced by means of residential terraces and tiered plantings. A rejuvenated retail space for a spa at the east end of the building energizes the street space.
The facade improvements introduced new windows that maximize natural light and frame views of Lytle Park, seamlessly connecting the building to its urban surroundings. Inside, the design creates a personalized, welcoming environment that transcends typical apartment living. Each of the 29 units features highly crafted finishes, custom door detailing, and unique layouts, offering residents a true sense of home. The top-floor units facing the park on the south side have added loft spaces, carefully nestled within the original building envelope. The loft roof structure was intricately designed to maximize the volume of space inside, involving strategic cuts in the existing concrete roof structure with the addition of a new steel structural frame to achieve double-height spaces. The building’s profile with the original slate roofing reinstalled is unchanged, while banks of new skylights now draw in more daylight and create expansive ceiling heights.
The building entrance—formerly a cold, dark and uninviting breezeway—has been transformed into an enclosed, welcoming, accessible lobby. Rich wood paneling, artful decorative metal screening, and a striking chandelier paired with a central fountain create an atmosphere of understated luxury. Every detail is carefully considered to evoke a sense of refined elegance from the moment one steps inside. The communal spaces invite a sophisticated lifestyle with a grand lobby, concierge services, and access to exclusive luxury amenities. Design inspirations from spaces like Tavern on the Green emphasize indoor-outdoor harmony and flow.
Throughout the interiors, meticulous attention to detail can be seen in the high-end material selections, from rich wood custom-designed trim and paneling to luxurious stone finishes. The warm, neutral color palette is complemented by carefully selected lighting, creating a refined yet inviting atmosphere. In the resident corridors, custom wainscoting and thoughtfully proportioned door frames elevate the experience, offering each resident a sense of arrival. The integration of smart technology ensures that the design feels both modern and effortless, with a focus on comfort and functionality that enhances daily living.

                                           

Project Details -

Submission Category

Building Architecture- Large Scale (>10,000 sf)

Date of Completion

May, 2024