Kricker Innovation Hub – Shawnee State University

Project Narrative

Built in 1894, the Sanford, Varner and Co. factory building was a manufacturing hub in the heart of downtown Portsmouth for generations. Shawnee State University acquired this property, most recently a beauty school, with the goal of creating a center for local entrepreneur development and community engagement. Funded in part with a $2.7 million EDA Grant to stimulate tech jobs in rural communities, the shared campus/community facility serves as an outlet to support entrepreneurs from ideation through commercialization by creating an intensive, place-based accelerator.

This historic building had been renovated multiple times for varied uses and was in disrepair with a failing roof and parapets. The majority of fenestration had been filled in and the extent of original historic elements was unknown due to multiple layers of cladding. Our team developed a plan to restore primary openings, repair the masonry structure, and restore the recessed entry. Remaining historic cast iron details, uncovered during the construction phase, were incorporated into the design of the facade. The project also required a full MEP retrofit.

The lost tower cap and original north facing oriel window location are acknowledged and represented with a contemporary design approach. The tower often glows SSU blue, but features color-changing capability for special events. The design integrates a later addition, featuring graphic elements that tie this off-campus facility to the Shawnee State brand. At street level, fully operable glazing allows for fluidity into and out of the café and meeting areas, activating Chillicothe Street and opening up the facility for community engagement. This congregating space also acts as a connection point back to SSU's Main Campus which is visible from the café. Transparency encourages the flow of participants through the floor plate which was organized with flexibility as a critical component. The storefront of the historic structure showcases collaborative co-working areas and a lounge area that is easily transformed to host large events and expos while huddle rooms and an executive conference room allow for more private work.

Upper levels of the facility include office space, conferencing, an exhibit hall and accelerator work suite to support the mission of the center; engaging entrepreneurship, innovation, and creativity to achieve the goal of sustained job creation and retention. An intriguing structural find in the attic has set the stage for a dynamic 4th floor gaming venue to be fit out in a subsequent phase.

Kricker Innovation Hub has already become a transformative force in Scioto County, growing entrepreneurial spirit and significantly impacting the region. The revitalization of this recently dormant building is a testament that investing in historic infrastructure on our Main Streets and by place-making with transparency, flexibility, and community in mind, we can physically enhance and support a strong mission.

                                           

Project Details -

Submission Category

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

Date of Completion

March, 2023