PNC Center Lobby Renovation

Interior Architecture- Large Scale (>5,000 sf)

Project Narrative

The PNC Center, one of the largest towers in Cincinnati, was due for significant upgrades to re-establish itself as a Class A Tower in the downtown market. After purchasing the property, the owners moved forward with lobby and amenity upgrades to support their current tenants and offer something different to prospects. This investment was to generate excitement and draw employees back to the office after the COVID-19 pandemic. To meet the needs of a changing world, the team converted a leasable first-floor area into community-focused, amenity-rich spaces for the building’s occupants.
Through visioning sessions with the client, the team developed success criteria for the project to ensure an original, progressive solution. Multiple goals were established, including creating a welcoming presence, generating a memorable first impression, providing a best-in-class experience for users, and delivering resiliency while driving sustainability.
With over 9,000 SF of space in the new environment, tenants can host a range of activities, including casual meetings around the fireplace, golf or ping pong breaks in the gaming room, or impromptu coffee or lunch in the café. A new conference room provides space for up to 60 people for events. Large, garage-style doors provide flexibility by extending the meeting space into the Community Hub to service private or public functions. Large, two-story windows display the new offerings along the sidewalk and street for people passing by, inviting the public to enter.
Warm lighting and natural wood tones create a cozy environment for the new lobby. Jewel tones, biophilia, ample daylight, and exciting textures, created by implementing glossy tile and patterned rugs, elevate this space into an upscale hospitality lounge that allows tenants to work, relax, and collaborate. All new materials were carefully selected to push a contemporary and modern design while complementing and honoring the timeless travertine walls from the original space.