Cincinnati Nature Center by The Kubala Washatko Architects

s i t e & fa c i l i t i e s m a s t e r p l a n , a d o p t e d m a r c h 1 8 , 2 0 0 9

Cincinnati Nature Center Master Plan T h e K u b a l a W a s h at ko A r c h i t e c t s , I n c . W 6 1 N 6 1 7 M e q u o n Av e n u e , C e d a r b u r g , W I 5 3 0 1 2

Contents Introduction: Process, Stories, and Vision. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Sequence of Patterns. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Proposed Master Plans. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Visitor / Krippendorf Core . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Camp / Groesbeck Core . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Land Management. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Native Vegetation Restoration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Detailed Vegetation Assessment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Preliminary Program. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Sustainability & Regeneration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 LEED Credits. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Assessment of Existing Facilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Zoning & Code Considerations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Recommendations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Phasing Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Estimate of Preliminary Opinion of Probable Costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Aerial Rendering. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Benefits & Outcomes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

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Introduction: Process, Stories, and Vision The Cincinnati Nature Centerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mission is to inspire passion for nature and promote environmentally responsible choices through experience, education and stewardship to ensure a sustainable future. As a part of this mission, the design team and CNC will work together to make sure this investment in facilities will promote its vision and support a connection to the land for children and adults. Since 1965, Cincinnati Nature Center (CNC) programs and staff have offered people the chance to experience, study and enjoy the natural world. Board members and staff have done an excellent job of keeping the organization relevant and financially stable throughout its 43 years, with major support from local individuals and foundations who have donated time, money and gifts of land. Today CNCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s two sites (Rowe Woods and Long Branch Farm & Trails) comprise over 1,600 acres of natural and agricultural land, making it one of the top 10 nature centers in the country.

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Cincinnati Nature Centerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s education programs reach 12,000 children each year with hands-on lessons about ecology and stewardship of our lands and resources for the future. The Rowe Woods site comprises 1,025 acres of eastern deciduous forest, former agricultural fields, streams and pond habitats. There are over 16 miles of hiking trails and 29 buildings of various sizes, conditions and age, including historic former residences, barns, sheds and cabins. The focus of this study is on the site amenities of the core building, parking and trail complex, the Rowe Visitor Center, the Retreat House, the Groesbeck Lodge, a new education facility, sewage treatment facilities, and maintenance and operations facilities.

The Process This Master Plan effort is part of a larger effort, the Cincinnati Nature Center 2011 Strategic Plan. The core values of stewardship, sustainability, integrity, respect and welcoming atmosphere have a direct impact on the master planning process which this booklet describes.

As part of brainstorming sessions and a strategic planning process, CNC board and staff envision renovated and expanded site and facility features that can better serve the thousands of visitors who use the Center. In the process, these site changes and facilities should help heal damaged portions of the land and be environmentally-friendly. With TKWA and Meisner + Associates/Land Vision, we begin to design the features and facilities by first using language to identify existing challenges and proposing solutions, called Patterns, creating a written vision for the renovated buildings. These patterns guide the layout, allowing us to move toward assigning square footage requirements to meet our needs, all while considering how the building and the environment surrounding it can be configured to best support the variety of human and natural activities that take place here.

Rowe Woods Stories There are four main stories or themes of Cincinnati Nature Center Rowe Woods. These are the stories you would tell a first time visitor to the site - the important elements they need to understand this place.

1. Natural History Rowe Woods is part of an eastern deciduous forest which once covered more than 90% of Ohio’s landscape. The old growth trees on the property have been spared when so many other forests have been destroyed. While forest is still the state’s dominant plant community, other habitats may occur within forests including ponds, fields, streams, and wetlands. This diversity of habitats at Rowe Woods attracts an array of plant and animal species, making it a beloved place for birdwatchers, wildflower enthusiasts, and nature lovers of all kinds. Long before the forests, a shallow ocean covered this land, as evidenced by the fossils found here. Throughout the long span of history, this area has seen climate change and geologic change which have carved the landscape and influenced species diversity. The land continues to change due to human activity. For instance, deer populations rise as predators are eliminated, non-native horticultural species encroach on native species, and development on bordering land causes erosion along stream beds. 2. Cultural Heritage Throughout these many changes, humans have continued to love and depend on this land. Native peoples lived and hunted here, followed by pioneers who cleared the forest for crops and homes. The Krippendorfs and neighboring Groesbecks left a legacy of botanical abundance while welcoming friends and family to experience the restorative powers of nature. Today, Cincinnati Nature Center continues to welcome visitors to enjoy the land. The ways in which we use the land have changed, but the love and respect we show for it remains. 3. Incredible Community This love and respect for the land has led to a community of people who share common values. Cincinnati Nature Center abounds with loyal volunteers, founding members, nature art-

ists, and generations of members who find a spiritual, emotional, and intellectual connection to nature here. Generosity in both life and death characterize the founders and supporters of the Center. The Celebration Garden is an example of how nature provides solace and support for many people within this special community. The time and hard work of staff and volunteers reflect hope for our future and belief that our actions through Personal Experience, Education, Preservation, and Restoration make a difference. 4. Sustainability/Restoration This community of nature lovers strives to give back to the land in many ways. Through preserving and restoring land, minimizing impact with green building techniques and by carefully following principles to reduce impact while interacting with the land, we strive to enhance and protect biodiversity to ensure that this land will be here, intact and healthy, for generations to come.

Desired Outcomes

Project Vision

If we tell these stories well we will achieve our Mission through these desired/intended outcomes for members and visitors: 1. A Connection to Nature This land has, throughout time, brought people to nature. It began with the Krippendorfs bringing visitors out to enjoy and relax. We are still coming up with ways for people to access nature today. This story is told by fostering an appreciation of the natural world and promoting enjoyment of the beauty of the land and the healing sense of nature. It will focus on the relationship between society and nature - where do we fit as people and as an organization? 2. A Sense of Place CNC staff and volunteers have a strong sense of place and know the facts about what lives here. This land represents a community of people who know and care about the plants, animals, and geology of the area, the history of those who came before, and the future of those who come after. This story is told through neighbors, generations of people in our community, and natural history (habitats, native species, etc.).

The vision of Cincinnati Nature Center is to be a regional leader in conservation and be seen as a major community asset/economic driver by rasing its profile in Greater Cincinnati and building community in nature. Near Term Plan Increase the cohesion of Cincinnati Nature Center‘s facilities and outdoor areas Provide better access to trails Enhance visibility of Visitor and Education Programs Tie Groesbeck and Nature Camp facilities more strongly to the ‘Core’ Better reflect the sustainable message of the Center Long Term Plan Accommodate anticipated growth Expand Camping and Overnight Rental opportunities Continue to provide economies for the long term operation of the Center These will be accomplished through:

3. A Sense of Hope The time and hard work of staff and volunteers, whether teaching, weeding, or sowing, reflects hope for our future. This land represents people’s belief in the future and their hope that their actions through Personal Experience, Education, Preservation, and Restoration make a difference. This story is told through the mature forests, wetland mitigation, land steward program, and education programs. 4. A Land Ethic This story is told by putting the needs of the ecosystem ahead of needs of an individual animal or plant, and by relating what we do here to the everyday lives of our visitors.

Enhanced relationships between support facilities New Natural Free Playscape Expanded All Persons Interpretive Trail Wetland/Canopy Walks Gathering Space/Parking Lot Expansion Visitor Center Replacement New Nature-Based Preschool and Youth/Adult Education Facilities Making new facilities sustainable, and remodeling older buildings for better energy efficiency

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Sequence of Patterns A key element of our design approach is a process we call Pattern Writing. The goal of writing patterns is to gain a deeper understanding of how a building and its environment can be configured to support both human activity and natural processes in a harmonious way.

The following patterns follow a hierarchy of scale and importance, from regional scale issues down to individual building spaces.

Writing patterns helps the design team identify the deeper social, spiritual, and emotional values inherent in a place.

Solution:

This process offers solutions for making a place more alive, more functional, and more inviting to both staff and visitors. During early planning stages of the Rowe Woods Master Plan, The Kubala Washatko Architects, Inc. worked closely with Cincinnati Nature Center staff to develop a uniquely crafted Pattern Language to guide future design and construction of site and facility improvements. These efforts were focused on understanding Cincinnati Nature Center’s history and culture, learning how it operates, and identifying ways the building and site can better support the mission of the organization.

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Regional Scale

1. In The Forest issue: Upon arriving, one isn’t immediately struck by the fact that the CNC is situated in an Eastern deciduous forest over an ancient sea, or of the unique presence of over 65 acres of Old Growth Forest.

The sense of the arrival sequence must be dominated by the presence of the forest. This includes the entry drive, the parking areas and the great outdoor room. Roadways, parking spaces and walkways should make accommodations for trees, not the other way around, allowing trees to interrupt ‘normal’ convenience-based patterns. Reduce the amount of lawn and restore with native plantings.

2. Living Sustainably

solution: Establish an identifiable edge to the area that constitutes the core of the property. Establish visual cues for visitors signifying when one has arrived, and that they are at the property’s epicenter. This must be true for visitors arriving by car or bus, as well as hikers returning from the trails. It may be possible to identify the heart of Rowe Woods via a primary path that strings the site’s major structures together.

issue: Rowe Woods can’t really be considered ‘Green’ or ‘Sustainable’ from a LEED perspective, except for the fact that several historic structures are being reused. A gap exists between current practices and aspirations for the future.

solution: Set a series of small steps that will lead CNC toward an ultimate state, where its every action is one that regenerates the biotic community of which it is a full partner. Let habitat and species bio-diversity remain the target for ecological restoration efforts, remembering that introduced heritage horticulture is also an important feature of this site. For existing buildings focus on energy conservation and maintenance. New buildings should reach a high state of demonstrable sustainability, with features that can help support and explain the Center’s mission. In concert with ongoing land management plans restore wetlands, streams, meadow, prairie and forests.

3. Seeking Solace

6. Primary Connections issue:

4. Celebrating Our Heritage issue: Numerous elements of past land uses exist in a scattering of historic pieces including allées, roads, paths, walls, gardens, daffodils, agricultural fields, homes and barns. These remnants are only occasionally connected to current CNC activities, becoming nearly invisible to visitors.

issue: Our world, being in distress on many levels, can be a lot for a person to handle. Without a place to be still, to connect with nature and family, or converse with like-minded individuals, life in Greater Cincinnati will not be in balance.

solution: Connect significant historical elements to new major circulation spines and gathering places. Place prominent historical structures as points of focus or as axial terminations so that they become participants in everyday usage of the grounds.

solution: Enhance the retreat-like characteristics of Rowe Woods. Do this through greatly increasing the contrast between the site and the typical urban/suburban environment. There is already a strong transition felt in the drive up Tealtown Road and into Rowe Woods. Carefully reinforce this larger scale effect by minimizing the impacts of cars, paving and other urban trappings.

CNC’s buildings, many of them inherited as former homes and farms, are suggestive of a community or family of structures rather than a distinct focal point. This manifests both positive and negative aspects. The positive aspect is that there is no one large structure dominating the site, and when simultaneous programs are occurring the impact on the site is spread out.

5. The Heart of Rowe Woods issue: What constitutes the heart of Rowe Woods? A visitor, without a strong mental mapping of the center of gravity for the property, will not develop a strong sense of place.

The reduced scale of smaller buildings also keeps the focus on the most important feature of the site - their natural surroundings. A negative aspect is that the buildings may be too spread out, not coalescing into a greater, memorable whole.

solution: Maintain a rich string of diverse structures rather than constructing a single large ‘center’, and site the new buildings to help reinforce a palpable campus feeling. This means a careful study of distances and relationships among the core elements (Visitor Center, Education, Krippendorf, Preschool) which does not greatly exceed the current distance between Rowe Visitor Center and Krippendorf Lodge. Distributing these structures will help their scale integrate with natural surroundings, and avoid any one large parking area to serve them. Tie the main structures together with a primary path different in character and density of use than the hiking trails.

Allow the width of the primary path to expand where necessary and to be culturally interpreted as is appropriate. The primary path could also be the All-Persons Trail. Wayfinding would be enhanced if the primary path was a loop that began and ended at the Large Outdoor Room.

7. Central Outdoor Room issue: Currently, there is no central common outdoor space that organizes the land where the highest levels of activity occur.

solution: Establish a large outdoor room between parking and the Visitor

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Sequence of Patterns Center front door. Connect this space to historical remnants where possible, especially the Allée as this room should be memorable on a number of levels. Give positive shape to the space by reinforcing its edges with significant landscape and buildings. If possible connect this area to high use zones within the buildings along its edge. Make sure that most of the primary trailheads are visible within this room.

8. Window to the Sun and Wind issue: A building in the woods sees little of the sun and is thereby deprived of its bounty. Rumi stated “If the sun were not in love, it would have no brilliance.” Wind also falls into this description as woods are great dissipaters of wind energy.

solution:

solution: Rain should be allowed to slowly be absorbed on the land where it falls. Local subsurface movement of water must be understood before proposing any structure that might disrupt that flow. Minimize the use of hard paving surfaces and where used, make it permeable. Rainwater that comes off the roof should be slowed down, collected and/or reintroduced to the local water table. In the process, water can become a visual and acoustic part of daily life and consciousness at the Center. Where practical, use captured and treated water to replenish and restore ponds and lakes. Treat all effluent generated on site with a local Constructed Wetland for Sanitary Treatment (CWST). All of these methods for dealing with wastewater should be made as visible as possible, allowing for educational opportunities to researchers and visitors. They will also work to reduce the need for external water supply to the site.

In locating structures that utilize available solar energy, it is important to ensure a relatively shadow-free, long southern exposure. Indiscriminate clearing of a site is not a viable option, however, there may be natural clearings or existing areas of scrub that could be cleared. The key would be not to choose the “best” place on the site, but rather to choose the most damaged so that our actions of building may help heal it. Wind turbine solutions revolve around finding locally high wind speeds and in choosing turbines that can operate in turbulent wind conditions.

9. Water Is Treasure issue: Unfortunately, our culture tends to see rainwater as a waste product; piping, storing and treating it as though it were sewage. The fate of wastewater from buildings also tends to be ignored, but also has a large environmental impact in terms of centralized treatment facilities.

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10. Positive Outdoor Space issue: “Outdoor spaces which are merely left over between buildings will, in general, not be used.” - Christopher Alexander

solution:

staff and visitors the chance to seek out or avoid interaction. Make sure that staff are visible to visitors when moving from one building to another within the core area.

Infuse art into all public areas at all scales of the property including a gallery that highlights the artistic heritage of the Cincinnati Nature Center.

solution:

12. Parking Pockets

Always consider the placement and general shaping of buildings and outdoor spaces simultaneously. Provide outdoor spaces with edges that give them a room-like character.

issue:

14. Free Range Children issue: All too often, children are asked to “behave”, even when outside at the Nature Center. On the other hand, the sight of kids trampling over fragile plants and habitats can curdle the blood of an adult nature lover.

It seems strange and unnatural to enter a nature center through a parking lot, yet creating a drive that goes directly to the dropoff area without parking along that drive means that more of the property ends up being covered with asphalt.

solution:

Establish a range of outdoor places with a gradient of ecosystem sensitivity. CNC is the perfect place to teach sensitivity through immersion rather than restriction. Make sure to accommodate attending adults, many of whom may be seniors, with comfortable places to sit and observe.

The solution to this dilemma lies in breaking the parking lot into a number of palatable pieces, thereby reducing the impact of automobiles on the site and keeping asphalt to a minimum.

Make pockets of parking spaces containing 9 to 10 cars each. Separate the pockets with green thresholds and bio-swales, made of both deciduous and coniferous trees to maintain the effect in the winter months, along with the grasses that do the work of removing pollutants. Parking pockets more easily allow the shading of paving material, and may provide different ecosystem examples to reinforce educational opportunities.

13. Staff Crossing 11. Art At All Scales issue: There is a strong interconnection of art and Cincinnati Nature Center’s programs, events and exhibits that does not currently manifest itself except at the Gift Shop and a meeting room in Krippendorf Lodge.

issue: If staff is too far removed from visitor areas there will be a great loss in informal interaction and creating community.

solution: Locate staff near visitor areas, but removed enough to give both

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Sequence of Patterns 15. Nature’s School

16. Blurring the Indoor / Outdoor Divide

Site Scale

18. Summer Camp

issue: Cincinnati Nature Center is first and foremost about a connection to the land. Its mission is to inspire passion for nature and promote environmentally responsible choices through experience, education and stewardship to ensure a sustainable future. However, our modern buildings often tend toward being objects on the land, insulated from a deeper connection to the natural environment.

issue: Current summer camp activities are quite successful, however, the structures in proximity to these activities are either underutilized or negatively impact the quality of the camp program.

solution:

The physical improvements and/or selective deconstruction of the Retreat House and Wildwood Camp need to reinforce the idea of a well-established summer or three-season community on the property.

Establish a generous zone between new buildings and the out of doors. This transition area allows a kind of indoor/outdoor occupation to occur.

One way to establish this feeling is to minimize automobile traffic to the camp site and maximize the experience of getting there from the large outdoor room via an interesting walk, a mystery path, etc.

issue: These days, preschool children often lack access to natural settings for extended periods of time. This problem has been identified and elucidated by numerous writers. Richard Louv, in his book “Last Child in the Woods”, presents research showing that frequent experiences in nature at an early age are critical to healthy child development.

solution: Create a Nature Preschool. A Nature Preschool is not a set of classrooms. Rather, it is a place in the woods which includes both indoor and outdoor space seen as a whole. It should be attached to the core area of the Center for support and resources, with a sense that it is all by itself in the woods.

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These transition zones can take many forms; porches, arcades, canopies, pergolas, arbors, trellises, etc. Make certain that these outdoor rooms are connected to appropriate indoor activities. Give them high quality solar exposure to reinforce their regular use.

17. Finding Trailheads issue: It is difficult for a new visitor to intuitively determine the location, length and quality of CNC’s many wonderful hiking trails.

solution: Locate most of the trailheads in connection with landmarks within the large outdoor room. A trail system map should be located in this same space.

The pedestrian path between the “Core” (Visitor Center, Education, Krippendorf) and the camp buildings needs to be enriched with meaningful support points along the way.

19. The Pressure Of Big Events issue: Regularly planned big events can generate great amounts of energy, enthusiasm and revenue for CNC. The largest events can draw 1000 visitors in four hours, causing some problems on the site, e.g. car traffic/congestion and fee taking.

solution: The lesson here is not to build anything permanent that is specifically designed for a few annual large events. Rather, look at how new elements being constructed for immediate program needs can double to assist big event needs.

22. Where Is The Staff?

Building Scale

issue:

20. Architecture As Curriculum issue: A typical building does little to reflect the deeper meaning of the place in which it is built, offering little understanding of ecology or ecological processes, intending to be functional, efficient, minimally offensive, and little more.

solution: Expose structural, HVAC, and plumbing systems where possible. Create exhibits with appropriately located windows into these systems. Provide visual reference for how the building is performing environmentally. This would include monitoring light levels, CO2 levels, temperature, time of day/year, sound levels, vibration, outdoor/indoor variations, etc. The more sustainable the building systems and materials - the more effective this solution will become.

If the staff is fully accessible to the public, personal privacy and work flow would suffer. On the other hand, were the staff to be cloistered away out of visitors’ view, an essential personal connection to the staff would be lost.

solution: If staff are to be located within the Visitor Center, locate publicoriented staff workstations within proximity of public spaces. Give appropriate staff the ability to open or close their workplaces to visitors, depending on prevailing conditions. If staff are located separately (see “Staff Crossing” pattern, #13), make a clear visual connection. This is important even if it is only a specific group of staff, such as a separation of education staff and visitors.

23. Gradient Of Social Spaces issue:

21. Fresh Air Naturally issue: Nothing disconnects a person from the outdoors more than inoperable windows. One’s ability to open a window and feel the breeze cannot be overrated.

solution: Employ natural ventilation strategies that minimize, or better yet eliminate, the need for large-horsepower fans. Consider non-window apertures for fresh air like earth tube-fed grilles and high wind powered exhaust ports especially for night-flushing and security concerns. The area devoted to archival storage will be treated in a manner appropriate to the maintenance of museum conditions, namely narrow fluctuations for both temperature and humidity.

When a large room is not supported by smaller alcove-like spaces along its edges, it becomes one-dimensional and lacks usefulness under a wide variety of social scenarios.

solution: Enrich the Visitors Center with a variety of smaller social niches along its perimeter. Make sure to connect this space to the new auditorium so that it can act as a pre/post event lobby.

24. Gracious Flow issue: Though recent efforts have greatly improved the Visitor Center, when a visitor comes to the front door a number of hurdles still impede his/her immediate understanding of the place:

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Sequence of Patterns • A steep hill down to the front doors

solution:

• A large stone wall (of non-local stone) and unused fireplace

Provide access to adjacent porches, gardens, trail heads and free play areas from a variety of common areas in the Visitors Center and Education buildings.

• Staff crossing from one side to the other • A darkness to the space • A view into a large public space dominated by the Nature Shop All these together give a mixed message as to where a visitor needs to go and the focus of the Visitor Center.

solution: Upon entering, allow enough space for different kinds of visitors to organize themselves according to clearly articulated spatial cues.

25. Don’t Turn On That Light! issue: Turning a light on in a building during the day should be a sin. The way daylight enters a building has tremendous impact on the well-being of occupants, provides visual delight and conserves valuable resources.

solution: To ensure the proper daylighting of the Visitors Center, employ a variety of design strategies; Don’t make the floor-plates too wide (30-35’ max.), provide interior and/or exterior sun shelves to reflect direct light onto ceilings, select appropriate glass type for each room use, utilize diffused light from clerestories and west facing windows. Automatically dim artificial light sources when daylight is providing adequate illumination.

27. Dealing With Groups When bus-sized groups of students enter the Visitors Center all at once, small, family-sized groups of visitors can feel overwhelmed and out of place. A completely separate group entrance might function well but could deprive the Center of vitality and exuberance.

solution: Make the entry space large enough to allow a bus-size group to self-organize off to the side of the normal Visitor Services desk. Create an exhibit in that area compelling enough to hold young people’s attention for a few minutes while the leader arranges things with the staff.

28. Range Of Meeting Spaces issue: Meetings come in a variety of sizes. To provide conference rooms that are all the same size and character will result in a majority of meetings not fitting well in their surroundings.

solution: Provide a range of meeting space sizes. The largest should be able to accommodate roughly 25 people. The smallest should be comfortable for five.

29. Storage Near Programs

issue:

32. Large Gatherings

solution:

The current auditorium is at times too small and too large, too dark and too bright.

Move all collections and program materials to storage in the Visitor Center with convenient access to a workroom including adequate counters and table space.

issue:

26. Never Too Far From The Outdoors Isolation from the land is increased with each stair, room, hallway, and door one must pass through to get to an outside door.

through the exhibits in the Rowe Visitor Center and gather materials for regular and special programs.

Because of the lack of exhibit space, collections and program materials are stored elsewhere and it is difficult to rotate them

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30. Killer Windows issue: Windows, especially those on the Crosley Lake side of the Rowe Visitor Center, are death traps for birds. This is currently solved with large netting that impedes views from inside the building.

solution: Make windows less reflective, more divided and under generous overhangs where possible.

31. Central Staff Suite issue: Without regular informal encounters, conversations and socializing, the coherence and cross-learning essential to a working group of people is diminished.

solution:

issue:

solution: Create a space to replace the current auditorium that will be able to host a wide variety of functions. Give it a flat floor and a demountable stage. Size the room to accommodate seating 300 people in a lecture arrangement. Make sure the room can be darkened for presentations. Maintain a relationship to a porch and/or outdoor gathering space.

33. Temporary Exhibits issue: The Rowe Visitor Center cannot currently entertain the idea of inviting even one traveling exhibit for lack of designated space. There are also a number of pieces in the collection that are rarely seen for lack of exhibit space.

solution: Provide flexible exhibit space suitable for a variety of exhibit needs. Locate this space near collections storage and the main visitor area. The room will need to be closed occasionally to accommodate exhibition changes.

Organize individual workstations to maximize interpersonal encounters when moving from station to Workroom Hub, toilets or coffee.

34. Classroom Connection To Nature

Put as many staff in the same vicinity as possible. Group staff within their particular disciplines, but do not completely segregate one group from another.

Sometimes classrooms are thought of as separate rooms, well sized and equipped, but isolated within a building, accessed by an internal corridor.

Offer a variety of working environments and the option for privacy depending on the type of work being done. It will be important to keep a majority of the education staff within the central suite.

Windows to the outside are essential, but if students, adults and children alike, cannot move in and out freely and easily, a critical connection to the outdoors is lost.

issue:

solution: To make the in-out transition smooth and comfortable, the area just outside the door should be protected from rain and snow. The floor materials in this transition area must resist heavy wear, mud and melting snow and should be easily maintained. The windows and doors should be equipped with screens providing cross ventilation. Hooks, shelves and/or hangers for coats and boots should be nearby. Easy access to trailheads and the Natural Playscape is a must.

35. Kid-Scaled Preschool issue: Unless a preschool is scaled to the needs of primary users, the children will continue to feel like fish out of water.

solution: Make every aspect of the preschool accessible to little people. Lower window sills nearly to the floor, provide small scale toilets and sinks, make cubbies, hooks, kid storage, furniture etc., all kidscale. Provide the means to temporarily introduce platforms at various safe heights within the rooms.

36. Preschool Mudroom issue: The idea of unstructured outdoor play cannot be seriously considered without accepting the fact that things are going to get dirty, very dirty. Mudrooms will be an essential feature amongst both educational facilities and possibly also for staff, however the preschool has specific needs for group size and supervision that make its mudroom unique.

cubbies and toilets, and access to outdoor play spaces. Make the walls between the mudroom and classrooms highly transparent with manipulatable ventilation apertures.

37. Workroom Hub issue:

Create a preschool mudroom that accommodates the changing of clothes, heavy duty cleaning of kids and floor alike, access to

Allow the kitchen to be an active part of staff work life, as it would be in a household. Place the kitchen in an alcove off the larger work area; provide enough space for a table to accommodate ten chairs, full-size refrigerator, four-burner range, oven (verify with code), and microwave. Make sure the coffee pot is in this space. The Kitchen Alcove can also double as a small meeting space.

The offices lack a real workroom as a center or hub.

solution: Create a staff locus, a gathering and work area where ideas are shared, where group work can comfortably take place. Storage for materials, tools, references, etc. must be within easy access to the Hub. Locate the Kitchen Alcove next to the Hub. Furnish the Hub with a large work table, a couch, counterspace and abundant daylight.

38. Volunteer Headquarters issue: Often, volunteers working for non-profit organizations can feel like second class citizens when compared to full time staff. The attitude of the Center is that it is all one staff - some are paid and some are volunteers.

40. The Enlightened Consumer issue: In our consumer-oriented world, a gift shop in a nature center is an unavoidable reality, but should a consumer-dominated atmosphere have a major visual role in the visitorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s experience?

solution: The Nature Shop should be located at the point of highest visitor flow. Allow its front to open wide and provide a lighting contrast to distinguish it from the lower ambient lighting levels around it. Make sure that the presence of the retail shop is only one of many points of interest within the Visitor Center, not the primary one.

41. Access to Information issue:

solution: Provide a place for both inside and outside volunteers to call home. Make sure that this place is next to or near the Workroom Hub. Provide 15 lockers, a communal message board, four small workstations and a few comfortable chairs.

The current library which now includes a bistro has become more accessible than it once was. A computer and staff/volunteer librarian is a critical resource that could be made even more accessible.

solution:

39. Staff Kitchen Alcove issue:

solution:

Staff offices without kitchens seem strangely foreign. Offices with kitchens separate from the workplace feel equally disconnected from everyday life.

Maintain a reading area as an adjunct to the Visitors Center public lobby. Make it a comfortably furnished social space with access to coffee and tea and views to the outdoors. Support this area with a public net-connected computer and visual access to a helpful volunteer or naturalist, possibly putting the library shelves adjacent to the naturalist for control and accessibility.

The Kubala Washatko A rchi tec ts, Inc. / M e i s n e r + Ass o c i at e s

Existing Site Assessment legend CNC Boundary Hiking trails 2 Meter Topography Pond Stream

Location Key 1.

Entry Gate

Rowe Visitorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Center

Krippendorf Lodge

Powell Crosley Lake

Spring Pond

Reservoir Pond

Lotus Pond

Mattâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pond

Groesbeck Lodge

10. Activity Building 11. Retreat House

Forest quality Key very high forest quality high forest quality medium forest quality low forest quality very low forest quality

slope analysis Key 0 - 5% 5 - 12% 12 - 20% Over 20%

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Proposed Trail Plan Proposed Trail Plan During the current master planning effort, it became apparent that just a few areas of the existing trail network needed to be upgraded or changed. Trail improvements focus on creating new All Persons Trails at both the Krippendorf and Groesbeck core areas and modifications to Fernwood Trail to connect it with an important overlook and future gardens. Krippendorf East All Persons Trail The alignment of this trail incorporates the former Edge Trail with modifications to eliminate steep grades to allow access for all. The trail begins at the new outdoor gathering space at the front entry of the Visitors Center and follows the south and east shore of Powell Crosley Lake. The trail then continues northward and away from the lake and enters the Successional Fields. From here the trail returns to the gathering space by way of the Oak AllĂŠe.

legend CNC Boundary Hiking trails Pond Stream

Trail marker icons Krippendorf East All-Persons Trail Krippendorf West All-Persons Trail Groesbeck All-Persons Trail Far Ridge Trail Fernwood Trail Geology Trail

Krippendorf West All Persons Trail The alignment of this trail follows sections of existing trails with some modifications. This trail begins at the new outdoor gathering space at the front entry of the Visitors Center and then heads east towards the Krippendorf Lodge along the south edge of the Celebration Garden. The trail heads north towards Lotus Pond, then proceeds west to Abner Hollow Cabin and Mattâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pond. The trail follows the west edge of the Celebration Garden and returns to the gathering space.

Lookout Trail Redwing Trail Upland Trail Whitetail Trail Wildflower Trail Interpretive Gathering Area

Groesbeck All Persons Trail The alignment of this trail follows sections of the Fernwood Trail. From Groesbeck Lodge the trail heads north along the large open space to an overlook that views the East Fork River Valley. The trail then follows the west edge of the ridge south past constructed wetlands for sanitary treatment. The trail then loops around the proposed parking area. The trail connects to the proposed canopy walk.

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Master Plan: Visitor / Krippendorf Core Visitor / Krippendorf Core

Krippendorf Lodge, the Abner Hollow Cabin, areas of old growth forest and areas of clearing.

Site Plan Analysis Map

Cultural Features

Larger scale plan and assessment of existing area showing existing buildings, trails, roads, topography, ponds, streams, forest quality, and hydric soils.

Master Plan Elements The major proposed Master Plan facilities are listed below (please see the Program for more detail).

The Oak Allée and Krippendorf buildings are among the significant cultural features. There are also numerous other site elements including the Celebration Gardens, Herb Wall, Limestone Steps, and Cold Frames found in this area.

Visitor Center

Trails

Camp Structures

Many of the trails begin and end around the Visitor Center.

facility

S q uare F ootage

Education Center Preschool

Land Programs

Roads

Operation & Maint.

These include asphalt entry drive from Tealtown Road and asphalt parking areas. The overflow lot is gravel, as well as all roads north from this point.

Parking :

very high forest quality high forest quality medium forest quality low forest quality very low forest quality

1 2 3 4 5

Entry Gate Rowe Visitor’s Center Krippendorf Lodge Powell Crosley Lake Reservoir Pond

Assessment of Existing Areas

Camp/Groesbeck

The above plan shows the existing conditions of the area surrounding the Rowe Visitor Center and Krippendorf Lodge. This area, referred to as the Visitor/Krippendorf Core, also includes the main entry to the site, the Entry Gate, main parking areas, a lake and several smaller ponds, the Operations and Maintenance Barn and Shed, with a few smaller outbuildings related to the

T h e K u b a l a Wa s h atko Ar c h i t e c t s , Inc. / Meisner + A ssociat es

The main feature in this core area is Avey’s Run. It is located to the south of the Visitor Center / Krippendorf Core area shown on the map at right. Forest Quality There is a wide mix of forest quality in this core area, ranging from very low quality scrub areas to extremely high quality old growth.

1,800 sf

8,400 sf plus 2,700 sf shelter

E x isting

88 spaces

The area from the entrance to the edge of the Visitor Center and Krippendorf Lodge is fairly level. There is a steep grade drop just to the south and west of the arc formed by these buildings.

Streams

6 @ 900 sf = 5,400 sf

Visitor Center Overflow

In addition to Powell Crosley Lake there are main three ponds - Reservoir Pond, Lotus Pond and Matt’s Pond. All three are in a state of putrefaction.

4,300 sf

Krippendorf

CNC boundary hiking trails 2 meter topography pond stream

7,100 sf

Topography

Ponds

10,000 sf 1st/Base, 4,300 sf 2nd

Retreat Cabins

Total

18,800 sf 1st/Base, 4,900 sf 2nd

P roposed

135 spaces

75 spaces

60 spaces

80 spaces

20 spaces

60 spaces

243 spaces

350 spaces

Traffic Flow The current entry sequence where parking cannot be seen until you arrive in the lot is strengthened. The southwest end of the Allée becomes a crossover point, where pedestrians move through it on walkways to access the Visitor Center and Education buildings. Service moves around the edge of the open space at the southwest edge to Visitor Center Loading Dock.

Visitor Center/Education/Staff This grouping of structures is envisioned as a series of low-roofed, light-filled buildings interconnected by a second floor bridge. The second floor staff areas would be concealed so that the perception would be of a single story building from entry or gathering areas.

Visitor / Krippendorf Core Master Plan

The Barn - near term plan for enhanced landscape screening, future new drop-off and use for storage/seed

Entry Gate - expand shack, additional traffic lanes

Landscape Restoration per Land Management Plan

Oak AllĂŠe - ongoing restoration of plantings

Parking - expand existing; bioswales /raingarden

Central Outdoor Room - grass area for gathering, Trail Head

Edge - bus drop-off, seed sales

Education - staff second floor, solar, bridge to L

Visitor Center - staff second floor, solar

Amphitheater/Pavilion - utilize existing RVC foundations

Celebration Garden Expansion

Overflow Parking enhancement

Maintenance Facilities

Preschool

Mattâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pond - redesign

Krippendorf Outbuildings

All Persons Trails

Natural Playscape - public

Abner Hollow Cabin - add porch

Overlooks

Field Habitat/Prairie/Songbird Plot

Drive to Camp/Groesbeck Core

CWST/Constructed Wetlands for Sanitary Treatment

AA. Native Plant Propagation Site

Succession Fields

Landscape Restoration per Land Management Plan

l to

Site Entry - enhanced turn lane

Tea

Lotus Pond

Q T H

Reservoir Pond

K I

Celebration Gardens

Powell Crosley Lake

T M

Herb Wall Limestone Steps

The Kubala Washatko A rchi tec ts, Inc. / M e i s n e r + Ass o c i at e s

Master Plan: Camp / Groesbeck Core Camp / Groesbeck Core

Nearby there is a Gate House Residence and a separate entrance to the site from Barg Salt Run Road.

Site Plan Analysis Map

Cultural Features

Camp

Larger scale plan and assessment of existing area showing existing buildings, trails, roads, topography, ponds, streams, forest quality, and hydric soils.

The Groesbeck Lodge and Rose Garden are among the significant cultural features. The Lodge has a dining room addition that does not qualify as culturally significant. The Greenhouse and Gate House may also qualify as significant. None of the other nearby camp buildings are of the quality or historic nature to deserve special protection. Trails This area could benefit from additional or enhanced trails. Several opportunities exist for a canopy walk or other high-low trail features. Roads All roads through this area are gravel. Development of this area may require some paving of roads to meet zoning. Topography

CNC boundary hiking trails 2 meter topography pond stream

very high forest quality high forest quality medium forest quality low forest quality very low forest quality

1 2 3 4 5

Entry Gate Rowe Visitorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Center Krippendorf Lodge Powell Crosley Lake Reservoir Pond

Assessment of Existing Areas The above plan shows the existing conditions of the area surrounding the former Wildwood Camp and Groesbeck Lodge. This area, referred to as the Camp/Groesbeck Core, also includes a former swimming pool site and Pool House, several camp structures, two cabins nestled in the woods, the Retreat House, a greenhouse, a Rose Garden and clearing near Groesbeck Lodge, areas of old growth forest and areas of clearing.

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Proposed Master Plan

Several deep ravines cut through this area, in particular between the Wildwood Camp structures and the Retreat House/Groesbeck Lodge. Ponds There are no ponds in this area, although there is a wetland at the bottom of the bluff directly west and slightly north of the Groesbeck Lodge Rose Garden. Streams Any streams in this core area are minor or seasonal. Forest Quality Much like the Visitor/Krippendorf Core, there is a wide mix of forest quality in this core area, ranging from very low quality scrub areas to extremely high quality old growth.

A new Camp Building, combining the uses of the Activity Building and Meadow Shelter would share a kitchen to better support camp activities in all kinds of weather. The existing Activity Building would remain. The Pool House across the drive, which has already seen partial demolition, would be completely removed. This area, along with the clearing where the pool was located, will become a parking area. The existing Bath House from 1996 will remain with some modest updating. When camp is not is session it could support some nearby overnight rental camping sites. Cabins/Retreat/Rental Six cabins, each with two bedrooms for 4-6 persons, a toilet room, kitchenette, small gathering room and a covered porch, would be grouped in a loose community near the Activity Building/Meadow Shelter. They would utilize either the renovated Retreat House meeting space or the Camp Building as the major meeting area if one is needed. Groesbeck Lodge The immediate strategy is to remove the dining room addition and mothball the Lodge to prevent further deterioration. In the long term, Cincinnati Nature Center wishes to encourage scientific research on its properties to study the impact of human activities on the varied ecosystems that exist in Southwest Ohio. With its unique setting and rich diversity of flora, fauna and historical uses, CNC offers a perfect location for a Center for Conservation Biology and Restoration Ecology. The Groesbeck Lodge facility may in turn offer an excellent home for this program. If the Center for Conservation Biology and Restoration Ecology is established, the Groesbeck Lodge may also support aspects of the Land Program.

Camp Groesbeck / Core Master Plan New Camp Building - activity space and shelter with gath-

Bath House - existing

Landscape Restoration per Land Management Plan

Possible Zone for Cabins/Tents and Access Trails

Canopy Walk Option 1, part of Fernwood Trail

Roadway Realignments

Existing Activity Building to remain

Remove Pool House, New Parking

Retreat House Rehab - remove bunkhouse portion

Parking

Canopy Walk Option 2 - remove dining room addition to

R T

Groesbeck Lodge

F D

I D

Gate House

J G

Groesbeck, relocate existing power poles that run through ravine or build platform out past that point

oad

ering/amphitheater shown facing north C.

tow

Drive to Visitor/Krippendorf Core

l Tea

Groesbeck Lodge Zone - mothball; future use for Center for Conservation Biology and Restoration Ecology

Overlook

All Persons Trail

CWST/Constructed Wetlands for Sanitary Treatment

Greenhouse

Restore Rose Garden Circle

Canopy Walk Option 3

Possible Zone for Cabins

Bone Yard

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Land Management Land Management Program “The land ethic simply enlarges the boundaries of the community to include soils, waters, plants, and animals, or collectively: the land.” - Aldo Leopold, A Sand County Almanac, 1949

Cincinnati Nature Center Land Management Units Map by Northern Kentucky University, 2005

The Cincinnati Nature Center’s goal for land management is to provide and maintain in perpetuity a mosaic of biodiverse habitats for education, research, and visitor experience. Land Management Objectives: • Protect and conserve native bio-diversity by restoring, enhancing, and maintaining native habitat.

1: Highest Priority 2 3 4

• Protect and conserve physical, cultural, and scenic resources.

• Provide opportunities, trails and facilities for appropriate recreation, research, and education.

• Minimize conflicts between land uses by establishing land use zones.

• Promote visitor safety on the land.

• Promote understanding of CNC’s land management decisions.

Guiding Principles

12: Lowest Priority Roads 5-Meter Contours

• A sound land ethic: CNC is committed to responsible stewardship of all its properties and will carry out its mission in as ecologically sound a manner as is realistically feasible.

Minor Streams

• The maintenance of diverse ecological habitats

Cincinnati Nature Center Property

• Acknowledgment of CNC’s cultural history and legacies • CNC’s mission to teach in, and investigate, the outdoors • The need to control populations of native and non-native invasive species • The need to maintain balanced populations of native species • The need to minimize the adverse impact of people who visit and use our properties

T h e K u b a l a Wa s h atko Ar c h i t e c t s , Inc. / Meisner + A ssociat es

Major Streams/Rivers/Ponds/Lakes Buildings

Ba rg Sa lt R un Rd

Native Vegetation Restoration Native Plant Propagation Center

Figure 2A Detailed Vegetation Assessment Cincinnati Nature Center

L it tl e

mm iiaa

ii RR

iivv

eerr

EEaa

ork st F

In our efforts to restore and enhance native bio-diversity CNC will require a stock of local native plants to be planted in management areas after invasive species removal. The most effective means to achieve this is to develop a native plant propagation center using collected seeds from CNC lands. A NPPC will also increase educational opportunities about local sustainability, native biodiversity, plant growth and life cycles. The site will need:

R ou n d b ot t o m R d

§ ¦ ¨ 275

Detailed Vegetation Assessment Clermont County, Ohio

Map by Northern Kentucky University, 2005 Detailed Vegetation Type

Young Mesic Hardwood Young Mesic HardwoodForest Forest Mature Mesic Hardwood Forest

Mature Mesic Hardwood Forest Over Mature Mesic Hardwood Forest Old Growth Mesic Hardwood Forest

Over-mature Mesic Hardwood Forest Young Oak Forest

• Good water source and maximum sunlight exposure

Mature Oak Forest Old Growth Mesic Hardwood Forest

• Greenhouse (or two) and a nursery area will be needed

Over Mature Oak Forest

Old Growth Young Oak ForestOak Forest

• Supply of mulch/soil will need to be located nearby

Young Bottomland Forest Mature Bottomland Forest Mature Oak Forest

• A small space to prepare seedlings

Old Growth Bottomland Forest

Over-mature Oak Forest Emergent Wetland

• A tractor and trailer will be required to transport plants

R Rdd

un y's R Ave

• Storage area for equipment (e.g., planting pots, tools, hoses)

wnn oow aalltt TTee

• A small space for volunteers

Forested Wetland

Old Growth ForestDisturbed Forest Early Oak Successional Young Disturbed Forest

Young Bottomland Forest Mature Disturbed Forest Old Field Mature Bottomland Forest Fescue Field

Lawn Bottomland Forest Old Growth Conifer Plantation

A ve y's

R un E

hh as t B r aanncc

Arboretum Emergent Wetland

ra nc h

Prairie (Planted)

n W e s tt R Ruun ''ss eeyy

ForestedCedar Wetland Woodland Utility Corridor

Early Successional Disturbed Forest Parking Lot Young Disturbed Forest Roads 5 Meter Contours

Minor StreamsForest Mature Disturbed Major Streams/Rivers Ponds and Lakes

Old FieldBuildings

Cincinnati Nature Center

Property Fescue Field

Lawn

Notes: The detailed vegetation assessment of the Cincinnati Nature Center property was determined using GIS data and aerial photographs (2000) provided by the Clermont County Planning Commission, as well as field surveys conducted in June/July 2004 by professional staff of the Center for Applied Ecology, Northern Kentucky University. This project was conducted for the Cincinnati Nature Center.

Conifer Plantation Arboretum

Data Projection: State Plane Ohio South (meters) Datum: North American Datum 1983

Prairie (Planted)

Center for Applied Ecology, Northern Kentucky University January 2005

Cedar Woodland 1,000

500

Utility Corridor She d rd R ph a

Site North of Tealtown Existing barn, wood chip pile and open fields.

Parking Lot

Clermont County, Ohio

Cincinnati Nature Center

1,000

Feet

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Preliminary Program Cincinnati Nature Center - Rowe Woods Preliminary Building Program Space

Name

Draft

12/16/08

Existing Net SF

Existing Location

# of Occ.

NSF/ Occ.

Net SF/ Room Qty

Proposed Total Sq. Ft.

Proposed Location

Exist/ Rem/ New Patterns/Notes

Name

Space

Entry Gate Staff Shack

SUB TOTAL - Entry Gate

GH-1

45 45

Entry Gate

New

nsf

Meeting Room Medium 2 People. 2 Lanes in (1 with card swipe), 1 lane out. Turnaround. Meeting Room Small About 60 gross square feet as stand-alone structure Catering Kitchen

Visitor Center 250

RVC-1

Information Desk/Naturalist

120

RVC-2

Exhibit Display Space

750

RVC-3

Exhibits Storage

30 30

10 60

Wildlife Viewing Area (Quiet)

710

RVC-10 30

300

Visitor Center

New

Airlock Entry

Storage for Rental Space

150

1800

1,800

225

TOTAL Sq. Footage - Krippendorf Rental

500

Factor for structure, walls & circulation

Library here, behind desk 0

750

w/ Computers. Relate to Art Gallery?

RVC-8

400

2 Alcoves. Ages 2-8(200sf) w/ treehouse and Ages 8-12(200sf)

Bistro/Vending (Loud)

790

RVC-7

1000

1,000

Krippendorf Outdoors With access to outdoor eating area. Existing Vending is 240sf outside.

275

Proposed Location

497

KL-102

Exist

390

KL-101

275

KL-103

KL-109

150

Parking

41,640

100

SUB TOTAL - Krippendorf Outdoors

41,640

2500

2,500

RVC-25

200

A/V Storage

200

Coat Room

100

500

350

0 108 Jonathon Swiger

Visitor Services Associate

RVC-31 RVC-21a

120

Service Closet Shared Storage/Loading

Shared Corner of Visitor Services Coordinator Office?

380

Access to Exterior/Open Lobby

345

RVC-28

500

117

RVC-29

Art Gallery Marilyn Bridges

Back Stock Storage/Staging/Pricing Nature Shop Bulk Storage Seed Storage/Sales SUB TOTAL - Nature Shop

TOTAL Sq. Footage - Common / Public Areas

900

120

300

1000

1,000

500

MB-1

Rem

1,067

4,020

nsf

7,036

14,420

nsf

Factor for structure, walls & circulation

35%

19,470

TOTAL AREA SQ. FT.

150

RVC-21

Staff Restrooms

gsf

KL-208

796

KL-201,IH-1, YG-2

Access to Seed Sales

nsf

gsf

555

41625

41,625

200

Preschool

New

120

300

150

Preschool Classroom

900

3,600

Mudroom

200

Preschool Storage

150

Teacher Lounge/Prep

200

Preschool Porch

200

300

Education

New

100

Free Play Area

200

TOTAL - Preschool Outdoors

300

120

200

100

Shared Storage

200

150

SUB TOTAL - Common Area

1,700

May be part of Large Gathering SF below Preschool

Experiential Education Specialist

Environmental Educator

RVC-11

120

Ed Bldg 2nd

New

Amy Johnson

RVC-12

Jennifer Ghai

RVC-19

Bill Creasey

RVC-13

Jason Neumann

RVC-14

209

RVC-B2

340

Summer Camp/Visiting Staff

Interns

114

RVC-17/18

Existing Center first floor Mudroom encl. w/ Offices is about 11,540 gsf

Activity Room Activity Building Toilet Rooms Meadow Shelter w/ Kitchen

136

150

Covered 6 x 6 Workstation with 1.4 OOA factor

Education

200

800

SUB TOTAL - Porch Areas

1,536

300

611

300 3,346

Immediate/Indoor needs 0

Teaching Space 1000

1,000

Education

New

Classroom 1

1,256

RVC-B5

400

Dividable in half (2 at 200sf)

Prairie Demo Plot

0.50

2.00

Classroom 2

1,058

RVC-B2

400

Dividable in half (2 at 200sf)

Succession Field Demo Plots

1.50

Classroom 3

400

Dividable in half (2 at 200sf)

SUB TOTAL - Visitor Outdoors

2.25

7.00

Classroom 4

400

Dividable in half (2 at 200sf)

Training Room

100

May be viewable into classroom

Storage

150

600

2,314

SUB TOTAL - Teaching Space

10,000

Celebration Gardens

18,000

20,000

Trailhead Gathering

6,000

3,000

Visitor Center Exterior Gathering

700

20,000

Canopy Walk/Observation Tower

400

Education Outdoors - Large Scale

400

Field Habitat

Composting Bins Matt's Pond Abner Cabin (w/ New Porch) Bone Yard Sugar House SUB TOTAL - Visitor Outdoors

0 6,700

6,700

800

1,500

0 200 87,000

TOTAL Sq. Footage - Education

400

139,250

YG-1

3,300

nsf

8,346

nsf

1,004

BH-1-4

442

884 3,312

AB-1

Exist

BH-1-4

Exist

2 or 3 at Groesbeck Upper Terrace by Ros

200

100

3,583 35%

670 4,020

nsf nsf for 6

7,332

nsf

2,566

9,900

gsf

Existing Cabin with new self-supporting porch towards Matt's Pond Education Outdoors - Smaller

Exist

20' x 20' w/ 10' all around

Rem

Room for 25, with adjacent Experiential covered wood shed, 1/2 of Yellow Garage Education Storage 2

3.00

TOTAL - Education Outdoors

acres

Amphitheater

2,000

Parking

TOTAL - Camp/Rentals Outdoors

350

21000

21,000

23,000

0.53 acres

Archives/Research

Current is near Cabin

acres

1,000 1000

1.50

2.50

Camp/Rentals Outdoor - Smaller Scale

gsf

Education

New

2,000

MB-1, MB-B1&B2 Exist

3,000

Archives Room

288

KL-204

Exist

Work/Research Room

288

KL-205

331

KL-206

Exhibit Room 0

Scale

Gathering/Porch near Building

1.00

TOTAL - Camp/Rentals Outdoors

SUB TOTAL - Archives/Research

TOTAL Sq. Footage - Archives Factor for structure, walls & circulation 0

0 0 35%

907

nsf

907

nsf

317

1,220

TOTAL AREA SQ. FT.

Page 1 Page 2

Mouse-Proff Kitchen

nsf

100

THE KUBALA WASHATKO ARCHITECTS, INC.

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1004 884 3,583

ARCHIVES

3.00

THE KUBALA WASHATKO ARCHITECTS, INC.

Tent Camping Sites

2,921

11,270

Rem

3.20 acres

THE KUBALA WASHATKO ARCHITECTS, INC.

35%

TOTAL AREA SQ. FT.

TOTAL - Education Outdoors Could be Same Size but Shallower.

1,600 SH-1

3,075

Factor for structure, walls & circulation

LC-2

Gathering/Play Area

Meeting/Gathering

200

Camp/Rentals Outdoor - Large Scale

2.50

Amphitheater

TOTAL AREA SQ. FT.

1.00

200

nsf

0.25

28,000

AB-2/5

Factor for structure, walls & circulation

0.00

123

Porch

TOTAL Sq. Footage - Camp/Rent

Natural Playscape

28000

SUB TOTAL - Cabins

Meadow Maze

350

1,500

Cabins (6 Total)

200

SUB TOTAL - Non-Teaching Space

- Cincy Nature Camp

First Aid Room

New

112

200

Education Reference/Files

Experiential Education Storage 1

Toilets/Shower 6 x 8 Workstation with 1.4 0 OOA SUBfactor TOTAL

Shared Space or Overflow Bathrooms for Education General Staff

Speciman Room

(61 sp.)

Activity/Shelter

1500

Kitchenette

Education Program Storage/Staging

17,800

AB-1

Gathering w/ Wood Stove

Overflow Parking

1,500

MS-1

acres

AB-3/4

New

Visitor Outdoors - Smaller Scale

1500

112 1,460

New

Current Location is Best

1,004

Cabins

acre

250

Visitor Center

nsf

0.50

400

Visitor Outdoors - Large Scale

gsf

125

150

47,250

nsf

Bedrooms for 4-6 each

1,000

5,270 1,845

Meeting/Small Activity Space Connie O'Connor

47250

35%

Cincy Nature Camp 1:50 req'd

Non-Teaching Space

350

Outdoors

Storage

135

nsf

w/ Kitchenette (100sf), Toilet (130sf) and C

CAMP AND RENTAL/RETREAT

nsf

400

(88 sp.)

5,270

7,110

150

36,800

SUB TOTAL - Preschool

300

1000

Parking

Exist/ Rem/ New Patterns/Notes

Parent Lounge

TOTAL Sq. Footage - Preschool

0.96 acres

366

1,550

Proposed Location

Use Existing

1,050

120

Proposed Total Sq. Ft.

Reception/Admin. Assist

Cubbies

Porch

Discovery Porch

Net SF/ Room Qty

Entry/Lobby/Drop Off

1 Office Immediate storage in 201, tables in Ice House and 1/2 Yellow Garage

908

100

No windows or controlled daylight, Lockable 1 Education & Vis. Serv. Director Can be combined with Staging/Pricing 1 Education Admin. Assist. Can be combined with Retail Manager Office 1 Admin. Assist./Registration Coord. Door to Exterior 1 Chief Naturalist

Porch Areas Viewing Porch

NSF/ Occ.

Family Changing Room

nsf

Server/Data

CincyNature Camp, SP Coord

5,047

Hearth - Kitchen/Lounge/Coffee

New

256

41,625

Resource/Mail Area

nsf

Visitor Center

# of Occ.

TOTAL AREA SQ. FT.

Printer/Copy Room

1,200

(75 sp.)

Meeting/Work Space

190

2,594

Waiting

1200

256

2,594

Reception

RVC-33

RVC-9

YG-1

Entry/Lobby

RVC-32/34

950

KL-109

Common Area

Nature Shop Nature Shop

Existing Location

Factor for structure, walls & circulation

10,355

Existing Net SF

EDUCATION DEPARTMENT

353

5,969

SUB TOTAL - Visitor Central

120

Name

Space

250

380

3,500

100 RVC-26

TOTAL AREA SQ. FT.

150

2,120

380

35%

Retail Manager Office

Exist/ Rem/ New Patterns/Notes

Proposed Total Sq. Ft.

2,402

Restrooms

KL-103

Recycling Center

Kitchen/Catering Staging

275

Bistro Storage

Visitor Services Coordinator

Net SF/ Room Qty

2,402

SUB TOTAL - Krippendorf Rental

200

Conference - Medium/Large

390

860

Child Activity Area (Loud)

Large Meeting Room Storage

497

KL-101

380

Knowledge Center (Quiet)

Auditorium/Large Meeting Room

KL-102

390

NSF/ Occ.

Bridal Suite

Lobby/Common Entry

497

# of Occ.

PRESCHOOL

Meeting Room Large

Entry Gate

Existing Location

KRIPPENDORF RENTAL

COMMON / PUBLIC AREAS

Existing Net SF

gsf

Sink, microwave, hotplate, small refrigerat

Space

Name

Existing Net SF

Existing Location

# of Occ.

NSF/ Occ.

Net SF/ Room Qty

Proposed Total Sq. Ft.

Proposed Location

Exist/ Rem/ New Patterns/Notes

Staff Commons Waiting Staff Meeting Room/Workroom

120

Visitor Center 2nd New

400

150

Hearth - Kitchen/Lounge/Coffee

200

Staff Mail Center/Supplies

120

200

800

Ed Bldg 2nd

120

Printer/Copy Room

Staff Restrooms

RVC-30

Staff Lunchroom/Volunteer Room Deliveries/Unpacking/Storage 56

SUB TOTAL - Staff Commons

200 800 2,050

Assist. Operations Director

Bob Bolce

Maintenance Supervisor

Keith Schrichten

Buildings & Grounds Staff Area

Existing Location

176

GC-102

# of Occ.

NSF/ Occ.

Control Room Key Shop/Plan Room

Bill Hopple

184

RVC-4

200

Exec. Admin. Assistant

Diana Ritterholz

122

RVC-5

100

Finance & Operations Director

Tom Price

117

RVC-6

150

Accounting Coordinator

Gina Galvin

Finance Assistant

future

122

RVC-5

Admin. Conference Room

Kitchenette

400

800

Auto Bays

200

MS-1

Custodial Storage

250

Receiving Dock/Storage

300

200

For Master Plan purposes, the major enclosed facility elements based on the program can be roughly rounded to the following:

Lockers

Lockers, Mail Slots

First Floor Second Floor Total

1. Visitor Center

18,800 gsf (1st)

4,900 gsf (2nd)

23,700 gsf

2. Education

10,500 gsf (1st)

4,600 gsf (2nd)

15,100 gsf

3. Preschool

7,100 gsf

4. Camp Building

4,300 gsf

100

Storage - General

500

200

Land Steward Vol. Prog. Storage

180

Herbicide/Pesticide/Mitigation/Equipment/Tools, Herbicide No Drain

Land Steward Vol. Prog. Files

Here or with Land Programs?

1,300

Future Office 9

1,850

TOTAL Sq. Footage - Ops & Maint.

nsf

MB-1/GC-103

3,486

SUB TOTAL - Operations

3,486 35%

150

Ed Bldg 2nd

New

PR & Membership Manager

Lisa Mueller

125

KL-208

100

Firewood Cutting/Storage Area

Graphic Designer

Jennifer Whittle

106

KL-201

130

Large Equipment Bays

Membership Assistant

Cathy Wheeler

125

KL-208

Bulk Storage (Mulch, Gravel, Salt)

Intern

100

KL-201

100

Annual Giving Manager

Mary Wilkens

144

KL-205

100

Recycle Area/Dumpsters

Volunteer Manager

Sarah Holland

RVC-20

Parking

2,000

Special Events Manager

Kristi Masterson

288

KL-204

100

TOTAL - Op/Maint Outdoors

3,640

Expansion Space

159

KL-203

150

120

300

1,579

120 300 1,522

6 x 8 Workstation with 1.4 OOA factor Operations/Maintenance

6 x 6 Workstation with 1.4 OOA factorArea Fueling

Volunteer Services 350

350

Childcare Provider

100

Childcare Room

650

288

1,100

Visitor Center 2nd New

540

(Gas/Oil, Waste Oil)

RVC-16

RVC-23

100

SUB TOTAL - Information Tech

168

6,140

2,564 35%

Central to Offices

8,290

New

350

3500

RVC-15

100

GC-102

Exist

GC-102

GC-101

300

GC-101

Volunteer/Intern Space

200

GC-103

Rem

Conference Room

200

GC-103

Print/Copy Space

100

GC-103

Resource/Research Room

200

GC-103

Storage/Field Sampling Equip.

200

SH-1

Exist

1,368

nsf

1,368

nsf

1800

3,600

4942 Tealtown

New

1250

1,250

Exist

In Barn

100

In Barn

Storage

200

In Barn

5,150

nsf

5,150

nsf

35%

1,803

6,950

gsf

10.00

acres

3.00

acres

13.00

acres

EXISTING BUILDING UNCHANGED

12,970 gsf

EXISTING BUILDING REMODELED

4,190 gsf

NEW CONSTRUCTION

Land Programs spaces to move to Groesbeck at end of ten year plan

NEW PORCH/OPEN SHELTER MASTER PLAN BUILDING TOTAL GROSS

" Would not meet square footage (would be part of larger space) Is heat needed for space?

479

1,850

Specific Room Requirements

gsf

TOTALS

gsf

8,400 gsf

3,500

8,200

Volunteer Space

TOTAL - NPPC Outdoors

nsf

7. Ops & Maint. Phase II - Reuse beams from existing RVC

800 10

Seedling Prep Area

Mulch/Soil Storage

343

35%

Ops&Maint

600 300

Greenhouse

Nursery Area

nsf

LAND PROGRAMS/MANAGEMENT OFFICE

416

300 2,700

2,149

TOTAL AREA SQ. FT.

416

NPPC Outdoor

1,800 gsf

6. Land Programs

gsf

THE KUBALA WASHATKO ARCHITECTS, INC.

Page 4

A number of rooms within the program have been identified as having very specific requirements. Though they may be too specific for Master Planning purposes, it is helpful to keep this information together for the next phase of Schematic Design development.

Lookout Fields and Farm Across Tealtown Road from Core

Factor for structure, walls & circulation

Visitor Center 2nd New

180

300

TOTAL AREA SQ. FT.

Network Server

MS-2

800

TOTAL Sq. Footage - NPPC

Information Technology

nsf

Outdoor

0 SUB TOTAL - NPPC space) SEE PATTERN (Separate from Staff Lunch/Volunteer

nsf

5,400 gsf

6,217

NATIVE PLANT PROPOGATION CENTER

nsf

8,390

KL-205

5. Retreat Cabins (6 @ 900 sf)

6,217

2,176

TOTAL AREA SQ. FT.

KL-206

THE KUBALA WASHATKO ARCHITECTS, INC.

Direct Exit

100

144

TOTAL AREA SQ. FT.

800

331

Factor for structure, walls & circulation

400

Lori Walker-Huelsman

TOTAL Sq. Footage - Land Programs

120

MB-B1

Susan Knight

SUB TOTAL - Land Man. Off.

MB-B2

M&D Admin. Assistant

120

Summary of Master Plan Program Pieces

Recycle Area

545

Jason Brown

Science Lab/Water Quality Lab

Future Land Steward/GIS

160

Land Preservation Specialist/GIS

375

860

M&D Director

Factor for structure, walls & circulation

100

TOTAL Sq. Footage - Staff Areas

120

280

120

250

Doug Kinslow

392

800

100

SUB TOTAL - Volunteer Services

120

800

RVC-22

56 120

400

288

Volunteer Headquarters

New

100

SUB TOTAL - Marketing & Development

Ops&Maint

120

250

Storage - Dedicated M&D

120

800

100

Files/Copy Area

120

800

Admin. Long Term Storage

Work Area

120

200

Admin. Filing Storage (Fin. Records)

Information Tech. Manager

Exist/ Rem/ New Patterns/Notes

Carpenter Shop

Proposed Location

Mechanical Shop

Factor for structure, walls & circulation

Proposed Total Sq. Ft.

Tool and Wheelbarrow Storage

Marketing and Development

Net SF/ Room Qty

Covered Large Tool Area

Visitor Center 2nd New

Admin. Work Room

SUB TOTAL - Administration

GC-103

Bathrooms/Showers

Administration Executive Director

120

Open Meeting/Volunteer Area 1:50 req'd

nsf

Existing Net SF

OPERATIONS & MAINTENANCE

STAFF AREAS

Name

Space

68,610 gsf 8,300 gsf 94,070 gsf

1. Volunteer Headquarters • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

15’ x 22’ Adjacent room with cabinets Near Education Supply room 1 table for 6 to 8 people Computer Desk Bookshelf for 50 books 10 big lockers/10 small lockers Microwave and Coffeemaker Mug Storage Nametag Board 2’ x 3’ Bulletin Board for Notices Dry Erase Board Sink Mid-sized Refrigerator

2. Staff Lunchroom • Refrigerator and Sink • Cabinets /Pantry • Microwave and Toaster Oven

3. Education Rooms • Large meeting space for 80 to 100, mostly sitting on floor. Adjacent to janitor’s closet or sink to clean art supplies and pond nets. Permanent A/V set up. • In each of 8 rooms a table for microscopes, a computer, and a pull-down screen with a place to set up a digital projector near computer. • All flooring easily cleaned of mud.

Page 5

The Kubala Washatko A rchi tec ts, Inc. / M e i s n e r + Ass o c i at e s

Sustainability & Regeneration

Sustainability Goals Inherent in the Mission of Cincinnati Nature Center, along with the economics of long-term ownership, sustainability is an important component in all aspects of the operation of the site and its facilities. In addition to a healthy environment for flora, fauna, visitors and staff, there are educational and long-term cost saving opportunities. For this Master Plan we will set goals and strategies which are to be followed up and expanded upon in future phases. The overall goal is to achieve a balance of sustainability and economic responsibility, as the amount of funds Cincinnati Nature

T h e K u b a l a Wa s h atko Ar c h i t e c t s , Inc. / Meisner + A ssociat es

Center has for facility improvements is also a precious resource to be used wisely. Ranging from simply choosing the easiest, common sense strategies such as the orientation of a building to the sun and wind to much more intense techniques and technologies, CNC desires to be as sustainable as possible without resorting to high-cost elements simply to chase LEED® points. A net-zero energy building which would match a LEED® Gold or Platinum rating would help meet the Mission of the CNC and provide teachable examples of the ideas and technologies visitors can use at their own homes and workplaces.

Net-zero simply means the building has a net energy consumption of zero over a typical year. Unlike Carbon Neutral, which has many definitions, the US Department of Energy has established a definition and a database of sample zero energy buildings, or ZEB’s. Given the number of buildings on the Rowe Woods site, some existing and some to be new, choosing one new structure for LEED® certification and making the rest as sustainable as possible seems the best course of action. The LEED® certification may expand to two, if there is a new Visitor Center separate from the proposed new Education Building.

LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) Credits General sustainability strategies, including those leading to LEED® credits, are shown below. The majority of these credits are the same whether LEED® version 2.2 or LEED® 2009 is used as the guideline. Additional opportunities for innovation points and regional responses may occur in the latter version.

Water Efficiency

Sustainable Sites

• Credit 1.2 Water Efficient Landscaping, No Potable Use or No Irrigation - rely on captured rainwater and/or recycled wastewater only.

• Credit 1 Site Selection – possible • Credit 4.2 Alternative Transportation – provide bike racks • Credit 4.3 Alternative Transportation – provide preferred parking for low emitting and fuel efficient vehicles • Credit 4.4 Parking Capacity – limit amount of parking • Credit 5.1 Site Development – protect or restore habitat near to new construction • Credit 5.2 Site Development, Maximize Open Space Minimize site building footprint. Provide vegetated area equal to building footprint. Green roof area also applies to this credit. • Credit 6.1 Stormwater Design, Quantity Control - cisterns, permeable pavement, wetlands, raingardens, bioswales • Credit 6.2 Stormwater Design, Quality Control - wetlands to purify runoff • Credit 7.1 Heat Island Effect, Non-Roof - provide 50% of site hardscape with any of the following; shade, paving material with solar reflectance index of at least 29, and open grid pavement. • Credit 7.2 Heat Island Effect, Roof - green roof over a minimum of 50% of building • Credit 8 Light Pollution Reduction – minimize outdoor lighting to safely light parking areas, use full cutoff fixtures.

• Credit 1.1 Water Efficient Landscaping, Reduce 50% drought tolerant plants, capture rainwater with cistern, recycle wastewater.

• Credit 2 Innovative Wastewater Technologies, Constructed Wetlands for Sanitary Treatment - Treated water must be infiltrated or used on site. • Credit 3.1 20% Water Use Reduction – Through a combination of sensor-equipped faucets and low flow toilets, possibly including composting toilets or waterless urinals.

Energy & Atmosphere • Credit 1 Optimize Energy Performance – This is where energy costs can be cut. There are quite a few points available here, but the balance is what makes sense for the building. For example, extra insulation means extra performance but twelve-inch-thick walls may not be cost effective.

• Credit 5 Measurement & Verification – The controls needed mean additional costs, but may be useful for teaching or operations. • Credit 6 Green Power – A two-year contract to purchase at least 35% of the electricity from green sources. The rate is higher, but supports alternative energy sources. If the Center purchases at a reduced rate, the differential may make this credit less feasible, however, it also counts toward the net-zero energy use.

Materials & Resources • Credit 1 Building Reuse – If part of the existing Rowe Visitor Center is reused. • Credit 2 Construction Waste Management – This credit has become far more achievable as contractors are seeing the benefit and savings of recycling. • Credit 4 Recycled Content (10%/20%) – specify site furniture, pavements, etc. made of recycled materials. • Credit 5 Regional Materials (10%/20%) – specify materials made within a 500 mile radius.

• Credit 2 On Site Renewable Energy – provide suitable locations for wind, solar, biomass, and geothermal. This will be critical to achieve a net-zero building. Master Plan is for solar on Education/Visitor Center buildings and wind power to be located across Tealtown Road near Plant Propagation Farm.

Indoor Environmental Quality

• Credit 3 Enhanced Commissioning – LEED® requires fundamental commissioning as a prerequisite. Enhanced Commissioning requires it be a third party, but from a cost standpoint is an additional fraction of the basic fundamental commissioning.

• Credit 3 Construction IAQ Management – Construction is a messy process and can leave contaminants behind. Reducing this risk and flushing the building before occupancy is best for the health of the occupants.

• Credit 4 Low Emitting Materials – specify low-emitting sealants, adhesives, carpets and paints. • Credit 5 Indoor Chemical and Pollutant Source Control Walk-off mats at entries and enclosing print/copy rooms are just two strategies. • Credit 6 Controllability of Systems – Control of lighting is a standard. • Credit 7 Thermal Comfort – Exceed the national standard for occupant comfort. • Credit 8 Daylight and Views – The strategies used to achieve these credits also help in quite a few others. Natural daylighting of a building can reduce energy use and provide a better working environment.

Innovation Points Having a LEED® accredited professional will garner one point. The innovation points are more open, and may include such strategies as: • Use of green cleaning products • Use of systems furniture in the office area that comply with LEED®-CI • Green tours or education • Going beyond the requirements of the above credits

• Credit 2 Increased Ventilation – Operable windows are still the best.

The Kubala Washatko A rchi tec ts, Inc. / M e i s n e r + Ass o c i at e s

Assessment of Existing Facilities Summary Assessment

Rowe Visitor Center

Site Utilities - Water: There is a 6 inch main that comes off Tealtown Road that is feeding the Rowe Visitor Center, Krippendorf Lodge and Wildwood Core. The main comes off Tealtown to a hydrant in the Oak Allée, then it turns slightly right across the field and goes under the main parking lot and picnic area. Forty feet past the picnic area it feeds the Visitor Center with a 2.5 inch line that comes in near the primary bathrooms. The main continues down the Krippendorf drive about 150 to 200 feet where it splits. The main line goes to Wildwood between Matt’s Pond and the overflow parking lot. A smaller line continues along the Krippendorf driveway then turns toward and feeds Krippendorf Lodge.

RVC-28 Storage 345 sf

RVC-29 Oﬃce 117 sf RVC-30 Staﬀ Tlt. 56 sf

RVC-26 Discovery Porch 366 sf

RVC-27 Vending 240 sf

RVC-31 Kitchen 108 sf

RVC-34 Women 164 sf

RVC-32 Men 189 sf

RVC-4 Oﬃce 184 sf

RVC-33 Jan. Cl. 52 sf

RVC-1 Entry 250 sf

RVC-25 Storage 81 sf

RVC-5 Oﬃce 244 sf

RVC-2 Naturalist/ Reception 120 sf

RVC-6 Oﬃce 117 sf

RVC-3 Exhibits 750 sf

RVC-23 Mech./IT 228 sf

RVC-24 Porch 1,050 sf

RVC-7 Bistro 790 sf

Auditorium 2,120 sf

RVC-8 Child Activity 200 sf

RVC-9 Nature Shop 950 sf

In order to assess the ability for this line to feed expanded building program (new Preschool, Education Building and a new Visitor Center), or to assess if there is an ability to sprinkler any of the new structures, a flow test to the nearest hydrant that gives the static pressure, residual pressure and gallons flowing would be needed.

RVC-20 Oﬃce 57 sf

RVC-22 Volunteer Room 288 sf

RVC-19 Oﬃce 57 sf RVC-18 Oﬃce 57 sf

RVC-21a Oﬃce 55 sf

RVC-17 Oﬃce 57 sf

RVC-21 Copy 150 sf

Porch 120 sf

RVC-10 Bird Viewing 710 sf

RVC-16 Oﬃce 46 sf

RVC-15 RVC-14 Oﬃce Oﬃce 73 sf 50 sf

RVC-13 RVC-12 Oﬃce Oﬃce 50 sf 50 sf

RVC-11 Oﬃce 81 sf

RVC-B1 Oﬃce 209 sf

Building 1,339 gsf Porch 341 gsf Building 1,680 gsf

Site utilities - Electric: The power poles, transformer and lines that run north of Groesbeck and feed the camp are in a poor position for two of the three proposed canopy walk locations. It would be desirable to move or bury them.

centering (roughly three inches thick). The roof framing is typically timber decking on beams at a five foot (plus/minus) spacing. There are some deep timber member trusses above the Nature Shop. The remainder of the area appears to be mostly wall bearing (for the beams), with the exception of the auditorium area. In that area, there are beams above the divider walls, roughly fifteen feet apart.

RVC-B2

Lake Room 1,058 sf

There was a discussion about moisture related smells in the lower level, but we found no evidence of leakage where we could see the basement walls. The only “condition-related” area of concern that we saw in this building was the obvious insect infestation (probably termites) at the porch. The extent of damage was difficult to pinpoint, but it appears to include both the wood siding and the upper level stud wall, with possibly some damage to the roof framing. We saw no evidence of foundation movement or slab movement. Minor drywall cracks were found in some of the partitions behind the auditorium, but they did not seem to be indicators of building movement. There seem to be no structural restrictions on the ability to add to this building - however, site, code and “green” implications may change that perspective. Windows:

RVC-B5

Pine Room

RVC-B4 Boys 110 sf

Single-glazed windows.

RVC-B3 Girls 110 sf

1,256 sf

Functional Condition:

O RT H

Roof: No leaks reported recently. Some previous fixes to areas around the skylight at the fireplace. Structure: The Rowe Visitor Center was built in two steps - the second step is roughly defined by the footprint of the lower level. The floor framing is twelve inch depth bar joists, supporting a slab on metal

T h e K u b a l a Wa s h atko Ar c h i t e c t s , Inc. / Meisner + A ssociat es

• Use - The shape of the building does not lend itself easily to a gut rehab, although opportunities exist. An addition would be required. • Accessibility - The steep slope to the entrance is an issue for wheelchairs, and may exceed code allowance in particular for slope over the amount of distance. Energy Use/Sustainability: • Insulation Values - Low, especially at single glazed windows.

GC-202 Room 174 sf

GC-203 Room 176 sf

Tower 100 sf

16’-0”

Brick Garage

36’-0”

30’-0”

LC-1

Cabin Room SH-1 GC-101 Water Lab 343 sf

GC-102 Oﬃce 176 sf

Sugar House

GC-103 Storage 458 sf

200 sf

30’-0”

38’-8”

16’-4”

43’-0”

14’-0”

260 sf

BG-( Open Garage 860 sf

Lewis Center at Oberlin College

30 kBTU per SF per yr

Aldo Leopold Legacy Center

25 kBTU per SF per yr

Summary Recommendation: A cost comparison showed that the investment to bring the existing building up-to-date and add on would be equal to or greater than constructing a new facility. The advantages of a new Visitor Center would include better energy performance, accessibility, and better match to functional needs. The existing facility has good structure, which could be saved and reused for maintenance facilities, but will always have the disadvantage of ‘making do’ for

The difference in annual energy costs between the Rowe Visitor Center and the three high performance buildings is between $1.00 and $1.15 per square foot per year. A gut rehab or replacement of the Rowe Visitor Center would have the potential of generating a large and continually growing annual energy savings.

Physical Condition: Good physical condition, no obvious problems with brick or wood framing. Roof and windows in good shape. Concrete floor repair is needed. Functional Condition: Currently used for Krippendorf event storage. Summary Recommendation: The yellow brick does not fit in with anything else on site. As an unconditioned garage space, it may best be used for housing Experiential Education activities including the Sugar House, as it is close to the Krippendorf kitchen. Use as a Sugar House would also require wood storage, which may be one way to provide a screening of the yellow brick.

16’-0”

190 sf

31 kBTU per SF per yr

IH-1

Ice House

Schlitz Audubon Nature Center

6’-0”

NORTH

T-1

12’-0”

16’-4”

GC-201 Room 173 sf

GH-1 Gate House 21 sf

76 kBTU per SF per yr

Porch

Rowe Visitor Center

5’-0”

Annual Energy Use

12’-0” 36’-0”

B uilding

Green Cottage

• Energy use at the Rowe Visitor Center from September 2007 to September 2008 was 136,720 kiloWatt hours of electricity and 2,685.6 gallons of fuel oil. Converting these energy quantities to a common unit, kBTU (1,000 BTU) gives an annual consumption of 839,118 kBTU of energy for all uses. This usage can be compared to other buildings by determining the energy use per unit floor area. The program floor area determined from the building floor plan is 11,103 square feet. Dividing this area into the building energy use gives 75.58 kBTU per square foot per year. This energy use is slightly less than the national average for educational facilities. The energy use is compared to three high performance buildings below:

programs that occur there. In addition, any major renovation may require the building to be sprinklered (see Utilities). Our recommendation is to replace the Visitor Center within the next five to ten years, reusing as much of the wood and stone in the building as possible, and keeping the angled stone wall and portions of the slab-on-grade for the proposed amphitheater/pavilion. There is a natural bowl facing the building, good access to parking and a strong backdrop that make it ideal for this long-term use.

22’-0”

• Economy of Systems - No clean mechanical organization. Furnaces are found in five different locations, one of which has its own fuel supply from a smaller separate tank.

Physical Condition: Generally good shape, some slight leaning of exterior stair that goes to second floor. Functional Condition: • Use - Upstairs living quarters in use, and Operations and Maintenance uses lower level. • Accessibility - not accessible, but not required with no plans to change. Energy Use/Sustainability: • Insulation Values - Low, particularly in back first floor addition.

LC-2

Cabin Room 246 sf

Abner Log Cabin (Upper Level One Room)

Ice House/Sugaring House Physical Condition: Wood frame of Sugar House and Concrete of Ice House are both in excellent condition. Functional Condition: Sugar House is in use, but too small. Ice House empty.

• Economy of Systems - HVAC upgrade with the past two years.

Summary Recommendation:

Summary Recommendation: No changes.

Some flooring work may be required to make them viable for storage. Building could be converted to storage if Yellow Garage is used for Experiential Education.

The Kubala Washatko A rchi tec ts, Inc. / M e i s n e r + Ass o c i at e s

Assessment of Existing Facilities Abner Hollow Cabin Physical Condition:

GL-204

Bedroom 270 sf GL-202 Bathroom 50 sf

GL-208 Sewing 102 sf

GL-209 Maid 105 sf

GL-201

Master Bedroom

GL-210 Maid 112 sf

GL-203

330 sf

Sitting 180 sf GL-206 Toilet 50 sf

GL-207 Toilet 37 sf

GL-211 Maid 141 sf

GL-205

Bedroom 320 sf

It also appears as if the “chinking”, or joint filling between the logs, was done with a cementitious product and this is NOT the proper product to use for this purpose. A more flexible product is needed to deal with the moisture and temperature movement that the logs go through in an annual weather cycle.

117’-6 1/2”

Porch 534 sf

GL-114

Dining Room 925 sf

GL-113 Carts 15 sf GL-111 Dishwashing 75 sf

Accessibility - Improvements such as an accessible path, plumbing fixtures and accessible door hardware would be required if the building becomes a B Business use. New accessible toilet rooms would be needed at the first floor, but second floor toilet rooms would not need to be modified.

Physical Condition: Very thin, residential Type VB wood stud walls and pre-engineered wood roof truss construction with areas of block wall around the kitchen and mechanical room. In modest shape, with some recently repaired damage to the roof from a tree branch falling through.

GL-110 Food Prep 155 sf

80’-11 1/2”

There was also discussion about adding a porch to this building. With the foundation movement and with the desire to NOT create new problems in the original building, it is our suggestion that the porch be built “structurally” independent of the original building.

GL-112 Storage 54 sf

Summary Recommendation: Mothballing the Groesbeck Lodge would involve removing the dining room addition and closing that area up with wood stud construction sheathed at least one side. Inspect stone for cracks and tuckpoint as needed. Inspect all windows for cracks and gaps around perimeter and seal. The first upgrade with future use would be to replace furnaces and update accessibility issues as previously described.

GL-102

Dining

Energy Use/Sustainability:

343 sf GL-107 Kitchen 188 sf

GL-108 Freezers 102 sf

GL-101

Retreat House

GL-109

Lounge

Oﬃce

668 sf

425 sf GL-103 Storage 41 sf

GL-105 Pots & Pans 95 sf

GL-106 Storage 32 sf

GL-104 Oﬃce 87 sf

• Insulation Values - Very little, but thick walls provide some R value. Foil-faced batt insulation shows up in some attic areas observed.

84’-11”

RH-1 Bedroom 1 114 sf

There is an addition, behind the original garage and kitchen, that houses a large dining room and food preparation area. The house is primarily concrete floor framing and wood roof framing with perimeter brick bearing walls and concrete foundation walls.

A specific question posed was the viability of removing the dining area part of the addition to create a “treetop viewing platform” where the dining area was. There is a high probability that the wood floor framing will need to be replaced and the steel below the present floor level will have to be repaired, cleaned and painted if this is the plan for this part of the Lodge space.

T h e K u b a l a Wa s h atko Ar c h i t e c t s , Inc. / Meisner + A ssociat es

• Economy of Systems - The incoming water service and interior water piping are copper. Hot water heating is electric. There are three oil-fired furnaces for the original house and two electric furnaces for the dining room addition, which were checked in 2005 and operational. The propane tank observed near the dining room addition may serve the kitchen’s propane-fired ranges. Electric service has two meters, one apparently for the electric heating. Single phase service. Wiring appears operational. The building has battery-pack exit lighting and ceiling smoke detectors. Future use would require additional phone/network lines, electric outlets, security system, updated lighting and fire/ smoke alarm upgrades. The most critical upgrade from an energy use standpoint would involve new furnaces with air conditioning.

Physical Condition: The Groesbeck Lodge is an older residence that is in excellent condition, at least where the original construction is concerned.

The condition of the addition is questionable, as there is a crawl space below the food preparation area and finish grade is a few feet below the floor of the dining area. The floor framing below the dining area is built with wood framing, spanning between steel beam lines that are supported on concrete columns; the wood framing does not look to be pressure treated and the steel looks to be rusted (no perforations visible, yet!).

Groesbeck Lodge

Summary Recommendation: For the long-term health of this building, foundation work and rechinking should be done. If a porch is added, it should be an independent self-supporting structure.

RH-10 Bedroom 10 114 sf

RH-2 Bedroom 2 114 sf RH-9 Bedroom 9 114 sf

RH-3 Bedroom 3 114 sf Porch 154 sf

RH-13 Toilet 2 96 sf RH-4 Bedroom 4 114 sf

RH-16 Lounge Area 500 sf

RH-15 Dining 435 sf

RH-12 Toilet 1 96 sf RH-5 Bedroom 5 114 sf

RH-14 Kitchen 113 sf

RH-11 Mech. Rm. 108 sf

RH-8 Bedroom 8 114 sf

RH-6 Bedroom 6 114 sf

RH-7 Bedroom 7 114 sf

68’-1”

The Abner Hollow Cabin is in an open field near the Krippendorf Lodge. There are basically two rooms to each level and there is quite a variation in floor elevation as one goes from the fireplace to the opposite end of the building. The building can safely function “as-is”, but levelling of the floor could improve the future performance of the building.

Functional Condition: Use - Currently not in use. As a facility for Wildwood it was classified as an A-3 Assembly Use on the first floor and R-1 Residential Use on the second floor, with Type VB Construction. With a change to B Business Use the third floor will have to remain unoccupied and not used for storage or offices. There are exit signs in the building which should be reviewed with the local Fire Marshal. Neither panic hardware, elevator, nor sprinkler system would be required. New construction at “servant” stair to provide one hour fire protection for second floor exiting would be required.

Pool House

Functional Condition:

PB-3 Boy’s Shower 178 sf

PB-6 Girl’s Shower 178 sf

Accessibility - Accessible path, plumbing fixtures or door hardware would not be needed if current classification does not change. If any other work is initiated, such as the proposed removal of the bunk house portion, then new accessible door hardware would be needed. In addition, the new unisex toilet room proposed next to the kitchen (if others are removed with the bunk house) would need to be fully accessible with grab bars. A handicap accessible route into the building will be required, but the current route through the kitchen may not meet code.

PB-5 Water Heater 50 sf

PB-9 Girl’s Dressing 236 sf

PB-2 Boy’s Dressing 215 sf

Summary Recommendation: Should be removed as soon as possible.

PB-4 Boy’s Toilet 118 sf

PB-7 Girl’s Toilet 118 sf

Physical Condition: This building dates from 1996, and is in good condition except that the showers have not been regularly used for several years.

O R T H

AB-2 Clos 27 sf AB-3 Men 56 sf

30’-1”

AB-1 Patio

Activity Hall 1004 sf AB-4 Women 56 sf

• Economy of Systems - Two oil-fired furnaces with condensing units provide heating and cooling. Incoming water service and interior piping are copper. Hot water heating is electric.

AB-5 Mech/Stor 96 sf

Functional Condition: Use - Building is heavily used during summer camp, especially during rainy periods, but is too small for the groups. Accessibility - A makeshift ramp at the end entrance meets accessibility, as well as the remodeled toilet rooms.

56’-0”

Porch 341 sf

RT H

• Insulation Values - Fairly low

Windows - windows are relatively new and in good shape.

BH-2 Men Tlt. 186 sf

BH-1 Men Shower 256 sf

BH-4 Women Tlt. 186 sf

BH-3 Women Shower 256 sf

BH-5 Mech 69 sf

Building 1,339 gsf Porch 341 gsf Building 1,680 gsf

Building 360 gsf Shelter 1,100 gsf Total 1,460 gsf Approximate

foundation). Half of the roof trusses are field fabricated and half are press-plate connected (likely shop fabricated). The one end of the building has been enclosed to create a room that is presently used as a kitchen.

Built: 1996

• Economy of Systems - Newer HVAC system Summary Recommendation: Replace ceiling tiles with a stronger tile. Even after a new combined Meadow Shelter/Activity Building is built this building may serve a useful purpose as a meeting space and should remain.

Functional Condition: The most heavily used structure during camp. It is lacking storage space, and the kitchen is prone to mouse infestation.

Energy Use/Sustainability: N

A potential problem with the building is that finish grade is too high around the building. There are places where the bottom of the siding is deteriorated from moisture. There should be a regrading, in order to create a six inch gap between finish grade and the bottom of the siding panels.

Shelter Under Roof 1100 sf

The condition of the framing is compromised only to the extent that the posts have deteriorated at the slab and some of them have already been repaired. The repair detail tends to trap water about the bottom of the posts. We suspect that the posts will eventually be the reason to take this shelter out of service. The wood above the beams has been painted (and is in pretty good condition) and will likely be able to be reclaimed (along with the beams) when the building is taken out of service.

Summary Recommendation: Modest modifications to the shower screens.

30’-0”

The Type VB construction is wood stud walls and pre-engineered wood roof trusses (similar to residential construction). The exterior is wood panel siding. The structural performance of the building has been fine. The plans may include extending the building over the present paved area, effectively lengthening it. The addition would not be a bad idea.

Functional Condition: The toilet facilities are in use for summer camp, and the showers have the potential to be used with some screening modifications if tent camping is developed nearby.

50’-1”

Activities Building Physical Condition:

MS-1 Kitchen/Storage 360 sf

Bath House

Energy Use/Sustainability: • Insulation Values - almost nonexistent in both walls and roof.

Physical Condition: Block structure is in sound physical condition, but parts have already been removed or partially demolished.

PB-1 Aid Room 63 sf PB-8 Storage 42 sf

28’-0”

Use - As a facility for Wildwood, this building was classified as R-1 Residential Use Group.

52’-0”

Meadow Shelter Physical Condition: The Meadow Shelter is essentially an open building, built like a pole barn (posts at twelve foot intervals that are embedded in the

Summary Recommendation: The opinion of the structural engineer who reviewed the Meadow Shelter is that the time frame for needing to replace this structure is five years.

The Kubala Washatko A rchi tec ts, Inc. / M e i s n e r + Ass o c i at e s

Zoning & Code Considerations Zoning Considerations:

Applicable Codes

According to an earlier study done by Humpert Wolnitzek Architects, the parcels owned by CNC within Union Township at Rowe Woods are zoned R-1 and E-R. The current uses of the parcels are primarily as a recreation center and/or institution of a charitable nature, but also include single family dwellings. The single family dwellings are a permitted Principle Use, but a recreation center and/or institution of a charitable nature are Conditional Uses of Districts R-1 and E-R.

•

Ohio Building Code - 2006 IBC and ICC Errata

•

National Fire Protection Association, NFPA 101 Life

•

Safety Code - Latest Edition

Also according to this prior study, CNC applied for and was granted Conditional Use approval in July, 2001. Conditional Use approvals only apply to those parcels included in the submission, and this submission was prior to acquisition of the Groesbeck/Wildwood property. It will be important to verify if these properties have not as yet been formally approved as a Conditional Use, in which case such a permit must be acquired from the Board of Zoning Appeals before applying for any change of use permit, building permit, signage, or road and parking construction. One note of importance is that according to zoning regulations, if CNC wishes to add new drives or parking, gravel drives and parking area are not permitted on this property. The existing gravel drives and parking are grandfathered, but new parking and drives must be paved. A variance would have to be granted for any new gravel drives and parking.

Code Considerations:

• Americans with Disabilities Act and ICC/ANSI A117.1 • Union Township Official Zoning Resolution Occupancy •

Assembly A-2 (Bistro if over 750 sf)

•

Assembly A-3 (Auditorium and Art Gallery)

•

Business B (Office areas, adult education areas)

•

Educational E (Classrooms, Preschool)

•

Mercantile M (Nature Shop)

•

Residential R-1 (Cabins)

•

Storage S-1 and S-2 (Moderate and Low-Hazard)

•

Utility U (Barns, Sheds and Shelters)

Occupancy Separations If sprinklered, may be able to do mixed occupancies. If not sprinklered, will need to provide three-hour fire walls or distance separations between the allowed square footage occupancies.

In the next phase of design further code review will need to occur. However, there are specific code implications that also inform the Master Plan process.

General Areas - nonsprinklered. If sprinklered, each area may be doubled or, in the case of a single story building, tripled. Mixed occupancies would require adherence to the most strict requirements.

Decisions such as the size of building footprints, their distance from one another, and whether bringing the current Rowe Visitor Center up to code because of the extent of renovation work required will be difficult.

In the following chart, designations at top (IIIB, IV, etc.) refer to likely structural types. Square foot number is followed by allowable stories, which may be increased by one additional story if sprinklered.

T h e K u b a l a Wa s h atko Ar c h i t e c t s , Inc. / Meisner + A ssociat es

I I I B

I V

A-2

9,500(2)

15,000(3)

11,500(2)

6,000(1)

A-3

9,500(2)

15,000(3)

11,500(2)

6,000(1)

19,000(4)

36,000(5)

18,000(3)

9,000(2)

14,500(2)

25,500(3)

18,500(1)

9,500(1)

12,500(4)

20,500(4)

14,000(3)

9,000(1)

R-1

16,000(4)

20,500(4)

12,000(3)

7,000(2)

S-1

17,500(3)

25,500(4)

14,000(3)

9,000(1)

S-2

26,000(4)

38,500(5)

21,000(4)

13,500(2)

8,500(2)

18,000(4)

9,000(2)

5,500(1)

If non-sprinklered, additional requirements such as Areas of Rescue Assistance in stairwells may apply. Type IIIB would be block, Type IV heavy timber, Type VA would be wood frame with 1 hour walls, and Type VB wood frame unprotected. It is clear that the most common and least costly construction Type VB (wood frame, unprotected) maybe a problem unless it is sprinklered. The existing Rowe Visitor Center is most likely Type VB, though the block walls around the auditorium space may qualify as fire partition walls, though not necessarily fire walls. Accessibility Visitor and staff areas would need to be accessible, which may include the need for an elevator in multi-story arrangements. Sanitary Fixtures There are specific requirements based on occupancy. For planning purposes one can roughly assume for water closet counts: Assembly :

1 per 65 women, 1 per 125 men

Office :

1 per 25 for first 50, then 1 per 50

Educational:

1 per 50

Mercantile:

1 per 500

Storage/Utility:

1 per 100

Recommendations Specific priorities and recommendations can be found in Implementation-Phasing plan on the next page. The following recommendations are meant to be broader guides for the immediate and future development of the site.

A Nature Preschool One of the major new initiatives at CNC has been the development of a nature preschool program.

It is a Nature Center

• A new nature preschool building containing three classrooms will be sited with access to a variety of natural habitats and allow for future growth and expansion.

Cincinnati Nature Center renovation begins with the site itself. A reconfiguration of existing entrance and parking areas will create a new visitor experience and provide a more welcome transition into the natural world of the Center.

• This structure will be designed as a self-sustaining entity, relying on its own sources of solar energy. The goal will be to provide a visible learning tool that demonstrates ‘zero-net energy’ use.

• Trail upgrades will allow visitors to experience the heart of Rowe Woods. • A Natural Playscape will provide a healthy outdoor environment for children, as well as reach a core audience of Cincinnati Nature Center - young families. • The creation of a Central Outdoor Room will help visitors orient themselves, find Trail Heads, transition from parking areas to nature, and also provide transition from parking to facilities while keeping the focus on the outdoors. • Overlooks and canopy walks will provide new destinations for the trail system, and offer opportunities to really experience the dramatic landscape of Rowe Woods. • Bio-swales designed to collect parking lot drainage will help to clean and hold stormwater and slowly reintroduce it back into the aquifers and creek system. • Conversion of mowed grass areas with deep-rooted native plants in selected areas will increase rain saturation, reduce maintenance, and provide a more natural visitor experience. • A new bus drop-off zone will increase safety for school groups. • The entrance to CNC at Tealtown Road will be reconfigured to create a more visible and inviting natural gateway for visitors arriving at the Center, and a more convenient turn onto Tealtown for those leaving the Center.

Camp Out Summer at CNC takes on a whole new vitality as Nature Camp brings families to the site. • The general layout and facilities were inherited from Wildwood, and though the staff makes do with their constraints, they were not designed for a nature camp. • A new combined Activity Building and Meadow Shelter would replace the too small current building used in inclement weather, as the current shelter which sees great use but is nearing the end of its structural life. • Remove the pool house to provide parking for events.

Buildings have a Story The facilities at Cincinnati Nature Center should be a teaching tool and an expression of the CNC commitment to a healthy planet. A nature center should break down the traditional barriers between indoors and outdoors, between the manmade and the natural. Inviting outdoor places connected to the building will allow visitors and staff to move more freely between inside and out. • A new Education building is a priority to both educate the next generation on the importance of a healthy environment and provide outreach for future supporters of CNC.

• A building that offers abundant natural daylight and ventilation will create opportunities to demonstrate the impact of mechanical and electric equipment on energy use behaviors. “Behavioral” changes will be taught by being conscious of how we consume energy and how to become more thoughtful about energy use. • New porches positioned around the building will provide a variety of different-sized protected outdoor spaces. • The sustainable use of local materials, such as the possible site harvesting of trees, will provide opportunities for volunteers and students to become involved in the construction process. • The use of Constructed Wetlands for Sanitary Treatment may act as demonstration sites and learning opportunities as an alternative to central sewage treatment. • By implementing more sustainable stormwater management practices, CNC staff will have new opportunities to interpret the importance of waterway systems, research how water systems become polluted, and identify ways to reduce society’s impact on this important resource. The health of Crosley Lake and the ponds on site, especially Matt’s Pond, may see direct results from early phases of the project. Potential interpretive ideas could include: How does a more ecological approach to water management differ from a typical sewer system? What lessons can nature teach?

• Concrete and hard floor materials will offer the ability to absorb and store the sun’s energy and provide passive heating in colder months. • Carefully-designed building overhangs will control the sun and keep the building interior from overheating in warm periods. • Photovoltaic panels will generate electricity from sunlight and reduce electrical demand from the power grid. A roofmounted solar hot water heating system will provide heated water to the building. • Rooftop design will allow for phased addition of future photovoltaic panels as funds become available.

Let the Buildings “Breathe” The sounds, smells, and rhythms of nature should be a part of the Cincinnati Nature Center experience. The renovation plan will focus on creating more ‘permeable’ buildings, opening these buildings to the outdoors in a way shown so powerfully through Krippendorf Lodge. • Operable windows will be positioned to allow both cross-ventilation and natural gravity ventilation. • Increased use of natural ventilation will reduce energy use, provide fresh air, and heighten the connection to the outdoors. • Opening the building to the outdoors will allow the sounds of nature to filter into the building.

Harvest the Sun and Wind For generations, buildings were designed simply, yet intelligently, to capture the benefits of the sun’s energy, wind energy and natural ventilation. New CNC facilities will employ a variety of low-tech and high-tech strategies to take advantage of the available wind patterns and sunlight falling on the site. • Creative building design offers new opportunities to harvest natural daylight, including the introduction of high-level clerestories, south-facing glass walls and windows protected by engineered overhangs, and innovative light shelves to reflect light deep into the building.

Rainwater Collection Rainwater - its collection, its storage, and its usefulness - will become a much more visible part of life at CNC. • Dynamic building roof shapes will provide unique rainwater collection devices that direct water to rain gardens, cisterns and ponds. • The cistern and rain barrels will provide interpretive opportunities to demonstrate rainwater collection ideas visitors can implement in their own homes.

The Kubala Washatko A rchi tec ts, Inc. / M e i s n e r + Ass o c i at e s

Phasing Plan 2009 These site features are planned for 2009. For the most part, they are funded (CNC annual capital improvement budget or grant) and being completed by CNC staff. Some additional funding may be necessary to complete. Site Projects already underway with some funding: • RVC vehicle access and entrance lighting • Succession Fields maintenance • Natural Playscape design & Phase I construction • Plant Propagation Site (begin) • Mothball Groesbeck Lodge • Develop Core Landscaping Plan

Phase I (2010-2011) 2009 is not the time to launch a major building campaign. However, there are several critical facility needs (e.g. sewage treatment) and a number of discrete site improvement projects that can have an immediate positive impact on the visitor’s experience. Overall Site Improvements: • Wayfinding Signage Plan • Major Trail Renovation incl. bridge replacements • Plant Propagation Site (Restore/Repair Barn) • Plant Screen for Maintenance Barn at Entry Gate Rowe/Krippendorf Core: • • • • • • • • •

Additional features in Natural Playscape Constructed Wetland Sanitary Treatment All Persons Trail - West Loop Enhance Matt’s Pond Abner Cabin foundation & porch Entry Drive Improvements Expand Overflow Parking Yellow Garage/Experiential Education Facility Krippendorf Parking Enhancements

Groesbeck Core: • Groesbeck Road/Parking Improvements (Demo Poolhouse) • Constructed Wetland for Sanitary Treatment (CWST) • Design Canopy walk

Phase II (2012+) Major building improvements are critical to CNC’s ability to deliver its Mission into the future. As Phase I is being funded and implemented, detailed plans should be developed for the major facilities in priority order. • Pre-School • Camp Building (new meadow/activity single building) • New Visitor Center • Education Building • All Persons Trail - Crosley Lake Loop • Camp Tent Sites • Central Outdoor Room • Construct Canopy Walk • Tealtown Entrance and Entry Gate • Redesign and expand Main Parking Area

Phase III (future) For consideration based on funding/financing We feel new operations facilities would be nice, but may not be required. Eventually, with significant growth in usage, the cost of centralized operations facilities could be justified. Groesbeck Lodge restoration for use as a center for restoration ecology may be able to be funded by the mitigation bank program. We have a lot of homework (business plan) to do on the cabin/retreat concept before seeking funding. Major Facilities: • Operations Facilities • Groesbeck Lodge • Cabins/Retreat Facilities

T h e K u b a l a Wa s h atko Ar c h i t e c t s , Inc. / Meisner + A ssociat es

2009 (Red) and Phase I (blue)

Phase II (green)

Phase III (yellow)

The Kubala Washatko A rchi tec ts, Inc. / M e i s n e r + Ass o c i at e s

Estimate of Preliminary Opinion of Probable Costs January 21, 2009 DESCRIPTION

COST/SF

LOW RANGE

COST/SF

SITE ENTRY Landscaping-Sitework-Turn Lane Soft Costs @ 25% Hard Cost and Soft Cost - Total USE

DESCRIPTION

HIGH RANGE

VISITOR / KRIPPENDORF CORE LS $ 25% $ $ $

LANDSCAPE RESTORATION (CNC - In House) Land Management Budget Soft Costs @ 25% Hard Cost and Soft Cost - Total

10,000 2,500 12,500 13,000

LS $ 25% $ $ – $

$ $ CNC - In House

20,000 5,000 25,000 25,000

COST/SF

VEHICLE DROP-OFF AREA Landscaping-Sitework-Walks Soft Costs @ 25% Hard Cost and Soft Cost - Total

LS $ 25% $ $ $

USE

$ $ CNC - In House

BARN DROP-OFF (CNC - In House) Landscaping-Improved Access Drive Soft Costs @ 15% Hard Cost and Soft Cost - Total

LS $ 5,000 15% $ 750 CNC - In House

LS $ 10,000 15% $ 1,500 CNC - In House

ENTRY GATE Security Building Landscaping-Additional Lanes Hard Cost - Total Soft Costs @ 25% Hard Cost and Soft Cost - Total

LS $ LS $ $ 25% $ $ $

RESTORATION (CNC - In House) Land Management Budget Soft Costs @ 25% Hard Cost and Soft Cost - Total

15,000 5,000 20,000 5,000 25,000 25,000

LS $ LS $ $ 25% $ $ – $

$ $ CNC - In House

VISITOR CENTER PARKING Limestone Chip Pavement Bioswales & Rain Gardens Site LED Lighting (post top lights) Site LED Lighting (tree mounted lights) Hard Cost - Total Soft Costs @ 25% Hard Cost and Soft Cost - Total

LS $ 15% $ $ $

5,000 5,000 5,000

25,000 10,000 35,000 8,750 43,750 45,000

$ $ CNC - In House

LS $ 15% $ $ – $

EDUCATION BUILDING 15,100 New Construction Landscaping-Sitework-Walks Hard Cost - Total Soft Costs @ 25% Hard Cost and Soft Cost - Total

$ $ $ $ $ 25% $ $ $

90,000 25,000 50,000 25,000 190,000 47,500 237,500 238,000

LS LS LS LS

$ $ $ $ $ 25% $ $ – $

USE

LS $ 25% $ $ – $

15,000 3,750 18,750 19,000

200 LS

$ $ $ 25% $ $ $

3,020,000 10,000 3,030,000 757,500 3,787,500 3,800,000

300 LS

$ $ $ 25% $ $ – $

4,530,000 20,000 4,550,000 1,137,500 5,687,500 5,700,000

LS $ LS $ $ 25% $ $ $

50,000 20,000 70,000 17,500 87,500 88,000

LS $ LS $ $ 25% $ $ – $

150,000 25,000 175,000 43,750 218,750 219,000

T h e K u b a l a Wa s h atko Ar c h i t e c t s , Inc. / Meisner + A ssociat es

$ $ $ $ 25% $ $ $

LS $ 25% $ $ $

CELEBRATION GARDENS EXPANSION (CNC - In House) Memorial Donation Soft Costs @ 25% Hard Cost and Soft Cost - Total

92,340 4,740,000 20,000 4,852,340 1,213,085 6,065,425 6,100,000

$ $

6 300 LS

$ $ $ $ 25% $ $ – $

OVERFLOW PARKING ENHANCEMENT Limestone Chip Pavement Bioswales & Rain Gardens Site LED Lighting (tree mounted lights) Hard Cost - Total Soft Costs @ 25% Hard Cost and Soft Cost - Total

LS LS LS

MAINTENANCE FACILITIES 8,400 Office & Shops Outdoor Lean-to Landscaping-Sitework-Walks Hard Cost - Total Soft Costs @ 25% Hard Cost and Soft Cost - Total

$ $ $ $ 25% $ $ $

USE PRESCHOOL BUILDING 7,000 SF Landscaping-Sitework-Walks Playground for Pre-School use only Hard Cost - Total Soft Costs @ 25% Hard Cost and Soft Cost - Total

30,000 7,500 37,500 38,000

LS $ 25% $ $ – $

$ $ CNC - In House

USE

110,000 35,000 60,000 30,000 235,000 58,750 293,750 295,000

6 200 LS

92,340 7,110,000 30,000 7,232,340 1,213,085 8,445,425 8,500,000

100 LS LS

100,000 25,000 125,000 125,000

YELLOW GARAGE/SUGAR HOUSE 400 SF Landscaping-Sitework Hard Cost - Total Soft Costs @ 25% Hard Cost and Soft Cost - Total

40,000 5,000 10,000 55,000 13,750 68,750 70,000

LS LS LS

$ $ $ $ 25% $ $ – $

$ $ $ $ 25% $ $ $

840,000 120,000 20,000 980,000 245,000 1,225,000 1,225,000

200 LS LS

1,400,000 20,000 25,000 1,445,000 361,250 1,806,250 1,810,000

150 LS LS

$ $ $ $ 25% $ $ – $

50,000 10,000 15,000 75,000 18,750 93,750 95,000

1,260,000 200,000 30,000 1,490,000 372,500 1,862,500 1,865,000

USE

$ $ $ $ 25% $ $ $

300 LS LS

$ $ $ $ 25% $ $ – $

2,100,000 30,000 50,000 2,180,000 545,000 2,725,000 2,725,000

$ $ $ 25% $ $ $

LS LS LS LS 25%

NATURE FREE PLAY -PUBLIC (CNC - In House) Arlett Center/UC Grant Soft Costs @ 25% Hard Cost and Soft Cost - Total

20,000 15,000 35,000 8,750 43,750 45,000

HIGH RANGE

LS $ 15% $ CNC - In House

60 LS

$ $ $ 25% $ $ – $

$ $ $ $ $ $ $

30,000 75,000 75,000 180,000 45,000 225,000 225,000

LS LS LS LS 25% –

$ $ CNC - In House

ABNER LOG CABIN STABILIZATION/PORCH ADD 250 SF Foundation Wall-Landscape-Sitework Hard Cost - Total Soft Costs @ 25% Hard Cost and Soft Cost - Total

USE

$ $ $ 25% $ $ $

10,000 20,000 30,000 7,500 37,500 38,000

USE

LS $ 25% $ $ $

15,000 3,750 18,750 19,000

W OVERLOOK AT RESERVOIR POND Stone Wall-Concrete Paving Soft Costs @ 25% Hard Cost and Soft Cost - Total

40 LS

AGRICULTURAL FIELDS/PRAIRIE (CNC - In House) Land Management Budget Soft Costs @ 25% Hard Cost and Soft Cost - Total

24,000 20,000 44,000 11,000 55,000 55,000

DRIVE TO CAMP/GROESBECK LODGE Minor Realignment-Clearing-Partial Widening Soft Costs @ 15% Hard Cost and Soft Cost - Total

CONSTRUCTED WETLANDS FOR SANITARY CWST Piping-Pumps-Subsurface Applications Decommission Existing Treatment Facility Hard Cost - Total Soft Costs @ 25% Hard Cost and Soft Cost - Total

LS $ 15% $ $ $

LS LS LS

USE

$ $ $ $ 25% $ $ $

30,000 4,500 34,500 35,000

65,000 20,000 20,000 105,000 26,250 131,250 131,250

$ $ $ $ $ $ $

60,000 85,000 85,000 230,000 57,500 287,500 287,500

$ $ CNC - In House

50 LS

$ $ $ 25% $ $ – $

12,500 30,000 42,500 10,625 53,125 54,000

LS $ 25% $ $ – $

20,000 5,000 25,000 25,000

CNC - In House

USE Z

50 LS

USE

$ $ CNC - In House

COST/SF

ALL PERSONS TRAIL West Loop - Asphalt Pavement East Loop - Asphalt Pavement Total Soft Costs @ 25% Hard Cost and Soft Cost - Total

LOW RANGE

LS $ 15% $ CNC - In House

USE

10,000 1,500 11,500 12,000

10,000 2,500 12,500 13,000

COST/SF

MATT'S POND RECONFIGURATION (CNC - In House) Landscaping-Sitework Soft Costs @ 15% Hard Cost and Soft Cost - Total

interpretive exhibits/signage $ $

M AMPHITHEATRE Amphitheatre Soft Costs @ 25% Hard Cost and Soft Cost - Total

CENTRAL OUTDOOR ROOM Landscaping (no artwork included) Site LED Lighting Hard Cost - Total Soft Costs @ 25% Hard Cost and Soft Cost - Total

NEW VISITOR CENTER 15,390 Demolition of Existing 23,700 New Construction Landscaping-Sitework-Walks Hard Cost - Total Soft Costs @ 25% Hard Cost and Soft Cost - Total USE

LS LS LS LS

USE I

DESCRIPTION

$ $ CNC - In House

G OAK ALLEE PLANTING RESTORATION (CNC - In House) Landscaping (Root Feeding, Arborist Trimming) Soft Costs @ 15% Hard Cost and Soft Cost - Total USE H

HIGH RANGE

$ $ CNC - In House

SUCCESSION FIELDS (CNC - In House) Land Management Budget Soft Costs @ 25% Hard Cost and Soft Cost - Total

USE F

COST/SF

USE

LOW RANGE

CNC - In House

LS $ 15% $ $ – $

LS LS LS

$ $ $ $ 25% $ $ – $

40,000 6,000 46,000 46,000

75,000 25,000 30,000 130,000 32,500 162,500 162,500

DESCRIPTION

COST/SF

LOW RANGE

COST/SF

DESCRIPTION

HIGH RANGE

AA NURSERY - TEALTOWN ROAD NORTH Nursery Pond & Pumphouse Nursery Fields Greenhouse Hard Cost - Total Soft Costs @ 25% Hard Cost and Soft Cost - Total

LS LS LS

USE

$ $ $ $ 25% $ $ $

15,000 5,000 20,000 40,000 10,000 50,000 50,000

13,968,250

TOTAL VISITOR / KRIPPENDORF CORE

LS LS LS

$ $ $ $ 25% $ $ – $

20,000 10,000 40,000 70,000 17,500 87,500 88,000

20,343,000

–

DRIVE TO VISITOR/KRIPPENDORF (In House) Minor Realignment-Clearing-Partial Widening Soft Costs @ 15% Hard Cost and Soft Cost - Total

LS $ 15% $ $ $

USE B

NEW ACTIVITY BUILDING/MEADOW SHELTER Demolition 3,000 New Construction Landscaping Hard Cost - Total Soft Costs @ 25% Hard Cost and Soft Cost - Total

USE C

$ $ $ $ 25% $ $ $

EXISTING BATH HOUSE NO WORK Soft Costs @ 25% Hard Cost and Soft Cost - Total

5,000 450,000 15,000 470,000 117,500 587,500 590,000

LS $ 15% $ $ – $

LS 250 LS

$ $ $ $ $ 25% $ $ – $

NO WORK

LANDSCAPE RESTORATION (CNC - In House) Land Management Budget Soft Costs @ 25% Hard Cost and Soft Cost - Total

CNC - In House

CAMP TENT SITES Trails Soft Costs @ 25% Hard Cost and Soft Cost - Total USE

LS 150 LS

25,000 3,750 28,750 29,000

RENTAL CABINS & ACCESS TRAILS (CNC - In House) New Construction-Cabins Trails Soft Costs @ 25% Hard Cost and Soft Cost - Total

LS $ 25% $ $ $

5,000 1,250 6,250 7,000

FUTURE - TBD LS $ 5,000 25% $ 1,250 CNC - In House

35,000 5,250 40,250 41,000

7,500 750,000 20,000 777,500 117,500 895,000 895,000

NO WORK

CNC - In House

LS $ 25% $ $ – $

8,000 2,000 10,000 10,000

FUTURE - TBD LS $ 8,000 25% $ 2,000 CNC - In House

RETREAT HOUSE RENOV/BUNK DEMO (Contractor and CNC - In House) Demolition LS $ Renovation LS $ Limestone Chip Pavement LS $ Landscaping-Sitework LS $ Site LED Lighting LS $ Hard Cost - Total $ Soft Costs @ 15% 15% $ Hard Cost and Soft Cost - Total $ USE $ GROESBECK LODGE PARKING (In House) Landscaping/Parking (no lighting) Soft Costs @ 15% Hard Cost and Soft Cost - Total

USE N

EXISTING ACTIVITY BUILDING Landscaping Soft Costs @ 25% Hard Cost and Soft Cost - Total USE

LS $ 25% $ $ $

5,000 1,250 6,250 7,000

INCLUDED

LS $ 25% $ $ – $

7,000 1,750 8,750 9,000

5,000 15,000 5,000 25,000 3,750 28,750 29,000

COST/SF

HIGH RANGE

LS LS LS

$ $ $ $ 15% $ $ – $

LS LS LS LS LS

FERNBANK TRAIL REALIGNMENT (CNC - In House) Trail Realignment-Sitework-Signage-Landscaping Soft Costs @ 15% Hard Cost and Soft Cost - Total

O ALL PERSONS TRAIL Asphalt Pavement Soft Costs @ 25% Hard Cost and Soft Cost - Total

CONSTRUCTED WETLANDS FOR SANITARY CWST Piping Decommission Existing Treatment Facility Hard Cost - Total Soft Costs @ 25% Hard Cost and Soft Cost - Total

12 $ LS $ LS $ $ 15% $ $ $

$ $ $ $ $ $ 15% $ $ – $

12,000 75,000 87,000 9,000 96,000 96,000

25,000 3,750 28,750 29,000

LS $ 15% $ $ – $

35,000 5,250 40,250 41,000

TBD

14,676 $ 15 50,000 LS 8,000 LS 72,676 10,901 15% 83,577 84,000 –

$ $ $ $ $ $ $

18,345 100,000 10,000 128,345 10,901 139,246 140,000

DESCRIPTION

COST/SF

LOW RANGE

COST/SF

HIGH RANGE

Q GREENHOUSE RESTORATION (CNC - In House) Demolition New Greenhouse Landscaping Hard Cost - Total Soft Costs @ 25% Hard Cost and Soft Cost - Total

TBD

R ROSE GARDEN RESTORATION (CNC - In House) Landscaping-Garden Paths Soft Costs @ 15% Hard Cost and Soft Cost - Total

LS $ 15% $ CNC - In House

TBD

LS $ 15% $ CNC - In House

CNC - In House

CANOPY WALK Landscaping Soft Costs @ 25% Hard Cost and Soft Cost - Total NATIVE PLANT GARDENS (In House) Landscaping-Garden Paths Soft Costs @ 15% Hard Cost and Soft Cost - Total

U BONE YARD (CNC - In House) By CNC Staff Soft Costs @ 25% Hard Cost and Soft Cost - Total TOTAL CAMP / GROESBECK CORE

1,019,000

–

1,490,000

TOTAL MASTER PLAN

14,987,250

–

21,833,000

The building cost ranges are based upon recent examples of nature center visitor center and preschool buildings. Every case is different, and until some design work is done on the building the range may vary by 100%.

LS $ 15% $ CNC - In House

Visitor Center/Education

LS $ 25% $ $ $

LS $ 25% $ $ – $

High Range: A high level of finish and high level of sustainability (LEED Platinum/Net Zero) will increase

LS LS LS

USE

7,500 20,000 7,000 34,500 3,750 38,250 39,000

10,000 50,000 60,000 9,000 69,000 69,000

TBD

M MOTHBALL GROESBECK LODGE (In House) 1,223 Demolition Renovation Landscaping Hard Cost - Total Soft Costs @ 15% Hard Cost and Soft Cost - Total

P INCLUDED

LS $ 15% $ $ $

CANOPY WALK Landscaping Soft Costs @ 25% Hard Cost and Soft Cost - Total

USE

ROADWAY ALIGNMENTS Included in Y and A above Soft Costs @ 25% Hard Cost and Soft Cost - Total

$ $ $ $ 15% $ $ $

USE L

LOW RANGE

LS LS LS

USE

CAMP/GROESBECK CORE A

COST/SF

ACTIVITY BUILDING PARKING (In House) Demolition - Pool House Limestone Chip Pavement Landscaping-Sitework Hard Cost - Total Soft Costs @ 15% Hard Cost and Soft Cost - Total

$ $ $ $ 25% $ $ $

80,000 20,000 100,000 100,000

40,000 10,000 10,000 60,000 15,000 75,000 75,000

LS LS LS

$ $ $ $ 25% $ $ – $

95,000 23,750 118,750 119,000

50,000 15,000 15,000 80,000 20,000 100,000 100,000

Low Range: The level of finish at the lowest range in this study would still include a level of sustainability expected of a nature center. The Urban Ecology Center is typical at a 2004 cost of $185/sf.

costs by a high margin past Leed Gold. This high of level may run around $300/sf. Preschool Low Range: The size of the building and requirements (toilets, kitchenettes) drive the cost higher as a free standing building. Schlitz Audubon came in as part of the $150/sf, but that is low. High Range: A high level of finish and high level of sustainability may again reach $300/sf.

The Kubala Washatko A rchi tec ts, Inc. / M e i s n e r + Ass o c i at e s

Aerial Rendering

T h e K u b a l a Wa s h atko Ar c h i t e c t s , Inc. / Meisner + A ssociat es

Benefits & Outcomes Underlying this entire project is the goal of making Cincinnati Nature Center an environmentally-sustainable and visitorfriendly place that echoes our message of stewardship. There may exist an awkward gap between what any nature center encourages others to do to be green and their own operational reality. Our goal is to eliminate this gap and be a model of green design. This means not just building structures in the woods with four walls and a roof, but incorporating real sustainable technologies that people may learn from and also use at home. It also means redirecting the attention of those who become enthralled in building technology back out to the efforts being made in the natural environment of Cincinnati Nature Center, where the Real Story is. There is an opportunity to develop educational programs focusing on the solutions we use to become a greener organization. In the end, we expect to offer a truly unique experience for residents of Greater Cincinnati and beyond. Our outstanding natural resources will continue to excite and inspire, while being supported by stateof-the-art preschool, educational and visitor facilities designed to meet the needs of people of all ages and abilities, with environmental stewardship and sustainability in mind.

When the renovation and expansion of Cincinnati Nature Center facilities are complete, the character and design of the Rowe Woods site will more strongly support a variety of activities.

A Connection to Nature • Better access to trails for all, especially through the All Persons Trail for those with mobility challenges. • Creation of a nature-based preschool, a place where youngsters can be immersed in the outdoors through free play in a natural setting and in classrooms designed for connecting to nature and the seasonal cycles. • Better views to Nature through visual connection to the outside as a priority of every public space and office. • Protected and open outdoor places where all the senses can be engaged, while linking to the dominant ecosystem of the Center, the forest.

A Sense of Hope • Better reflection of the sustainable message of Cincinnati Nature Center through the sustainable features of new buildings. These may include natural ventilation and heat recovery systems to reduce energy use, thicker exterior wall construction to reduce heat loss and heat gain, solar power and many other technologies that may inspire people to do more to protect the natural world. Their actions of Stewardship, Education, Preservation and Restoration make a difference. • School programs will continue to be a critical avenue for connecting people to the natural world. All classrooms in the Center will have direct outdoor access, will have areas to better handle large group lunches, and will offer additional indoor teaching areas when outdoor learning is not permitted due to weather.

• More cohesion of Cincinnati Nature Center facilities and outdoor areas, and connecting the Groesbeck and camp areas more strongly to the core with stronger destination points there such as the canopy walk. • Enhancement of the Center’s feel as a place of solace where visitors can shed the stresses and distractions of daily life and regenerate through a connection to the natural world. • The public area will be punctuated by a new facility designed to be the heart and soul around which everything at the Center revolves. This new space will be accessible to the visiting public, and will include abundant daylight, restrooms near the front door, a reading area, a fireplace, and access to the outdoors.

Owner’s Representative:

Mark Mckillip 198 Lafayette Circle, Cincinnati, OH 45220 Architect:

The Kubala Washatko Architects, Inc. W61 N617 Mequon Avenue, Cedarburg, WI 53012 L andscape Architect:

Meisner + Associates/Land Vision 2043 Madison Road, Cincinnati, OH 45208 Construction Manager/Costing:

Megen Construction 11130 Ashburn Road, Cincinnati, OH 45240 Civil Engineering:

Land Consultants, PE 1074 Arden Drive, Villa Hills, KY 41017

A Land Ethic •

A Sense of Place

Project Team

First steps will include a Native Plant Propagation site and other site projects that strengthen land needs.

• Operational improvements will be reorganized around efficiency and sharing support services, thereby allowing staff more resources to focus on their true mission - the needs of the ecosystem.

CWST Systems Engineering:

Natural Systems International (NSI) 3600 Cerillos Road, Suite 1102, Santa Fe, NM 87507 Natur al Pl ay Consultant:

Natural Learning Initiative North Carolina State University College of Design Structur al Engineering:

GOP Limited 644 Linn Street, Suite 936, Cincinnati, OH 45203 Energy Consultant:

Helio Design 924 East Fairmount Avenue, Whitefish Bay, WI 53217 MEP Engineering, Plumbing, and Fire Protection:

Matrix Mechanical Solutions 3380 South 108th Street, Suite 201, Greenfield, WI 53227

The Kubala Washatko A rchi tec ts, Inc. / M e i s n e r + Ass o c i at e s