Urban Strategies Inc. was retained by the University of Cincinnati to prepare a precinct plan for a proposed mixed use mid-rise residential facility located at the former site of the Sawyer Hall student residence building. The University of Cincinnati is an urban campus found in the heart of Uptown Cincinnati – a neighbourhood experiencing considerable transformation. The precinct plan identifies the need to enhance the intersection of town and university at the location of the new facility, and provides a framework that is responsive to the evolving changes occurring both on campus and within the surrounding community.

The design and development criteria outlined by the plan describes the establishment of a campus anchor warranting architectural excellence and contributing to broader campus living, harnessing nearby pedestrian flows and engaging with the adjacent Campus Green open space. The criteria also recommends the formation of a transit hub with the potential to be integrated into the design of the new facility, becoming a significant campus node for transportation activity. Combined with the reduction of vehicular access to surrounding streets, the precinct plan contributes to improving the pedestrianization of the campus.