Porphyry stone paving is front and center at the $46 million renovation of Cincinnati’s historic Washington Park. Cincinnati’s focus on urban renewal and development has won high praise for the many components that are achieving the city’s’ goals including Mayor Mark Mallory and the Cincinnati Center City Development Corporation (3CDC).
Cincinnati’s Siemering Tile has installed beautiful and long-lasting Porphyry in a number of shapes and colors in the renovation of the park. These paver surfaces will endure for centuries and delight the visitors to this important public landmark. Shown below is a modified fan pattern using 4″ x 4″ Porphyry stone pavers in the soon to reopen facility.
The Park
Washington Park is bounded by West 12th, Race and Elm Streets in the Over-the-Rhine (OTR) neighborhood, the largest most intact urban historic district in the United States. The park is owned and operated by the Cincinnati Park Board. The nearly six acre park was a cemetery before it was acquired by the city in 1855 and has an old-fashioned bandstand and many prized trees. The park which has been expanded from 6 acres to 8 acres stands in the shadow of the Cincinnati Music Hall dating from 1878. The 1908 Memorial Hall also abuts the park and a new K-12 School for Creative and Performing Arts is across Twelfth Street at its south end. The renovation includes construction of a parking garage beneath it for up to 450 cars. In a similar renovation of Fountain Square, 3CDC used profits from parking to pay off loans it took out to develop the project.
The Washington Park project will transform a pivotal civic space in Over-the-Rhine, creating a green oasis for residents and visitors in the middle of this urban neighborhood.
3CDC
The Cincinnati Center City Development Corp. (3CDC) is a 501(c) 3, tax-exempt, private, non-profit corporation. Its mission and strategic focus is to strengthen the core assets of downtown by revitalizing and connecting the Fountain Square District, the Central Business District and Over-the-Rhine (OTR). 3CDC is committed to establishing a model of excellence and success when it comes to redeveloping and investing in Cincinnati’s urban core.
photo attributions – washingtonparkotr-3CDC
General Contractor – Turner/Megen
Design Firm – BHDP
Principal Landscape Architect – Human Nature
Stone Pavers Install – Siemering Tile Co., Inc.
Porphyry’s composition determines its high compression strength, resistance to stains, slip resistance, and high freeze/thaw ratings. The stone is the most popular paver in Europe, and is favored for its flexibility in design, beauty, durability and low maintenance requirements. ADA Compliant Porphyry pavers are also adaptable to a permeable paving set. The stone is by far one of the most durable pavers in the world. These materials are available from Milestone Imports. – www.milestoneimports.com
