Children’s to begin move into Cincinnati landmark

Cincinnati Mayor Mark Mallory, City Manager Milton Dohoney, dedicate Vernon Manor offices in June 23 ceremony

CINCINNATI – The large former hotel in the heart of Cincinnati’s Uptown district is just days away from assuming its next official role – a central work environment for more than 650 office employees of Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center. The transformation from 1920s hotel into modern, light-filled office space for Cincinnati Children’s is complete – staff will begin moving in the week of June 27. Some will park in the newly constructed Vernon Manor Garage on the site, just blocks from Cincinnati Children’s main hospital campus.

On Thursday, June 23, City of Cincinnati Mayor Mark Mallory and City Manager Milton Dohoney, Jr. joined city economic development officials, community leaders, Cincinnati Children’s employees and the project redevelopment team led by developer Al. Neyer, Inc. in a ceremony to officially dedicate The Offices at Vernon Manor, a $38 million redevelopment. The project is nationally significant for many reasons, not the least of which is its majority ownership by African American investors.

Ed Jackson, a member of Real Estate Enterprises for African American Leaders (REEAAL) LLC, expressed his appreciation at being part of the remarkable transformation. “Through this careful redevelopment, the Vernon Manor now contributes to a larger mission of helping children through the world-renowned work of Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center.”

“This project is another successful example of the City’s investment in neighborhoods, “said City Manager Milton Dohoney, Jr.

“The Vernon Manor redevelopment team recently gave a two-hour continuing education program that detailed how this project came together,” according to David F. Neyer, president and CEO, Al. Neyer, Inc. “The program’s title was ‘Vernon Manor – Making the Impossible Possible.’ In many ways, this project was impossible, yet, we did it.”

The Offices at Vernon Manor Background

Developed by Al. Neyer, Inc., The Offices at Vernon Manor is the redevelopment of the historic Vernon Manor Hotel. Built in 1924 and closed in 2009, Vernon Manor housed guests and residents in 177 rooms, including a few noteworthy ones over the years, including The Beatles. Project funding partners include the City of Cincinnati, State of Ohio, PNC Bank, Cincinnati Development Fund and LISC. Project components include 156,000 square feet of rentable space and a newly constructed 440-car parking garage. The project required an investment of about $38 million. Economic inclusion was paramount. Overall WBE/MBE project participation was 32.2%. The project is 51% owned by Real Estate Enterprises for African American Leaders, LLC.

City of Cincinnati Economic Development Division Background

The City of Cincinnati Economic Development Division (EDD) is focused on major economic development projects and the revitalization of downtown Cincinnati. It serves as a liaison between City departments and the business and development communities and provides access to financial, informational, and technical assistance to those seeking to invest and grow in Cincinnati. www.choosecincy.com