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PRESS RELEASE
Union Terminal begins first phase of repair and
restoration project CINCINNATI – As one of the region’s most well-known and beloved buildings, Cincinnati Union Terminal has welcomed more than 150 million visitors since its opening in 1933. As with any structure standing for more than 75 years, Union Terminal is in need of significant repair. Today, those repairs will begin to be addressed as a first project commences. As the lowest bidder in the contract process conducted by Hamilton County, local firm HGC Construction (HGC) will serve as the general contractor. "We are very excited to begin this project," said Douglass W. McDonald, president and CEO of Cincinnati Museum Center. "Union Terminal is our organization’s most important artifact and this project will begin the process to ensure the building’s health and vitality for years to come." The project, considered the first step of an estimated $120 million repair and restoration need, is a top-to-bottom overhaul of a section of the 500,000 sq. ft. building and will create significant economic impact. The prevailing wage project will provide temporary construction jobs for 95 workers, and will have an additional indirect impact of creating temporary positions, for a total construction impact of 205 jobs. The project will also serve to create or maintain 45 permanent jobs, which will have an additional indirect impact of 15 positions, for a total impact of about 60 permanent jobs. The section of the building was chosen because all elements of repair can be addressed and will inform the repair process for the rest of the building. The area houses the Cincinnati Dining Room and previously unusable historic dining rooms. The project includes the repair of roofing, steel columns, flashing,
masonry, window lintels, windows and building systems. Interiors finishes
and one-of-a-kind historic murals will also be restored. "The Cincinnati Dining Room, with its incredible ceiling mural
of the city layout circa 1930, has long been a favorite of the community,"
said McDonald. "This project will restore the space and will also
make additional historic-period dining rooms usable for community programs
and events." Funding sources include the State of Ohio through the Ohio Cultural Facilities Commission, the City of Cincinnati, the National Park Service through its Save America’s Treasures grant program, and tax levy dollars approved by Hamilton County voters in 2004. "The Museum Center took an 'all hands on deck' approach in securing its future," said Commission President David Pepper. "They have done a wonderful job of leveraging federal, state, county and city funds to really make this an inclusive effort." As the successful low bidder in a competitive county proposal process, HGC president Michael Huseman said he is pleased to be working on such a significant piece of architecture. "HGC Construction is thrilled to be providing construction services for this historic landmark structure," said Huseman. "We are enthusiastic about starting the renovations and restoring the grandeur to Cincinnati Union Terminal." HGC, established by Richard J. Huseman, has operated continuously in the Tri-State area since 1931. Today, the company employs 60 field personnel with skill levels ranging from general labor through finish carpentry. After the first project is completed, Museum Center hopes to repair and restore the rest of Union Terminal. The total cost for both projects is an estimated cost of $120 million. And while funding for the first project is secure, Museum Center still faces hurdles in securing the rest of the $120 million. A variety of options are currently being studied, including public-private partnerships and government grants. "Tax dollars will be needed for this public building, but we recognize that the tax burden on Hamilton County residents cannot be increased," said McDonald. "Any request will be in accordance with the Hamilton County Board of Commissions Voted Tax Levy Policy." In 2005, Cincinnati Museum Center commissioned an extensive study of the building with regard to the restoration, renovation and continuing use of Union Terminal as a museum facility. Museum Center worked closely with Hamilton County officials and engaged a number of nationally recognized design firms and professionals, all known for their expertise in the preservation of national historic landmarks, monumental buildings and museums. The findings of the study provided a troubling view of the extent of water damage and deterioration throughout Union Terminal. The report concluded that: Industry experts warn that if action is not taken soon, the pace of damage will accelerate dramatically and the cost of repairs will exponentially rise. "In a building of this size, complexity and age, it is strongly recommended that the repair and restoration process for Union Terminal be implemented quickly and in as few phases as possible," said Dr. George Skarmeas, preservation architect principal for RMJM, one of the leading firms working with Museum Center on the projects. "Stretching the process over a long period poses the risk of certain building elements and systems failing, with additional interim and/or emergency repair costs incurred to ensure Museum Center continues its operations," Skarmeas continued. "Sadly, this is a reality that has been recurring with increasingly alarming frequency." # # # Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal is a nationally
recognized institution dedicated to sparking community dialogue, insight
and inspiration. As one of the top cultural attractions in the Midwest,
Cincinnati Museum Center has served as an educational, research and entertainment
resource to millions of visitors from around the world.
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