When we bought a tired 90 year-old industrial building in Over the Rhine in 2000, we hired an architect who was unable to meet deadlines. Fortunately, after a careful search, we discovered Jim Cheng. Jim’s ability to quickly understand our program for the building and just as quickly get us back on schedule was a welcome relief. Our requirements were complex: space that would not only safely and attractively accommodate an after-school arts program for 5-10 year old city kids, but also provide the children and their caregivers alike, a sense of being special in a special place. Additionally, we needed space on the first floor for administrative offices that could also serve as the offices for our Foundation. This required an esthetically pleasing environment that appropriately represents the kind of support provided by the Foundation. The result is offices-including a conference room-that are sleek, contemporary and a good background for the art in this area-exactly what we wanted.

But Jim went beyond our requirements. His concept for the building honored its history which originally housed a company that manufactured cigar boxes as well as a variety of other light industries. He designed a new stair tower to clearly announce the “front” of the building, which originally had been its back, walls separating office spaces that honored the integrity of the original building, and even a color scheme that made the outside of the building fit well into the community but still give it distinction. The building has won a number of architectural awards, but just as important, it functions smoothly, engaging our students, their caregivers, our staff and teachers.  

You (Alan Hautman) and the other founders of your firm, Mr. Steve Kimball and Jim Cheng, have provided services almost continuously to this Department for the past six years. Your attention to detail results in a project that runs smooth, maintains the budget, and keeps the project on schedule and the design you provided for the Woodlawn Training and Community Center design and construction management services and the design you provided for the Marysville Training and Community Center that is currently under construction.

You (Alan Hautman) and Steve (Kimball) have been key components of the successful completion of a number of significant projects for us. I have always enjoyed our cooperative working relationship – a true partnering – where we have worked together toward a common goal.

Greatness always finds its way to the front