Rupp Arena Renderings Released

Renowned sports architecture firm, NBBJ in association with Skanska and EOP Architects, released renderings for the proposed renovation of Rupp Arena. Mayor Jim Gray presented the new renderings at his State of the Merged Government speech in Lexington Center. 

To read the entire article, click here.

Read more here: http://www.kentucky.com/2012/01/25/2040961/gray-says-rupp-arena-task-force.html#storylink=cpy

Design Excellence Task Force Enhances Downtown Construction

In an article in the Herald-Leader, EOP Design Principal Rick Ekhoff noted, "Iconic design stimulates economic growth. Milwaukee's art museum by Calatrava increased economic development by 45 percent in the neighborhood where it is located...Just that one building. Architecture can be transformative."

Read the entire article here.

NBBJ, working with EOP, releases Rupp Arena Study

A team comprised of NBBJ, Skanska, Thorton-Tomasetti and EOP has completed its feasibility study of Rupp Arena. The technical professionals explored options for new construction versus reinvention for every dimension of Lexington Center, Rupp, the Civic Center Shoppes, the Lexington Convention Center and nearby surface parking lots.

To read the entire Herald-Leader article, click here.

UK College of Pharmacy / Biological Pharmaceutical Building Dedicated

A crowd gathered Tuesday for the dedication ceremony of the fourth and fifth floor BioPharm Complex at the University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy building on South Limestone in Lexington. The fourth floor will house UK College of Pharmacy researchers while the fifth floor will have a cancer research focus, with faculty and researchers from the Markey Cancer Center utilizing the space.

For more information about the EOP project, click here.

View photographs from the dedication ceremony here.

The EOP-designed Southland Christian Church on Richmond Road is well underway. Lexington's Herald-Leader posted an article on the progress with construction photos. Making new use of the former Lexington Mall, the project involves the renovation of the former Dillard's and a 49,000 sf addition that will house the 2,800-seat worship center. The plan also includes a large plaza, water feature and parking for 1,800 vehicles.

Click here to view photos and entire article.

For more information about EOP's project, click here.

AIA Kentucky President Richard Polk Comments on Economy in The Lane Report

Less building activity translates into decreased demand for services by the 2,300 licensed architects in the state. Less building also means there is more and more competition – often from huge national mega-firms – for the projects that do get green-lighted.
 

“It has been a tough time for the last couple of years,” said Richard Polk, president of the Kentucky chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and a partner in EOP, a Lexington architecture and interiors firm. 

EOP’s portfolio includes the $81 million Kentucky Transportation Cabinet office building in Frankfort, the $127 million UK College of Pharmacy Building, and a role in the long-stalled $200 million-plus CentrePointe mixed-use development in downtown Lexington.

 

“Buildings aren’t built with pocket change, and the banks have been tight with money. There’s a lack of credit for builders,” Polk said.

 

Read the full article here.

EOP Reuses Rainbo Bread Factory

EOP created the schematic design and layout for the renovation of the former Rainbo Bread Factory. West Sixth Brewing will open a tap room, beer garden and microbrewery in downtown Lexington.

Click here to read article.