ULI Cincinnati: Adaptive Reuse in Action: Touring Cincinnati's Office to Residential Revolution

When

2025-08-21
2025-08-21T16:00:00 - 2025-08-21T18:30:00
America/New_York

Choose Your Calendar

    Where

    Cincinnati Hamilton County Public Library Downtown 800 Vine Street Cincinnati, OH 45202 United States

    Pricing

    Pricing Members Non-Members
    All Types FREE FREE

    Join ULI Cincinnati on August 21 for a free and engaging panel discussion and site tour exploring Greater Cincinnati’s emergence as a national leader in office-to-residential conversions. Industry experts will share insights into the region’s strategy, incentives, and successes in repurposing underused office buildings into vibrant new housing. Following the panel, attendees will tour standout examples, including The Avant and The Rye, to see firsthand how these adaptive reuse projects are transforming Cincinnati’s skyline and livability. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, connect, and be inspired by one of the country’s top-performing cities in the office conversion movement. Following the event, there will be an optional happy hour (cash bar) at Knockback Nats.


    Key Takeaways 

    Cincinnati is Nationally Ranked: Learn why Greater Cincinnati is considered one of the top markets in the U.S. for successful office-to-residential conversions.

    Understanding the Drivers: Gain insight into the economic, policy, and market factors making conversions viable and attractive in the region.

    Lessons from the Field: Hear from professionals on the challenges and opportunities involved in adaptive reuse projects.

    Case Studies in Action: Tour The Avant and The Rye to see a completed example of office buildings transformed into vibrant residential communities.

    Tools for Replication: Discover strategies, incentives, and partnerships that can be applied to similar projects in other buildings or communities.

     

    Agenda

    3:45 PM - Check-In and Networking
    4:00 PM - Panel Discussion
    5:00 PM - Tours
    6:00 PM - Optional Networking at Kockback Nats

    Speakers

    Panelist

    Charlie Stiens

    Project Manager, Manning Contracting

    Charlie Stiens is a Project Manager at Manning Contracting, where he oversees complex adaptive reuse and multifamily projects across Greater Cincinnati. With a strong background in construction management and a focus on urban redevelopment, Charlie plays a key role in transforming underutilized spaces into vibrant residential communities. His recent work includes several high-profile office-to-residential conversions that highlight both his technical expertise and commitment to revitalizing the urban core. Charlie brings a contractor’s perspective to the conversation, offering insight into the challenges and opportunities of converting commercial properties into housing.

    Panelist

    Kevin Kluender

    Architect, Drawing Dept

    Kevin Kluender graduated from the University of Cincinnati in 2001 and joined the Drawing Dept in 2006, gaining broad experience in historic building renovations, as well as both multi-family and single-family residential projects. Known as a jack-of-all-trades, Kevin interrogates the intersection of client goals, site conditions, regulatory frameworks, and design principles. His work is grounded in the belief that thoughtful, well-crafted architecture can make the world a more beautiful and considered place—one building at a time.

    Panelist

    Taylor German

    Economic Development Manager, City of Cincinnati

    Taylor German is an Economic Development Manager with over eight years of experience working for the City of Cincinnati. She leads a myriad of economic development projects in the commercial, housing, and industrial sectors. Skilled in negotiating and underwriting real estate and business development projects, Taylor leverages local government incentives to facilitate increased business investment, job creation and retention, and economic growth for Cincinnati. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family and connecting with her community through visits to Cincinnati’s many parks, neighborhoods, museums, and more.

    Panelist

    Danny McKelvey

    Development Manager, CIG Communities

    Danny McKelvey is a Development Manager at CIG Communities, where he leads adaptive reuse and multifamily development initiatives across the Midwest. He earned his Bachelor of Business Administration in Real Estate and Marketing, graduating Cum Laude from the University of Cincinnati. At CIG, Danny plays a pivotal role in identifying strategic office-to-residential conversion opportunities—navigating entitlement processes, community engagement, and project execution. His work exemplifies how vacant commercial spaces can be thoughtfully transformed into vibrant housing hubs, aligning with ULI Cincinnati’s vision for innovative urban development. Passionate about both design and market dynamics, Danny combines academic rigor with practical leadership to accelerate sustainable housing solutions.