OUR TEAM
Students
Victoria Browning - M.S. Civil Engineering
Shannon Gillie - M.A. Community Planning
Ismael Hassan -¦ B.A. Architecture, M.A. Community Planning
Ashley Tillett - B.S. Architectural [Engineering
Kyle Wilson - M.A. Community Planning
Faculty Advisor
Leah M. Hollstein, M.L.A., Ph.D [LEED AP| | School of Planning
Facilities Managers
Michael Hofmann | Director of Utility Services
John Martini, PLA | Campus Landscape Architect

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Table of
Contents
Abstract
Page
Introduction
Page
Local Context, Local Priorities
Page
Site Description
Page
Project Goals And Indicators
Page
Design Solution
Page
Extended Detention Wetland
Page
Bioretention Areas & Bioswales
Page
Tree Plantings
Page
Walk-Through Trail
Page
Signage
Page
Bioswale Display
Page
Small Amphitheater
Page
Local Stormwater Management Requirements
Page
Calculations
Page
Financing
Page
Conclusion
Page
References
Page
3
3
4
6
7
7
8
9
10
11
12
12
13
14
15
15
15
16
Page 2

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ABSTRACT
University Commons is a 3.5 acre greenspace on the University of Cincinnati
Medical Campus. At first glance, it looks like an engaging and eco-friendly
space, with a large water feature and rolling hills. However, the site faces a
number of problems. Local residents and employees rarely interact with the
space. A nearby parking garage experiences regular flooding due to the site's
inadequate drainage system. Additionally, the site is located in the corner of
campus with the highest urban heat island effect. To address these challenges,
the team proposes a green infrastructure redesign. Relevant elements include
an extended detention wetland, bioswales, tree plantings, and additional native
vegetation. They also include a new trail to lead visitors into the space from
the adjacent sidewalk, and educational components like signage and a small
amphitheater. Working with local partners, in addition to University of Cincinnati
Planning, Design, and Construction staff, this proposal outlines benefits of the
proposed green infrastructure, expected time frames for implementation, and
projected costs. "Finding Common Ground" is ultimately a vision of a multi-
functional space, where needs like stormwater management and community
education are mutually supported, and inspire people throughout the city to
explore how they can use green infrastructure in their own communities.
INTRODUCTION
The University of Cincinnati first moved to its Uptown location in 1882 with
a few buildings off Clifton Avenue. The following 150 years saw its inexorable
growth spread throughout large sections of the budding CUF and Corryville
communities, and even taking up half of adjacent Burnet Woods in large
expansions. The University is now inextricably linked with the fabric of these
surrounding communities and acts as both an asset and burden for those who
call them home. In the past 20 years the University has recognized its role in this
network and attempted to act as a force for positive change and support. As
such, the Rain Works competition offers a perfect opportunity for building upon
this culture of support through the lens of green infrastructure.
The residents of Cincinnati, like many others around the United States, are
learning more about the importance of green infrastructure and the variety
of benefits it can provide. Momentum for green initiatives is growing. The city
recently published the 2018 Green Cincinnati Plan. There are also a variety
of organizations throughout the city working in different ways to construct
green infrastructure, and the University of Cincinnati is no exception. The
Medical Campus in particular offers opportunities for building and improving
green infrastructure capabilities, to meet such needs as handling stormwater
infiltration on-site and creating space for its many visitors and nearby residents
to engage outdoors. In particular, the green space on the Medical Campus,
University Commons, offers such a possibility.

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LOCAL CONTEXT, LOCAL PRIORITIES
University Commons sits on the edge of three Cincinnati neighborhoods,
Avondale, Corryville, and Clifton. It is located along a busy thoroughfare, Martin
Luther King Drive, and serves as a gateway for the many medical facilities
around it, including the VA Hospital, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, and Shriners
Hospital for Children. University Commons is roughly 3.5 acres and rarely used,
though it features a fountain and seating. Despite a complex drainage system,
the low-lying site contributes to persistent flooding within the adjacent parking
garage.1
1 he space is also at the corner of the campus that experienced the highest on-
campus land surface temperatures in the summer of 20203

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LOCAL CONTEXT, LOCAL PRIORITIES, CO NT.
A collaborative redesign of this space maximizing nearby partnerships and
combatting environmental concerns will result in a functional and attractive
gathering space better suited for the needs of the community. The site's
location behind a prominent hotel within the uptown community situates it
as a gateway to Cincinnati as a whole. The surrounding hospitals would benefit
greatly from enhanced greenspace access, as many studies link visible and
accessible gardens and nature areas with quicker healing speeds. This access
has also been proven to improve the mental health of surrounding users as well.,
a benefit for the surrounding office buildings and classrooms as well asthe hotel
and hospital visitors. University Commons is in a prime location along Martin
Luther King Drive, a main east-west thoroughfare through Cincinnati's uptown.
This road has the capacity to connect more than vehicular traffic, with several
green initiatives along its stretch. Innovation Greenway is a green infrastructure
effort currently under consideration in the Uptown Innovation Corridor, half a
mile east of University Commons. Burnet Woods, a Cincinnati park, is located
half a mile west of University Commons. A more accessible University Commons
helps link these greenspaces together, fostering a deeper sense of community
while improving its ecological service value.3
Avondale
Cincinnati
- Childrens
Burnet
Woods
Innovation
Greenway
UC Medical Campus
University of Cincinnati
West Campus
Civic
Garden
Center
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Corryville

Secondary Roads

Martin Luther King Drive

Interstate 71
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Our Site

Greenspaces
¦—,
Key Partner

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SITE DESCRIPTION
The chosen site is confusing and not very accessible from a pedestrian scale.
It looks like a community space, but the trees along the sidewalk, and grassy
slopes that lead down to the fountain, may give the impression that the space
is private, perhaps for use by the science center or hotel along its periphery.
There is currently no clear access point from the sidewalk, other than walking
on the grass. Additionally, there are two large mounds along the west side of
the site, both made from fill that needed to be moved when other construction
occurred on the campus. These mounds further shield the site and create an
impression of separation.4
EXISTINC FOUNTAIN 8,
POOR DRAINAGE
Page 6

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PROJECT GOALS AND INDICATORS
1. Stormwater Management
-Reduce stormwater runoff by
MILLION
GALLONS
YEAR
2. Urban Heat Island Mitigation
-Lower the site's average land surface temperature
by
2025
3. Community Space
-Increase public use of space by
2000 PEOPLE
YEAR
4. Public Outreach and Education
-Strategically install
educational components to increase
community understanding of green
infrastructure
DESIGN SOLUTION
The design team communicated with a number of local stakeholders, including
the University of Cincinnati Planning, Design, and Construction Office, Innovation
Greenway, and the Cincinnati Zoo to explore feasibility and constraints during
proposal development. The proposed solution is a compilation of these
conversations. Additionally, while there are no local or state design standards to
adhere to, the 2018 Green Cincinnati Plan outlines several resilience priorities.
Many of them are incorporated in this design.

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Extended Detention Wetland
Wetlands provide on-site water storage for heavy rainfalls, as well as natural
filtration for cleaning pollutants out of the water before it eventually percolates
into the ground. This design proposes a extended detention wetland in place of
the impervious pad that currently houses the fountain on University Commons.
As it includes the lowest point on the site, the design seeks to manage the water
that would otherwise be diverted through the drains located atthe low point and
mitigates the flooding risk faced by the nearby garage as a result. Discussions
with the University Director of Utility Services found that flood mitigation and
cleanup costs their department nearly $20,000 per year in relation to this site.
The 2018 Green Cincinnati Plan identified the importance of creating and
expanding wetlands to handle the projected increase in rainfall and reduce the
combined sewer overflows the city faces.5
Developing a wetland also opens the opportunity to incorporate native plant
species, contributing to the biodiversity of the site. Precedents considered as
examples of successful wetland creation include Atlanta's 4th Ward Park in
Georgia, and Tanner Springs Park in Portland, Oregon 6•
Operations and Maintenance: Conducted by UC Facilities Management
Cost: $23k per acre a
Schedule: 2-3 years

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Bioretention Areas/Bios wales
Bioretention areas and bioswales function to reduce stormwater damage, and
consequently decrease spending on stormwater infrastructure. They also filter
pollutants out of water. The slope of the mounds in the southeast quadrant of
the site varies between 8 12%. ' his design proposes 8-inch deep bioswales to
accommodate the runoff of these steeper mounds,3
Operations and Maintenance: Conducted by UC Facilities Management
Cost: $230,000/million gallons retained 15
Schedule: 6 months

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Tree Planting
The City of Cincinnati identified rising temperatures as a concern in its 2018
Green Cincinnati Plan, and included the objective of "No increase in...heat
related fatalities" through 2023 as a resilience goal.11 Part of meeting that
objective is implementing goals like "increase city-wide tree canopy coverage
to at least 40%."12 University Commons is a natural space to consider additional
tree coverage, both because of trees' role in reducing urban heat island effect,
and their ability to reduce rainwater runoff.
The design is cognizant of the impact invasive species have in southwest Ohio
and is careful to select native tree species for planting, such as Red Maple, Honey
locust and Cumulus Serviceberry.13 A full list of native wetland plantings that
may be included in the site can be found in Figure 1.
Operations arid Maintenance: Conducted by UC Facilities Management
Cost: $31 k per 100 trees, plus $20 per tree per year.14
Schedule: 1-2 years



Red Maple
Canopy Tree
Wet Soil Tolerant
Sunburst Honey Locust
CanopvTree
Wet Soil Tolerant
Heritage River Birch
Medium-Large Tree
Thrives In Wet Conditions
Cumulus Serviceberry
Small Tree
Wet Soil Tolerant
Summer Cascade Weeping River Birch
Small Tree
Moisture-Retentive/Wetland
Bottlebrush Buckeye
Large Shrub
Wet Soil Tolerant
ndigobush Amorpha
targe Shrub
Moisture-Retentive/Wetland
Midwinter Fire Dogwood
Medium Shrub
Wet Soil Tolerant
Goatsbeard
Medium Shrub
'Moisture-Retentive/Wetland
Giant Reed Grass
Native Prairie Grass
Moisture-Retentive/Wetland
Overdam Feather Reed Grass
Native Prairie Grass
Moisture-Retentive/Wetland
Common Cattail
Wetland Grass
Wetland
Paper Reed
Wetland Grass
Wetland
Swamp Milkweed
flowing Ornamental
Moisture-Retentive/Wetland
Pickerelweed
Flowering Ornamental
Wetland
Water Lilies
Flowering Water-Cover
Wetland
Japanese Painted Fern
Ground-Cover
M o i st u re- Rete n t i ve/Wet land
Siberian Bugloss
Ground-Cover
Wet Soil Tolerant
Figure 1

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Walk-through Trail
Oneofthe most importantfunctionsofthe redesigned University Commons site
is to bring more people into the space to both enjoy the wetland environment
and learn more about its function at the same time. Thus, this design proposes
a trail from an entrance at the sidewalk on Martin Luther King Boulevard,
meandering through the bioswales and bringing people to a boardwalk over
the wetland area.
Operations and Maintenance: Conducted by UC Facilities Management
Cost: as high as $100/1 ineaI foot, depending on the materials used.15
Schedule: 2-3 years

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Signage
Green infrastructure should not be kept a secret. Signage is therefore an
important component of the proposed site redesign. By including signs at each
feature's location, like on the trail over the wetland, and at the bioswales, people
will learn about the ecological services such features provide, like reducing
stormwater runoff, promoting habitats, and lowering urban heat island effects.
By helping people learn about green infrastructure, these signs promote shared
understandings that can influence the sustainability of the city at a larger scale.
A number of organizations, like Rails to Trails, and the USDA Forest Service,
publish design guidelines and suggest funding strategiesforsignage.ia]7Signage
sponsorships are a great opportunity to promote local businesses. Short Vine,
a small business district directly south of University Commons, serves many
residents and community members, and its proximity to University Commons
suggests possibilities for directing people to the green space. Partnership
opportunities should be explored to the benefit of both members of the Short
Vine Business Association and University Commons.
Operations and Maintenance: Conducted by UC Facilities Management
Cost: $500 *
Schedule: Ongoing, as green infrastructure elements a re added to the University
Commons site
Bioswale Display
The more ways provided for people to engage with green infrastructure and
learn about it, the better. This design program includes a plexiglass element,
cutting below grade in a bioswale, so visitors are able to physically see what
happens below the ground surface, for example, after a heavy rain or snow.
Operations and Maintenance: Conducted by UC Facilities Management
Cost: $1000
Schedule: placed at the end of bioswale construction

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Small Amphitheater
A main feature of the current University Commons site is the fountain in the
middle of the space. Water is sprayed at an angle onto a marble base, and then
drains back to its origin point. This is the lowest section of the site and is where
the proposed wetland should be located. Rather than look for means to dispose
of the marble, the plan redesign includes a small amphitheater to the south of
the wetland, with the terraced decks and stage made from the reused marble.
The amphitheater provides another means for visitors to engage with the space,
as well as a space for community events. The amphitheater may also be used
for clases coming to learn more about the benefits and diversity of the site, or
just needing an outdoor class setting in general. Overtime, the space could
potentially be upgraded with a solar canopy allowing for students and other
visitors to charge their laptops and devices while providing shade on warmer
days. Having a multi-functional space will improve visitor numbers and increase
awareness of overarching goals of green infrastructure, as well as its functional
operations.
A team of University of Cincinnati engineering and construction management
students completed an amphitheater development proposal for the nearby
park Burnet Woods in 2015.19 The project has not been implemented, but the
proposal provides a precedent that there is an interest in such a facility in the
area. The proposed amphitheater for University Commons is smaller and uses
materials already on-site. As such, the cost estimates for this amphitheater are
significantly smaller than those from the Burnet Woods proposal.
Operations and Maintenance: Conducted by UC Facilities Management
Cost: $200,000
Schedule: 2 -3 years

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LOCAL STORMWATER MANAGEMENT REQUIREMENTS
Although University Commons is located outdoors and the goal is to attract
membersofthe publictothespace, it is managed bythe University of Cincinnati.
Thus, the design follows guidelines for stormwater management as outlined in
the City of Cincinnati Stormwater Management Code.23
CALCULATIONS
Cut & fill
Cost Estimations
Area
Price/Area
Cost
Cut & Fill
1,33:6 yd3
! - $15'
$10,688 - $20,04.5
Landscape
Grading
36,107 ft2
) .38 - $0.46 *
$13,585 - $16,467
:*p::flce based off national averages
"price based off local averages
(T) §1"? 	
1" = 50'-0"
Stormwater
Statistic
Proposed
Baseline
Avg. Annual Rainfall (in)
41.98
41.98
Avg. Annual Runoff (in)
3.37
22.21
Days/Year w/ Rainfa 11
77.85
77.85
Days/year w/ Runoff
6.10
38.27
% of Wet Days Retained
92.17
50.83
Smallest Rainfall w/ Runoff (in)
0.35
0.10
Largest Rainfall w/o Runoff (in)
2.18
0.50
Max. Rainfall Retained (in)
2.18
0.69

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FINANCING
Some elements of this redesign are more costly than others. While the signage,
tree plantings, and bioswales may find funding through partnerships with
businesses, the city of Cincinnati, and local greening organizations, the wetland
and amphitheater projects may need more resources than what the local
community alone is able to provide. Wetland restoration and conservation is
a priority recognized at the national level in the United States and supported
through a number of grant opportunities. For this element, small grant
opportunities like Small Grants Program through North American Wetlands
Conservation Act, orthe Five Star and Urban Waters Restoration Program, might
be appropriate, in collaboration with matching funds.2122 The amphitheater
proposal may require partnerships, sponsorship opportunities, grants, and
donations from some of the larger businesses in the surrounding community.
The space is perfectly suited for outdoor classes which makes for a good argument
in support of University funding as well. The multi-functionality and location of
the space should serve as useful tools to bring the business community together
in funding the project.
CONCLUSION
Finding Common Ground imagines a future for University Commons where
college students, hotel guests, medical center patients and community
residents may all come together to learn more about green infrastructure and
benefit from its ecological services. The proposed site will be able to divert all
runoff from 92% of rainy days and will provide a wetland habitat for migratory
birds and small animal species. The extended detention wetland will not only
be aesthetically pleasing, but an educational experience to all who travel along
the wetland path and interact with its signage and active demonstrations.
These renovations will be an exciting display of the transformative power of
innovative green infrastructure for its public health and ecological benefits as
well as potential for fostering new community connections. Finding Common
Ground builds upon the University of Cincinnati's vision of Next Lives Here and
its mission to be a driver of community growth, and is the perfect site to inspire
parallel change throughout the rest of the city of Cincinnati and beyond.

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REFERENCES
1)	Drainage Map provided by UC Planning + Design + Construction staff via
personal communication, October 2020.
2)	Heat Island Map provided by UC Planning + Design + Construction staff via
personal communication, October 2020.
3)	Map by authors
4)	Images by authors.
5)	"2018 Green Cincinnati Plan." Cincinnati: City of Cincinnati, May 2018:167.
6)	"Historic Fourth Ward Park." The Trust For Public Land, 2016.
7)	Pfeil, John. "Tanner Springs Park." GreenWorks. GreenWorks, March 1, 2019.
https://greenworkspc.com/ourwork/tanner-springs-park.
8)	"2018 Green Cincinnati Plan." Cincinnati: City of Cincinnati, May 2018.168.
9)	"Plan a Rain Garden." Civic Garden Center, August 10, 2015. https://www.
civicgardencenter.org/green-learning-st.at.ion/your-home/cat.ching-rain-where-
it-fa I Is/plan-a-ra in-garden/
10)	"2018 Green Cincinnati Plan." Cincinnati: City of Cincinnati, May 2018:173-175.
11)	"2018 Green Cincinnati Plan." Cincinnati: City of Cincinnati, May 2018: 40.
12)	"2018 Green Cincinnati Plan." Cincinnati: City of Cincinnati, May 2018:160.
13)	"Results of Your Plant Search." Plantplaces.com. Accessed November 29,
2020. http://www.plant.places.com/perl/viewplant.s.pl?Genus=.
14)	"2018 Green Cincinnati Plan." Cincinnati: City of Cincinnati, May 2018: 166.
15)	Kusler, Jon. "Common Questions: Constructing Wetland Boardwalks and
Trails." Berne: Association of State Wetland Managers, 1993.
16)	"Signage and Surface Markings: Rails-to-Trails Conservancy." Rails to Trails
Conservancy. Accessed November 27, 2020. https://www.railstotrails.org/build-
trails/trail-building-toolbox/design/signage-and-surface-markings/
17)	"Interpretative Planning - Tool #4." Golden: USDA Forest Service, n.d.
18)	Megaprint, Inc. "Trail Signs & Kiosks: MegaPrint." Megaprint, Inc. Accessed
November 27, 2020. ht.t.ps://www.megaprint..com/t.rail-signs.php?area=sSigns.
19)	Beerck, Connor, Chris Mullins, Mitchell Neufarth, Karee Utterback, Woong
Soo Yong, and Jeffrey Gould. "Amphitheater at Burnet Woods." Cincinnati, April
27, 2015.
20)	"Excerpt from Cincinnati Stormwater Management Code." AQUALIS, June
23, 2020. https://www.aqualisco.com/compliance item/city-of-cincinnati/
21)	"Small Grants." U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service - Department of the Interior.
Accessed November27.2020. https://www.fws.gov/birds/grants/north-american-
wet.land-conservat.ion-act./small-grant.s.php.
22)	"Five Star and Urban Waters Restoration Grant Program." NFWF, September
17.2020. https://www.nfwf.org/programs/five-star-and-urban-waters-restoration-
g rant-prog ram.

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