CINCINNATI, OH — Skanska has completed the first mass timber broadcast facility in the United States — an achievement that also marks Cincinnati, Ohio’s first-ever mass timber development. The 35,000-square-foot, $32 million headquarters for Cincinnati Public Radio (CPR) aims to embody the future of sustainable construction, merging innovation with environmental responsibility.
The new headquarters utilizes Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) to reduce carbon emissions. In total, 498 pieces of mass timber were erected in just 37 days. The timber, sourced from black spruce trees aged between 80 to 100 years old, reflects the environmental conditions of their growth region. The CLT stair stringers weigh approximately 7,500 pounds. The building also features approximately 40,000 linear feet of radiant floor tubing, ensuring heating throughout.
"Skanska is honored to partner with Cincinnati Public Radio and the project team on a landmark project that sets a new standard for sustainable construction in the region,” said Chris Hopper, Executive Vice President, General Manager for Skanska USA Building. “This headquarters reduces environmental impact while creating an inspiring space for journalism and community engagement. We’re proud to see this vision come to life in Cincinnati."
The project is a collaboration between Skanska, Cincinnati Public Radio, emersion DESIGN, Neyer Properties, Schaefer Inc., CMTA, and WSDG. Together, they have delivered a first-of-its-kind facility that merges sustainability with the evolving needs of modern media organizations.
“It is wonderful to finally be at the end of this journey and to see this building now full of the people who make Cincinnati Public Radio as special as it is. I'm tremendously grateful to the team of architects and builders and contractors who skillfully brought what was once a drawing to its full fruition,” said Richard Eiswerth, President/CEO of CPR. “The generosity of our community and our listeners is second to none, and to all who have contributed to this moment, thank you. Keep listening. We have great things to come.”
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The new building's design prioritizes visibility and accessibility, with an open office plan and emersion DESIGN's extensive use of glass to maximize natural light.
”We are so thankful to have supported the amazing leadership group at Cincinnati Public Radio. At emersion, our mission is to 'Advance Clients Who Advance Society,' and CPR’s new home is the embodiment of their vision and commitment to sustainability,” said Brett Macht, Cultural Market Leader and Principal, emersion DESIGN.
The headquarters consolidates CPR’s operations under one roof, housing 91.7 WVXU, 90.9 WGUC, and 88.5 WMUB. The space features:
- Two on-air studios, dual interview studios, and a large performance studio that accommodates ensemble performances, film scoring, screenings, and includes full production lighting for video
- 11,000 square feet of office space
- A public gathering area and terraced outdoor plaza, capable of hosting concerts, lectures, and events for up to 120 guests
- Free-access podcast studios for local content creators
- Dedicated recording spaces for musicians and arts programming
