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BRIAN W. EHRSAMCity & Regional Planning Portfolio

BRIAN W. EHRSAM CITY & REGIONAL PLANNING PORTFOLIO PROFESSIONAL WORK
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ABOUT
BRIAN W. EHRSAM
1367 Suncrest Dr., Cincinnati, OH 45208
(513) 687-0752
brian.ehrsam@outlook.com
SKILLS PROFILE:
• Proficient technology skills with experience in using
Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, Powerpoint,
Outlook), Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator,
InDesign), and ArcGIS.
EDUCATION:
• The Ohio State University, Pursuing Bachelor of Science
in City & Regional Planning and Minor in General Business,
Expected Graduation: May 2015
• Hondros College of Business, Completed Ohio Real Estate
Pre-Licensing Program, Received Ohio Real Estate Sales
License in December 2014
EMPLOYMENT HISTORY:
• Planning Intern, The City of Hilliard, January 2015 - Present
• Team Member, Midwest Mega-Commerce Center,
January 2014 - April 2014
• Crew Leader, Grasscor/Swisher Landscaping, May 2013 -
November 2014
ACTIVITIES:
• Knowlton Mentorship Program, September 2014 - Present
• Scholars Program, August 2011 - Present
• Servitecture, July 2011 - Present
• Kappa Sigma Fraternity, Alpha Sigma Chapter, December
2012 - Present
CONTENTS IMAGE SOURCES
PAGE 2
Source: staronerentals.com
Source: bennettinsights.com
PAGE 6
Source: archrecord.construction.com
Source: engineering.osu.edu
PAGE 7
Source: prweb.com
Source: thepaintingcompany.com
Source: theus50.com
PAGE 10
Source: static.panoramio.com
PAGE 11
Source: hilliardohio.gov
PAGE 14
Source: tpaoutdoors.com
PAGE 19
Source: rkci.com
PAGE 20
Source: huffingtonpost.com
PAGE 24
Source: localtvwtvr.files.wordpress.com
PAGE 27
Source: cleveland.com
Source: multihousingnews.com
PAGE 28
Source: mjflatroofing.com
PAGE 31
Source: columbusunderground.com
Source: fleetfeetcolumbus.com
PAGE 34
Source: barcelonaviptour.com
PAGE 36
Souce: afs.org.in
EDUCATION
The Ohio State University & Ohio Real Estate Sales License 6-7

PROFESSIONAL WORK
Planning & Zoning Intern 10-11
Midwest Mega-Commerce Center (M2C2) Studio 12-17

Urban Agriculture Studio 18-21
ACADEMIC WORK
Rediscovering Cleveland 24-27

Lane & North Star Development 28-31
STUDY ABROAD
KSA Barcelona Study Abroad 34-35

KSA London Study Abroad 36-37

BRIAN W. EHRSAM CITY & REGIONAL PLANNING PORTFOLIO
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EDUCATION
THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY
Located in Columbus, OH, the Ohio State University is one of the
nations largest and most comprehensive educational institutions,
and is rated as the 18th best public university (U.S. News & World
Reports, 2015). It provides 58,322 students with a high-level edu-
cation and has a alumni base of more than 500,000 people. The
Ohio State University is a world-renowned research insitution and
its total research expenditures for 2013-2014 were $982.5 million.
KNOWLTON SCHOOL
The Knowlton School’s mission of “excellence in education, in-
novation, and the stewardship of quality and environment” is
present in its three well-established programs: Architecture, City
& Regional Planning, and Landscape Architecture. Dedicated in
2004, Knowlton Hall is a top-notch facility that includes seminar/
gallery/studio spaces, cafe, auditorium, computer and fabrication
labs, roof garden, and print/digital library.
CITY & REGIONAL PLANNING PROGRAM
The Bachelor of Science in the City & Regional Planning Program
within the Knowlton School blends professional training and lib-
eral arts, while incorporating aspects of law, history, communica-
tions, planning, technology, data analysis, and public participation
into the curriculum.
Students foster growth and experience in studio courses where
they are engaged in real-world projects with Ohio professionals,
businesses, governments, and communities. These projects are
designed to enhance a student’s knowledge and ability to obtain
success in their respective field.
The program allows students the opportunity to utilize current/
new technologies and programs. Whether it is design-based soft-
ware (Adobe Creative Suite) or geographic software (ArcGIS), the
students develop skills to adapt this technology into their work
and future career fields.
FISHER COLLEGE OF BUSINESS - Business Minor
The Fisher College of Business was established in 1916 and has
provided an exceptional education to the students in its pro-
grams. Fisher College is considered one of the top business
schools in the nation and is consistently ranked as such according
to multiple sources. Due to its sucess, the College has been able
to attract leading professionals as its professors, the majority of
whom have enjoyed major success in their respective business
fields.
The General Business Minor Program, sponsored by the Fisher
College of Business, is designed to provide students with the
knowledge and understanding of language/concepts crucial in
the business environment. Students in the program are required
to take courses in Accounting, Economics, Finance, Management
& Human Resources, Operations Management, and Marketing.
HONDROS COLLEGE OF BUSINESS - Ohio Real Estate
Sales Program
In order to become a licensed real estate sale agent in Ohio, the
Ohio Department of Commerce’s Division of Real Estate & Pro-
fessional Licensing requires one to obtain a sponsorship from a
licensed Ohio Broker, complete all the pre-licensing education re-
quirements: Real Estate Principles & Practices (40 hrs.), Ohio Real
Estate Law (40 hrs.), Real Estate Appraisal (20 hrs.), and Real Estate
Finance (20 hrs.); pass the exam; and meet several other criteria.
From July to August 2014, I was enrolled at Hondros College in
their Real Estate Pre-Licensing Program, where I completed all
of the pre-licensing education requirements. In November 2014,
I obtained a sponsorship from Bob McCarthy, a licensed Ohio
Broker in Upper Arlington, OH with Howard Hanna. I officially be-
came a licensed Ohio real estate agent in December 2014 upon
completion of the state exam.
Over the next year I am enrolled in Hondros College’s Post-Li-
censing Program (10 hrs) so that my license meets Ohio’s stan-
dards, and am scheduled for several real estate training seminars
with Howard Hanna.

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PLANNING & ZONING INTERN
WHERE: City of Hilliard, OH
WHEN: January 2015 - Present
In January 2015, I was given the opportunity to work with the City of Hilliard in their Planning & Zon-
ing Department, directly alongside their Lead Planner, John Talentino. The City of Hilliard is a suburb
10 miles northwest of Downtown Columbus and is considered one of Columbus’s most affluent sub-
urbs. Hilliard’s origins date back to 1853, to it being located on a primary rail route, where agricultural
goods where shipped to and from the surrounding farmland. In 1866, the first railroad station was
built on Main St., and remaind until 1962. Three large subdivisions were created in the 1950’s, result-
ing in tremendous development in Hilliard, only to grow at an even faster rate with the connection to
Columbus’s sewer and water systems. Hilliard was officially recognized as a city in December 1960 by
the State of Ohio, having a population of 5,633 (City of Hilliard, 2015). Currently, the City of Hilliard is
continuing to develop and has attracted major businesses and residential/commerical developments.
Overview of the City of Hilliard (United State Census Bureau, 2010):
• Population - 28,435
• Area - 13.34 sq. miles
• Average Population Density - 2,159.1 inhabitants/mile
• Households - 10,198
• Household Makeup - 44.5% w/ children under age of 18
• Average Household Density - 807.7 household units/mile
• Median Household Income - $85,052 (in 2013 dollars)
• Gender Makeup - 48.8% male, 51.2% female
• Median Age - 35.9 years
• Average Family Size - 3.26
• Race - 88.5% Caucasian, 3.0% African American
This internship position require one to review and analyze planning/zoning/development cases sub-
mitted to the City of Hilliard on a daily basis, in addition to providing personal insight and recom-
mendations for such cases to the Planning and Zoning Department. Hilliard enacted a new zoning
code in late 2014, and I am tasked with determining how this new code affects existing structures and
developments. I am creating a database for PUD districts within Hilliard, each districts will link to gen-
eral and specific guidelines, along with exhibits that show design examples that meet the guidelines.
I often revise site plans that take into account my vision of the site for potential developments. The
most rewarding aspects of this opportunity are being able to learn from an accomplished City Planner,
and secondly participating in official planning commission meetings or those interactions between the
developers and the commission. John Talentino encourages his employees to take an active role each
day and I continually gain both the experience and skills that are crucial for a successful career.

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MIDWEST MEGA-
COMMERCE CENTER (M2C2)
STUDIO
WHERE: Fayette County, OH
WHEN: January - April 2014
TEAM MEMBERS: Hannah Beck, Brad Fisher,
Sarah Galbreath, Emily Knox, Jordan Selmek,
James Stiving, Alex Swift, Aubrey Wilson
From January to April 2014 I worked with a group of
planning students in a partnership between Fayette
County government officials and the Ohio State Uni-
versity. This partnership centered around a 1,600 acre
jobs-ready industrial zoned site (largest such site in Ohio)
along I-71 in Southeast Ohio that currently sits as ag-
ricultural land. Fayette County had been attempting to
market the site for the past few years, as it would provide
the region with a tremendous economic boost, and even
invested $8.5 million into infrastructure improvements.
Fayette County reached out to Ohio State for its students
to assist them in creating a development plan/strategy
for the site and provide innovative ideas. Throughout the
length of this partnership we explored site characteris-
tics, market strategy, demographics, financial conditions,
land-use planning, brand creation, economic devel-
opment, and green engineering. I was responsible for
analyzing the current infrastructure, and then from my
findings create multiple site-access proposals with their
respective costs that would best fit target industries, in
addition to assisting with the analysis of the surrounding
demographic data.

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The Mid-West Mega Commerce site is located along Interstate 71 and U.S. Route
35 in rural Fayette County, OH (Figure 14.1 and Figure 14.2) It is situated in
close proximity to three major cities (Cincinnati, Columbus, and Dayton), all of
which are within 90 miles of the site. There is a major retail complex on south-
west corner of the site and Downtown Jeffersonville to the north. According to
our findings, within the 27 surrounding counties, there is a total population of
7,978,400 that would provide consistent workforce for any industry that develops
the site.
To better analyze the surrounding demographics, we sub-divided the sur-
rounding counties into three concentric rings (Figure 14.3). Demographic,
educational, and transportation data was compiled based on the three
concentric rings. Potential businesses take into account this data because
it provides a better understanding for the chances of success. The data was
organized into three subcategories: Education, Housing, and Commuting.
• Private High School Locations
• 2-Year College Locations
• 4-Year Public University Locations
• Private 4-Year College Locations
• Number of High Schools
• College Enrollment by County
Housing:Education:
Commuting:
• Current Mean Travel Time to Work
• Distance to Site (minutes)
• Distance to Site (miles)
• Median Home Values
• Median Household Income
• Average Household Size
• Home Ownership Percentage
• Annual Population Retention
• Total Housing Units
• Vacancy Percentage
I SITE LOCATION
II DATA COLLECTION
Figure 14.2
Figure 14.1
Figure 14.3
MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME
(Purple=1st ring/Fayette County, Orange=2nd ring, Green=3rd ring, Blue=Ohio,
Grey=US)
Education - There are 34 two-year colleges, 35 four-year public universities,
and 58 private universities. Employees have the opportunity to further their
education, and families are able to give their children with a quality educa-
tion. The variety of educational opportunities enhance the site’s marketable
attributes. (Example of education data graph in Figure 15.1).
Housing - The percentage of available houses is relative to the population
demographics, and majority of median home values within the three con-
centric rings are considerably lower than Ohio’s median home values. Em-
ployees have the ability to find affordable housing in each county. (Example
of housing data graph in Figure 15.2).
Commuting - The average commute time to the site from within the first
ring is 24 minutes, for the second ring its between 19-27 minutes, and for
the third its between 21-34 minutes (average commute in the US is 21 min-
utes). Employees would have a manageable commute from the majority of
surrounding counties. (Example of commuting data graph in Figure 15.3).
III DATA ANALYSIS
(Purple=1st ring/Fayette County, Orange=2nd ring, Green=3rd ring, Blue=Ohio,
Grey=US)
MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME
CURRENT MEAN TRAVEL TIME TO WORK
4-YEAR PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES
Figure 15.1
Figure 15.3
Figure 15.2

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We determined that the current road and rail access to the M2C2 site is a major
marketable attribute, as there is sufficient access to handle heavy industrial loads.
The site is bordered by two four-lane highways (I-71 and U.S. Route 35). Indus-
tries would have the ability to efficiently and quickly transport goods to and from
the site using the existing road network. M2C2 has direct access to the CSX Trans-
portation and Norfolk-Southern rail lines, and there is an existing rail-spur that
extends to the east property line. The Indiana & Ohio Railway Company currently
operates the rail-spur and has the ability to ship the goods statewide (Figure
16.1), but also offers connections to major rail networks that operate nation-
wide (CSX and Northfolk Southern Railway). These major rail networks connect
to shipping ports along the U.S. coastline (Boston, New York, Baltimore, Norfolk,
Charleston, Jacksonville, Tampa, Mobile, New Orleans, Houston, Los Angeles, San
Francisco, and Seattle) that enable products to be sent globally, if required.
Part of my responsiblity on this project included creating multiple site-access
proposals that took into consideration the current infrastructure, construction
costs, and characteristics that target industries value when deciding on potential
locations. A construction cost breakdown (based on various sources) of the road
type, road mileage, addition of an interchange and road/rail junction, and existing
road reconstruction for each proposal.
IV CURRENT ROAD/RAIL ACCESS
V PROPOSED ROAD/RAIL ACCESS
The proposal represented in Figure 16.2
was designed for heavy industrial use with
the addition of four road access points
(one of which is an additional inter-
change) and the extension of the current
rail-spur into the site. These additions
enable the site to handle increased traffic
volumes and heavier loads. The construc-
tion costs for the proposal were estimated
to be $32,713,388* (Figure 16.3).
* Arkansas Highway Department (2009), Washington
Department of Transportation’s Highway Construc-
tion Comparison Survey (2002), Amtrak Highway Rail
Grade Crossing (2000)
Figure 16.2
Figure 16.1
When we considered alternative methods of marketing the site, the idea of incor-
porating green engineering was a primary focus. Wind energy was decided as a
viable resource that could be tapped for this particular location, and at the same
differentiating the site from its competition. Various factors, including industri-
al precedents, wind speed data, land roughness, enviromental policies, funding
sources, maximum number of turbines, production capacity, and zoning and legal
issues were all considered.
After discussing the factors, we agreed on recommending the construction of a
wind turbine with a Power-Purchase Agreement. This Power-Purchase Agreement
calls for private wind company to develop the facilities on the site, in exchange
that the site operator purchases the generated energy credits. In order for the
wind turbine to be constructed, Fayette County must modify the Industrial-1
zoning or create an overlay district. According to Juhl Energy, the average wind
project could be developed on the site within 13-14 months. A concept render-
ing was created to show the potential appearance of a proposed windmill upon
the site (Figure 17.1).
The final document is available upon request and includes a great deal of ad-
ditional information, such as demographic data and trends, details of compet-
ing mega sites throughout the United State, financial resources, use of mobile
applications, recommendations, available grant funding, tax credits. and nearby
attractions.
* The final document was submitted to the Fayette County commissioners and is
available upon request. A copy of the presentation given to Fayette County can
be found at https://prezi.com/ucalfj6kvqgg/midwest-mega-commerce-cen-
ter/.
VI GREEN ENGINEERING
Figure 17.1
VII RESOURCES
Figure 16.3

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URBAN AGRICULTURE STUDIO
WHERE: The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
WHEN: August - December 2014
TEAM MEMBERS: Kwabena Agyekum, Tyler Bend-
er, Hannah Gray, Thomas Isabella, Corinne Jones,
Emily Knox, Richard Lott, Thomas Stipkovich, Lau-
ren Subler, Phillip Tackett
From August to December 2014 I was a member of a team
consisting of planning students that was petitioned by the
Columbus’s Land Redevelopment Office to examine the ele-
ments, impact, and benefits of urban agriculture, while also
determining the effectiveness and applicability of urban
agriculture for the City of Columbus by reviewing cases in
cities throughout the United States. Besides the formen-
tioned tasks, we would also create a proposed zoning code
and regulations that would be suitable for Columbus.
The process for this particular studio consisted of first
gathering the basics of urban agriculture, researching its
potential benefits, next visiting local urban farms or con-
tacting professionals nationwide, then reviewing current
cases projects and city zoning codes for urban agriculture,
selecting likely farming sites in Columbus, and finally adapt-
ing the research to create the proposed zoning code and
regulations. I was responsible for analyzing aquaponics and
hydroponics, and exploring Baltimore’s urban agriculture
code. All of this would then be compiled into a document
that the Land Redevelopment Office could then submit to
both the state and city governments.

PROFESSIONAL WORK
21
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“To create a viable, informative, and impactful
urban agriculture code for the City of Columbus.
This code will serve as a tool for residents and city
officials alike in the interpretation of urban agricul-
ture within city limits. The purpose is to make urban
agriculture ease to implement city-wide and to pro-
mote the growth and sales of homegrown produce
in the Columbus metropolitan area.”
MISSION
• “Urban Agriculture” is the use of any land within the city limits for
production, processing, and cultivation of fruits, herbs, vegetables,
and other plants, including aquaculture and horticulture; encom-
passes urban farms and community gardens.
• “Urban Farming” are farming operations that emphasize the
cultivation, processing, and marketing of food for income gen-
eration. It may involve the use of hydroponics, aquaponics,
intensive farming methods, on-site sale of produce or wholesale
to private entities, composting, and structures for extending grow-
ing season, such as hoop-houses, greenhouses, and cold farms.
• “Community Gardens” emphasize the growing of fruits,
vegetables, and other plants for neighborhood beautification, edu-
cation, and recreation. It can involve the distribution of harvested
goods to the community or for personal consumption.
• “Aquaponics” is a system of aquaculture in which the waste pro-
duced by arm fish or other aquatic animals supply nutrients for
plants growth hydroponically, which in turn purify the water.
• “Hydroponics” is the process of growing plants without soil by
using other solutions, water, or mediums such as gravel or sand.
In order to better understand and delineate between the main types of urban
farming the following definitions were created:
DEFINITIONS
I
II
We studied zoning regulations related to urban agriculture in six major cities
(Austin, Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, Cleveland, Detroit, and Pittsburgh) and
then used our findings to create a zoning code for Columbus. Baltimore’s
newly adopted initiative is known as Homegrown Baltimore, and its focus is
on creating a strong local food system that offers equal access to healthy
foods for all citizens; supporting Baltimore’s farmers, gardeners, and busi-
nesses; endorsing environmental sustainability; and utilizing vacant land
with a productive use. These objectives can be summarized as:
According to our research, we determined that urban agriculture would be suc-
cessful within the Columbus region. Ohio’s agriculture industry is not focused of
human food consumption, therefore there is an opportunity to urban agriculture
to take root. Columbus residents currently support the idea of growing locally,
buying locally, and eating locally but the urban agriculture infrastructure present-
ly does not meet demand. Columbus’s possess a great deal of vacant land that
overlaps directly with deserts, and this data was mapped (Figure 21.2). From this
mapping, Southwest Columbus and Milo-Grogan (central Columbus) were con-
sidered as likely regions to implement urban agriculture.
* The final document was submitted to the Columbus Land Redevelopment Office
and is available upon request. It includes the proposed zoning code/regulations
for Columbus, additional diagrams, and extensive research data.
BALTIMORE CASE STUDY
URBAN AGRICULTURE IN COLUMBUS
III
IV
“Grow Local, Buy Local, and Eat Local”
Homegrown Baltimroe has mapped and analyzed all of the vacant land in
the city, and determined that as a result of its recent population decline,
they have an estimated 30,000 vacant properties. Baltimore realized the
tremendous potential for urban agriculture on these vacant lots and speci-
fied which of these lots would be best suitable for agriculture. They created
a series of maps that examined public vs. private-owned vacant land (ex-
cluding land use zones where urban agriculture would be prohibited) and
over-layed that with the food deserts. In addition, the intiative also marked
five barriers (land, water, soil, capital, and agency support) preventing urban
agriculture from taking a stronger foothold within the city. The plan pro-
vides recommendations/strategies to lessen the impact of these barriers.
Figure 21.1 provides an overview of Balitmore’s zoning code with regards
to urban agriculture.
Figure 21.1
Figure 21.2

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ACADEMIC WORK
REDISCOVERING CLEVELAND
TEAM MEMBERS: Nicole Hansley, Taylor Mackey, Tom
Stipkovich
From August to December 2014 I worked with several students
to designate an area in Cleveland, Ohio best fit for redevelop-
ment by analyzing demographic and census data ,while incor-
porating Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software. After
deciding on a specific area for redevelopment, we determined
what improvements were needed to be made to foster growth
and what use provided the greatest chance of success.
I was tasked with analyzing surrounding land uses and mak-
ing recommendations on which zoning use(s) would give the
greatest chance of success. In addition, I researched past/pres-
ent redevelopment projects and the results they were experi-
encing.
Cleveland originated in 1796 with initially 220 lots, and its pop-
ulation remained under 1,000 residents until the early 19th cen-
tury. However, in the mid-late 19th century the inventions of
the steamboat and railroads caused Cleveland to boom, and its
population grew to over 40,000. During the 20th century, the
city enjoyed economic prosperity due to oil and steel indus-
tries, as well it being a crucial location in transporting manu-
factured goods across the United States. Cleveland’s economic
propersity came crashing down in the 1950’s due to many
factors, including regional competition and innovation. Cur-
rently strong leadership and investors are working to transform
Cleveland back to a resemblance of its heyday by updating the
infrastructure, establishing a connection to the waterfront, and
attracting businesses and development projects.

26
The first phase of the project was determining the location best fit for redevelop-
ment by analyzing two factors, 1) density of vacant homes and 2) median proper-
ty value per census tract. Our thought was that the area with the highest density
of vacant homes and lowest median property values would be in the greatest
need for redevelopment. The ArcGIS software was used to assign values with the
respective lots in the Cleveland Metropolitan Area, and then these values were
run through a calculation that assigned a new value. The final area of interest
(AOI) was selected by taking into account vacancy and property values, and prox-
imity to Lake Erie, Downtown Cleveland, and Case Western University.
The AOI is located four miles east of downtown, I-90 runs along its northern bor-
der, and just north of this highway is a highly affluent neighborhood. The areas
to the east and west of the AOI are old-decaying residential districts and most
importantly, directly to the south is University Circle. University Circle is home to
the Cleveland Clinic Hospital Campus, University Hospitals, Case Western Reserve
University, Cleveland Institute of Music, Little Italy, Botanical Gardens, and the
Cleveland Museum of Natural History. Figure 26.1 indicates the location of the
AOI with a gray circle while also illustrating the values calculated through ArcGIS.
For the second phase, we analyzed the area within the AOI and the surrounding
areas. We were able to form maps from the gathered data that broke down the
land uses near and in the AOI (Figure 26.2), and we discovered the region was
dominated by residential zoned areas.
Next we researched the desirable land uses for future residents (golf courses,
parking, parks, public assembly/stadiums, retail) within a 1-2 miles radius of the
site. The data supported our previous observation of a large concentration of uni-
versities and hospitals to the south, while also marking a major park (Rockefeller
Park) running along the western edge of the AOI.
At this stage we began to focus our development onto incorporating Case West-
ern University and the Cleveland Clinic. However, we still in took into account
other factors, such as the location of essential services (airports, medical, schools,
roads) and demographic characteristics of the nearby region (renter vs. owner
occupied units, education, percent unemployed, median income).
From our research we developed a general profile for the residents in and imme-
diately surrounding the AOI. The profile consisted of renters, high rates of unem-
ployment and income, and low education levels. This profile allowed us to gain
a specific focus for the development project and provided with a direction for
redevelopment.
AREA OF INTEREST
LAND USE ZONES
II
RECOMMEND DEVELOPMENT PLANI
UNDERSTAND & ANALYZE AREA
Figure 26.1
Figure 262
27
Case Western University and its students play a crucial role in the successful revel-
opment of the AOI. From student surveys compiled by a student organization, we
recognized that the area provides an adequate amount of entertainment, dining,
retail, recreation spaces, and attractions. A crucial result of the survey was that
the students desired more attractions off campus, and since the AOI is located
off-campus, this would offer a great opportunity to provide additional activities.
The demographic and survey data collected showed that a high percentage of
residents use public transportation, so therefore it is important to enhance these
systems through redevelopment. We decided that to appeal to the students as
future residents, our project needed to include a bus route that accessed both
campus and Downtown Cleveland.
Occupancy of existing residences was analyzed to determine the types of units
that were in highest demand. Our research showed that many single person units
were being rented around campus, which we assumed meant the majority of
renters were students. Because students take the most interest in redeveloped ar-
eas, we proposed that new residential developments being single or two-person
apartment units. The apartment building would be mixed-use, with retail space
on the ground floor and residential space on the above floors, and as a result of
this combination, the target area would experience growth.
Finally, since the land would be initially inexpensive to purchase, investors or the
city could offer reduced rent to businesses wishing to locate to the AOI. Business
would have the ability to launch themselves, resulting in the attraction of custom-
ers and the successful integration of the redeveloped area.
For a portion of this project I was responsible for reviewing past/present redevel-
opment projects (Downtown Lakefront Plan, Flats East, and Tyler Village) in the
Cleveland Metropolitan Area.
The Flats East Bank Development (image below) is a $500 million redevelopment
project located on the east bank of the Cuyahoga River. This vast project will be
completed in two phases, the first of which has been completed, and will trans-
form the area from a mainly vacant entertainment district into an active mixed-
use, residential, and entertainment district. Phase 1 cost approximately $275
million and features a 23 story, 50,000 sq. ft. office tower for Ernst & Young and
Tucker Ellis & West LLP, a 150 room, 3,000 sq. ft. aLoft Hotel, variety of restau-
rants, 16,000 sq. ft. health and fitness center, a new 14-acre public park with open
recreational fields, and a 1,200 ft. riverfront boardwalk.
Developers are now undertaking the $120 million second phase which will feature
a mixed-use development with 140 apartment units on top floors, a Toby Keith-
themed attraction. The apartment units will offer views of Downtown, Lake Erie,
and the Cuyahoga River. Once completed, Phase 2 will generate 600 permanent
jobs and $1 million in annual income taxes ($175,000 will go to the Cleveland
Municipal School District each year).
IV RECOMMEND DEVELOPMENT PLAN
III CASE STUDY: FLATS EAST

28 29
ACADEMIC WORK
LANE & NORTH STAR DEVELOPMENT
TEAM MEMBERS: Ryan Dittoe, Luke Fleming, Ryan Wampler
From August to December 2013 I worked with several students tasked with
targeting a site within the Greater Columbus region prime for redevelopment,
and then create a development plan based on compiled data. After deciding
on a site to target we were encouraged to analyze key factors that influence
the type of development. We incorporated demographic data, surrounding
land uses and attractions, legal/regulatory factors, environmental condidtions,
and current road activity levels into the proposed project plan.
I was primarily responsible for determining the regulatory factors, such as
zoning and height restrictions, compiling a list of local amenities and services,
producing a traffic impact study based on the proposed project, and creating
a streetscape design that incoporate the surrounding neighbhorhoods. Each
of these components were crucial in the final development plan, and are rep-
resentive those factors a developer analyzes before the design and construc-
tion phases.
We decided on a site situated on the corner of Lane Ave. and North Star Rd.
that was owned by the Ohio State University, but segregated from campus as
the targeted area for redevelopment. The site has little to no connection with
the surrounding communities, though of its prime location.

30
I SITE LOCATION/HISTORY
The proposed site for this redevelopment project is located at northeast corner of
Lane Ave. (4 lane) and North Star Rd. (4 lane that transitions to 2 lane), and covers
261 acres (Figure 32.1). Directly west of the site is Upper Arlington, specifically a
residential neighborhood, to the south sites a number of retail and commerical
businesses, and the north is bordered by open fields (Figure 32.2). The site and
everything to the west is considered part of the Ohio State University campus,
and is reserved primarily for athletic facilities, agricutural research, and recre-
ational space.
On July 2, 1923, the original owner,
Joseph Waterman, titled the site to
the Ohio University. The title record-
ed the site as Waterman Farm, and at
the time of deed transfer, the prop-
erty had five structures. Since the
original transfer, four smaller parcels
have been joined to the site to bring
the acreage to its present total of
261 acres. The Ohio State University
uses the majority of the site for its
Waterman Agriculture and Natural
Resources Laboratory Complex.
Figure 30.1
Figure 30.2
In order to provide a basis for the target development project we took into ac-
count a number of factors, including demographic data, legal/regulatory factors,
land conditions, traffic levels, and distance to amenities, services, and work.
Demographic Data - Immediate surrounding districts had higher average home
values, higher average household incomes, and lower vacancy rates than Colum-
bus, and Ohio as a whole.
Legal/Regulatory Factors - Site was classified as a LUCRPD zone (Limited Re-
search - College Research - Park District) w/ H-110 (height restriction of 110 ft.)
May exceed 110 ft. as long as for every 2 ft. of additional building height, the
building is set back 1 ft. from all required set back lines.
Land Conditions - No major elevation changes and Army Corp. of Engineers
does not considered it in a flood zone.
Traffic Levels - Not an issue. A traffic impact study was calcualted once the
planned development was decided upon.
Distance to Amenities, Sevices, and Work - Number of services and amenities
located within a 5 min. drive of the site. Major employers are the Ohio State Uni-
versity and Downtown Columbus is only 4.4 miles away.
II CONSIDERING FACTORS
Lane Ave. & Northstar Rd. Intersection
North Star Rd.
31
ACADEMIC WORK
In November 2014, Northstar Cafe, a local chain restaurant was approved to
build on a parcel of the Lane-North Star site. The parcel is located closet to the
intersection of Lane Ave. and North Star Rd., on the site’s southwest corner. The
proposal calls for a two-story, mixed-use, 13,500 square foot building with the
restaurant on the ground floor and offices on the second. Constructed is expect-
ed to begin in Spring 2015, and the cafe is anticipated to open in early 2016.
Northstar Cafe is projected to employ 60 for the restaurant and an additional
12-15 for the corporate office.
IV
III
UPDATE
PROPOSED DESIGN
We decided on a commerical development that incorporates an attached green
space, as it would benefit both the university and surrounding communities. The
design is focused on three main buildings surrounding a parking lot: one major
building on the northern side and two identical smaller buildings on the western
and eastern sides. On the very north side of the site would be a green space,
open to the general public (Figure 31.1).
The proposed project is designed to implement green-building techniques, such
as rain retention gardens (seven total) and green roofs on each of the structures.
The purpose of the green-building is to control and prevent large amounts of
stormwater runoff that is responsible for carrying high amounts of pollutants into
local water sources. Green roofs are responsible for lowering energy usage of
buildings by efficiently cooling and heating them in corresponding months.
In order to making the area more pedestrian friendly, the project calls for an
updated streetscape design for North Star Rd (Figure 33.2). The streetscape will
consist of two, 10 ft. lanes, with sidewalks on either side; sidewalks and road will
be buffered by a green space. The goal of this streetscape is to give a sense of
connection between the local residential neighborhoods of Upper Arlington and
the development.
Figure 31.1
Figure 31.1

34 35
STUDY ABROAD
KSA BARCELONA
STUDY ABROAD
COURSE DATES: January 2013 - March 2013
TRIP DATE: March 2013
FOCUS: Architecture & Urban Planning/Design
In March 2013 I traveled to Barcelona, Spain as part of
a study abroad program sponsored by the Knowlton
School and The Ohio State University. The program’s
focus was Barcelona’s architecture and urban planning/
design, and was co-led by Aimee Moore, an architecture
professor, and Rob Hilbert, a landscape professor. A pre-
paratory course was required for the trip that provided
the students with an overview of the city’s history and
architecture, urban planning elements, and methods for
gaining the most from the trip.
During the two-week time in Barcelona, we visited Sagra-
da Familia, Parc Guell, Barcelona Pavilion, Casa Mila, Placa
de Catalunya, among many others. Professors Moore
and Hilbert developed an itineary that encouraged the
students to experience Barcelona in their own personal
way, but at the same time providing a fine balance be-
tween free time and professor-led, scheduled activities.
The most rewarding aspect of the trip was the experience
of traveling down the La Rambla, a major thoroughfare
connecting central Barcelona with the Mediterranean
Sea. La Rambla is unique in that it incorporates multiple
pedestrian walkways, two lanes of traffic, bike lanes, and
space for recreation and retail, while still maintaing the
feeling like that of a pedestrian mall.

36 37
STUDY ABROAD
KSA LONDON
STUDY ABROAD
COURSE DATES: January - March 2012
TRIP DATE: March 2012
FOCUS: Architecture
In March 2012 I traveled to London, England as part of
a study abroad program sponsored by the Knowlton
School and The Ohio State University. The two-week trip
was directed by Aimee Moore, a professor in the archi-
tecture department, and had a strong focus on London’s
historic and modern architecture but also incorporated
visits to neighboring attractions. The program consisted
of a prepartory course in which we developed an under-
standing of London’s history, architecture, and formation
into a global metropolitan center.
Though the trip was only for a limited time we were able
to visit numerous sites that were truly unique and mean-
ingful, among which included St. Paul’s Cathedral, Parlia-
ment Square, Buckingham Palace, Westminister Abbey,
Piccadilly and Trafalgar Squares, Stonehenge, Salisbury
Cathedral, Tate Modern, and Tower Bridge. We embraced
the opportunity to dive into London’s culture by explor-
ing the city and interacting with its residents whenver
time presented itself.
However, the most influential experience for me was the
site visit to the Queen Elizabeth II Olympic Park for the
2012 Olympics, as it was a massive development project
that was made more difficult with the short deadline for
completion. The amount of detail and infrastructure was
memorizing, and the plan for the Park’s use following the
Olympics was something other countries should model.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR
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