Create a Class A office space. Tap The Cov’s “whimsical atmosphere” to recruit creative design firms.
These are two of the recommendations of a citywide plan drafted two years ago to focus on Covington’s economic development efforts that intersected in a large-scale announcement: its global headquarters in the former Two Rivers Middle School building on Scott Street.
The $ 1.8 million project will bring 40 employees to Covington, and the company has announced that it will add at least 16 more jobs over the next three years.
Company employees said employees fell in love with Covington city center and its “pedestrian potential” during a series of on-site visits.
The old Two Rivers Middle School building on Scott Street (Photo by City of Covington)
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“DeanHouston + is a brand in motion, literally and figuratively. Covington, like us, is exploding with positive energy and growth, which fits perfectly with our goals of creative people, culture and growth, ”said Dale Dean, Founder and CEO of DeanHouston +. “Our entire team is enthusiastic about this decision. “
Covington officials said the move supports two strategies that will be put forward in its 2019 “Garner Report”: suing companies that fall under the “All Things Office” industry and redistributing historic buildings into modern workspaces.
“Businesses continue to view Covington as a great place to be because of the authentic, welcoming, and exciting amenities we offer. “DeanHouston + ‘s decision to locate its global headquarters here is a signal to other companies that Covington is the Tri-State’s preferred business address for creative companies.”
These “creative design agencies” in Covington include a variety of marketing, communications, media, design, branding, architecture and art agencies.
The Covington Board of Commissioners approved an income tax incentive Tuesday evening to work with the deal. Even after the incentive, Covington expects to collect around $ 840,000 in income tax through the move over the next 10 years, said Tom West, director of economic development.
DeanHouston + has offices in Chicago, Nashville, Los Angeles and China as well as a strategic partnership in Germany. It’s been around for 33 years.
Company officials hope to move to Covington on January 1, 2022, once the building’s renovation is complete.
The 1.5 acre lot at 525 Scott St. is across from the Kenton County Public Library. It was sold in February 2021 by the Kentucky Community and Technical College System to Covington Kentucky Development LLC, an investment group led by Guy van Rooyen, whose investment group also owns the legendary Covington Hotel.
It is designed by Work Architecture + Design and carried out by Manning Contracting.
“We are delighted to be able to restore a neglected building in the city center to its former glory,” said Guy van Rooyen. “Our dedication and passion for these restoration projects continues as we bring another asset online to help improve the thriving Covington community.”
The building has an area of 71,000 square meters spread over three floors.
The first phase of the renovation, which has been completed, has completed an area of 5,300 square feet on the ground floor, which is now used by the Covington Classical Academy.
In the second phase, the remainder of the building will be prepared for future commercial tenants, including approximately 12,000 square feet of second floor for DeanHouston +, in addition to improving the usable space.
The work includes new access points, yard improvements on the corner of Scott and Sixth Street, new outdoor terraces for tenants and roof areas.
“At a time when many companies are struggling to find modern offices and attract talented team members, this project is a new high-end office facility for the city,” said Tyler Watkins of Work Architecture. “Our goal in working with Covington Kentucky Development LLC is to bring a new generation of professionals to the Covington cultural and economic hub. “
Stadt Covington
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