Surviving and Thriving for 120 Years

These days, it’s hard to fathom much lasting for four generations—longer, depending on who’s counting. And yet, here we are. One hundred twenty years. SHP has been in business for 120 years.

To not only survive but thrive for 120 years is remarkable in any industry, but in a profession such as ours, it’s even more difficult. So what’s our “secret sauce?” When I reflect back on our firm’s history, one through-line keeps popping up: community.

What began in 1901 with a focus on residential architecture gradually widened to include all the other ways we build community: public services, education, the arts and culture, parks, businesses, civic spaces, government facilities. Designing strong communities became the heart of who we are. It still is who we are.

Whether they’re public institutions or private businesses, SHP’s projects—past, present and future—exist to strengthen our communities, to raise people up, to make a difference. Like the ones you see here (from left to right) in this special edition skyline logo. Spanning education, workplace and community, collectively these buildings are a great representation of who we are.

“When I reflect back on our firm’s history, one through-line keeps popping up: community.”

Walnut Hills High School

Cincinnati, Ohio

SHP designed a multi-phased renovation and addition for this historic Cincinnati high school, recognized nationally for educational excellence. Originally constructed in 1929, the high school underwent a $10 million, 59,000-square-foot Arts and Science Center addition in 1999. An SHP-designed auditorium renovation followed in 2001. We also completed a 262,000-square-foot renovation to preserve the school’s historic, classical architectural features while delivering an advanced, wireless learning environment, collegiate-sized gymnasium, new courtyards, plaza, and a dining area that overlooks the athletic fields.

Lane Library Oxford Branch

Oxford, Ohio

We often refer to a library as the heartbeat of its community, and Oxford’s Lane Library is no exception. SHP provided architecture, MEP engineering and interior design for a community-inspired facility as part of a planned town development. The diversity of spaces engages all ages, from the experiential children’s area to the café-inspired adult section, from the social teen’s space to the contemplative outdoor reading area. Meanwhile, the integration of various local artifacts into the interior showcases the area’s rich history.

Tire Discounters Home Office

Cincinnati, Ohio

A significant renovation is currently underway at Tire Discounters, one of the region’s largest privately held companies. Our strategic workplace design process is completely transforming a 30,000-square-foot, six-story historic building in downtown Cincinnati. The multimillion-dollar project features a six-story floating staircase and the clever reuse of interesting architectural details, like an elevator car that was original to the building.

Butler County Courthouse

Hamilton, Ohio

Forty years ago, the Butler County Courthouse entered the National Register of Historic Places. While SHP didn’t design the original structure—that honor belongs to architect David W. Gibbs—we have performed multiple renovations to its hallowed halls. In addition to being absolutely gorgeous, the courthouse represents our birthplace: Hamilton, Ohio.

Fitton Center for the Creative Arts

Hamilton, Ohio

Originally designed by SHP Leading Design for the City of Hamilton’s Bicentennial project in 1993, the Fitton Center for the Creative and Performing Arts was so successful that SHP designed an addition 10 years later! This community center includes performance, gallery and community gathering spaces, studios for painting, pottery and photography, and music practice and recital spaces.

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