Ft. Mitchell Gateway (Drawbridge Inn Redevelopment)

The redevelopment of the former Drawbridge Inn marks a significant transformation of a long-vacant property into a vibrant, mixed-use destination. The first phase of this ambitious project is The Ormsby, an 11-story, $200 million continuing care retirement community offering 262 units. Future phases will introduce restaurants, a grocery store, office space, and additional residential options, revitalizing the area and creating a dynamic community hub.

Bayer Becker has been a key partner in this project since 2013, providing a full suite of services including concept planning, land surveying, 3D scanning, civil engineering, and transportation engineering. One of the primary challenges was maximizing developable land on a uniquely shaped site with complex topography. The design required several substantial retaining walls and careful navigation around a mainline fiberoptic cable that could not be relocated. Additionally, portions of the site contained buried debris from previous development efforts, necessitating strategic fills and limiting usable areas.

Stormwater management was a critical component of the design, as the site handles runoff from approximately 170 acres. Bayer Becker developed a robust stormwater infrastructure system to ensure long-term performance and environmental compliance. Advanced 3D scanning technology was also employed to analyze the outlet of the I-75 culvert, providing precise data to inform design decisions. The project also includes the widening of Buttermilk Pike and the installation of a new traffic signal to support increased traffic flow and improve safety.

The project’s complexity extended beyond engineering. Bayer Becker led a detailed survey and deeding process with the City of Fort Mitchell and prepared a sightline report to evaluate views from each finished floor balcony of the proposed senior living facility. This comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach underscores Bayer Becker’s commitment to delivering innovative, integrated solutions that support long-term community growth and sustainability.