5chw4r7z:: the ethos of downtown Cincinnati

I knew the interior of the 84.51 building at 5th & Race was going to be dramatic and it didn't disappoint. From the expansive views out its windows to the wide open spaces and canyons inside I kept having to remind myself I was in a building downtown. The closest building I can even compare it too would be DAAP on UC's campus but that doesn't even come close. It is a building with a seemingly single purpose. To expand the minds of the people working in it.
With that said allow me to go off in a slight tangent. When ever you have a ribbon cutting like this its going to attract politicians claiming credit and hoping some of the glory will rub off on them. Exhibit #1 Cincinnati's accidental tourist of a mayor waxing poetic about attracting creatives to the city as if he had a clue what he was talking about. It amazes me how our relentlessly ill equipped mayor can claim credit for attracting young workers to the city while being completely tone deaf to what they want. For one, he helped negotiate down an apartment deal one block away from 84.51 completely ignoring the fact that these creatives he takes credit for want to live in dense walkable neighborhoods. The kind of neighborhood he is pitting against the rest of the city.
The mayor doesn't have a clue, he's never had a clue, and he's not about to get one anytime soon.
That said, all this will outlive him, so enjoy some pictures of this incredible space.
First thing you encounter is 84.51's street level lobby before an elevator takes you to the 9th floor.

Notice these small placards hanging down

In a demonstration of their computing and analytic power if yoou stand in just the right spot..............

These two little stainless steel guys could almost me driods out of Star Wars. If you don't have the right badge for that area they will throw a barrier in your way, take your picture and call security. And you thought they looked kind of friendly.