Solar roof coming to huge Over-the-Rhine office building

The developer of the former Strietmann Biscuit Co. Building in Over-the-Rhine is installing a solar roof.

Grandin Properties, the Over-the-Rhine-based real estate company that focuses on development in walkable, urban areas, is investing more than $600,000 to install rooftop solar panels, a new roof and structural improvements. The solar roof will provide enough power to supply most of the needs of the building’s core and shell.

The system is expected to produce about 61,000 kWh per year, or about the same amount of energy needed to power five single-family homes for a year. Strietmann Biscuit Building is located at 221 W. 12th St.

Cincinnati City Council member P.G. Sittenfeld said he hopes other developers follow Grandin Properties’ lead.

“The Strietmann Building project is another big step forward when it comes to powering Cincinnati through sustainable development,” Sittenfeld said.

Peg Wyant, CEO of Grandin Properties, said she is working with the city of Cincinnati to provide some additional financing for the solar panel system.

HGC Construction and Sun Rock Solar LLC will install the rooftop solar array covering more than 50 percent of the roof deck area. The system will consist of 144 solar panels and the power will be used to offset the building owner’s electricity needs for lighting, heating and air conditioning as well as other common area electrical needs.

The solar roof is an addition to a project that is already aiming to be sustainable. The building is pursuing LEED Silver certification from the U.S. Green Building Council for the core and shell.

Plus, the project is redeveloping a building that was originally constructed in 1899.

“Bringing a historic building back to life is considered by many to be the ultimate recycling project,” Wyant said.