UC's new Clifton Court Hall reaches major milestone
Beam topping marks final phase of construction for uptown campus addition
The final beam was hoisted high above Clifton Avenue this month in the topping off ceremony for Clifton Court Hall, one of the latest additions to the University of Cincinnati’s uptown west campus.
Situated near the northwest corner of campus, the 185,000-square-foot structure will house several departments within the College of Arts and Sciences, in addition to 24 classrooms and 230 faculty and staff offices when it opens in spring of 2023.
Rendering of the completed Clifton Court Hall at UC. Image provided by UC Planning + Design + Construction
Designed collaboratively by LMN Architects and KZF Design, and built by Messer Construction, the building also will house a large central atrium, custom stairs and gates, specialized lab space and collaboration areas.
The final beam was topped with an American flag and evergreen tree as it was raised into position, a sign that a building has reached its final height in construction, and a symbol of good luck for future occupants of the structure.
The final beam is lifted into place, with flag and evergreen. Photo/Provided by Messer Construction Co.
With its location adjacent to UC’s iconic McMicken Hall — long the home of many A&S departments— Clifton Court Hall will become the new home to the School of Communication, Film and Media Studies, the School of Public and International Affairs, and the departments of psychology, philosophy, journalism, German studies and Romance and Arabic languages and literatures.
Late last month, students, faculty and staff braved chilly spring temperatures to sign the beam, and make their mark on a piece of UC history.
A student adds her signature to the final beam for UC's Clifton Court Hall. Photo/Beth Vleaminck.
Featured image at top: View from atop Clifton Court Hall, one of the latest additions to UC's uptown west campus. Photo/Provided by Messer Construction Co.
Related Stories
Rod Serling’s early career preserved by UC professor
October 6, 2025
A recent Ohio Newsroom feature spotlights University of Cincinnati Professor Emeritus H. Michael Sanders and his research on Twilight Zone creator Rod Serling’s early career in Cincinnati.
Politics follow you on the road
October 6, 2025
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati found that drivers were far more likely to honk after being cut off by a vehicle bearing a political bumper sticker, particularly one for the opposing political party.
Is dark energy born inside black holes?
October 6, 2025
UC physicist talks to Scientific American about a new theory to explain why the universe is expanding at an accelerating rate.