After an extensive local and national search, The Banks' master developers --> --> -->Carter Real Estate --> --> --> and have selected Birmingham-based Brasfield & Gorrie, LLC, as general contractor for the private portion of development.

Brasfield & Gorrie will handle Phase 1A of the project, which will include 300 apartments and up to 80,000 square feet of retail and is expected to cost between $75 million and $80 million.

Carter and Dawson cited the company's extensive experience in mixed-use and LEED projects, its track record of meeting inclusion requirements and utilizing local subcontractors and suppliers, and its solid financial standing as the reason for the selection.

"While all of our finalists were strong, Brasfield & Gorrie brought to the table a track record of successfully completing similar complex projects," said Trent Germano, vice chairman of Carter. "Brasfield & Gorrie will be a great fit for The Banks and we look forward to working with them.”

"We are excited about working again in the Cincinnati market and we understand fully the development team's goals," said Roddy McCrory of Brasfield & Gorrie, who will serve as project executive. "We are confident that we'll deliver a quality project that meets or exceeds all expectations. We are eager to get on the site to begin work."

Construction on Phase 1A will begin next month, with a grand opening scheduled for spring 2011.

Brasfield & Gorrie has developed projects in 29 states, including the Saks Fifth Avenue redevelopment Downtown.

Rendering by CR Architecture + Design.

Previous reading on BC:
Stimulus funding for The Banks moves up schedule, costs (6/17/09)
First street poured at The Banks (5/26/09)
Cincinnati passes three funding ordinances for The Banks (3/30/09)
Three ordinances to be considered for The Banks (3/9/09)
More than you ever wanted to know about The Banks (3/3/09)