CASE STUDY

Delta Air Lines Credits Al. Neyer Inc. in Key Move Downtown

"Neyer's design-build philosophy and approach to this project were critical to delivering a facility that exceeded our expectations and was delivered on time. We are confident that this superb Cincinnati Reservation Call Center will play a major role in enabling Delta to meet its goal of becoming the No. 1 airline in the eyes of its customers."
-- Steve Houlder, Regional Manager-Marketing Properties, Delta Air Lines, Inc.

Delta Air Lines planes dominate the skies in Southwestern Ohio where the world's second-largest airline operates a significant "hub" at the Northern Kentucky/Greater Cincinnati International Airport. Delta's effect on the region's economic well-being is counted in the billions of dollars, and its presence is credited with delivering new business opportunities.

In 1999 the airline considered leaving the downtown offices housing its reservation sales office personnel.  Delta drew immediate response from competing economic development officials nationwide, all eager to find suitable sites for the airline.

Delta conducted a thorough search for a new location, but ultimately decided to stay downtown and build a brand new facility. The complexities of developing and building within an urban site narrowed the field of potential developers. After evaluated several national development teams, Delta chose Al. Neyer, Inc. to deliver a world-class facility for nearly 900 workers.

Al. Neyer, Inc. was named project developer in 2000 for the 60,000-square-foot facility on a city-owned site in the heart of downtown, near several structures of historic and civic significance, including the Samuel Hannaford-designed City Hall. Neyer first tackled the project's unique design challenges:

• Accomplishing the business goals of the client
• Envisioning a solution in the context of the surrounding architecture
• Providing parking for 600 cars
• Meeting city's established urban design guidelines
• Delivering an economic development stimulator for the city.

With a package of financial incentives from the city and state in place and the design approved, the project team began construction. Neyer used its design-build method of project delivery, which promotes a shorter construction timeframe by integrating design and construction under a single source of responsibility.

Delta Air Lines' new $17.3 million reservation call center opened in June 2001. The building features glass on much of the façade, maximizing the urban views. Neyer architects took special care in using design elements to blend the office space with the employee parking garage.

According to Steve Houlder, Delta Regional Manager-Marketing Properties, "Our employees adore the open, airy environment, on-site parking and clean feel of the new facility. Our leadership is pleased with our demonstrated commitment to the urban core of the community as well as the solid image our new facility helps promote."