CINCINNATI, July 29, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — “Modernization” is not a new concept for 1933-Cincinnati-icon, Union Terminal. From the Art Deco architecture characteristic of the 1920s and -30s to the gravity-defying half-dome at the epicenter of the complex, staying relevant to the times while pushing the limit is in the building’s history.
Per its pattern of keeping up with the modern age, Union Terminal partnered with Connectivity Wireless and Neutral Connect Networks to install a state-of-the-art in-building wireless system throughout the multi-museum complex as part of the $228 million restoration project.
The neutral-host, fiber-deep solution enables seamless cellular voice coverage and fast data connections for mobile device users. “By installing the system, our primary goals were to extend reliable cellular coverage throughout the six-story facility for employees and tenants and to ensure guest satisfaction,” said David Zlatic, Chief Technology Officer, Mercury Museum Services, a subsidiary of Cincinnati Museum Center. Mercury Museum Services is leading the implementation of Union Terminal’s technology infrastructure.
The Impact
Drawing 1.4 million visitors each year, the Cincinnati Museum Center solution not only enables guests to capture and share their experiences via social media, but it will open the door to a myriad of exhibit interactivity options as “smart museum” applications and devices are developed in years to come.
“Patterns show that investing in technologies that enable mobile, digital engagement stand to meaningfully improve the visitor experience as well as business operations,” said Stephen Bye, CEO of Connectivity Wireless and Neutral Connect Networks. “Union Terminal’s action toward creating a mobily connected environment is a foundation that will help usher in the ‘smart building’ reality.”
Business Drivers
“Union Terminal is a significant National Historic Landmark and one of the last great train stations built. The community recognizes the importance of this building, as both a cultural resource and an economic driver for the region as home to Cincinnati Museum Center,” said Zlatic.
Originally built as a transportation hub in 1933 to accommodate 17,000 passengers and 216 trains a day, the retrofitted train station is now home to four museums and an OMNIMAX® theater, including the Cincinnati History Museum, Duke Energy Children’s Museum, Museum of Natural History & Science and the newly opened Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center.
Because of its long and storied history, including welcoming soldiers home from WWII, preserving the historic integrity of the venue was a high priority. Connectivity Wireless achieved this through creative system design and by working closely with the venue engineers and architects to ensure that every RAU/antenna placement location and concealment solution met their needs.
Further, the architecture of the facility presented unique challenges to designing and installing the system, such as designing the solution to accommodate the half-dome located at the center of the building, which is the largest in the western hemisphere.
The multi-carrier, Corning ONE solution was installed within four months and currently supports cellular and PON, leveraging 123 RAUs and 123 antennas to provide ubiquitous wireless connectivity throughout the complex.
“Partnering with Neutral Connect and Connectivity Wireless teams has been an excellent experience. They handled all aspects of integration and provided excellent project management. It works as designed,” said Zlatic.
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