- HGC Construction - https://hgcconstruction.com -

Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden – Basecamp Cafe

Location: Cincinnati, OH
Construction Schedule:
Customer: Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden [1]
Architect and/or Engineer: Cornette-Violetta Architects [2]
HGC Role: Construction Manager

The Zoo’s main restaurant, Basecamp Cafe, received an 835 square foot addition and 4,400 square feet of new outdoor seating that overlooks the savannah yard. 58 seats were added to the restaurant’s indoor dining area while outdoor dining capacity was increased by 289. The restaurant gives visitors the sense of sitting in Africa while overlooking the savannah and lion yard. Its deck provides a seamless view across the savannah yard into the lion exhibit, giving the illusion that nothing separates hunter from prey. Chefs pick fresh herbs and tomatoes from a greenhouse on the restaurant’s deck for use in the kitchen. The café is on track to meet LEED Gold standards and has earned a four star rating from the Green Restaurant Association and currently holds the status of Greenest Restaurant in America. A nursing station is located on the lower level near the restrooms. This is a private area with comfortable couches and chairs for nursing moms, and also includes a play area and changing table.