It's hard to miss the tower rising above I-71 near the Red Bank Road exit. It's one of the area's biggest construction projects.
The Stratford at Kenwood is so big, you can actually see it from downtown’s Carew Tower observation deck, some 575 feet in the air.
Inside the massive 600,000 square foot building is a community all its own.
The total elevation takes the Stratford at Kenwood 972 feet above sea level.
From the 15th floor, you can see a panorama of the city.
Off one direction you can see the top of the Mount Washington water tower, Lunken Airport and the buildings of Downtown Cincinnati, including Carew Tower.
Mike Marker is the project advisor for The Stratford at Kenwood. He says, "It's a magnificent view and perspective. I've had long time Cincinnatians tell me they can't imagine there is a view like this in the whole area".
There have been nearly 300 construction workers on the job site daily for the last year and a half.
Once the facility opens, the retirement community will employ about 100 staff along with contractors for other activities, hiring for positions ranging from chefs, housekeepers, nurses and other positions inside the facility.
People interested can apply on their website. The Stratford requests no phone calls about employment.
"Economic stimulus is a big word we hear over and over again and we've been told The Stratford at Kenwood is the economic stimulus, one of the really big ones in in Cincinnati this year," says Marker.
The community is technically located in both the City of Cincinnati and in the Madeira City School district – which means increased tax revenue for both cities.
Twelve different floor plans are offered at The Stratford, ranging from the 798 square foot, one bedroom, one bath Burnet – to the 2,228 square foot, two bedroom, 2 1/2 bath with den Penthouse.
Mark Marron, director of sales and marketing, says, "People want large walk-in closets, they want to have extra bedrooms for their offices and activities."
A total of 215 independent living apartments are offered, as well as an additional 50 health care, assisted living and “memory support” units.
Another concept called "The Bluffs at Stratford" offers a condo type experience
Marron says interest in the community is growing and many people have reserved their spot while construction is underway.
"You're going to feel like you're in a very fine cosmopolitan apartment or resort,” says Marron. “We'll have concierge level services, we'll have valet parking."
The community also boasts five places to eat, a salon, personal training and a learning lab.
The goal is to have The Stratford at Kenwood finished by this fall and residents move in starting in March 2010.
