COVINGTON, Ky. — DBL Law, Northern Kentucky’s largest law firm and a bedrock of the region’s legal, business and philanthropic communities for six decades, has announced plans to move from its current headquarters in Crestview Hills to the historic Monarch Building in downtown Covington.
DBL will bring as many as 76 employees to the city when it moves into the Monarch Building in the 100 Block of East Fourth Street in about a year, building on the economic resurgence that is underway in Covington’s urban core.
The move harkens back to DBL’s roots while positioning the firm for future growth, said DBL Managing Partner Robert Hoffer.
“DBL is actually coming home with our new headquarters,” Hoffer said. “The firm was founded in Covington and when I joined the firm in 1980, we were located on Garrard Street. Now, 40 years later, we are returning to be part of the reclamation of an historic building that is in the middle of a vibrant area.
“As we work to attract talent in the future, this building — along with the success and reputation of DBL Law — will be a huge driver for us, separating DBL from our competitors,” Hoffer said. “It will be a place where people will want to work and build their careers.”
Developer Alan Haehnle, who is known for his work reclaiming historic urban buildings and structures, is restoring the Monarch Building, known for the tool company that once inhabited the site, in an $11.3 million, 30,000-s.f. project.
Haehnle is fusing the existing structure with a new building. The four-story headquarters building is being designed by PCA Architecture of Fort Wright. Featuring two outdoor patios/decks that will offer striking views of downtown Cincinnati, the design captures the historic beauty of the Monarch Building with a modern touch that exemplifies both the tradition of Covington as Northern Kentucky’s business hub and the vibrancy and growth that is taking place in the downtown core.
“I’ve worked with DBL for years as a client of the firm,” Haehnle said. “I’ve seen up close the firm’s commitment to Northern Kentucky and investing in and supporting the community. I’m honored to be a part of this tremendous project that will build on the economic development momentum that Covington is experiencing.”
DBL has worked closely with Covington city officials on the project.
“When DBL told us they wanted to move back to their roots, we were eager to talk,” Covington Mayor Joe Meyer said. “We’re gaining a highly regarded regional law firm, a lot of jobs, and the return to use of a historically significant building in an area that’s building momentum. This is a meaningful project.”
“Mayor Joe Meyer and the Covington City Commission, Economic Development Director Tom West and the entire city staff has been incredibly supportive, helpful and welcoming,” Hoffer said. “We have watched as leading Northern Kentucky companies and institutions have made investments in Covington’ urban core. It is exciting to be now part of that renaissance. We are convinced there is much more to come.”
Among the companies that have recently invested in Covington is Edgewood-based St. Elizabeth Healthcare, a DBL client that in 2009 opened a medical campus that includes an emergency room along Interstate 75.
“I speak for the entire St. Elizabeth family by welcoming DBL back to Covington,” said St. Elizabeth CEO Garren Colvin. “DBL has been a tremendous partner of St. Elizabeth for decades. Not only is DBL respected for its legal expertise, but the firm has a well-earned reputation for giving back to the community. This announcement is another example of how the firm and its people support and believe in Northern Kentucky and Covington.”
DBL has been in existence for more than 60 years. It operates offices in Northern Kentucky, downtown Cincinnati and Louisville and has 97 employees, including 44 attorneys.
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