We started the rooftop hives for Chef Todd Kelly of Orchids, which is in the Hilton.   Their bees are up on the 6th floor.

I loved starting the project but getting to the bees in a timely manner was tough.  Security is always an issue unless you are given free range you will always need to be escorted in a large corporation like most large hotels are, parking, even for "the beekeeper" could be tricky, and you need to be able to extinguish your smoker, and then seal it so you are not dragging it through the building.

The beehives COULD present a structural issue as well since there is a fair amount of wait on a rubber barrier.  On the Hilton pressure treated hive racks were created to hold two colonies each (they are now running 4).  A footpath of additional rubber (fatigue mat sections) was created from the rooftop door to the stands.  Special mind in orientation may be needed if you have high volume exhaust fans moving air near the hives.

Loved doing it.  Ended up taking a whole lot of my time.  They seem to be doing a very good job now that they are 100% responsible for them.

At some point the hives WILL swarm so its important to understand what you'll need to do when 5th and Main is shut down at the height of lunch traffic because the settled on a lamp post.  :)

My urban yards need to be able to sit a minimum of ten colonies and allow me easy access any time of day.  Its nice press though for certain.  Everyone loves to do stories on bees.

Richard Stewart
Carriage House Farm
North Bend, Ohio

An Ohio Century Farm Est. 1855

(513) 967-1106
http://www.carriagehousefarmllc.com
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