Racine Riverfront Revitalization
Racine, Ohio
WHY
The Village of Racine seeks to revitalize their downtown area with riverfront access, improved walkability, and outdoor community gathering places. Racine leadership has sought for many years to increase access to their riverfront, but been stymied by regulations that restrict building along the Ohio River, and the expense of accommodating them.
HOW
The focus of this project is to create riverfront access at Star Mill Park that includes walking paths (connecting the riverfront park to the Cross Building a short distance away), a community amphitheater, a recreational boat dock and kayak launch. It further includes streetscape improvements along 3rd and Pearl Streets to facilitate the creation of an outdoor business district, the focal point of which will be a pavilion for farmer’s markets and musical performances, among other community events.
WHAT
This project will provide Racine citizens with opportunities for outdoor wellness activities, including walking and a farmer’s market, that promote active lifestyles and social interaction. The project is currently in design.
Lockbourne Veterans Park
Lockbourne, Ohio
WHY
Lockbourne is located south of Columbus and has a charming collection of historic homes and buildings. The Village is taking steps to capitalize on various resources including several canal locks and a major stream corridor.
The Village planned to utilize an open lot adjacent to its Town Hall as a site for a new Town Green that will include a new Veterans Memorial, a performance pavilion, plantings, and various amenities. The Town Green will become the focal point of future community events.
HOW
Designing Local worked with Village leadership to develop a working concept which was used to solicit feedback from various community stakeholders. Adjustments to the original concept were made and multiple variations of various design elements were created.
In addition, the plan included an integrated plan for phasing. The Veterans’ Memorial were constructed first and the remaining elements were constructed when funds become available. The plan allows for the Town Green to function with only some elements complete or as a fully realized plan.
WHAT
The park had its grand opening on November 10, 2021, and included a substantial Veterans Day celebration. The park will be utilized for both Memorial Day and Veterans Day celebrations going forward.
Columbus North High School
Columbus, Ohio
WHY
Columbus North High School was built in 1924 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The structure was designed by notable Columbus architect Frank Packard in the Tudor Revival style and has a prominent position in Old North Columbus.
The school has served numerous purposes throughout its lifespan and was due for a major upgrade. Columbus City Schools selected an architect to work through the major changes which included preservation of various architectural elements. The existing athletic fields were not functioning properly to meet the planned use of the school.
HOW
Designing Local worked with the client team to determine the desired uses for the recreation fields and to develop a new configuration of various elements. Multiple options were created to encourage discussions with CCS facilities leadership and administrative staff. This included various configurations for OHSAA compliant fields, multiple locations for bleachers, fences, and other items, and removal or reconfiguration of existing lighting. Ultimately an option was selected which included a regulation middle school softball field and soccer field.
WHAT
Designing Local provided a schematic level plan which located and dimensioned the layout of various sports field reconfigurations. The plan was implemented through a design-build process and is currently in use by the school and the community.
Chillicothe Main Library Site Improvements
Chillicothe, Ohio
WHY
The Chillicothe Main Library was built in 1907 after a gift of $30,000 from Andrew Carnegie. The building opened with 26,000 volumes which expanded over the following decades. The library was renovated in 1976 to add an elevator and to relocate the front entrance from the main floor to the bottom floor. This allowed for ADA accessibility directly from Paint Street, but it dramatically altered the original facade of the building. Additional retaining walls and historically inappropriate landscaping were added between 1980 and 2020. This project includes renovation of the front yard of the building to be more in line with the historic appearance of the building and site.
HOW
Design services were structured in three major phases. The first phase included a site assessment, base preparation, design program development, conceptual design, schematic design, and cost estimating. This was presented to the library Board and staff for review and approval.
Following this initial phase, the design team generated design development drawings and construction documents. Several other design features were conceptualized and detailed including a play area, outdoor reading space, improvements to vehicular and pedestrian circulation, and installation of native plants throughout the site. The third phase includes bidding, permitting, and construction.
WHAT
Construction will commence late December 2021 with an expected completion date of Summer 2022.
