Reimagining Columbus
Columbus, Ohio
WHY
In the turbulent summer of 2020, when protests erupted over police brutality against people of color and controversial statues were being toppled and defaced nationwide, the City of Columbus preemptively removed its Christopher Columbus statue from the steps of City Hall. With the statue in storage, the City of Columbus partnered with Designing Local in 2023 to seek funding from the Mellon Foundation for “Reimagining Columbus,” a 2-year research, community engagement, and design process to reckon with the statue and imagine a future in which truths about its subject are more accurately conveyed. The proposal was awarded $2 million and Designing Local was tasked with managing the project.
HOW
Designing Local managed a multi-disciplinary team to undertake the following:
RESEARCH & LEARNING. In order to confidently recommend a course of action regarding the City of Columbus’ Christopher Columbus statue, the Reimagining Columbus project team felt it was important to be grounded in truths about the explorer and his legacies, particularly those within Columbus, Ohio. Learnings from subject matter experts, museums and site tours, original research, community conversations, and arts and culture colleagues nationwide were used to educate the public and inform project deliverables.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT. In recognition that conversations about the Columbus statue would challenge participants — particularly those from the city’s Indigenous, Italian-American, and Black communities — the Reimagining Columbus engagement team planned a process that would accommodate their emotions about it but also forge a collective path forward. The team’s approach to this conversation utilized a customized, emotional safety–oriented methodology centered on Sankofa, the Ghanan idea that progress requires applying lessons from the past, to encourage more courageous sharing and evoke personal histories that could be influencing present-day perceptions. Large group and affinity group conversations, community events, and written feedback were employed in various ways throughout the process.
DESIGN. The project’s design team worked to translate the learnings from research and community engagement into a design concept for a possible new Christopher Columbus statue placement. The team relied on Indigenous design principles to guide their vision for an immersive experience of nature and community togetherness at which visitors could experience the statue (or not), but also learn, play, restore themselves, and heal.
WHAT
Designing Local delivered the following Reimagining Columbus project outcomes:
A website and StoryMap timeline, 2 research papers, 35 videos with more than 20 hours of educational content, and several in-person community learning exchanges provided context regarding Christopher Columbus, the statue of his likeness and public perceptions of it, and the city’s relationship with its namesake.
More than 20 community events and affinity group conversations elicited rich, layered feedback to help inform the design process.
Conceptual designs of a new space in which to display and contextualize the statue, based on Indigenous design principles, translated research and community feedback into physical elements that could tell the story of Columbus — the city and the man — and help all visitors experience emotional safety in the space. So expansive did this vision become that the city, the Reimagining Columbus project team, and community members were inspired to embrace it as a generational vision for an altogether new type of public space in the city.
An art plan for City Hall campus suggested how new art could refresh and enliven this uninspiring civic space and ensure that it celebrates all city residents.
View the Project Outcomes Here
Acworth Public Art Master Plan
Acworth, Georgia
WHY
Acworth is a unique destination for work, play, and everything in between. With just over 22,000 residents and its proximity to metropolitan Atlanta, it is poised for continued growth in the next decade. As Acworth looks toward its future, the City believes in public art's ability to tell the story of Acworth, enliven public spaces, and reveal what makes this City special.
HOW
From large-scale, multi-year projects that define Acworth's gateways, to temporary, yet meaningful mural opportunities in Acworth's beloved greenspaces, this plan outlines a range of strategies for high-impact public art projects in Acworth.
WHAT
In addition to strategy recommendations, this plan provides guidelines for establishing the public art program in Acworth, administrative next steps and best practices, and strategies for effectively and efficiently implementing public art projects in Acworth.
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.
Marsh Park Master Plan
Fairfield, Ohio
WHY
Fairfield, Ohio first leased a portion of the Martin Marietta/Dravo Quarry for the Thomas O. Marsh Park property in 1978; since then, the park has grown to be 146 acres, including a 60-acre lake. Marsh Park serves as a crucial recreational area for the community, offering both passive natural elements and outdoor activities. In 2016, the City completed its first Master Plan for the site, which laid the foundation for future development and improvements. Fairfield’s City Council has continued to prioritize Marsh Park as a significant asset for the city, highlighting the property’s intrinsic value, natural beauty, and potential for development.
HOW
Designing Local offered planning solutions and visualizations, grounded in community feedback and technical analysis, that cast a compelling vision for what this park could become — a regional trail hub with expanded uses and access for both community members and trail travelers.
WHAT
In early 2025, Designing Local finalized an updated Marsh Park Master Plan that will further enhance the park’s natural environment, promote connections between the park and its users, foster community through events and programming, and provide access to amenities that encourage recreation.
Fairfield Town Center Placemaking Strategy
Fairfield, Ohio
WHY
The Fairfield Placemaking Strategy tackles the revitalization of the Fairfield Town Center. The Fairfield Placemaking Strategy was developed through a collaborative process involving community members, business owners, and local officials. The team conducted extensive research, including surveys, interviews, and site visits, to identify the unique assets and challenges of the Town Center.
HOW
Through the planning process Designing Local developed recommendations that focus on incorporating placemaking principles to cultivate a welcoming and lively atmosphere. This includes improvements to signage, pedestrian accessibility, and public spaces, along with considerations for infill development that aligns with the town’s brand identity.
WHAT
By implementing these suggestions, the Fairfield Town Center aspires to become a central point for commerce and a gathering place for residents of all ages and backgrounds. The plan was completed in April 2024. This project demonstrates Designing Local’s ability to provide a guide for transforming the area into the vibrant hub of the community.
Rickenbacker Woods Park
Columbus, Ohio
WHY
This project will create site development elements for the Rickenbacker Woods Foundation including various interpretive features and site infrastructure to support events, visitation, and other activities. The ‘Captain Edward V. Rickenbacker House’ is a National Historic Landmark, one of only three in Franklin County (Ohio Statehouse & Ohio Theatre). The site also honors Granville T. Woods, a world renowned African American scientist and inventor. He invented several items which allowed for safer electric railways and other public uses of electrical power. He is a member of the National Inventors Hall of fame.
HOW
The Rickenbacker Woods Foundation strives to ignite the spirit of innovation and perseverance embodied through the lives and legacies of Capt. Eddie Rickenbacker and Granville T. Woods. This new park project will transform an existing site to provide youth access to pathways, play area, interpretive features, landscaping and site elements.
WHAT
The project is currently in design.
Downtown Clyde Revitalization Plan
Clyde, Ohio
WHY
The City of Clyde has a historic Downtown area with numerous buildings and public spaces that contribute to the character of the city center. Recognizing the importance of a vibrant downtown to Clyde’s identity and economic well-being, this plan proposes a series of strategic initiatives aimed at boosting the area’s attractiveness and functionality.
HOW
The plan goes beyond aesthetics – it also explores strategies to attract new businesses, enhances existing public spaces, and cultivates a dynamic mix of retail, dining, and entertainment options. By ensuring a diverse and thriving downtown core, the plan aims to create a hub for community activity and economic growth.
WHAT
This comprehensive proposal provides a framework for Clyde residents to shape the future of their downtown. The plan encourages community participation, fostering a sense of ownership and ensuring the revitalization efforts reflect the unique character and aspirations of Clyde. By working together, this plan gives the community a vision for transforming downtown Clyde into a vibrant place that serves as a source of pride and a catalyst for further development.
Central Ohio Greenways Wayfinding Strategy Guide
Central Ohio
WHY
To accommodate the massive population growth expected in Central Ohio through 2050, the Central Ohio Greenways (COG) Board has committed to adding more than 500 miles of trails to its network. The Board has invested in professionally designed wayfinding signs and brand standards, but recognized a need to go further with its wayfinding strategy as it welcomes an influx of newcomers to the trails.
HOW
The COG Board selected for this project a segment of the Ohio to Erie Trail that runs through Madison County, Franklin County, Delaware County, and Knox County in Central Ohio. The intention is that the wayfinding strategy developed for this trail segment will be employed throughout the COG network and serve as a model for regional trail wayfinding across Ohio.
WHAT
The Central Ohio Greenways Wayfinding Strategy Guide will honor the wayfinding investments communities have already made and provide additional strategies to make Central Ohio’s trails as easy to navigate as our roadways.
