Campus District Master Plan
Cleveland, Ohio
WHY
The Campus District in Downtown Cleveland, Ohio is a key downtown area defined by three anchor institutions: Cleveland State University (CSU), Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C) Metro Campus, and the former St. Vincent Charity Medical Center. Located just east of the central business district along major corridors, this area is a dense, dynamic mix of educational institutions, social services, and businesses, drawing thousands of students, faculty, and workers daily. Recent and future developments have spurred the need to revitalize the area in order to attract mixed-use residential projects and street-level retail and to maintain access to critical social services. This area is a dynamic urban community that is well positioned to be a destination for living, working, and healing.
HOW
The Campus District Master Plan establishes a strategic framework for fostering a community of purpose, focusing on five key themes: safety, vibrancy, connectivity, restoration, and authenticity. This comprehensive approach is designed to drive economic growth and cultivate a neighborhood with attractive housing options, ultimately transforming the area into a more active and connected urban environment. Designing Local leveraged core themes to enhance the district’s historic character. Specific interventions to improve connectivity between key amenities at the north and south ends of this large urban area, create new public spaces like the Campus Trail and pocket parks, and identify public art and placemaking opportunities that will serve as catalysts for economic development and resident attraction. The plan’s initial objectives include refining zoning, simplifying the design review process, expanding historic tax credit opportunities, and strategically redeveloping marquee historic buildings to diversify the housing stock.
WHAT
The master plan prioritizes enhancing multimodal connectivity and revitalizing the public realm. Initiatives are focused on supporting small businesses, consolidating surface parking lots for future development, and implementing public art programs that will revitalize streetscapes and define new gateways at the eastern and western edges of the district. The ultimate goal is to create a well-connected and economically strong Campus District that celebrates its significant history while establishing itself as an iconic destination for residents and visitors of Downtown Cleveland.
Watsonville Arts Plan
Watsonville, California
WHY
This Plan supports and furthers the City's commitment to supporting and fostering community arts and culture, as outlined in the City's Public Art/Percent for the Arts Program and the Downtown Watsonville Specific Plan, as well as capital improvement projects, such as the City Plaza Revitalization Project.
HOW
This plan establishes a strategic framework for strengthening arts and culture as a driver of community well-being and economic opportunity, grounded in the city’s cultural heritage and locally led creative activity. Central to the plan is the creation of a formal Cultural District and the strategic use of the City’s Percent for the Arts program to support coordinated investment, long-term planning, and increased visibility for local artists and cultural organizations.
WHAT
The plan prioritizes cross-sector partnerships with organizations such as the Arts Council of Santa Cruz County, Arts de Watsonville, Watsonville Film Festival, Cabrillo College, and Watsonville Brillante to better connect local creative talent to professional and economic opportunities. To support this ecosystem, the plan emphasizes organizational capacity-building, strategic staffing, and the exploration of expanded funding streams and targeted support programs that strengthen the sustainability of arts organizations and creative workers.
To translate strategy into on-the-ground impact, the plan focuses on physical and professional infrastructure that supports artists where they live and work. Recommendations include performance-ready infrastructure, permanent public art, and arts-led revitalization efforts that position culture as the heart of the community. These physical investments are paired with a unified Watsonville Arts identity, improved marketing and storytelling, and a more streamlined permitting process—ensuring local artists have the tools, visibility, and support needed to shape Watsonville’s identity and long-term prosperity.
Riviera Beach Art in Public Places Plan
Riviera Beach, Florida
WHY
The Riviera Beach Art in Public Places Master Plan stemmed from a desire to move beyond mere beautification toward a unified civic identity through strategic public art investment. Recognizing that public art is a powerful catalyst, city leaders embraced the plan as a roadmap to express core community values, celebrate the rich culture of its neighborhoods, and invigorate the local experience for both long-term residents and incoming visitors. The underlying goal was to integrate the arts into the "Reimagining Riviera Beach" initiative—a comprehensive push for renewal that seeks to overcome systemic obstacles, strengthen community engagement, and leverage the city’s abundant natural amenities and history for future, equitable economic growth. The Art in Public Places program was created to be an essential element for establishing a distinct cultural presence and enhancing the city’s quality of life.
HOW
Developing the comprehensive recommendations for the Art in Public Places Master Plan relied on robust community input. The planning process was organized around several key milestones, including a formal discovery visit, followed by a community survey, stakeholder interviews, and targeted focus groups. This collaborative approach ensured that the resulting recommendations—which included establishing selection criteria, defining key opportunity sites, proposing updates to the City’s existing percent for art ordinance, and recommending a solid set of public art policies —accurately reflected the needs and aspirations of the diverse population. Furthermore, the plan works within the framework of the established Public Art Advisory Board, which provides ongoing, professional governance by reviewing applications, advising the City Council on maintenance policies, and ensuring that all proposed artwork aligns with the city's broader vision.
WHAT
Ultimately, the successful implementation of the Art in Public Places Master Plan promises to deliver significant social, cultural, and economic outcomes for Riviera Beach. Socially, the resulting artwork is expected to foster a greater sense of attachment and ownership among residents, creating creative gathering spaces and inspiring contemplation. Culturally, the art will reflect local history and unique identity, serving as a platform for open discourse and inclusive community connection. Most critically, the plan is designed to realize tangible economic value by enhancing the city’s brand, attracting cultural tourism, and directly supporting the economic development strategy. The vision is for Riviera Beach’s commitment to art to become a distinguishing feature of the region, ensuring that creativity breathes life into public spaces and contributes to a vibrant, prosperous future for all.
Powell Historic Survey
Powell, Ohio
WHY
Powell has a deep appreciation for its history and is proactive in making improvements and advancements in its historic preservation efforts. The City took the initiative to update its Zoning Code, and with that, look into any relevant historic preservation policy or relevant efforts listed in the code. The City anticipates that a historic survey will inform and enhance its preservation policies and initiatives. The primary goal of this survey was to determine if the project area could be designated as a historic district. Another goal was to create practical policy recommendations for the City.
HOW
Designing Local evaluated 80 properties within the Historic Downtown Powell area to determine eligibility for designation as a historic district. The survey, completed in January 2025, documented properties built before 1975, focusing on their historical significance, architectural styles, and integrity.
WHAT
The survey identified a mix of residential, commercial, and institutional buildings, with most structures being vernacular in style and dating from 1859 to 1973. Recommendations include creating a local historic district, writing a preservation ordinance, establishing a local historic register, and becoming a Certified Local Government to access funding opportunities like tax credits and grants. The survey emphasized the importance of community engagement and education in advancing historic preservation goals while proposing boundaries for a new historic district to protect Powell’s cultural heritage.
Vacaville Arts & Culture Master Plan
Vacaville, California
WHY
The Vacaville Arts & Culture Master Plan was developed through a comprehensive and highly collaborative process led by Designing Local, structured around four key phases: Discovery, Community Engagement, Synthesis, and Plan creation.
HOW
The success of the plan was the extensive outreach that was completed, which actively involved residents, local creatives, and arts organizations from every corner of the city. A major component of this phase was the “Weaving Our Future” art project, featuring workshops held in each of Vacaville’s districts, where community members shared their aspirations for public art and cultural engagement through words, drawings, and shapes. This hands-on, community-driven approach was critical to building consensus and ensuring the final plan reflected the diverse voices and visions of Vacaville’s population.
WHAT
The final Plan provides a focused, five-year strategic roadmap for the City’s commitment to arts and culture, establishing foundational policies, a clear vision for cultural growth, and a streamlined approach to public art integration. Key tangible outcomes include the comprehensive Arts and Culture Master Plan document, accompanied by a Draft Public Art Program Policy and a Draft Arts Advisory Committee Policy. Together, these deliverables define the infrastructure for the City to enhance quality of life, strengthen local economic development, and cultivate a truly culturally rich and attractive community for both residents and visitors alike.
Toledo Old West End Historic District Design Guidelines
Toledo, Ohio
WHY
These guidelines were developed to provide a more comprehensive and localized set of standards for the Old West End Historic District (OWE). While still based on the national Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation, they incorporate specific guidance relevant to the unique characteristics of the OWE.
HOW
The process involved several steps: a kick-off tour and photography of the district for information gathering; bi-weekly coordination with City of Toledo staff and the Historic District Commission; conducting one-on-one discussions with diverse community stakeholders, including property owners, residents, the Lucas County Land Bank, and commission members, to understand existing regulations and preservation issues; and holding a public open house to allow residents to review the draft guidelines and provide feedback, which was then incorporated.
WHAT
Ultimately, this comprehensive assessment empowers the community to make informed decisions about the future preservation and revitalization of this treasured historic district.
Amherst Historic District Design Guidelines
Amherst, New Hampshire
WHY
These guidelines were created to provide clear direction for exterior work on historic buildings within the Amherst Village Historic District. The primary goal was to transition the existing, mostly textual guidelines into a visual document as well as to ensure that the guidelines were more easily digestible for everyday homeowners.
HOW
This project was a collaborative effort, supported by the Town of Amherst and the Amherst Village Historic District Commission, with partial funding from a Certified Local Government (CLG) grant.
WHAT
The final result was a comprehensive, practical resource that uses easy-to-read graphics and illustrations to describe historical context, prominent architectural styles, and specific instructions for various building elements. This ensures all new work is sensitive to the village's historic fabric, preserving its unique character and appearance.
Somerset Historic District Building Assessment
Somerset, Ohio
WHY
As a cornerstone of the community, Somerset’s historic district holds immense cultural and aesthetic value. The assessment report offers a captivating journey through time, revealing the stories embedded within its structures and will be a crucial step to preserve the unique character and rich history of Somerset.
HOW
By meticulously documenting the district’s buildings, the Designing Local team worked to develop a comprehensive review of the architectural gems nestled within this 170-acre area. From identifying significant architectural features to assessing the condition of each building, the report provides a detailed snapshot of the district’s current state. By uncovering the historical context of these structures, the report contributes to a deeper understanding and appreciation of Somerset’s past.
WHAT
Ultimately, this comprehensive assessment empowers the community to make informed decisions about the future preservation and revitalization of this treasured historic district.
Danville Arts & Culture Plan
Danville, Virginia
WHY
To build upon the creative energies in the City of Danville a 10-year strategic arts and culture plan to formalize and operationalize the people and organizations already doing arts and culture work in Danville. The plan includes a well-defined vision, analysis, and brand for publicly supported art of all kinds within the City of Danville. The plan is intentional in weaving more opportunities for residents and visitors to enjoy the arts and Danville’s culture.
HOW
35 leaders in the sector were interviewed about their vision for the Cultural Arts Program. Stakeholders included arts organization leadership, elected officials, city department heads, and local arts business owners. Focus groups were also held with arts leaders from various organizations. Members of the public were engaged in a number of activities, including sharing their ideas for arts and culture and considering public art types and locations. The public was also given the opportunity to contribute directly to a survey, which received 181 responses.
Strategies were defined to target the needs and desires of specific community profiles to provide city leadership with a roadmap for implementation that serves all creators, consumers, and advocates of arts and culture.
WHAT
While participants shared the overall quality of arts and culture in Danville was average, there was a hunger for more—specifically, live music and theater and community arts events and festivals and iconic public art. Through the implementation of the arts and cultural experiences outlined in the plan, Danville will have a roadmap for how to capitalize on their growing tourism market drawing visitors and artists from the region while supporting creatives and cultural organizers at the local level.
Woodstock Public Art Program
Woodstock, Georgia
WHY
In Woodstock, Public Art has the opportunity to capture public sentiments and community themes by bringing them into more compelling forms through artistic expression. Over the past decade, Woodstock has made tremendous progress in developing a city-wide collection of public art. Recognized widely for its downtown and distinctive approach to planning and development, By formalizing a city-run public art program, Woodstock will be able to recommit to its concentration on arts and culture as a method for furthering economic development as outlined in the 2018 Economic Development Plan adopted by City Council.
HOW
Through Public art, Woodstock can honor city history, values, and identity in a way that enhances and creates vibrancy for its residents and visitors. Public art in Woodstock has the potential to transform the everyday city fabric into well-loved and cherished public and private spaces. The Woodstock Public Art Program envisions a vibrant and enriching public art landscape that reflects the city’s unique heritage, values, and aspirations. Through a collaborative process that empowers artists, engages residents, and celebrates diverse perspectives.
WHAT
This Public Art Program is a fulfillment of the vision to establish a public art program as part of the 2018 plan. The Public Art Program will also serve to strengthen the relationship between the City and organizations such as Visit Woodstock GA and Woodstock Arts, both unique drivers and deliverers of the high quality of life in Woodstock. Finally, the public art program was developed to assist the City of Woodstock in understanding and navigating a growing arts space and visual identity, providing guidance on administration, policy, and procedures, and ultimately a suite of ideas that will catapult the city into the next phase of its public art journey.
Queen Creek Arts & Placemaking Plan
Queen Creek, Arizona
WHY
Queen Creek, located in the southeastern region of Arizona, has a rich and vibrant history that stretches back to its earliest inhabitants, the Hohokam people. The Downtown Queen Creek Art and Placemaking Plan aims to give the Town of Queen Creek the tools to transform the built environment of the Downtown area using public art and placemaking. Queen Creek is well known for its agricultural legacy that continues to the present day. Art and placemaking will continue to connect and celebrate that legacy, cementing the identity of the community in the eyes of residents and visitors.
HOW
Our vision is for public art and placemaking to transform Downtown Queen Creek into an interactive, unique, and vibrant community center. Art and placemaking features encourage residents and visitors to get out and explore the community on two feet or two wheels. These features create destinations and interest in the built environment. Queen Creek is well known for its agricultural legacy that continues to the present day. Art and placemaking could continue to connect and celebrate that legacy, cementing the identity of the community in the eyes of residents and visitors.
WHAT
The Arts and Placemaking Plan creates a vision for transforming Downtown Queen Creek into an interactive, unique, and vibrant community center. As many venues are outside of the Downtown Core, specific focus was on recommendations that contribute to Queen Creek's agritainment identity. Connect to and display our natural environment. As a community with a rich history but also a dynamic future, art and placemaking elements can build upon and deepen the story of Queen Creek for residents and visitors.
Richmond International Airport Public Art Plan
Richmond, Virginia
WHY
The Art in the Airport program at Richmond International Airport (RIC) strives to complement and promote the dynamic regional culture of the State of Virginia, with an emphasis on the Richmond Metropolitan area, while reinforcing the image of RIC as an inclusive and welcoming gateway to the world. The three main objectives are to enhance the air travel experience of RIC visitors by creating an ambiance in the airport that reflects the sophistication and cultural diversity of the region and supports local artists and institutions by creating and managing rotating exhibitions, fine and performing art series that are customized for RIC.
HOW
Designing Local was selected to bring our unique set of skills, professional experience, and insight in the development of the Art in the Airport program at RIC. Engaging the community, art and artists, and our proven ability to develop a multi-cultural art program has been critical in the development and coordination of this arts program. Designing Local facilitated a series of highly interactive and inclusive public workshops and stakeholder meetings that yielded essential insights to craft a narrative about RIC and articulate the culture and values of the community.
WHAT
The final plan includes a fully developed arts program, including master planning, commission management, and art curation. Potential locations for art placement were identified, while taking into consideration the existing airport design, maintenance, RIC Master Plan, and the Capital Improvement Plan. Designing Local is also curating RIC's first public art piece to be installed in Fall of 2024.
Frankfort Special Capital Zoning District Design Guidelines
Frankfort, Kentucky
WHY
The Special Capital District is one of the three City of Frankfort historic districts, mostly focused on residential properties. The District exists to help preserve historic buildings in the neighborhood to ensure that the history of Frankfort lives on well into the future. Establishing Downtown Historic District Design Guidelines will encourage the renovation, rehabilitation and preservation of older neighborhoods in Frankfort that have special or unique features or important associations with the City’s historical development.
HOW
The team evaluated the existing historic buildings in the district and examined the needs and desires of residents and property owners through engagement sessions and public design workshops. Topics addressed included the renovation of historic properties, including construction materials, as well as the design of newly constructed buildings.
WHAT
The new design guidelines for the Special Capital District create cohesive guidelines with the other two historic districts in Frankfort and solidify continued preservation and investment in the community’s historic resources.
Sandusky Preservation Design Guidelines
Sandusky, Ohio
WHY
The City of Sandusky is experiencing a boom in downtown redevelopment, especially with updates to historic buildings. Preserving the historic structures, while allowing them to take on new life, will provide direction for historic preservation in Sandusky which is an economic catalyst for the community and enhances its identity.
HOW
The project team facilitated one-on-one discussions with various community stakeholders including historic preservation enthusiasts; building owners, architects and residents who had been through the design review process; city staff, members of Landmarks Commission and related commissions, and leadership. These conversations formed the basis of the project team’s understanding of the status of the existing guidelines as well as general preservation and development issues throughout Sandusky.
WHAT
The Design Guidelines includes a substantial revision to the format and organization of the 2007 guidelines document. This includes diagrammatic graphics, a visual history of the City, and a reorganization of various items.
Corning Public Art Strategy
Corning, New York
WHY
The City of Corning in the beautiful hills of Southern New York is one of the world’s leading innovators in materials science with a renowned arts scene. Developing a long-range public art strategy will help the community to cultivate and expand public art to enhance and propel the City of Corning as a city of and for the arts. The new Public Art Strategy plan in Corning will offer continued economic growth by establishing public art that is welcoming for all, culturally rich, tells the story of the City’s history, and can be practically applied and implemented over the next five years.
HOW
A highly collaborative public process was at the heart of the Corning Public Art Strategy. In order to ensure that the strategy was built upon a solid foundation of community support the planning team engaged with community members and key stakeholders through a variety of mediums. What emerged was a vision for how public art can enhance and reflect the character of Corning. From the structure of the program to the funding and implementation, project partnerships and community consensus was key to make sure the public art strategy would be successful creating vitality and interest in public spaces.
WHAT
The Public Art Strategy is currently in the final stages of production and will be ready to implement in early 2024. The plan takes into account a broader vision for Corning, that takes advantages of opportunities for linkages to the larger region and establish social, environmental, and financial sustainable policies and best practices. With a history of strong Public-Private partnerships and as an incubator for arts and sciences, the Public Art Strategy builds on past successes and creates new opportunities for art and science to intersect in engaging public space and public life in Corning.
Buckeye Hills Regional Council Downtown Workshops
Buckeye Hills Region, Ohio
WHY
Following on the announcement of a historic $500 million investment in Appalachian Ohio by Governor DeWine's administration, Buckeye Hills Regional Council partnered with Designing Local to host a series of eight workshops aimed at helping communities reimagine their downtowns.
Buckeye Hills Regional Council and Designing Local are excited to help communities translate their vision into a unique, interesting, and powerful built environment through these workshop sessions.
HOW
The series was free and open to all Southeast Ohio community leaders, elected officials, nonprofits, and anyone working to make their community a better place to live, work and play. Each workshop covered the topics of Outdoor Recreation, Historic Preservation, Public Art, Streetscapes, Pedestrian Infrastructure, and more. Designing Local helped guide communities through the best practices of developing both small- and large-scale revitalization projects.
WHAT
Following the completion of the workshops Designing Local created a workbook intended to assist folks within the Buckeye Hills region to develop projects.
Ohio & Erie Canal Southern Descent NRHP Nomination
Various Sites Throughout Central And Southern Ohio
WHY
The Ohio & Erie Canal was originally constructed in the 1820’s and 1830’s and conveyed goods from Portsmouth to Cleveland. The canal system played a critical role in the early development of Ohio and established the growth of Akron, Columbus, Chillicothe, Newark, and numerous other cities along the route. The canal system was the key transportation system up until the proliferation of railroads in the 1860’s.
Although parts of the canal are on the national register, much of the southern portion is not. This nomination covers many of the lock structures and other remaining infrastructure that remain on the southern descent between Columbus and Portsmouth.
HOW
The nomination team aggregated a list of potential infrastructure to be placed on the register and contacted private property owners or municipalities to seek support. The final list includes existing lock structures, watered canals, bridge abutments, and other elements that are located in 4 counties throughout Central and Southern Ohio.
Identifying the location for each of the elements included field visits and the use of high resolution aerial photography. A boundary was created for each element which will serve as the official historic site on the National Register of Historic Places.
WHAT
Given its geographic reach and broad collection of relatively small sites, this nomination was technically challenging. However, it serves as a model for other non-contiguous district nominations that preserve transportation, infrastructure, or other geographically complex historic sites.
Ohio & Erie Canal Southern Descent Heritage Trail
Various Sites Throughout Central And Southern Ohio
WHY
The Canal Partners is a coalition of communities in Southern Ohio along the alignment of the Southern Descent of the Ohio & Erie Canal. These communities have existing and lost features of the canal, as well as numerous related historical elements.
The goal of the Canal Partners is to create a heritage trail that will attract tourists throughout the corridor and to communicate the history of the canal system to a broad audience.
HOW
This grant-funded project included several team members including the project leaders, a graphic design consultant, the partner communities, and Designing Local.
The first phase process included engagement of the Canal Partners through workshops and a survey. This phase also included mapping of the resources and other sites along the trail. Once this was completed, a highly visual plan booklet of the sites was created which included descriptions of the various elements as well as a prototype trailhead design. Part of the project study will included bike and pedestrian trail connections to the canal right-of-way.
WHAT
The end product is being used by the partner communities in their planning and capital improvement projects for the next several years. The mapping will be used by tourists to experience the canal features. The project was completed in summer 2021.
Sullivant Bright Public Art & Parklet Project
Columbus, Ohio
WHY
Sullivant Avenue is a place of authentic creativity, featuring a prominent mural and numerous custom signs. The Sullivant Bright Public Art Project is part of a larger $10 million rehabilitation project (2% of which is devoted to public art) that began in May 2020. It used public art to elevate the corridor and creatively showcase where future infrastructure improvements would be installed.
HOW
As project engineers evaluated a 1.9-mile corridor along Sullivant Avenue for necessary pedestrian upgrades, Designing Local considered public art and placemaking opportunities along the corridor, particularly where public art or a placemaking intervention could support a safer pedestrian environment. Twenty-one artists were tapped to create temporary public art installations that wowed the neighborhood with their bold, colorful designs.
WHAT
This project demonstrates the firm’s abilities to provide strategic direction for placemaking and land use issues as well as the firm’s capabilities to both develop and communicate creative concepts which contribute to community safety and sense of place.
Sidewalk bump-outs and pedestrian refuge islands were constructed to shorten the distance to cross the street, make pedestrians more visible, and help to slow driver speeds. Data collected after implementation shows that crashes decreased by approximately 50%, and extreme speeding (50+ mph) was reduced by as much as 92%.
SULLIVANT BRIGHT ARTISTS
April Sunami, Bryant Anthony, Dillon Beck, Francesca Miller, Grace Grudowski, Jen Wrubles, Jeremy Hollan with CRIS artists, Katie Golonka, Mark Barkzak, Nick Stull, Liz Morrison, Robert Williams, Stephanie Rond, Amy Haggard, Sarah Hout, Barbara Fant, Nancy Kangas, Amy Turn Sharp, Geoff Anderson, Tripp Fontane, Lisa Mclymont. Photography by Abby Kamagate. Video Production by Aaron Blevins.
Arts Launch Henderson
Henderson, Nevada
WHY
Henderson is a city with a longstanding upward trajectory and now is a unique moment to continue that forward movement with a large-scale focus on arts and culture. Over the previous decades the City of Henderson along with its partners have undertaken numerous arts and culture efforts. This plan builds off these previous informal efforts and seeks to formalize an arts and culture program in order to take the city to the next level of success in the arts.
HOW
The plan provides a blueprint by which Henderson can stake its claim as the foremost community for arts and culture in Southern Nevada. We begin by establishing a vision for arts and culture in Henderson and detailing the projects, programs, facilities, and partnerships that can be capitalized upon to advance strategic objectives. We then go in depth into the details of how to operationalize and fund ambitious new initiatives through a formal Arts & Culture Henderson program — as well as how this program would function. Finally, we dream big to explore potential projects that could launch Henderson with a detailed action plan.
WHAT
In addition to public engagement this plan is built upon intention. From the beginning the planning team and city staff determined that this plan should not only be visionary but should also be highly actionable. The plan would also need to be highly policy driven and one of the first outcomes of the planning process was the development of the Henderson Public Art Policy. The plan is also built upon the city’s other planning efforts. Throughout the document you will see efforts derived from the Strategic Plan, the Parks and Recreation Master Plan and other planning efforts the city has undertaken.
