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.
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.
Marysville Five Points Concept Study
Marysville, Ohio
WHY
The City of Marysville has a beautiful historic downtown and significant new commercial and industrial development. While this growth is welcome, it is creating development pressure in culturally and aesthetically important areas of the community.
The Five Points area of Downtown is the fulcrum between highway-oriented development and the historic urban Downtown. This area currently has a number of fast-food restaurants, strip centers, and gas stations intermingled with historic homes and commercial buildings. Developers are purchasing both historic and non-historic properties for redevelopment and are proposing inappropriate development for this area.
HOW
The City requested this project to have a quick production schedule in order to influence current development proposals. Two concept plans were provided which demonstrate different strategies to handle infrastructural modifications. The City of Marysville staff and Designing Local participated in a charrette to develop preliminary approaches to development types, traffic movements, open space enhancements, and shared use trail enhancements.
Using this as a starting point, the Design Team created site plan sketches, development benchmarks, and a summary document to communicate the future development intent for this area.
WHAT
The concepts are being used by the City of Marysville to guide new development in the study area. During the conceptual review process, City staff utilizes the concepts to demonstrate the overall vision for the study area and how each individual development is able to support this vision.
