Butterfly Screen for The Reach
Vicki Scuri SiteWorks with Alexandr Polzin
2022 | Columbus, Ohio
The Reach is a large mixed-use development adjacent to the Olentangy River in Downtown Columbus. The project includes numerous residential apartment and office buildings, several of which house the corporate headquarters of the White Castle Corporation. The plan also includes several public streets, green spaces, and surface parking lots. One of the surface parking lots is directly adjacent to a public green space. This parking area required special screening to maintain the spatial quality of the park. Designing Local was engaged to curate a public art element to provide this screening.
Designing Local served as a liaison between the larger development team and artist Vicki Scuri. The location, size, and other parameters were determined by Designing Local to support the conceptualization, design, and structural engineering of the screen. Designing Local also represented the owner and artist as the applicant for various design reviews and permitting processes. This included a formal presentation to the Columbus Downtown Commission and a submission for a building permit.
Artwork copyright: Vicki Scuri SiteWorks with Alexandr Polzin
Columbus Commons Mural
Lauren Carter Best
2024 | Columbus, Ohio
This temporary bubble- and flower-filled mural celebrates the playfulness and sunshine of the season. Designing Local was pleased to support Downtown Columbus in the procurement and project management of this mural that brought a fun backdrop to summer events in Columbus Commons.
Artwork copyright: Lauren Carter Best
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.
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.
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.
Mooresville Public Arts Plan
Mooresville, North Carolina
WHY
As the fastest growing town in North Carolina, Mooresville is a vibrant community that is poised to become THE place to live, work, and play in the greater Charlotte region. Mooresville sought to develop its first Public Arts Plan to help guide the Town as it seeks to enhance economic health and quality of life through public art. Mooresville also wanted to ensure that public input was at the heart of its Public Art Plan. In order to ensure that the strategy is built upon a solid foundation of community support the planning team engaged with community members and key stakeholders through a variety of mediums.
HOW
The process began in early 2023 with regular coordination with the project team and one-on-one conversations with key stakeholders. This initial coordination laid the groundwork for online and in person public engagement. The planning team also undertook an intensive on-the-ground tour of Mooresville to gain a greater understanding of the opportunity for public art in the town. What emerged from this process was a strong vision for how public art could create positive impacts in the community, bring people together, and align with other efforts undertaken by the Town.
WHAT
For Mooresville, the first Public Arts Plan is a blueprint for weaving public art into every facet of the community. With each new installation, Mooresville has the opportunity to create something iconic, that serves the community by enhancing the built environment in such a way that businesses, tourists, and residents are attracted to the area. The strategies in the Public Arts Plan also address the potential to revitalize overlooked spaces, inspire new investment, and support the local economy by creating a distinct sense of place.
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.
Fort Wayne 5-Year Parks & Recreation Master Plan
Fort Wayne, Indiana
WHY
The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) requires park departments to produce a master plan every five years in order to be eligible for various grants and other funding resources. IDNR requires numerous elements to be a part of an approved report. This includes natural and landscape features, historical and cultural elements, social and economic factors, a supply analysis, ADA accessibility, public participation, and a needs analysis.
HOW
Designing Local and its partner Zec Eight Insights developed a master plan for Fort Wayne along with project partners New Haven-Adams Twp Parks & Recreation and Allen County Parks. The scope for all three projects includes stakeholder and public engagement, an overall park system assessment, and an inventory of each park. The final plan document for each park district is a cohesive document which communicates the current park system, the IDNR-required content, and the strategic implementation of the capital improvements over the next five years.
WHAT
Stakeholder meetings and a public open house were conducted throughout the Fall of 2022. A draft of the plan was submitted to IDNR in January 2023 with and the final plan was completed in May 2023.
New Haven- Adams Township 2023-2027 Parks & Recreation Master Plan
New Haven-Adams Township, Indiana
WHY
The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) requires park departments to produce a master plan every five years in order to be eligible for various grants and other funding resources. IDNR requires numerous elements to be a part of an approved report. This includes natural and landscape features, historical and cultural elements, social and economic factors, a supply analysis, ADA accessibility, public participation, and a needs analysis.
HOW
Designing Local and its partner Zec Eight Insights developed a master plan for Fort Wayne along with project partners New Haven-Adams Twp Parks & Recreation and Allen County Parks. The scope for all three projects includes stakeholder and public engagement, an overall park system assessment, and an inventory of each park. The final plan document for each park district is a cohesive document which communicates the current park system, the IDNR-required content, and the strategic implementation of the capital improvements over the next five years.
WHAT
Stakeholder meetings and a public open house were conducted throughout the Fall of 2022. A draft of the plan was submitted to IDNR in January 2023 with and the final plan was completed in May 2023.
Allen County Parks 2023-2027 Parks & Recreation Master Plan
Allen County, Indiana
WHY
The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) requires park departments to produce a master plan every five years in order to be eligible for various grants and other funding resources. IDNR requires numerous elements to be a part of an approved report. This includes natural and landscape features, historical and cultural elements, social and economic factors, a supply analysis, ADA accessibility, public participation, and a needs analysis.
HOW
Designing Local and its partner Zec Eight Insights developed a master plan for Fort Wayne along with project partners New Haven-Adams Twp Parks & Recreation and Allen County Parks. The scope for all three projects includes stakeholder and public engagement, an overall park system assessment, and an inventory of each park. The final plan document for each park district is a cohesive document which communicates the current park system, the IDNR-required content, and the strategic implementation of the capital improvements over the next five years.
WHAT
Stakeholder meetings and a public open house were conducted throughout the Fall of 2022. A draft of the plan was submitted to IDNR in January 2023 with and the final plan was completed in May 2023.
Anaheim Public Art Plan
Anaheim, California
WHY
The Anaheim Public Art Master Plan takes an overarching look at Anaheim’s legacy of public art while setting a vision for the future and defining how public art will shape Anaheim for years to come. The framework of this plan is a strategy for the establishment and operationalization of a formal Public Art Program that proposes ways to ensure public art in Anaheim is transformational, unifying, and is representative of the spirit of Anaheim.
HOW
The Public Art Plan outlines the vision, goals, and core values of the City’s Public Art Program. The Plan also provides essential administrative guidelines for determining how public art is identified, preserved, selected, and placed. Public Art adds enormous value to the cultural, aesthetic, and economic vitality of a community. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, this plan is a result of extensive public engagement. The consultant team, along with City leadership and staff, worked diligently to engage the public throughout an 18-month process (August 2020-December 2021) and provided ample opportunity for a broad cross-section of the community to participate in shaping the vision for public art in Anaheim. The team held over 40 virtual stakeholder engagement opportunities, including 18 individual interviews, 25 focus groups, and six identical community meetings in each of Anaheim’s 6 Council Districts to listen and learn about the community’s vision for public art. Participants included business owners, arts organizations, art educators, realtors, private developers, community groups, and engaged residents. Translation services were available on an as-needed basis. 2,149 people participated in a survey. In all, over 3,000 people were engaged.
WHAT
Throughout the stakeholder meetings, individual and group interviews, and survey comments, several recurring themes emerged. The people of Anaheim want to be known for their creativity. They want public art to become synonymous with their identity, elevating their reputation in southern California, stacking upon the experience of a tourist destination. They want public art to celebrate and showcase the many cultures in Anaheim, and they want to see public art reflecting their values in their local neighborhoods. They want art to be a part of their public spaces, making them more exciting and desirable. They want to share their histories and the history of Anaheim with each other and, ultimately, the world.
Canton Public Art Master Plan
Canton, Georgia
WHY
Canton is a place of vision offering endless opportunities for all. A city located truly where the metro meets the mountains, the community offers scenic views of the Blue Ridge Mountain foothills and the Etowah River, unique shopping, and unmatched dining experiences. With something for everyone, Canton is known for its family-friendly, small town vibrancy in the Northwest Georgia region. The Public Art Master Plan lays the foundation for the future of public art in Canton and prepares the City to begin injecting artwork into all facets of the community.
HOW
The Designing Local team engaged in many hours of conversation with stakeholders and members of the public. The team worked diligently to engage a variety of community members from November 2022 until May 2023 that provided insight into the community’s desire for public art. The Public Art Master Plan was developed to be a resource to communicate how much Canton cares about creativity, while providing solutions to create unique experiences for residents, further cementing their connection to the place they love most.
WHAT
The Public Art Master Plan represents a culmination of community desires and defined direction for the City of Canton in core values, 5 objectives and 16 strategies. When implemented over the next decade, the objectives will spur additional investment throughout the City and will provide Canton a roadmap to achieve its goals of becoming a destination known for its arts, culture, historic downtown, and outdoor recreation.
Gather & Flow
2023 | Columbus, Ohio
“Gather & Flow” is a two-piece sculpture installed on the southwest and northwest parking garage towers at the intersection of Starling and State streets. It consists of dozens of metallic starlings seemingly flying from one tower to the next, echoing the shape of the Scioto river and the pattern of a murmuration of starling birds. It spans 50 feet in height and the iridescent birds are painted to represent the polychrome of a starlings feathers.
Belle Valley Revitalization Plan
Belle Valley, Ohio
WHY
Belle Valley is a village located directly on the alignment of I-77 and has a rich industrial history. Main Street is situated in the valley of West Fork Duck Creek and the village's housing and other buildings are built on the surrounding hillsides.
The community has an existing historic church that was recently listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The church has not been occupied for several decades and requires significant improvements. The Village desires to renovate the space for use as a community center and event space.
HOW
Building on the brand identity developed for neighboring Caldwell, Ohio, Designing Local worked with Village leadership to create a brand identity for Belle Valley that highlights the church as a community icon. This provided the starting point for various signage and placemaking features that will be implemented throughout the community.
WHAT
A key recommendation of the plan is a major streetscape improvement project that will add decorative lighting, site furnishings, and sidewalks. This project will also improve ADA Accessibility, traffic management, and stormwater drainage.