Downtown Toledo Master Plan Wins 2017 Ohio Planning Award
Downtown Toledo Master Plan Wins 2017 Ohio Planning Award
TOLEDO, Ohio, September 28, 2017 — The Downtown Toledo Master Plan has been awarded a 2017 Ohio Planning Award from The Ohio Chapter of the American Planning Association (APA Ohio). In the category of Comprehensive Planning/Large Jurisdiction, the award recognizes the collaborative efforts of the 22nd Century Committee, Downtown Toledo Development Corporation, MKSK, HKS, Development Strategies, Mannik & Smith Group and Toledo Design Center.
The award was presented today at the APA Ohio Statewide Planning Conference in Athens, Ohio, by APA Ohio President Kimberly Lieber, AICP, City of North Olmsted Planning Director. She noted that the 2017 awards “highlight the best and brightest plans, projects and people in Ohio. It is clear from these awards that strong partnerships are critical components of successful planning work.”
As part of this collaboration, the 22nd Century Committee served as the catalyst and provided leadership for the planning process. Randy Oostra, President and CEO of ProMedica, past chair of the 22nd Century Committee and now chair of Downtown Toledo Development Corporation stated, “To have the Downtown Master Plan recognized by The Ohio Chapter of the American Planning Association is a significant honor and reflects the dedication and collaborative effort of our partners – and the tremendous participation by the public in this planning process. As the plan moves forward, we will continue to engage this broad coalition of leaders – and our communities – as we bring the vision to life.”
Award winning planning, urban design, landscape architecture and entertainment design firm MKSK coordinated the activities of other team members including architects and engineers who provided research, stakeholder interviews, public meetings and plan input.
- HKS provided architectural input.
- Development Strategies helped the group understand the potential for private/public partnerships.
- Mannik & Smith Group assisted with an assessment of current conditions; informing green/sustainable systems and transportation planning.
- Toledo Design Center provided local support and gathered the best input from regional talent.
The Downtown Toledo Development Corporation is now the keeper of the plan and will ensure its strategic direction and implementation. Rachel Bach, Downtown Toledo Development Corporation President and CEO, accepted the award today on behalf of the group. She stated, “We are grateful that this plan has received such a high honor from APA Ohio. The Master Plan will serve us well as we connect public and private sector organizations together to create a vibrant downtown Toledo.”
Click here to view the Downtown Toledo Master Plan
About Downtown Toledo Development Corporation
The Downtown Toledo Development Corporation (DTDC) is committed to the development of downtown Toledo through connecting public and private organizations and facilitating the implementation of the Downtown Toledo Master Plan. DTDC collaborates with organizations to focus on the revitalization, development, beautification and advancement of downtown Toledo. A 501(c)3 organization, DTDC is privately funded. Downtown Toledo (The Downtown Toledo Improvement District—DTID), Toledo Design Center and ParkSmart are partner organizations of DTDC.
About APA Ohio
APA Ohio is a statewide, non-profit association of citizens and professional planners committed to promoting and enhancing planning and the quality of planning for all governmental entities in order to maintain and improve the quality of life for all Ohioans. APA Ohio is a state chapter of the American Planning Association. APA Ohio operates under the guidance of a volunteer Board of Trustees elected from the general membership. Chapter sections include Akron, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Miami Valley and Northwest. Visit www.ohioplanning.org for additional information.
