Our Vision
Downtown Toledo Master Plan
Following the momentum of the 2017 Downtown Toledo Master Plan, ConnecToledo worked with MKSK to update the Downtown Toledo Master Plan. The updated plan takes note of the accomplishments of the previous planning process, catalogs momentum and development that is underway, demonstrates the economic activity and data that show the investment potential for downtown businesses, and further recommends catalytic projects that will continue the growth of Downtown Toledo. The Master Plan update was presented at ConnecToledo’s Annual Meeting in November of 2023.
The public was invited to participate via public meetings with various neighborhood organizations, as well as opportunities to share thoughts and ideas via the ConnecToledo website and Downtown Toledo social media presence. Over 900 people participated from the public, 700 surveys were collected, and more than 1000 ideas were shared from the public via the interactive map and ideas wall. Nine focus groups and 44 stakeholders were also interviewed as part of the public input process. ConnecToledo has always valued public participation and has always strived to collaborate with all of downtown Toledo’s stakeholders.
Progress is continuing in downtown Toledo. The plan shows continued strength in visitation and residential demand in downtown. Many substantial projects such as the renovation of the Glass City Convention Center, the implementation of the Glass City Metropark and the Glass City Riverwalk, and future development at the Four Corners buildings have only just begun to attract even more visitation and residents. Momentum remains strong in downtown Toledo, and the future remains bright. The public is still welcome and encouraged to engage with the planning process at the below “Ideas Wall” and “Interactive Map”.
As was said at the completion of the 2017 Downtown Toledo Master Plan, “There is no doubt that Toledo’s greatest days are ahead.”
Downtown Toledo Service Plan
The Downtown Toledo Improvement District, Inc. (DTID) represents the property owners within a specific geographic area of downtown Toledo, each of whom pay a special assessment to collectively fund the District. DTID collaborates with other downtown organizations, such as the City of Toledo and Lucas County, to enhance downtown so it is an exciting, livable and economically healthy place for businesses, residents and visitors.The Service Plan is a five-year framework for creating a welcoming, creative, safe, clean and economically healthy environment that will benefit downtown property owners, businesses and other constituents. DTID intends to deliver the following services, as determined from time to time by the Board of Directors:
Public Spaces & Placemaking
Supplemental Security & Hospitality
Event Management
Business & Residential Development
Communications & Marketing
Member Services
Research
Downtown Transportation Plan
ConnecToledo, working in conjunction with Mannik Smith Group, MKSK, DGL Consulting Engineers, Burton Planning Services and the City of Toledo, conducted a comprehensive study of the downtown transportation and multi-transit options. The purpose of the study was to gain a better understanding of the opportunities and challenges of downtown Toledo’s transportation network, project the future needs and quantity of transit users and develop a plan with recommendations to ensure downtown Toledo implements a safe, efficient, and equitable transportation network.
The study, approved by Toledo City Council on 7/14/2020, consists of the findings from three public meetings, data collection and review, an assessment of current conditions and a forecast for future conditions, as well as identification of key projects and alternatives for downtown’s transportation network. The recommendations from the study should help advance the vision of the Downtown Toledo Master Plan by making downtown Toledo more accessible for alternative modes of transportation, while improving our urban design and visual aesthetic.
Comprehensive Parking Study
ConnecToledo, Downtown Development Corporation, partnered with the City of Toledo, Lucas County, Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority and the Downtown Toledo Improvement District to conduct a comprehensive parking study. The purpose of the study was to forecast future parking demand, and create strategies that demand while balancing, and in some instances, encouraging alternative transportation modes. Alternative transportation includes transit bicycling and walking as well as technology such as autonomous vehicles and apps to locate parking. The study reviewed the current use of parking lots, garages and meters, and usage over the next 5 to 10-year period.
By considering both on-street and off-street parking together as a system, we are managing parking so that it meets the needs of all visitors, while ensuring sustainable practices and financial responsibility.
International Downtown Association Study
ConnecToledo participated in the third edition of The Value of U.S. Downtowns and Center Cities report released by the International Downtown Association in February 2020. The study has data and analysis that encompasses a total of 33 downtowns and grouped them into one of the three tiers: Emerging, Growing or Established. Downtown Toledo was recognized as Established based on employment and residential density, assessed value per square mile, and population/employment growth over the last two decades. Learn more about our downtown and other peer cities through the five principles of economy, inclusion, vibrancy, identity and resilience.
Developing the Riverfront
Metroparks Toledo
Metroparks Toledo is currently in the process of revitalizing a cornerstone of downtown Toledo. Formerly known as the Nautical Mile project, the Glass City Riverwalk (GCR) will transform Toledo’s riverfront – an important regional element – between the Anthony Wayne Bridge (SR2) and the Craig Street Bridge (I-280) on both sides of the Maumee River. This portion of the overall project will address the downtown section including Promenade Park from Swan Creek to the Martin Luther King Jr. Bridge, International Park between the Martin Luther King Jr. Bridge and the end of the restaurants. The goal of this project is to create a new community asset that promotes healthy lifestyles, community interaction, and memorable experiences for residents of all ages. More specifically, the GCR project will:
Improve / create share-use paths to provide a route free of vehicle conflicts
Establish a sense of place by installing new lighting, benches and decorative banners
Add new kayak launches and kayak share for greater paddling access
Integrate urban ecology strategies, such as adding plants and riparian buffers, that improves water quality and manages storm water
Once completed, the project will expand public access to the trail system and riverfront, increase waterfront recreational activities and opportunities for all seasons, improve bike and pedestrian access and amenities for all users, and enhance regional connectivity, consistent with the 2017 Downtown Toledo Master Plan.
The GCR project received funding from the Better Utilizing Investment to Leverage Development (BUILD) program, which consists of a $23 million grant from the United States Department of Transportation. Total estimated project cost is approximately $58 million dollars for this section while the Glass City Riverwalk project as a whole is approximately $225 million dollars. The grant administration and overall project management is being conducted by Metroparks Toledo.
Glass City Riverwalk Master Plan
-
![Aerial view of a city with a river running through it, surrounded by green parks, bridges, and buildings.]()
Glass City Riverwalk | Phase 1
Swan Creek to the MLK Bridge on the downtown side & from the Docks to the MLK Bridge on the east side.
-
![A large outdoor playground structure with a spiral slide, surrounded by children and adults, in a park with trees and grass.]()
Glass City Metropark | Phases 1 & 2
Phase 1 & 2 of Glass City Metropark are open.
-
![A pond with a curved shape surrounded by a landscaped park, walking paths, and a small gazebo, with flags along the shoreline.]()
Glass City Metropark | Phase 3
This portion of the Glass City Riverwalk project includes the area formerly known as International Park. This section lies between the Cherry Street bridge and the Anthony Wayne / High Level Bridge. This phase of the GCR is in conceptual design.
-
![A large building by a river, with a colorful mural on one side. Construction equipment is nearby, and a bridge spans the river in the background.]()
Glass City Riverwalk Vistula Area
Water Street & Toledo Pickle
