What are CNU Legacy Projects?
Each year, in conjunction with its annual Congress, CNU invites municipalities and neighborhood organizations within the Congress's host region to apply for pro-bono technical assistance from leading urban design firms. Through public engagement and collaboration, CNU’s Legacy Projects strive to demonstrate the power of great urban design beyond the boundaries of each selected community, and targeted communities experience both short-term progress and long-lasting momentum
CNU 32 LEGACY PROJECTS
Xenia Hub District Revitalization - City of Xenia
Project goals: Located north of Cincinnati, close to Dayton, the City of Xenia has its sights set on bringing new life to its Xenia Station. A former hub of freight and passenger rail service, surrounded by rail-oriented industrial properties, the City has a vision for a trail-oriented entertainment district to serve the rising demand for hospitality, retail, bars, and restaurants. The conversion of its rail network into a robust trail system, paired with the growth of the nearby Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, a proposed Honda EV Battery Plant, and developer interest in key sites adjacent to the City-owned Station are key strengths for the desired revitalization strategy to build on.
Project players: This project will be led by Opticos Design in partnership with the City of Xenia.
Camp Washington Business District - Cincinnati
Project goals: The Camp Washington Urban Revitalization Corporation has been selected to receive support towards their desired Business District Vision and Strategic Plan. Years-long efforts have fostered the Made in Camp mantra that celebrates the industry, artistry, and community that makes up the Cincinnati neighborhood. Recent collaborations have brought momentum toward the strategic revitalization of Camp Washington’s swath of vacant industrial properties. The community now aims to leverage these efforts and proactively guide anticipated growth and development with strategies that reactivate the neighborhood’s business district.
Project players: The Camp Washington project will be led by Arup's Master Planning and Urban Design practice, supported by Street Plans and Perkins&Will, as well as staff from the Camp Washington Urban Revitalization Corporation (CWURC).
Amelia Neighborhood Node - Pierce/Batavia Townships
Project goals: A vision plan for the Amelia Neighborhood will be developed as part of a multi-jurisdictional partnership between Pierce and Batavia Townships. Amelia had been its own municipality until 2019, when residents voted in favor of a Village Dissolution Referendum. The Amelia community and its Main Street (SR 125) is now split between the two townships. With a number of Main Street properties being publicly owned, the Townships are seeking a Design and Implementation Plan that will help to establish a vibrant, walkable node within the exurban environment and, in the process, set a new precedent for successful collaboration amongst these community leaders.
Project players:This project will be led by ZoneCo in partnership with both Pierce Township and Batavia Township.
Norwood Connectivity - City of Norwood
Project goals:Norwood Together, in collaboration with the City of Norwood, is eager to embark on a planning and design process that will help to connect new and existing community destinations. Norwood is home to Xavier University, the regionally-serving Rookwood Shopping Center, and the recently opened Factory 52 redevelopment that turned over 20 acres into a new mixed-use gathering place. Concepts and strategies for a cohesive multi-use network will not only help to connect these destinations and expand on the Cincinnati CROWN-Wasson Way regional trail system, but the pedestrian-scaled routes will also help to stitch together Norwood’s four wards that are currently divided by arterial roadways.
Project players: The project will be lead by Stantec's Urban Places in partnership with the City of Norwood and Norwood Together.