Fully focused on implementation, our plans have helped three cities draw a collective $125 million in new investment
New York State offered ten cities $10 million in downtown revitalization initiative grants. But the offer came with a catch: the cities had to use it to attract more money from other sources. We helped three cities develop plans—based on their assets and character—that did just that.
The cities all had intimate downtowns where small, but strategic, investments could have a big impact and attract new activities, businesses, and residents. For each site, we assessed retail, commercial, and residential markets to understand existing demand. Then we interviewed stakeholders, held public meetings, ran online forums, and collaborated with advisory panels to shape recommendations.
Each final plan included detailed profiles of priority projects—including several we felt could draw investment without the grant funding. Each profile explains how that project contributes to the overall vision, shows how its finances pencil out, and addressed how to build and manage it for the long haul. A significant number of our projects won final state funding. Thanks to our plans, the cities will see $125 million in additional public and private investment.
At a Glance
- Offices
Wei Jin, Urban Designer
My design focus: people and the sense of place and environment. Integrate physical design solutions with social aspects and natural systems.
Steve Kearney, Principal
Working with—and learning from—community members is what excites me most in all of my planning projects.
Phil Schaeffing, Senior Planner, Urban Designer
From helping cities revitalize their downtown or creating new neighborhood centers, my goal is to create plans that benefit everyone.
We’re better together
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Partner with us today to change how tomorrow looks. You’re exactly what’s needed to help us make it happen in your community.
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Design your career
Work with passionate people who are experts in their field. Our teams love what they do and are driven by how their work makes an impact on the communities they serve.