Urban Districts

Downtowns represent the heart of cities and the center for regional special events. Successful downtowns contain urban districts that are that are true mixed-use neighborhoods. These neighborhoods are the lifeblood of downtown and easily accommodate sports and entertainment venues as well as shops, offices, housing and public parks. The key to developing successful urban districts is combining inspiration with a practical roadmap for implementation. MSI Design, in our extensive work creating thriving urban districts, intimately understands the elements and structure required to succeed. Whether planning and designing the Nationwide Arena District from the ground up, or repositioning Cincinnati’s Over-the-Rhine neighborhood, MSI’s work has made immediate impacts. Plan examples include strategic infusions of vision and limited capital to create special public spaces and connections in downtown Louisville, or in the on-street “interventions” now being implemented by the downtown Columbus Special Improvement District. Whether new development or a reinvention of the existing city fabric, quality urban districts are key factors in the positive evolution of downtown life. MSI Design has the experience to apply real-world lessons to realize long-term success.