The Village of Ottawa, Ohio, engaged YARD & Company to help shape its next generation of growth, centered around a vibrant and walkable downtown core. Over 8 months, YARD worked with a newly created resident and business-led Task Force to:

1. Engage village residents, employers, and leaders about a vision for Ottawa’s growth

2. Identify opportunities to attract hospitality, street-level retail, and housing to Downtown and nearby locations

3. Improve the walkability of downtown streets and public spaces while re-establishing a relationship to the Blanchard River, the High School, and surrounding neighborhoods.

4. Establish and activate a new brand for Ottawa, built on authentic village experiences

5. Develop and implement an expanded event calendar and storytelling platform

6. Elevate a new and refined operating organization