Downtown Toledo Master Plan Toledo, Ohio
Services Provided
Downtown Planning
Urban Design
Community Engagement
People Involved
Andrew Overbeck
Sarah Lilly
Bridget Maloney
Whitney Baxter
Plan Document
Toledo’s downtown resurgence continues with updated master plan
Currently, over $425 million worth of projects are in progress, including the $200 million Glass City Metropark, which is restoring the riverfront park system on both sides of the Maumee River. The $80 million renovation of the Glass City Convention and Event Center and its attached hotel has bolstered the downtown hospitality sector. Additionally, 11 historic structures, including the iconic “Four Corners” buildings at Huron Street and Madison Avenue, have been rescued and are set for restoration.
Significant mobility improvements have been made, including a new transit center and pedestrian and bicycle focused improvements on Summit Street and Jefferson Avenue.
Following the adoption of the 2017 Downtown Toledo Master Plan (led by MKSK), ConnecToledo, the City of Toledo, Lucas County, Metroparks Toledo, and community partners embarked on executing its 12 Priority Action Items. All the key action items are either complete or in progress. Notable results include $244 million in completed catalytic projects such as the construction of a new corporate headquarters, the residential conversion of downtown office towers and warehouse buildings for market-rate and workforce housing, and ongoing investment in the downtown riverfront. Promenade Park, which opened in summer 2017, has been a hub of community activity, attracting tens of thousands of residents each year for various events.
2017 Master Plan Impact
The 2023 Downtown Toledo Master Plan Update involved collaboration with community members, stakeholders, and a steering committee. The process began in January 2023 with a steering committee meeting and continued through various public engagements, including stakeholder focus group meetings. The planning team worked to refine the Market Analysis, update the plan’s strategies, and develop recommendations for downtown’s future. The final plan was presented at ConnecToledo’s Annual Meeting in November 2023.
Given the success of the 2017 Master Plan, ConnecToledo enlisted MKSK and Development Strategies to update the plan, considering new developments, initiatives, and market shifts to plan for the next phase of downtown’s growth.
Focus Areas and Public Realm Enhancements
The updated plan focuses on key areas of downtown to continue revitalization efforts. Key Focus Areas were identified, which will drive investment in placemaking, streetscapes, and redevelopment opportunities.
These areas include:
Swan Creek: Builds on the Warehouse District plan and the planned investment in the Food Hall to create a new Farmer’s Market and mixed-use residential development along a revitalized Swan Creek.
Uptown: Building on planned RAISE Grant improvements and the Toledo Innovation Center, there is an opportunity to reuse existing warehouse buildings and create new mixed-use redevelopment.
Riverfront: The last undeveloped site along the riverfront offers potential for future development, leveraging existing improvements to Riverwalk and the streetscape.
Paramount Block: Recognizing the need for parking to support the Four Corners redevelopment, there is an opportunity here to also create a mixed-use development.
Together, these strategic recommendations will continue to bring energy, activity, and livability to downtown Toledo, ensuring its long-term success.
Implementation of the Master Plan Update is already in motion. The RAISE Grant streetscape and mobility improvements are set to begin in Uptown later this year, while the Glass City Riverwalk is expanding to connect to East Toledo. Work continues on the revitalization of the Farmer’s Market and preliminary investigations for Swan Creek development.
