Imagination Alley Cincinnati, Ohio

Services Provided

Urban Design
Community Engagement

People Involved

Andy Knight
Casey Elmer
Ryan Blume
Kevin Dicke

Awards

2022 KYASLA Award of Merit

Re-envisioning the public realm for visitors to one of Cincinnati’s most popular neighborhoods.

MKSK is serving as the lead designer, for the transformation of Imagination Alley from a pass-through space into a destination and community amenity. Working closely with 3CDC and local community leaders, the process was initiated with a community engagement process that represented a diverse cross section of residents and local business leaders throughout the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood.

Feedback from these conversations provided the design team a wish list of programming and placemaking opportunities that included movie nights, game areas, kids play spaces, outdoor cooking classes, and a variety of seating and conversation areas for those that visit the site daily or visitors in the area dining at the local restaurants. The design also incorporates special lighting applications into the space effectively extending the attraction, usage, and safety of the space from day into night. A combination of overhead string lights, tree lighting, and pole lights illuminate the dynamic design and create a unique setting in this urban setting.

Before

Before

After

After