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 an 8-month period, 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 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; and 6) elevate a new or refined level of organization wholly dedicated to the vitality of Downtown Ottawa.