Downtown Toledo Master Plan Update
Following the momentum of the 2017 Downtown Toledo Master Plan, ConnecToledo worked with MKSK to update the Downtown Toledo Master Plan. The updated plan takes note of the accomplishments of the previous planning process, catalogs momentum and development that is underway, demonstrates the economic activity and data that show the investment potential for downtown businesses, and further recommends catalytic projects that will continue the growth of Downtown Toledo. The Master Plan update was presented at ConnecToledo’s Annual Meeting in November of 2023 and can be found here.
The public was invited to participate via public meetings with various neighborhood organizations, as well as opportunities to share thoughts and ideas via the ConnecToledo website and Downtown Toledo social media presence. Over 900 people participated from the public, 700 surveys were collected, and more than 1000 ideas were shared from the public via the interactive map and ideas wall. Nine focus groups and 44 stakeholders were also interviewed as part of the public input process. ConnecToledo has always valued public participation and has always strived to collaborate with all of downtown Toledo’s stakeholders.
Progress is continuing in downtown Toledo. The plan shows continued strength in visitation and residential demand in downtown. Many substantial projects such as the renovation of the Glass City Convention Center, the implementation of the Glass City Metropark and the Glass City Riverwalk, and future development at the Four Corners buildings have only just begun to attract even more visitation and residents. Momentum remains strong in downtown Toledo, and the future remains bright. The public is still welcome and encouraged to engage with the planning process at the below “Ideas Wall” and “Interactive Map”. As was said at the completion of the 2017 Downtown Toledo Master Plan, “There is no doubt that Toledo’s greatest days are ahead.”
Get Involved
Your voice is important for this plan update to be successful. Visit the links below to share your thoughts and ideas about Downtown Toledo through our online survey, interactive map, and ideas wall.
Interactive Map
Drop a pin on our interactive map of Downtown Toledo. Share your thoughts about places you enjoy, places that need improvement, and other ideas or suggestions.
Ideas Wall
Post an idea or comment on our ideas wall to tell us about Downtown Toledo’s strengths, challenges, and your vision for the future.
Comprehensive Parking Study
ConnecToledo, Downtown Development Corporation, partnered with the City of Toledo, Lucas County, Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority and the Downtown Toledo Improvement District to conduct a comprehensive parking study. The purpose of the study was to forecast future parking demand, and create strategies that demand while balancing, and in some instances, encouraging alternative transportation modes. Alternative transportation includes transit bicycling and walking as well as technology such as autonomous vehicles and apps to locate parking. The study reviewed the current use of parking lots, garages and meters, and usage over the next 5 to 10-year period.
By considering both on-street and off-street parking together as a system, we are managing parking so that it meets the needs of all visitors, while ensuring sustainable practices and financial responsibility.
International Downtown Association Study
ConnecToledo participated in the third edition of The Value of U.S. Downtowns and Center Cities report released by the International Downtown Association in February 2020. The study has data and analysis that encompasses a total of 33 downtowns and grouped them into one of the three tiers: Emerging, Growing or Established. Downtown Toledo was recognized as Established based on employment and residential density, assessed value per square mile, and population/employment growth over the last two decades. Learn more about our downtown and other peer cities through the five principles of economy, inclusion, vibrancy, identity and resilience.
Downtown Transportation Plan
ConnecToledo, working in conjunction with Mannik Smith Group, MKSK, DGL Consulting Engineers, Burton Planning Services and the City of Toledo, conducted a comprehensive study of the downtown transportation and multi-transit options. The purpose of the study was to gain a better understanding of the opportunities and challenges of downtown Toledo’s transportation network, project the future needs and quantity of transit users and develop a plan with recommendations to ensure downtown Toledo implements a safe, efficient, and equitable transportation network.
The study, approved by Toledo City Council on 7/14/2020, consists of the findings from three public meetings, data collection and review, an assessment of current conditions and a forecast for future conditions, as well as identification of key projects and alternatives for downtown’s transportation network. The recommendations from the study should help advance the vision of the Downtown Toledo Master Plan by making downtown Toledo more accessible for alternative modes of transportation, while improving our urban design and visual aesthetic.
Highlights of the study’s recommendations are:
- Reduce lanes of travel and add streetscaping along Summit Street (expected completion Summer 2021)
- Adding protected cycle track on Jefferson Street (expected completion 2021)
- Add buffered cycle track to MLK Bridge (TMACOG funded project)
- Converting parts of Adams and St. Clair Street to festival streets (narrow roadways with distinctive elements such as distinct paving materials, street art, vegetation etc.)
- Removal of Washington Street from the National Truck Network
- Updating crosswalks to downtown standard (inlaid brick at signalized intersections)
- Conversion of all but two streets into two way
- General lane width reduction, adding on street parking wherever possible, adding streetscape improvements, adding more cycling infrastructure
Neighborhood Plans
UpTown Master Plan 2019
Championed by UpTown Association Community Development Corporation
Vistula/Lowertown
Championed by Vistula Foundation. Plan approved by Toledo City Council in 2021.
