West End Choice Neighborhoods Initiative

Lord Aeck Sargent worked with the Cincinnati Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA) on the development of a comprehensive neighborhood improvement plan for Cincinnati’s historic West End as part of the Choice Neighborhoods Initiative. This project, conducted in collaboration with the City of Cincinnati and the Community Building Institute, sought to address housing and neighborhood revitalization challenges while respecting the historic context of the area. The project integrated mixed-income housing with enhanced connectivity across I-75, aiming to support cultural landmarks like Music Hall and the Museum Center.

The planning process emphasized the preservation of affordable housing, with strategies developed through community engagement, including input from public housing residents. It focused on creating a master-planned community with accessible, mixed-use spaces, alongside supportive services tailored to local needs. Key design principles included excellence in architectural and urban design, energy efficiency in line with the Enterprise Green Communities standards, and a holistic approach to fostering economic mobility and social equity for West End residents.