MERIT AWARD
Urban Design Category
Nine Rails Creative District - Ogden, Utah
“The project’s foundation is the creation of an art walk and the identification of community spaces suitable for art installations and performances. The resulting increase in visitors demonstrates the project’s success.”
PROJECT STATEMENT
Over the past decade, Ogden City has worked to establish itself as the arts epicenter of the American West. To this end, the City created the Nine Rails Creative District, recognizing the critical role that art plays in celebrating diversity, strengthening the city’s unique identity, and driving economic growth.
Before beginning the master plan with Ogden City, we began creating momentum for the district with the Platforms Art Park for Ogden Contemporary Arts. After completing the master plan, we designed and oversaw construction of Platforms Art Park, and implemented the Dumke and Corner plazas, as well as the 25th Avenue Streetscapes. Together these projects strengthen Ogden’s unique cultural identity by embracing diverse perspectives, bringing people together, and forging new connections.
Guided by the master plan, these four catalytic built projects helped the District experience an 82% increase in visitorship and an annual property value growth rate of 29%. These projects wove art into Ogden’s daily experience, creating an environment where artists and community creatives thrive and where residents engage with art in the public realm.