Corryville sits at the center of Cincinnati and plays an integral role in the Uptown district's vitality.
Sensing the opportunity for continued growth, the Corryville Community Development Corporation (CDC) headed to the University of Cincinnati's 1819 Learning Lab on Oct. 25 to draft a vision for the neighborhood's future.
Representatives for the Corryville CDC are driven by a desire to improve the neighborhood's livability and generate prosperity for residents. After listening to community members, the team knew the steps needed to strengthen Corryville's path, and the Learning Lab helped turn the group's ambitions into action.
Every neighborhood has priorities, whether focused on reducing crime, stimulating small business growth or increasing pedestrian safety. Many communities need a specific action plan, however, for transforming a mission and vision into clear goals and objectives.
That's where the Learning Lab, strategically located at UC's 1819 Innovation Hub, plays a role. The space serves as a think tank on the art and science of learning, offering businesses and nonprofits alike a chance to upskill and design innovative strategies.
The 1819 Learning Lab is an extraordinarily unique asset for the Cincinnati community. From sessions on strategic planning and trust-building to classes on harnessing innovation, the Learning Lab's experts elevate visitors' skill sets.
The Learning Lab's most critical aspect is its focus on enabling attendees to learn through collaboration. While experts guide the conversation and provide wisdom along the way, it's up to attendees - in this case, members of the Corryville community - to set future steps.
Before doing so, Learning Lab experts employ teamwork exercises to break down organizations' past victories and failures. From there, it's easier for collaborators to look forward and set a reasonable game plan for pathways to future success.
"What sets the Learning Lab apart is our focus on practical, hands-on learning," said Nicholas Partridge, the 1819 Learning Lab's director. "We don't just talk about strategies - we help teams build them in real time, ensuring that what's created here can be taken back and implemented with confidence."
A few potential keys to success for Corryville are an increased quality of life, small business prosperity along Short Vine and stronger engagement with community stakeholders. With its strategic location between UC, the region's major hospitals and the Cincinnati Innovation District, Corryville's future is bright.
The future will continue to grow brighter through the collaboration between the Corryville CDC and the 1819 Learning Lab. Now that community members' unbridled enthusiasm for Corryville is paired with actionable steps, the only direction is up for this vital Cincinnati neighborhood.
Featured image at top: Learning Lab Director Nicholas Partridge instructs Corryville CDC members at the 1819 Learning Lab. Photo/Rebecca Rudolph
