Corryville plots out responsible growth plans at the 1819 Learning Lab

Experts at 1819 helped Corryville representatives design a model for thoughtful growth

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.

Addressing community needs

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.

Corryville CDC members brainstorming at the 1819 Learning Lab

Corryville CDC members brainstorm at the 1819 Learning Lab. Photo/Rebecca Rudolph

The 1819 Learning Lab was the perfect place for the Corryville CDC to brainstorm ways to translate its vision and mission into goals and actionable steps. Additionally, the group wanted to create overarching statements that reflect the community’s hopes, dreams and current needs.

“The Corryville CDC engaged with the 1819 Learning Lab in an effort to help us refine our North Star as a rebooting organization,” said Brandon Williams, the group’s director. “We came in with pieces of a complex puzzle; we had goals and aspirations for what the organization should strive to achieve beforehand. The 1819 Learning Lab was able to take those pieces and assist us in picturing a future for Corryville and its community development corporation in a way that is coordinated, precise and actionable.”

A thought lab for leaders

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.

Nicholas Partridge Director, Learning Lab

“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.”

Helping Corryville to thrive

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

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