Urban Growth Firm Signs Lease for 3CDC Space in OTR

Nationally Recognized Design and Development Organization To Move Into Elm Industries

CINCINNATI (April 25, 2023) – A local urban growth firm has signed a lease to move into an office space at 1537 Race Street. YARD & Company will be moving into its new 2,922-square-foot office within Cincinnati Center City Development Corp. (3CDC)’s Elm Industries project in June.

Principals Kevin Wright and Joe Nickol co-founded the firm in 2018 as a way to help neighborhood growth through design, experience management, and development strategy. Since its founding, YARD has developed a national presence in its industry, with a portfolio that features work spanning more than 20 states across the country. This new location at 1537 Race Street is significantly larger than its previous office and allows for greater flexibility as the organization works to develop deeper relationships—the team can hold events, host presentations, facilitate conversations and test ideas.

“Our goal is to have a collaborative place that not only allows for our creative process but also peace and solitude to develop really immersive and thoughtful work,” Nickol said of the new space.

Wright, YARD’s Director of Operations and Strategy, leads the team in the creation and implementation of several small- and large-scale projects. He has a background in community planning at the Walnut Hills Redevelopment Foundation Nickol serves as the organization’s Director of Design and Development. He brings 15 years of experience in urban design, architecture, and development. ‘

“We’re excited to be adding an urban design and planning firm to the mix in this part of OTR,” said Lindzie Gunnels, Commercial Leasing Manager with 3CDC. “Elm Industries is a great fit for the type of collaborative space they want to create. We’re looking forward to seeing how they get involved and contribute to the neighborhood.”

YARD & Company is turning five this spring and is excited to be moving into a new space for its anniversary. CCG and City Studios are designing the space, which will allow for pop-up usage and feature a tiered event space as well as a studio and workspace. YARD’s staff of 10 has project experience in over 25 states, seven countries, and dozens of towns, cities, and neighborhoods. Its project sizes range from 2,000-square-foot buildings and parklets to whole villages, neighborhoods or districts. Despite this broad scope, YARD is excited to be planting roots in the historic Over-the-Rhine neighborhood.

“We’re excited to be in OTR around so many creative and local entrepreneurs, and within steps of Washington Park, Findlay Market and Ziegler Park,” Wright said. “The community has such an exciting and fresh momentum right now and we can’t wait to be a part of it.”

Elm Industries was a $7 million renovation of an industrial property by 3CDC. The project features four turnkey office spaces encompassing 18,170 square feet. The structure, which spans from Pleasant Street to Race Street just south of Liberty Street, is also home to Go Dutch and Confetti Room.

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