For decades, Toledo residents have discussed the best use of a former industrial site alongside the Maumee River. Through collaboration, our design for the Glass City Riverwalk provides answers. Built on the legacy of Toledo’s glass-making industry and commercial railyards, this new public space respects the site’s history and ecology while increasing resilience and strengthening connections between the city’s neighborhoods. 

Disconnected from the adjacent communities and suffering from years of neglect, the riverfront in Toledo needed revitalization. The goal? Transform the area into a vibrant destination, offering residents access to the outdoors and restoring connections to the river and the city.

The design for the project creates several features across many key areas. A serpentine bridge links the waterfront to the historic MLK bridge, while a new amphitheater and expansive lawn invite community gatherings. Glass and light sculptures add a dynamic touch to the landscape, alongside a stepped water play zone, and a playful topography that engages visitors of all ages. 

Drawing inspiration from Toledo’s glass-making heritage and its historic rail yards, our plan fits into the context of the area’s industrial past while pushing it toward an ecologically sustainable future. The centerpiece is the restoration of a historic marsh near downtown, which has a shoreline design that manages stormwater and adapts to the Maumee River’s seasonal changes. 

The dynamic collaboration between WXY, local officials, environmental experts, and community stakeholders shaped the project. Together, we developed strategies for combining ecological restoration with industrial heritage. We led the process while ensuring that every decision reflected the voices and priorities of all involved.

In 2023 alone, the Glass City Riverwalk drew over 600,000 visitors, quickly becoming a major part of the fabric of the city and its communities. It is projected to generate $1 billion in regional economic impact by attracting private construction, increasing property values, and sparking new business opportunities.