The Cincinnati Riding Or Walking Network, known as the CROWN, was never meant to be just a trail. It was envisioned as a bold new artery for the city, and one that could stitch together neighborhoods, improve quality of life, and signal Cincinnati’s forward momentum. BLDG was brought in to help turn that idea into something people could see, support, and rally around.
We weren’t designing a logo. We were helping define a future. The CROWN needed an identity that felt modern, human, and inclusive—something that could live on signs, shirts, social feeds, and sidewalks. It also needed to function as a unifying symbol for a city that’s both proud of its past and hungry for progress.
To generate traction and funding, we knew a quiet launch wouldn’t cut it.
We worked with local partners to produce a community-first rollout, including: A high-energy launch event, yard signage that popped up citywide, guerrilla tactics that turned city streets into campaign spaces. These early efforts helped establish the CROWN as a shared vision, not just a city plan.
Equity and access were core to the story. We positioned the CROWN not as a recreational luxury, but as a citywide amenity for all: a way for every Cincinnatian to move, connect, and explore, regardless of neighborhood or background. From design choices to messaging, the entire campaign aimed to reflect that inclusiveness.
The trail system is still under construction, but the movement is already real. Sections like Wasson Way have become everyday fixtures for cyclists, runners, and families. And as more segments are completed, community support only grows stronger. The CROWN isn’t a hypothetical anymore. It’s a vision with traction.
