Vacant Lots: Occupied (VLO) transforms blighted public properties in underserved communities into neighborhood assets through an empowering collaborative process. Under-utilized spaces are strategically enhanced with full community buy-in. Types of enhancements might include pollinator prairies, orchards, sound gardens, interactive seating areas, or anything else our city's residents can dream up together.
VLO was originally developed through a curriculum-based course in 2012-13 and published in partnership with the University of Cincinnati's College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning. Over the past 5 years, the innovative VLO framework has grown from an award-winning concept, into a toolkit and community-driven workshop series that restores and enhances vacant lots throughout Cincinnati.
