Building a Better Bedford

Bridging Bedford: A Historic Downtown Plan Linking Past and Future

Bridging Bedford report cover with downtown street scene
Studio 17

Who We Are

Bridging Bedford is a project of Studio 17, a planning studio group comprised of graduate students at the Levin College of Public Affairs and Education at Cleveland State University. Working in multiple phases under the supervision of two urban planning experts, Dr. Thomas Hilde and Mr. James Kastelic, the team at Studio 17 has arranged a comprehensive report and public presentation on our recommendations for the City of Bedford, Ohio.

Our Mission

Bridging Bedford’s comprehensive plan aligns connectivity, economic development, and historic guidelines to create a sustainable, prosperous, and welcoming downtown Bedford.

Our Vision

Downtown Bedford is a desired destination for residents, businesses, and visitors. Ongoing preservation and investment leverages Bedford’s heritage as a driver for economic opportunity and sustainability.

Our Goals:

#1 Attract small business development to help reduce downtown storefront vacancies.
#2 Develop a Main Street program to encourage catalytic revitalization.
#3 Enhance Downtown through creative placemaking and volunteerism.

Our Achievements

Over 80 survey responses collected from local residents and visitors.

Organized 13 stakeholder interviews with local business owners and city leaders.

Conducted a walk audit to analyze the study area and built-environment.

Visited Bedford Public Library over two weekends and gathered community feedback.

Meet the Team

Dr. Thomas Hilde
Dr. Thomas Hilde
Professor
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James Kastelic
James Kastelic
Professor
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Aleks Milosevic
Aleks Milosevic
Student
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Anthony Bocija
Anthony Bocija
Student
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Britany Pabon
Britany Pabon
Student
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Christopher Rini
Christopher Rini
Student
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Diane Kavalchek
Diane Kavalchek
Student
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Dylan Minek
Dylan Minek
Student
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Erika Shinn
Erika Shinn
Student
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Ethan Wiggins
Ethan Wiggins
Student
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Kenya Gray
Kenya Gray
Student
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Konrad Hodgman
Konrad Hodgman
Student
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Luke Ols
Luke Ols
Student
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Marsalis Hammons
Marsalis Hammons
Student
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Najae Jackson
Najae Jackson
Student
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Quinton Green
Quinton Green
Student
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