Toledo Design Collective

What Toledo Design Collective does

Toledo Design Collective (TDC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit urban planning and design organization founded in 2001 and headquartered at One Seagate, Suite 123, Toledo, Ohio. The organization delivers professional planning and community engagement services to neighborhood organizations, the City of Toledo, Lucas County Land Bank, Metroparks Toledo, and community development institutions across Northwest Ohio. TDC's service portfolio spans six integrated offerings: Community Engagement Consulting, Community Planning (an 8-14 month collaborative process), Pop-Up Community Workshops (1-2 day visioning sessions), Site Specific Conceptual Planning (vacant land reuse, community parks), Feasibility Studies (for community-oriented building owners), and Corridor Studies (business infill, streetscape development). The organization also runs the Paul Hollenbeck Internship Program (which has launched 50+ alumni careers) and the annual PARK(ing) Day event.

TDC operates a hybrid community-led and event-driven go-to-market, generating revenue through three streams: individual donations (accepted via PayPal), foundation and corporate grants/sponsorship (LISC Toledo, Greater Toledo Community Foundation, Fifth Third Bank, KeyBank, Ohio Arts Council, CareSource Foundation, John Henry Eldred Jr. Foundation, among others), and fee-for-service planning and design contracts with government and institutional clients. The organization is staffed by 2 full-time professionals — Ryan Bunch (Studio Director) and Cathy de Haan (Outreach and Development Coordinator) — supported by an annual cohort of student co-ops/interns (primarily from Bowling Green State University) and a governing board of 25+ members drawn from regional civic institutions including The Arts Commission, Metroparks Toledo, United Way, Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority, and Lucas County Land Bank.

Over 25 years, TDC has delivered 24+ documented projects including the Junction Neighborhood Master Plan, Old South End Master Plan, Monroe Auburn Master Plan, UpTown Master Plan, Vistula Neighborhood Plan, Glass City Riverwalk engagement, Forward Toledo comprehensive land-use plan, and multiple feasibility studies. Concrete outcomes include a $1.5M Danny Thomas Park renovation, a C-6 zoning overlay text amendment approved by the City of Toledo Plan Commission, and engagement of 25,000+ residents across project portfolios. The organization holds Candid Gold Seal transparency certification and serves a geographically concentrated NW Ohio market with no technology product, software platform, or AI capability — all deliverables are professional consulting services produced through direct project partnerships.

Name

Toledo Design Collective

Legal name

Toledo Design Collective

Website

https://toledodesigncollective.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2001

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Toledo Design Collective is a Toledo, Ohio-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2001 that delivers urban planning, community design, and engagement consulting services to neighborhood organizations, the City of Toledo, and regional institutions across Northwest Ohio, supported by a 2-FTE staff, an internship program, and a 25-member volunteer board.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Urban Planning Services

NAICS

Architectural Services (54131)

akta.pro primary industry

Urban Planning & Master Planning (BPAHAKAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Community Engagement & Participatory Planning (BPAHAKAO), Landscape Architecture & Site Design (BPAHAKAC)

Keywords

• Urban planning services
• Community engagement consulting
• Nonprofit design services
• Feasibility study consulting
• Corridor planning consulting

Headquarters

HQ city

Toledo

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Revenue model

1. Donations and Individual Contributions: TDC accepts tax-deductible donations from individuals via PayPal and check. Donations support career development for local students and low-cost planning and engagement programming.
2. Foundation and Corporate Grants/Sponsorship: TDC receives funding from foundations (LISC Toledo, John Henry Eldred Jr. Foundation, Greater Toledo Community Foundation, CareSource Foundation, Fifth Third Bank, KeyBank) and corporate sponsors for projects and programs including PARK(ing) Day, the internship program, and neighborhood planning initiatives.
3. Fee-for-Service Planning and Design Services: TDC provides contracted planning and design services to government entities (City of Toledo, Lucas County Land Bank), neighborhood organizations, and community groups. Services include community engagement consulting, community planning, pop-up workshops, site-specific conceptual planning, feasibility studies, and corridor studies.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Toledo Design Collective is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit urban planning and design organization that delivers professional planning, community engagement, and conceptual design services to neighborhood groups, municipalities, and nonprofit partners across the Toledo, Ohio region. The firm produces community plans, feasibility and corridor studies, and pop-up workshops, and operates an internship/mentoring program that trains emerging urban designers.

Product overview

Toledo Design Collective (TDC) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) urban planning and design organization offering a portfolio of professional services including Community Engagement Consulting, Community Planning, Pop-Up Community Workshops, Site Specific Conceptual Planning, Feasibility Studies, and Corridor Studies. These service offerings work together as an integrated approach to urban revitalization—Community Planning provides comprehensive long-term neighborhood visions while Pop-Up Workshops and Corridor Studies address shorter-term community engagement needs. TDC also operates a Paul Hollenbeck Internship Program providing career development for students, and runs the annual PARK(ing) Day event to promote creative urban design. The organization does not offer a technology product or software platform; all offerings are professional consulting and planning services delivered through collaborative community engagement.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Community Engagement

Quantifiable outcome

• Danny Thomas Park receiving a $1.5M renovation as a result of Old South End Master Plan implementation
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

28 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and supporting.

• LISC ToledocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLISC Toledo is a major funding and strategic partner supporting TDC's urban planning and community development work in the Toledo region.
• Ohio CDC AssociationmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerStatewide association of Community Development Corporations; Ohio CDC Association supports and advocates for CDCs including TDC's neighborhood planning work.
• City of ToledocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPrimary municipal partner for urban planning, design standards, and neighborhood development initiatives. TDC works with multiple city departments including Plan Commissions and Vision Zero.
• ConnecToledo (Downtown Development Corporation)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerConnecToledo is a key partner on downtown planning initiatives including the Summit Street Project, Forward Toledo, and Garfield Community Plan. They conducted a downtown parking study that informs PARK(ing) Day programming.
• Metroparks ToledocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMetroparks Toledo partnered with TDC on the Glass City Riverwalk - Vistula project, with TDC leading community engagement for the park's conceptual design. Also partners on Forward Toledo and other planning initiatives.
• Maumee Valley Habitat for HumanitymajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHousing non-profit collaborating with TDC on neighborhood planning and community development projects across multiple initiatives.
• WorkSpringsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal non-profit partner supporting TDC's community development mission in the Toledo region.
• Argyle IT SolutionssupportingTechnology or IntegrationIT solutions provider supporting TDC's technology infrastructure and digital operations.
• Bowling Green State University (BGSU)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBGSU is a key educational partner providing student co-ops and interns to TDC, and TDC serves as a hands-on learning platform for BGSU planning and design students.
• MidstorysupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerMidstory is a media organization partner supporting TDC's education programming and student co-ops.
• The Arts CommissioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMajor cultural organization partner. TDC's Studio Director Ryan Bunch previously served as Director of Community Initiatives at The Arts Commission, establishing Forward Toledo's Cultural Trail framework. TDC collaborates with The Arts Commission on projects including Revisioning Main Street.
• Lucas County Land BankcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerKey partner on St. Anthony's Feasibility Study, Junction Neighborhood Master Plan, Junction East Side Housing Collaborative, and Junction Gateway Concept Design. The Land Bank spearheads community-wide efforts for property reuse and neighborhood redevelopment.
• Toledo-Lucas County Port AuthoritymajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvided funding support (alongside City of Toledo, Lucas County Commissioners, and Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur) for the St. Anthony's Feasibility Study, investing nearly $300,000 toward the project.
• Junction CoalitioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGrassroots neighborhood organization that is a primary partner on multiple Junction neighborhood planning initiatives including the 2018 Junction Master Plan, Junction East Side Housing Collaborative, and Junction Gateway Concept Design.
• Broadway Corridor CoalitioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEstablished 501c3 non-profit coalition leading the Broadway Mile planning efforts in partnership with TDC. Holds weekly meetings of over 25 board members.
• Diocese of ToledosupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerOriginal owner of St. Anthony's Church. After years of trying to secure a buyer, the Diocese bequeathed the church to the Lucas County Land Bank for community benefit, enabling the subsequent feasibility study.
• East Toledo Family CentercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerKey community partner serving as 'keeper' of the Garfield Community Plan alongside One Voice for East Toledo. Partner on Navarre Park maintenance and East Toledo Family Center Feasibility Study.
• One Voice for East ToledocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCoalition organization co-keeping the Garfield Community Plan with East Toledo Family Center. Active in East Toledo neighborhood advocacy and planning.
• City of Toledo Plan CommissionscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPrimary client and partner on the Forward Toledo comprehensive land-use plan, where TDC provided engagement coordination, design services, and strategy development across multiple neighborhoods.
• Area Office on Aging of NW OhiocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerKey partner on the Lakewoods Campus Conceptual Improvement Plan. TDC led months-long community engagement and design strategy to improve connectivity and quality of life on the campus serving older adults and health/human services.
• Tetra TechmajorTechnology or IntegrationEngineering firm partner working alongside TDC on the Glass City Riverwalk - Vistula design phase engagement process.
• EDGEmajorTechnology or IntegrationDesign firm providing renderings for the Glass City Riverwalk - Vistula project in partnership with TDC and Metroparks Toledo.
• Englewood Neighborhood CoalitioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGrassroots neighborhood organization partnered with TDC on the 2022 Englewood Community Plan.
• Historic Vistula FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHistoric preservation organization partnered with TDC on the Vistula Neighborhood Plan, working to connect the neighborhood to the Maumee Riverfront.
• UpTown AssociationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNeighborhood CDC partnered with TDC on the 2019 UpTown Master Plan, identifying six priority projects for the neighborhood.
• Monroe Street Neighborhood CentercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity anchor institution partnered with TDC on the 2020 Monroe Auburn Master Plan, enabling quantitative and qualitative data collection from residents.
• Toledo Warehouse District AssociationmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNeighborhood organization partnered with TDC on the 2017 Toledo Warehouse District Plan update.
• Collingwood Presbyterian ChurchsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerChurch partner on the Collingwood Presbyterian Church Feasibility Study, recommending phased renovation improvements.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Broad incumbents

• Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC): LISC is a national community development financial institution and one of TDC's core funders; it operates across many cities including Toledo, providing both funding and broader community development programming that overlaps with TDC's planning and engagement work.
• Smart Growth America: Smart Growth America is a national nonprofit coalition advocating for walkable, inclusive neighborhoods through planning, policy, and development assistance, sharing TDC's mission of advancing thoughtful urban design at a broader advocacy level.
• Urban Land Institute: Urban Land Institute is a global research and education organization focused on land use and real estate development, with technical assistance programs that overlap with TDC's corridor studies, feasibility work, and master planning practice.
• Enterprise Community Partners: Enterprise Community Partners is a national nonprofit that partners with cities and community organizations on equitable neighborhood development, operating at a much larger scale than TDC but addressing overlapping missions around disinvestment and community-driven planning.

Direct peers

• Project for Public Spaces: Project for Public Spaces is a nonprofit focused on placemaking and community-based public space planning, with a comparable model of facilitating engagement, feasibility work, and community-driven design for neighborhoods and cities.
• Detroit Collaborative Design Center: Detroit Collaborative Design Center is a university-affiliated nonprofit design center providing community-based urban planning and design services in Detroit, mirroring TDC's model of neighborhood master planning, engagement, and feasibility studies.
• Center for Creative Land Recycling: Center for Creative Land Recycling is a nonprofit focused on reusing vacant and underutilized properties through planning, training, and technical assistance, directly comparable to TDC's vacant-land reuse and feasibility study work with the Lucas County Land Bank.
• National Civic League: National Civic League is a nonprofit that supports community-driven civic problem solving and equitable local governance, comparable in mission, scale, and methodology to TDC's community engagement and participatory planning work.
• Cleveland Urban Design Collaborative: Cleveland Urban Design Collaborative at Kent State University is a regional nonprofit design center that engages communities in urban planning and design in Northeast Ohio, sharing TDC's structure as a small-staff, community-embedded nonprofit planning practice.

Others

• American Planning Association: The American Planning Association is the professional association for urban planners and serves as an ecosystem partner to TDC through training, advocacy, and standards-setting rather than direct competition for community planning engagements.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/toledodesigncollective
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/toledo-design-collective

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Toledo Design Collective