Commissioners describe University of Cincinnati studio project to map county development opportunities

Commissioners discussed work by a University of Cincinnati architecture studio that visited Lawrence County to survey land, riverways and recreation opportunities and produce a working document to guide future development and funding efforts.

A commissioner said the students and partners, including architect Todd DeGarmo of Rome Township, canvassed the county and compiled information that could be used by county economic development and tourism officials. The commissioner described the project as an “outsider looking in” approach that has identified federal land and underused opportunities and said the studio's work will be turned into a fluid, working document that the county can use when seeking funding.

The commissioner said the studio team held public meetings and interviewed local trustees, the county treasurer and other residents to gather perspectives on what “success looks like” for Lawrence County. The commissioner noted interest from the studio in Wayne National Forest and other natural areas, and said the project's work could support regional conversations across the river and with partner jurisdictions.

The presentation referenced Todd DeGarmo and students from the University of Cincinnati's architecture and design program; DeGarmo was described as connected to the project and as a trustee with ties to the university. Commissioners said the team has returned to the county for a second visit and that the compiled documents will be shared with economic development and tourism staff. No formal contract, funding request or timeline was presented during the meeting transcript.