Working closely with regional partners, Sasaki’s plan developed a bold, implementation-ready framework to transform more than 50 miles of Ohio River frontage into a connected economic corridor. Anchored by the catalytic Evansville Riverfront and Great Bend Park, the plan repositions the river as a defining civic and economic asset that reconnects downtown to the waterfront while unlocking new opportunities for investment, mobility, and public life.

At the heart of our approach is integration. The design aligns infrastructure, ecology, and development into a single coordinated strategy that reimagines flood protection as layered public space and redesigns Riverside Drive to improve safety, access, and economic potential. This infrastructure-first framework supports redevelopment-ready sites, expands affordable commercial space, and strengthens connections to regional employment centers.

Equity and inclusion guided the process from the start. Through extensive community engagement and targeted investment in Areas of Persistent Poverty, the plan prioritizes improved access to jobs, healthcare, and essential services. By enhancing multimodal connectivity and reducing transportation costs, the plan helps ensure that growth benefits existing residents.

From the outset, the plan was structured to move toward implementation. Today, the Evansville Riverfront is advancing into schematic design with secured funding and coordinated agency alignment. Sasaki is grateful to our partners and the Evansville community for their collaboration and shared vision. This award underscores our belief that infrastructure, environment, and community can work together to drive lasting, inclusive economic growth.

Learn more about the Ohio River Vision and Strategic Plan