*Designed while at TWMLA / Fisher Associates

…celebrating art and community through engaged and interactive planning

Steve Woods with the team at Fisher Associates and subconsultant Art Strategies worked closely with alongside The City of Corning Planning Department and local stakeholders in the development of the Corning Civic Center Masterplan.

The site is situated on the south side of the Chemung River, nestled between Corning City Hall, the Southeast Steuben County Public Library, and the U.S. Social Security Administration building, with pedestrian connections to historic Market Street.

The City of Corning's Civic Center Plaza Master Plan outlines a vision to transform the heart of downtown into a more accessible and vibrant public space for residents, workers, and visitors.  Developed through extensive community engagement, the plan includes improved pedestrian access, enhanced landscaping, and space for events and gatherings.  It leverages Civic Center Plaza's proximity to community anchors like the Southeast Steuben County Library and the Gaffer District.  This planning effort was made possible with funding from the Appalachian Regional Commission.

Four key goals of the Masterplan included the Re-imagining of a space largely unchanged for over 40 years, integration public art and transformation of the plaza into a vibrant, four-season community gathering hub, retention and improved active elements such as the covered outdoor ice rink/pickleball courts, and enhancement of pedestrian accessibility, green infrastructure, and environmental sustainability.