New London's Cultural District Wayfinding Plan, Developed by SLR Consulting & Guide Studio, Wins Award

The City of New London is pleased to announce that SLR Consulting & Guide Studio has received an award from the Connecticut Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) for the "Navigating the Cultural District: A Wayfinding & Placemaking Masterplan for New London."

This prestigious award recognizes the outstanding professional achievement of SLR Consulting & Guide Studio in enhancing New London's Cultural District. The masterplan is designed to improve wayfinding and placemaking, guiding visitors and residents and reinforcing the district's identity as a premier destination for business, living, entertainment, dining, culture, and recreation.

The project focused on creating a visual cohesion throughout the Cultural District through improved streetscapes and wayfinding signage, highlighting the district's historic and cultural assets. The plan balances the use of navigation apps with the continued importance of physical wayfinding signage in providing validation and a sense of place. Design priorities included traffic calming, pedestrian safety and walkability, and the promotion of multi-modal transportation.

"This award is a testament to the transformative work of SLR Consulting & Guide Studio in partnership with the City of New London to make our Cultural District a more vibrant and accessible destination," said City of New London Mayor Michael Passaro. "Their expertise and dedication have been instrumental in creating a Wayfinding and Placemaking Masterplan that will enhance the experience of all who visit, live, and work in New London."

A significant aspect of the project was the public engagement process, which included Discovery Days with journey mapping, walking tours, workshops, and collaborative sessions. This inclusive approach ensured that the masterplan reflected the needs of the community.

The project team developed several sign concepts, with the preferred option featuring themes of winds and currents combined with a modern urban aesthetic. Fabrication of the new signage is in progress.

"This Wayfinding and Placemaking Masterplan is a crucial tool for driving economic development in New London," said Felix Reyes, director of Economic Planning and Development for the City of New London. "By making our Cultural District more navigable and attractive, we are creating an environment where businesses can thrive and visitors will stay longer and invest more."

The Senior Principal Landscape Architect at SLR, Jason Williams, said: “SLR is proud to support the City of New London in creating a welcoming environment within the Cultural District and partnering with the City to make community-led and supported projects a reality."

About The City of New London

The City of New London is southeastern Connecticut's center of development and growth for businesses, communities, and families. Home to critical maritime assets such as State Pier, which is the new turbine assembly facility for offshore wind, our historic waterfront city is emerging as the center of offshore wind development for the northeast United States. Founded in 1646, New London is a nationally recognized Coast Guard City and home to the Coast Guard Academy and the future home of the National Coast Guard Museum. Two other colleges ‑ Connecticut College and Mitchell College – are also located in New London. With its glorious waterfront, rich and diverse culture, and significant historic sites such as Garde Arts Center and Fort Trumbull State Park, it is easy to see why New London is the hub of commerce and transportation for the region. With quick access to rail, ferry, airports, and major highways, New London boasts a lively dining and nightlife scene that complements the next generation of housing under development. For more information on development opportunities in New London, visit: https://developnewlondon.com.