CENTRAL DISTRICT

OVERVIEW 

Local, regional, and state officials gathered in downtown Lima, Ohio, to celebrate the grand opening of a transformational redevelopment project designed to revitalize the city’s central business district. Backed by a $4.3 million investment and powered by public-private collaboration, the Lima Central District project turned a once-blighted block on Central Avenue into a vibrant hub of innovation, dining, and commerce. At the center of this transformation stood Unicient Marketing, a local marketing and development firm that played a crucial role in bringing vision, funding, and community engagement together during one of the most challenging periods in recent history — the COVID-19 pandemic.

Challenge

When Unicient Marketing was first approached, the project’s scope was modest: develop a logo and brand identity for a single building concept aimed at supporting entrepreneurship. However, the community was facing significant obstacles — shuttered storefronts, limited foot traffic, and waning local investment. The pandemic had further deepened economic uncertainty, threatening downtown’s recovery. Lima needed more than just a logo — it needed a movement to restore its downtown identity and spark sustainable growth.

Objectives

1. Reimagine Downtown Lima as a destination for commerce, dining, and innovation.

2. Attract investors and entrepreneurs through strong branding, storytelling, and community vision.

3. Unify stakeholders — city officials, developers, and local residents — under a shared vision of revitalization.

4. Create sustainable infrastructure that would generate long-term jobs and stimulate economic activity.​

Unicient Marketing’s Role

Unicient Marketing’s engagement evolved from a branding assignment into full-scale project leadership in strategy, community development, and investor relations.

Key contributions included:

• Vision Development: Crafted the comprehensive vision for what would become The Central District — a connected block of revitalized spaces designed for entrepreneurship, retail, dining, and professional services.

• Brand Strategy & Identity: Developed a cohesive brand that symbolized rebirth, creativity, and opportunity for downtown Lima.

• Fundraising & Investor Engagement: Led innovative outreach and marketing efforts that helped raise awareness and attract funding during COVID-19.

• Community Buy-In: Designed campaigns and communication strategies to earn the trust and participation of local businesses, residents, and stakeholders.

• Forecasting & Strategic Planning: Assisted in long-term forecasting and development plans to ensure the project aligned with Lima’s broader economic goals.

Results

• $4.3 Million Redevelopment: The project secured significant public and private investment, catalyzing downtown growth.

• Job Creation & Retention: Approximately 90 jobs were created or retained, with additional employment opportunities expected as businesses expand.

• Occupancy Success: As of late 2024, renovated buildings are  fully leased — hosting retail, restaurant, and professional tenants.

• Community Impact: The area has re-emerged as an entertainment and innovation district, restoring community pride and boosting local commerce.

• Statewide Recognition: The project drew praise from Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and JobsOhio leadership, citing it as a model for small and mid-size city revitalization.​

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Key Partnerships

• Lima Central District / Local Developer Team

• JobsOhio Vibrant Communities Program

• State of Ohio & Regional Growth Partnership

• City of Lima and Allen County Officials

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testimonial

“We were first asked to design a logo for an entrepreneurship center  but what we presented emerged to something much bigger. Through creativity, strategy, and community partnership, we helped transform a single building concept into a full downtown redevelopment project. It’s a reminder that true revitalization starts with vision and belief in what a community can become.”

- Frank Cage Unicient Marketing Leadership Team

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Conclusion

The Lima Central District project stands as a shining example of how creative vision, strategic marketing, and strong community collaboration can transform not only buildings but an entire city block. Through Unicient Marketing’s leadership, what began as a design request evolved into a catalyst for economic renewal — reaffirming Lima’s position as a growing, vibrant, and innovative Ohio community.