This September, HR&A and 3CDC were awarded the prestigious IEDC Partnership Award in the public-private partnership category, which "...recognize outstanding and innovative public/private development projects that have enhanced the economic revitalization of distressed communities, states, or regions." The IEDC partnership award acknowledged the creation of the Cincinnati Center City Development Corporation (3CDC), a non-profit development corporation charged with leading downtown Cincinnati's acclaimed revitalization efforts. HR&A developed the business plan for 3CDC and designed its initial organizational structure.

That business strategy addressed a number of downtown planning and development issues including Fountain Square—the traditional heart of Cincinnati. By the end of the twentieth century, however, the Square's poor design, absence of programming and lack of maintenance created a void in downtown. The historic Tyler Davidson Fountain at the Square’s center (dedicated in 1871) went from being a significant Cincinnati tourist attraction to a drive-by tourist site. The Square itself became a desolate concrete space ringed by sky walks and underperforming retail frontages. In 2006, 3CDC, in partnership with the City of Cincinnati began a two-year, $49 million renovation for Fountain Square. Outdated skywalks were removed, new granite pavers and new planting beds were laid, the Tyler Davidson Fountain was moved to the heart of the plaza, and major improvements were made to the 635-space underground parking garage. Moreover, 3CDC and the City entered into a public-private partnership agreement for the ongoing programming and maintenance of this rejuvenated city center. Around the Square, retail sales have dramatically expanded as the public has embraced the vitality of this transformed open space in the heart of their City.

3CDC created a subsidiary, nonprofit organization, Fountain Square Management Group (FSMG) LLC, to partner with the City to oversee programming, maintenance, and promotion of the square and to insure that the square remains safe and clean. 3CDC and FSMG became the vehicles for implementing the area's master plan.

HR&A Advisors has helped guide Cincinnati's Center City development initiatives for 3CDC since its inception.