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How does a legacy institution rebuild credibility and public trust?
Creative Idea: Stewardship on Track
When the City of Cincinnati voted to sell the Cincinnati Southern Railway and reinvest the proceeds into city infrastructure, the Cincinnati Southern Railway Trust needed a brand that could carry both the weight of history and the promise of progress. nez&pez helped reintroduce the CSRT to the citizens it serves through a complete rebrand grounded in clarity, transparency, and civic pride. From strategy to visual identity to website design, we created a modern expression of stewardship — one that honors a 150-year legacy while signaling a forward-looking commitment to prosperity and accountability.
New look, tone, and feel.
The campaign celebrated progress through the language of everyday life — roads, recreation, and renewal. We connected abstract investment concepts to tangible benefits for residents. Layered maps, bright colors, and authentic photography gave the work a human, local heartbeat, reminding citizens that CSRT's story is their story too.
Website Redesign
The new CSRT website reflects transparency in design and purpose. Built for accessibility and public engagement, the site makes it easy for residents to explore financials, follow project updates, and understand how funds are improving city life. With a cleaner user experience, clear data visualizations, and warm civic storytelling, the website now serves as an ongoing tool for accountability and trust.
Results:
The rebrand and campaign transformed perception from distant bureaucracy to civic partnership. Engagement across digital channels increased, with residents actively visiting the new site to track community projects and investments. The Trust’s message of stewardship and progress now resonates as a proud symbol of Cincinnati’s next chapter — a city investing in itself, with transparency and heart.