The Norwich Business Improvement District (BID) has adopted a new brand and set of logos with a distinct color palette reflecting the variety of building types and natural landmarks found in downtown Norwich, including the Chenango County Courthouse, and the prominent spires of the United Church of Christ, and Broad Street Methodist Church. (Submitted graphic)

NORWICH – The Norwich Business Improvement District (BID) has adopted a new brand in conjunction with the recently completed Downtown Placemaking Action Plan, prepared by EDR, Inc.

Over the course of a year, the City’s Department of Community Development collaborated with Syracuse-based design studio The Lab Creative to produce a set of logos and a distinct color palette to unite downtown Norwich under one graphic identity.

The brand’s primary graphic reflects the variety of building types and natural landmarks found in downtown Norwich, including historic row buildings, the Chenango County Courthouse, and the prominent spires of the United Church of Christ, and Broad Street Methodist Church.

The area that is considered downtown Norwich today was incorporated in 1816 as the Village of Norwich, later incorporated as the City of Norwich in 1914. The village foundation date is represented in two of the brand marks to honor the conception of the commercial center of the City and Town of Norwich. The brand’s colors pay homage to Norwich Pharmaceutical Company, rooting the graphics in the rich manufacturing history of the District.

The Norwich Business Improvement District Management Association is a 501(c)3 with an executive director and 14-person board. Since its founding in 1982 as one of the first BIDs in New York State, the organization has implemented the District Plan, a blueprint for enhancing the cleanliness, safety, and competitiveness of Downtown Norwich. Moving forward, the BIDMA will look to both the original District Plan and the new Placemaking Action Plan to guide its priorities. The organization’s mission statement is as follows:

The Business Improvement district works to make downtown Norwich a thriving center of commerce by supporting its members and businesses, enhancing public spaces, and promoting cultural events to create a vibrant, welcoming community.

With funding from a special assessment paid by all property owners “members” within the district boundaries, the organization advertises commercial vacancies; produces events to support businesses and a clean district; offers funding opportunities to property owners for signage and awning improvements; completes public realm improvement projects; and serves as a liaison between the city, county, and Commerce Chenango to advocate for downtown, among other annual efforts.

This new brand will help unite the various businesses, residents, and tenants of downtown under one identity, helping to attract visitors and new businesses to augment the visibility of Norwich within Chenango County and the central New York region.

- Information from the BID