The Valley That Continues
to Change the World

Titusville, Pennsylvania

An Atlas Community Studios Placemaking Action Plan

Introduction

Located in the far east corner of Crawford County, Titusville, Pennsylvania is best known as “The Birthplace of the Oil Industry” thanks to Edwin Drake who drilled his well in 1859 and struck oil, launching the modern day industry. Titusville is a place of legacy.

Today, the history of the city lives on through iconic attractions like the Drake Well Museum, the site of Drake’s oil well, the Ida Tarbell House, childhood home of investigative journalist and writer, Ida Tarbell, and the OIl Creek and Titusville Railroad.

But Titusville is more than a rich history. The gift of Titusville lives on in our everyday lives, too! Did you brush your teeth this morning? Put on a wrinkle-free shirt? Maybe a pair of running shoes? Many of the materials used to make stuff we use everyday can be traced back to oil. You’re welcome!

With 40 million Americans on the move and thinking differently about where to set up shop, it’s time to share that Titusville has more to offer beyond innovations in oil. With nearly 122 acres of recreational property, the treasured Queen City Trail, a historic downtown, and small-town charm, Titusville is the place to visit and call home.

Background

In early 2019 the city of Titusville was awarded the opportunity for placemaking services through Rural Rocks, a program sponsored by the Northwestern Rural Electric Cooperative Association

After one community visit and stakeholder meeting the world soon fell into a global pandemic. Despite immense challenges presented to the typical placemaking process, Atlas Community Studios was able to continue virtually, working alongside a Steering Committee of invested community leaders including Titusville Renaissance, Inc., a volunteer 501c3 non-profit organization dedicated to enhancement of the greater Titusville community. 

With public and stakeholder input, and research and guidance from the Steering Committee, the Atlas team has identified four key opportunities for catalytic change as Titusville looks to the future. 

“Titusville is entering a new era of positive growth and rejuvenation and TRI is very happy to provide this opportunity to our community to develop a plan and help get everyone moving in the same direction.”

Leah Carter, Titusville Renaissance President

“Keeping our rural communities vibrant and healthy is critical to the quality of life of our rural members. We are excited to be part of this project and can’t wait to see what comes next.”

Linda King, Vice President of Communications & Energy Solutions.

What is Placemaking?

Placemaking is a people-centered approach to building strong, vibrant communities. Our holistic approach helps communities identify the long term vision and lay out a realistic, step-by-step “roadmap” to achieve these goals through catalytic project opportunities.

Placemaking Overarching Goals

  • Economic and social development
  • Increase population and/or tourism
  • Improve overall quality of life

Titusville Placemaking Scope of Work

The goal of this process is to identify high-impact opportunity areas, complementing existing and past projects, that address current challenges, and leverage existing assets for continued growth. This Placemaking plan focuses on the following four key areas:

  • Downtown revitalization + amenity strategy
  • Public Art
  • Housing strategy
  • Marketing and branding

Steering Committee

Special thanks to Titusville Renaissance for their application to the program and leadership in organizing through the placemaking process. We would also like to thank the Titusville Placemaking Steering Committee for the dedication and support through this process in an especially challenging year.

Leah Carter
Sara Jones
Emily Altomare
Sarah Miller
Neil Fratus
Denny Peden
Ross Ruot
Raeann Rauch
Bob Joyce
Zach Norwood
Luke Ruot
Nancy Funk