Established in 1896, Neighborhood House was the first settlement house in Kentucky. Over 119 years later, they are a community center that serves children and families living in the Portland neighborhood of Louisville and surrounding low-income neighborhoods. 

In anticipation of the 125th Anniversary in 2021, Neighborhood House reached out to KERTIS to discuss activating the birthday celebration. Through our discussions, we identified that instead of only highlighting the milestone, we’d use the opportunity to redefine Neighborhood House as a civic center in the 21st Century. How could we capture the energy in the building, the commitment of the team, and the community synergy that have generated? Could we channel it into a new brand and identity that feels modern, energetic and yet does not alienate from their personality? And more importantly, answer their ask to “help us stop being known as the best kept “secret” in Louisville.”

Through a significant amount of research, both archival and site based, we collected testimony and assets that have informed a new manifesto statement, logo and brand, and a video series. The final brand mark was chosen for its ability to symbolize the ‘radiating energy’ that Neighborhood House generates in the building and the community. The final mark was launched by Neighborhood House in early November 2021, with announcements to the community, and activating the new brand mark and colors throughout the building.