A strategic plan was developed for Ruta n, a public joint venture with the mayor’s office of Medellín. The Medellínnovation District proposal is the product of a consortium in which Prof. Dennis Frenchman led the work on Strategic Principles, Urban Design and Catalyst Projects. Medellin recently received global recognition as the world’s ‘Most Innovative City.’ The award, from the Wall Street Journal and the Urban Land Institute recognized not only the city’s innovative businesses, but also its innovative strategy to overcome violence and reclaim neighborhoods. With the emergence of a new economy that is based on digitally enabled production, communications and lifestyles, advanced enterprises are networked rather than centralized, customized rather than standardized, and aim to deliver locally sourced products and services. Presented a new form of productive neighborhood, a highly integrated live-work community, which would leverage opportunities brought forth by 21st century urbanism trends. In this model, productive spaces are migrating back into the heart of our cities.