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Downtown Vision
 Springfield facts: Each year the Center City Criterium attracts over 100 of the Region’s best cyclists
Fountain Avenue
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Heritage Plaza
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Downtown Springfield Concept
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Center City Association - Downtown Springfield Vision Plan - January 2005
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is this really possible/achievable?
A: Yes, public/private partnership that is accomplished in phases.
Q: How will it be funded?
A: Through a Public/Private Partnership. Remember that there has already been nearly $100 million of public & private investment in Center City in the past 10 years.
Q: How will future phasing work?
A: Phase 1 is likely to include the planned National Trails Parks and Recreation (www.ntprd.org) or specifically Ice Rink and surrounding property. Other phases depend on private development interest and cooperation with land owners.
Q: Will this involve the taking of land?
A: The plan is to achieve this through cooperative agreement and market purchase of land. Phase 1 can largely be accomplished in this manner.
Q: How will the parking be replaced (220 +/- spaces will be lost in Phase 1)?
A: Ultimately the goal is to replace surface parking with structures internal to blocks – this creates better and higher redevelopment value. In early phases surface parking will be created behind the development along the park. As demand increases, these lots will be development and parking garages achieved.
Q: Why should the City spend more money on parks when we have bigger problems such as creating employment?
A: This is an economic development tool. Incenting and attracting new development and revitalization is why places like Columbus, OH and Des Moines, IA took these steps. This is not just creating a community asset, it is creating an amenity and real (estate) value. When a company looks to locate in Springfield, areas along this park will represent a prime address.
Q: How does this fit with the proposed Hospital Plan?
A: This is a great asset and attractant for the Hospital. The hospital wishes to create a state-of-the-art medical facility and healing environment. The reality is that by having a built park amenity and related development near the hospital (in addition to Buck Creek views & trails) is a much more healing environment than what will be achieved in the exurbs. A Greenfield site will most certainly use surface parking lots that surround the hospital. Fields of asphalt and parking is not attractive. A multi-story hospital with rooms overlooking Buck Creek and Wittenberg University to the north and the Downtown Central Park within walking distance is hard to beat.
Downtown Vision | Fact Sheet | FAQ
