The American Institute of Architects selected Springfield's Center City for the Regional/Urban Design Assistance Team (R/UDAT) program. Experts in design, planning, architecture and more came to Springfield March 7-11, 2002 for an exciting series of tours, focus groups and public meetings. Community input was vital to the program's success.

The AIA experts presented their recommendations in a public forum at the Kuss Auditorium March 11, 2002 at 6 p.m. R/UDAT programs have been held in more than 100 cities and regions in the U.S. over the 30-year-life of the program. AIA members donate their time and the host community need only pay out-of-pocket expenses. Center City's R/UDAT is funded by a $20,000 Community Development Block Grant.