Streetscape Enhancement Project - January 2005

Downtown Springfield Streetscape Enhancement Project

The Center City Association has been diligently working on enhancing the Streetscape in Downtown Springfield. The project is a multi-year project; the first phase is to be completed by summer 2005 and will include improvements to the interior and exterior of the Core Block (City Hall Plaza) in Downtown Springfield. The project components will make a dramatic improvement to the streets of the downtown. These improvements include:

• Vintage streetlights;
• Granite curbs;
• Clay pavers;
• New sidewalks;
• Benches, and
• Trash receptacles.

Streetscape enhancement is important because it:

• improves lighting;
• improves the pedestrian experience;
• creates a sense of "place" and an inviting environment, and
• is a key component of revitalization.

The Center City Association has formed invaluable partnerships with the City of Springfield, property owners, and private funders to make this project possible.

How is the project funded?

This is truly a public-private partnership. To date, the Streetscapes project is a collaborative effort between the Center City Association, City of Springfield, First Energy Foundation, Huntington Bank, Property Owners and the Turner Foundation. This project is not being funded 100% by the City of Springfield. In fact, $110,000 or 13% of the roughly $825,000 project is being paid for by the City. These funds were committed by the City as part of planned general lighting upgrades around the core block. All additional items of the Streetscape project are being paid for with private funds.

Why granite curbs?

Granite curbs will be installed in the Streetscape as an upgrade from the typical concrete curb found throughout the community. This upgrade is being paid for exclusively by a private funder who requested the upgrade. While the upgrade is initially more costly than concrete, it will save money in the long run because granite is much more durable and will last much longer than concrete.