Architects envision downtown development

A group of Springfield architects has put their imaginations to work on the question of downtown living options.

Six architectural firms envision a church as student housing, clinical research in the former Illinois Lottery building, high-end apartments overlooking Old Capitol Plaza and townhouses on sections of Adams Street.

The idea grew out of last years Sustainable Design Assessment Team recommendations on revitalizing downtown Springfield. A shortage of housing is a major challenge, according to the team of urban planners.

Local architects were encouraged to be creative. But money was an object, said Cindy Davis, who is helping coordinate the project.

We want people to imagine what it would be like to live downtown or to be a developer for residential, said Davis, a member of the local SDAT follow-up committee. These are real ideas the architects have put the numbers to.

Davis is co-owner of Resource One, an office furniture and design company at 321 E. Adams St. The architectural drawings will be on display at the business as part of the downtown Farmers Market the next two Saturdays, Oct. 19 and 26. The drawings also are viewable by clicking on the "More photos: Imagine Downtown Springfield" link at the top of this article.

The committee plans follow-up presentations to developers and real-estate groups. Davis said it is possible a town hall meeting will be held on the topic.

Fewer options

There were more people living downtown in 2010 but fewer choices of where to live, according to figures from the U.S. Census. Reports of waiting lists for downtown apartments are common.

In 2010, 1,027 people lived in the area bounded by Third, Ninth, Madison and Edwards streets. The figure was up by nearly 100 from 2000.

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Architects envision downtown development