The new master plan for Springfield’s downtown and medical district is nearing completion

A more than two-decade effort to develop a master plan for downtown Springfield and the Mid-Illinois Medical District is nearing completion. A review document has been made available.

The final product is expected to guide future development in Springfield’s inner core.

The public is invited to events where details will be revealed and questions answered.

“We look forward to sharing this master plan with the community as we hope it will serve as a model for downtown Springfield and the Mid-Illinois Medical District for ongoing and future projects,” said Springfield Mayor Misty Buscher. “This document will guide city staff, officials and community stakeholders in their decision-making and vision for downtown Springfield.”

An open house event is scheduled for Thursday from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Memorial Learning Center, 228 W. Miller St.

Friday morning, there will be a Citizen’s Club forum from 8-9am at the Hoogland Center for the Arts.

On Tuesday, November 12, a presentation is scheduled at the town hall at 5:30 p.m.

“Whether it’s a new restaurant, a business that supports the medical industry, or a multifamily residential development, this plan provides the certainty needed to confidently invest in Springfield’s future. The Growth Alliance is excited to share this vision as we continue to attract projects that align with our community’s priorities and foster growth in the city’s core,” said Abby Powell, Director of Business Development for the Springfield Sangamon Growth Alliance.

Officials said the city began formal work on the plan in late 2021 after residents identified downtown revitalization as one of their priority issues through The Next 10 community visioning initiative spearheaded by the Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln.

“The completion of the Master Plan for Downtown Springfield and the Mid-Illinois Medical District shows our continued commitment to addressing the priorities the Springfield community addressed through The Next 10 project,” said John Stremsterfer, President and CEO of the Community Foundation for the Earth in Lincoln. “As with The Next 10, strong community input led to many of the recommended elements of the Master Plan.”

“Mid-Illinois Medical District and Downtown Springfield are two crown jewels in our capital city: anchors of community health and economic vitality for the region,” added Ryan Croke, Chairman of the District Commission Mid-Illinois Medical. “This Master Plan represents a long-awaited and crucial roadmap to help us attract the investment and talent that will define the future of our city. Let’s throw it!”

“Downtown Springfield has a lot of potential,” said Carlos Ortega, Executive Director of Downtown Springfield, Inc. “I am excited to share the elements of this plan and work with our community and our various partners to make this vision a reality.”