URBANA, Ill. (WAND) – Urbana leaders want public input as they figure out how to develop part of the city’s downtown area.
The Lincoln Square site, which involves the Lincoln Square Mall, along with the former Landmark Hotel and close to eight acres of parking lots owned by the city, could soon see significant changes. The new initiative looks to keep potential developers informed about changes that might be coming.
A survey, which the city has named “What’s in your square?”, can be found at this link. People can submit their ideas for the area when they fill it out.
“We want people to think about what will serve this community for the next 50 years,” said Urbana Mayor Diane Marlin.
Marlin says the city is looking for “big ideas” as it works on potential changes to the landscape. The hotel’s closure and a changing retail scene are reasons Marlin lists for why the area needs to “transform”.
“People tell me that they want more housing in downtown Urbana and a wider variety of entertainment, restaurants and services,” she said. “Plus, the MCORE project will rebuild Green Street, making it the main connection between the U of I campus and downtown Urbana. We have to make sure there is something exciting there to attract visitors.”
The hyperlink found earlier in this story also includes a video message from Marlin about plans for the Lincoln Square site.
