New master plan for downtown Springfield and medical district released to public

SPRINGFIELD, Ill, (WAND) - For three years, several development groups and consultants have worked together to create the "Downtown Springfield Mid-Illinois Medical District Master Plan."

The plan combines expert opinions and public responses to determine the strengths, weaknesses, and resources the downtown area holds, and make plans for the future.

The 282 page document included a list of priorities and proposed changes to housing, parking, transportation, businesses, and other similar items. A primary goal of this plan is to build economic opportunity in the downtown area.

"The Downtown Master Plan is a comprehensive road map that will allow us to start actually working together as a city, as development individuals, as citizens and volunteers, to actually aim for and succeed at a number of different goals that we're reaching for," said Carlos Ortega, the Executive Director of Downtown Springfield Inc., one of the organizations that helped create the plan. "We have opportunity to actually grow from the foundation that we have, this plan lays the foundation for that to actually take shape."

While the plan cites specific changes to specific areas, the goal is not to start progress from scratch. It includes a balance of using existing buildings and encouraging new development.

Ryan McCrady, the President/CEO of the Springfield Sangamon Growth Alliance, another organization involved in the master plan, says there is a lot of potential in the area, but they need to get creative with how space is used.

"Maybe a private investor wants to make an investment in one area, but then the master plan also calls for a public body to also make an investment there, as we time those investments together, then we maximize the return on it," said McCrady. "And maybe a 5,6, or 7 story building that has office, retail and residential all in the same building. I believe that's going to help create a very livable and a very exciting place in downtown."

Before the plan can go into place officially, the Springfield City Council will have a study session and vote to approve the plan. To view the entire document and get more information on the plan, you can check their website.