Encouraging investment in Springfield's downtown is a key part of what the Sustainable Design Assessment Teamhopes to accomplish.
At the downtown farmer's market this Saturday, visitors can see display designs created by several architects. They offer their vision of what downtown properties could become, with a focus on residential opportunities.
Cindy Davis is President of Resource One Office Furnishings and Design, a downtown business, and a member of SDAT's Action Committee. "We wanted to have people begin to imagine what it would be like to live downtown. As you have probably heard, there is a waiting list for rental space for apartments," Davis said, pointing out there is a demand.
The Imagine Downtown Springfield project involves eight specific sites. She says the clientele for housing could range from college students to empty nesters. The medical industry is driving some of the need as well.
Tim Smith, President of the firm Evan Lloyd Associates, worked on one of the designs. "A lot of the options also have first floor retail opportunities. As you bring more people downtown, there are going to be more demands and needs to be met," Smith added. "We have enough space downtown to satisfy those needs as they develop."
