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TV’s ‘Simple Living’ films Springfield episode

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Springfield’s downtown renaissance continues to attract national attention.

A crew from the PBS television show “Simple Living” will visit Springfield Thursday for production of an episode about downtown renovation.

Host Wanda Urbanska will begin touring the city at 8 a.m. and will stop at the Lofts at the Seville, the Gillioz Theatre, the Discovery Center, Blue Block Lofts at Founders Park and other downtown highlights.

Urbanska, who has family ties to Springfield, chose the city after meeting with southwest Missouri Congressman Roy Blunt during his visit to her hometown of Mount Airy, N.C. Blunt raved about Springfield’s “downtown renaissance,” Urbanska said.

“We did some research, and we’re so impressed with so many of the historic renovations projects that you have going,” she said. “We just looked at the whole picture and said there’s more than enough material to carry a segment.”

Springfield’s iconic destinations, historic renovations, focus on the environment and low cost of living – all contributing to its high quality of life – make it symbolic of a downtown revitalization trend happening across the country, Urbanska said.

“Downtown is the heart of a city, and it pumps a lifeblood into the city,” she said. “When Springfield’s downtown was really down and out, it wasn’t good for the whole city. Resuscitating the downtown is like getting a heart transplant and bringing the heart and soul back into working order.”

Urbanska also cited Springfield downtown’s “walkability” as a factor in its simple living environment, as well as its focus on art, residential space and restoration of local businesses.

“Chains are good, to a point, but the best thing you can do for a community is to have strong local businesses where the owners live in the community and they have a reason to continue reinvesting in it,” she said.

“Simple Living” has aired on PBS since 2004 and features ideas for creating more meaningful connections in personal lives and communities through simpler, sustainable lifestyles.

Springfield’s episode is expected to air in spring 2007.[[In-content Ad]]

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