Big town?s journey to small city inspires caring development

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It was almost 12 years ago when I moved to Springfield, and thought, "Here's a big town ready to transform into a small city." |ret||ret||tab|

Many people were moving from large cities to Springfield for quality of life, good schools, diverse economy, generous natural resources, and generally a safe place to raise kids. Many people came from large cities that probably had good and bad qualities, and people moving to Springfield were ready to abandon the problems, and the conveniences, for a better place to live.|ret||ret||tab|

Springfield relies heavily on strong Midwestern culture and values to hold the strings in place but lacks a solid core to hold it together during growth periods. The influx of people brought about new residential developments and large-scale regional retail/dining developments on the fringe of the city limits. This combination has led to widespread urban sprawl.|ret||ret||tab|

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Downtown|ret||ret||tab|

Over the last five years, Springfield has begun to change from a large town to a small city. |ret||ret||tab|

The recent hotel/motel tax that funded the Discovery Center, Jordan Valley Park, Wonders of Wildlife, the Gillioz Theater and other future projects has sparked life and redevelopment in downtown and the surrounding area. |ret||ret||tab|

The Downtown Springfield Associa-tion, in conjunction with the Community Improvement District, Urban Districts Alliance and the Downtown Dining and Entertainment Commission, has taken steps to make downtown more inviting and to become a stronger core. Parts of the Vision 20/20 plan are falling into place. |ret||ret||tab|

We need to keep that plan on track, and at the same time look at some even larger scale plans.|ret||ret||tab|

Ozarks Greenways has used the natural environment to develop pedestrian and bicycle corridors. Other agencies have developed natural parks like the Springfield Conservation Nature Center, Ritter Springs Park and the Sac River Trail. |ret||ret||tab|

These examples are a great way to preserve and maintain natural resources and add to the infrastructure of the city. |ret||ret||tab|

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Built environment|ret||ret||tab|

There are also concepts that can be applied to the built environment. Exam-ples include:|ret||ret||tab|

Urban corridors a concept based on the development or transformation of suburban corridors (Glenstone, South Campbell) to urban corridors (Chester-field Village, Commercial Street, South Street) through phased implementation of plantings, rear access and parking, and transportation systems. |ret||ret||tab|

Higher densities can be established through multiple stories and zero-setback construction, requiring less expansion of roads and utilities. |ret||ret||tab|

For reference, and to see this kind of transformation, check out www.sierraclub.org/sprawl/community/transfor mations/index.asp.|ret||ret||tab|

Tight-knit residential communities This concept applies to new residential developments and existing ones. New developments can use "cluster housing" to get more units on a parcel with smaller lots, but with a large shared common "conservation" area and other amenities. This limits the extension of roads and utilities and promotes community interaction. Existing communities can look at developing community centers and small community-based markets and services. These ideas promote the interaction of residents, as well as lessen the dependence on driving for goods and services.|ret||ret||tab|

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Ultimate goal|ret||ret||tab|

As architects, engineers and contractors we should take one of the primary roles in leading developers, city and county governments, and residents in the direction of high-density development. The ultimate goal is to have a more efficient infrastructure and to develop neighborhoods and communities that encourage more daily interaction among residents.|ret||ret||tab|

With the recent world events, we've seen how a relatively small effort can disrupt a nation. |ret||ret||tab|

We've all, in one way or another, been reminded that family and community are two of the fundamental organizations that hold us together. |ret||ret||tab|

We, as the design and construction community, have a role in shaping these organizations. Let's work together with other key players to shape Springfield so that it promotes effective use of re-sources, improves the look of the built environment, and facilitates interactivity among people.|ret||ret||tab|

(Bruce K. Adib-Yazdi, AIA, an architect with Butler, Rosenbury & Partners, is a past president of the American Institute of Architects.)[[In-content Ad]]