Boonville Streetscape garners Main Street honor

The city of Springfield received the Public Improvements Award June 12. It was presented at the Missouri Main Street and Commercial Revitalization Conference in Jefferson City.

The award, presented by Missouri State Treasurer Nancy Farmer, was given in recognition of the city's investment of more than $700,000 in the Boonville Streetscape Project.

"We would like to congratulate Springfield for its tremendous efforts in downtown revitalization," said Joseph L. Driskill, director of the Missouri Department of Economic Development, in a news release.

He added, "Local programs strengthen and diversify the community's economic base through historic preservation while restoring and enhancing the quality of life in many communities throughout Missouri."

The Boonville Streetscape Project is a collaborative effort between the city of Springfield, local businesses and Southwest Missouri State University's art and design department.

Among the key elements of the project, as planned in the Vision 20/20 process, are sidewalks with distinctive patterns, street trees with an irrigation system and decorative pedestrian lighting.