YOUR BUSINESS AUTHORITY

Springfield, MO

Log in Subscribe

No. 9: Improvements to Grant Avenue, Jordan Creek bring development potential

Posted online

Plans were solidified for two public-private partnership projects in 2021: the Grant Avenue Parkway and Renew Jordan Creek.

The two Springfield quality-of-life initiatives officially moved past the “what if” stage, with city officials announcing their selection for a design-build team for the Grant Avenue Parkway corridor improvement project, and city staff releasing a plan by design firm Olsson Inc. for an urban park designed around Jordan Creek.

On Aug. 31, the six-company team calling itself the GAP Collaborative was chosen from the two teams that submitted proposals for the Grant Avenue Parkway. The collaborative’s lead is Radmacher Brothers Excavating Co. Inc. of Pleasant Hill.

Council approved the project, which obligates $22 million in federal funding under the BUILD program, which stands for Better Utilizing Investment to Leverage Development.

Construction on the Grant Avenue Parkway is anticipated to begin in 2022 with completion expected in 2024.  

The project will create a multiuse pedestrian and bicycle pathway along Grant Avenue between Sunshine Street and downtown Springfield. The three-mile route is envisioned to include bike- and pedestrian-friendly facilities, various traffic-calming improvements, bridge enhancements, utility upgrades, fiberoptic internet connectivity and additional crossing and intersection improvements. 

Renew Jordan Creek combines placemaking and new downtown amenities with flood mitigation and stormwater improvements to be achieved in part by daylighting the creek, or bringing it to the surface.

Construction is expected to begin in late summer 2022 on Phase I of the project, which is estimated at $7 million, to be paid for through Springfield’s level property tax. The plan was first presented to Springfield City Council on June 1.

The primary Renew Jordan Creek site is between Boonville and Main avenues from east to west, and between Mill and Water streets from north to south. Campbell Avenue intersects the site, and Missouri State University’s Brick City is on the northern edge.

The project also includes improvements at Founders Park and areas west of it. A plaza space is envisioned along Mill Street, with commercial development possibilities to be pursued.

Similarly, the Grant Avenue Parkway project offers development potential that would be appealing for people who walk or bike along the roadway.

Comments

No comments on this story |
Please log in to add your comment
Editors' Pick
From the Ground Up: Republic Intermediate School

The Republic School District is on track to open its Intermediate School for fifth- and sixth-grade students for the 2025-26 academic year.

Most Read
Update cookies preferences