|
|
Campustown Infrastructure/Streetscape, Champaign, Illinois
The city of Champaign, University of Illinois, and local businesses/property owners were concerned about the on-going deterioration of the Campustown area. Recent projects had relieved local flooding, but not the aging overall hardscape and infrastructure. A recent study revealed a declining opinion about the University itself, as well as its surrounding community due to the central Green Street area's condition. It became critical to the long-term economic health of the campus, community, and businesses that the right restructure occur through this high traffic area. This project involved the upgrade of deteriorating infrastructure (dating back to the 1920's) and a new streetscape along Campustown's central corridor. The design includes new storm sewers, pavement, landscaping, sidewalk improvements, and traffic control/traffic calming devices to enhance pedestrian and bicycle safety in the area and upgrade retail opportunities. Foth services included program development,design, and construction observation/administration. The project team of Foth and Landscape Architects held primary responsibility to guide the city of Champaign in redevelopment of this identifying area of the community. Community consensus building through public workshops/meetings, coordination with traffic design engineers, electrical design engineers, the University of Illinois, Campustown 2000 (merchant's organization), the city of Champaign, and regulatory agencies were key to gathering input from key stakeholders in the project. Through this process, an "overall look" was created for the area. This project was on the fast track to construction for completion before the 2002 NFL season to accommodate Chicago Bears football games at the University of Illinois' Memorial Stadium while Soldier Field underwent remodeling. Signage and carefully planned construction staging helped ease the burden on local businesses and pedestrian traffic. A city sponsored web site also kept the public informed on access route and parking changes during the construction period. The project was completed ahead of schedule in August 2002. Results
|
