Transformation coming soon.
Project Update: October 2025
Construction of the Renew Jordan Creek “daylighting” project is nearing the halfway mark as contractors prepare to shift traffic closures from Campbell Avenue to Boonville on Oct. 20. The planned closure of Boonville Avenue between Water and Mill streets is expected to last eight months.
Renew Jordan Creek is a transformative . . .
…project to restore the historic Jordan Creek as it flows through the heart of downtown Springfield. The project’s primary objectives are to reduce flood damages to property and infrastructure from recurrent flooding, renew this area of downtown for enhanced economic development, and improve water quality in Jordan Creek.
Phase 1 of the daylighting effort will construct a new open, naturalized channel along approximately 1,000 linear feet of Jordan Creek and will restore adjacent land as green space with native riparian plantings.
Project Update:
Project construction began in late 2024 and is expected to ramp up in mid-January with a variety of road closures anticipated nearby the construction zone.
Local News Coverage:
- Renew Jordan Creek project in downtown Springfield reaches halfway point – News-Leader
- Campbell Avenue to open, Boonville to close as Jordan Creek Project makes new progress – Ozarks First
- Heads Up: Renew Jordan Creek “daylighting” project will close Boonville Avenue in late October – KY3
- More than downtown renewal, Jordan Creek daylight project aims to heal an urban stream – SGF Daily Citizen
- Construction to bring Jordan Creek back above ground is underway. – News-Leader
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What are the project goals?
Sense of Place Development
The project design will create a strong sense of place, grounded in the specific characteristics of its site, and celebrate the integration of nature and urban life.
Flood Reduction and Water Quality Improvement
As the first piece of a larger project that will protect existing buildings from the base flood, Renew Jordan Creek must be a functional space that conveys flood flows to reduce existing flood issues. The design of the urban amenity must also be conscious of existing water quality issues and provide solutions to reduce polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.
Pedestrian and Connectivity Enhancements
Pedestrian access and greenway connectivity will be improved through downtown, and hardscape elements for pedestrian gathering, walking and viewing will be added.
Comfort and Safety Improvements
Site furnishings, lighting, accessories and art installations will provide for a comfortable, stimulating and safe environment that accommodates planned and organic activities.
Sustainable Greenspaces Integration
To honor the environmental features of this area, landscaping will demonstrate and promote sustainability. Plant materials will be Missouri natives that are well suited for Ozark landscapes near water features and complementary to other nearby urban greenspaces.
Economic Development Catalyst
To ensure public dollars spent on this project are well leveraged to encourage private development in the surrounding downtown Springfield area, this Plan took a deep dive into area demographics and the economic and market factors at play. Potential surrounding catalyst development sites are identified alongside the developed urban amenity concept.
Funding
Project Team
