Renew Jordan Creek is...
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:
The City of Springfield solicited contractor bids late this summer for construction of the long-anticipated first phase of the Renew Jordan Creek project. Pending approval of qualified bids and necessary permits, the project is expected to proceed to construction in November/December of 2024.
Meetings & Events:
Monday, Oct. 21 | 4:30-6:00 p.m.
The project team hosted a public information session about the upcoming construction of Phase 1 of the Renew Jordan Creek daylighting project on Monday, Oct. 21.
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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.