Chairs: 

Charles Joseph Pell, AIA, CJP Architects Incorporated 

Charles Joseph Pell, AIA, is the founding principal of Charles Joseph Pell Architects Incorporated, an award-winning firm located in the heart of downtown on Adams Street. Chuck moved back to Springfield in 1992 after working several years in Washington, DC after graduation from the U. of Arkansas. Chuck’s designs have been called “bold” and caused the Illinois Times to proclaim in 2006 that his work “give(s) hope for a brighter, livelier town.” He is a past board president of Downtown Springfield Incorporated and the current chair of the Sangamon County Historic Preservation Commission. He has served on the boards of the Illinois Symphony Orchestra and the Dana-Thomas House Foundation, and is active with the American Institute of Architects and the Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln. 

Lisa Clemmons Stott, edgewise Consulting 

Lisa Clemmons Stott is a strategic communications and fundraising professional and small business owner. As a journalism student 20 years ago, Lisa co-wrote a documentary entitled, “Whatever Happened to Saturday Night,” about the rise of suburbia and the loss of downtown. She moved to downtown Springfield in 1994 to work in the legislature, and has since worked at various community institutions, including WUIS Public Radio and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library Foundation. While serving as Deputy for Marketing at the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Lisa was asked to co-chair the SDAT Steering Committee. She is active on boards including the Illinois State Museum Society, UIS Center for State Policy and Leadership, Downtown Springfield, Inc., and The Chamber’s Q5 Community Impact Council. 

Staff: 

Paul O’Shea, FAIA, Office of City Planning and Development 

Paul O’Shea, FAIA, is a native and a lifelong resident of Springfield who was recently selected as the SJR First Citizen of Greater Springfield in 2012. Paul is a licensed Architect who served in private and corporate practice for 45 years. In 2006, Mayor Davlin asked him to join the City of Springfield staff as Planning & Design Coordinator. Paul’s volunteer contributions have benefited many organizations who support a vibrant downtown, including the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce; Downtown Springfield, Inc. (DSI); Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library Foundation; Dana-Thomas House Foundation; Springfield Art Association; Prairie Art Alliance; Sangamo Club; Citizens Club of Springfield; Illinois State Museum Society; Sustainable Springfield Inc.; and Inner City Older Neighborhoods (ICON). Paul chaired the AIA-sponsored R/UDAT Follow-Up Committee, and advised and directed the SDAT Steering Committee. 

Appointed Members: 

J. Richard Alsop III, AIA, LEED AP, Architect of the Capitol 

J. Richard Alsop is responsible for analysis and consent for all construction, renovation and rehabilitation contracts on the Capitol Complex, a 116-acre site made up of 1.8 million square feet of building space in 20 buildings. For eleven years prior to moving to Illinois, Richard was a partner and Director of Design in the boutique design firm Charette Architects, PLLC in Charlotte, NC. In Charlotte, he chaired the Charlotte Mecklenburg Historic Landmarks Commission, one of the most active preservation entities on the country. In Springfield, he began a relationship with the UIUC School of Architecture to sponsor class projects on the Capitol Complex. Richard grew up in uptown Charlotte during the 1980’s—a time of significant transformation similar to what this SDAT promises for Springfield. 

Cindy Davis, LEED AP, Resource One 

Cindy Davis, LEED AP, has been President, CEO and co-owner of Resource One, a contract office furniture dealership and design firm located in downtown Springfield, since 1987. Resource One employs 17 staff and provides furniture and space-planning/design services to clients in central Illinois and across the U.S. Resource One created and has sponsored the Annual Green Symposium for Central Illinois since 2003. Cindy earned her LEED accreditation in 2006. Among her many volunteer activities, she served as DSI president 2004-2005, was appointed by two administrations to serve on the R/UDAT Follow-Up committee, and served as a member of the SDAT Steering Committee. 

Bruce Ferry, AIA, Ferry and Associates Architects 

Bruce Ferry, AIA, is an Architect and principal in the firm of Ferry and Associates Architects. He has practiced architecture in the City of Springfield for 28 years and has worked on a variety of building projects including numerous historic buildings in downtown Springfield. His involvement in professional related activities includes serving as President of the Springfield Section of the American Institute of Architects, Co-Chair of the 2002 R/UDAT Steering Committee and a member of the 2012 SDAT Steering Committee. He has been on the board of a variety of civic organizations including the Festival of Trees, Springfield Old Capitol Art Fair and Downtown Springfield, Inc. (DSI). He is currently a board member of the Community Foundation Historic Preservation Fund and on the Executive Board of the Abraham Lincoln Council of the Boy Scouts of America. 

Michelle Higginbotham, Enos Park Development, LLC 

Michelle Higginbotham is a commercial broker with Coldwell Banker Commercial Devonshire Realty, where she works with both business owners and investors. She has a particular interest in urban revitalization, and was involved in the master planning efforts for both Enos Park and MacArthur Boulevard. She serves as a manager for Enos Park Development, the land banking entity for the Enos Park neighborhood and is a past board member of the MacArthur Boulevard Business Association. Michelle also serves on the planning team for the Regional Planning Commission’s Comprehensive Plan. As the center of the city, downtown revitalization affects both the surrounding neighborhoods and the city as a whole, so she is very interested in helping to implement the SDAT recommendations. 

Michael Higgins, Owner and Chef, Maldaner’s Restaurant 

Michael Higgins is owner and chef of Maldaner’s Restaurant, a downtown institution since 1884. Among his volunteer activities, he is regularly featured at the Old Capitol Farmer’s Market, and is active in developing the market for and promoting the use of local foods. He also serves on the Springfield Bicycle Advisory Board; in the Green Business Network; and as a board representative of Springfield ICON (Inner City Older Neighborhoods). Michael also served on the SDAT Steering Committee. As a business owner and chef at Maldaner’s for the past 30 years, Michael hopes to offer a non-native’s perspective and direction for implementation. 

Willis “Bill” Logan, City of Springfield 

Willis Logan is a Springfield native who attended Springfield public schools and ultimately received a social psychology degree from Sangamon State (now UIS). Bill has spent his career helping people through government, working for the City as Community Development Director and Springfield Housing Authority Director for two different Mayors, for the Illinois Secretary of State in Social Services, and the Governor’s Office in Housing Services. Bill currently serves as Executive Assistant to Mayor Houston. Bill anticipates that the downtown will begin a new chapter under SDAT that will be as exciting and innovative as work done under its predecessor, R/UDAT. 

Vicki Megginson, Retired Associate Chancellor for Development, UIS 

Dr. Vicki S. Megginson retired in June 2012 as Associate Chancellor for Development at the University of Illinois at Springfield and Senior Vice President of the University of Illinois Foundation (UIF), having worked with thousands of donors to provide millions of dollars for UIS programs over twelve years. Vicki has served on the board of directors of several education associations, as well as the Chambers of Rantoul and Champaign County, and the Greater Champaign-Urbana Economic Development Council. As a member of The Rotary Club of Springfield, she serves as project chair for a Rotary Centennial Sundial Garden at Southwind Park. She is also a board officer of Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, Bailliage de Springfield, an organization that encourages local fine cuisine and chefs in training. Vicki is committed to efforts to strengthen (down)town-gown engagement and build a livelier atmosphere where businesses, residents and tourism thrive. 

Steve Myers, Myers Commercial Real Estate, Inc. 

Stephen D. Myers is the President & Managing Broker of Myers Commercial Real Estate, Inc.and a downtown property owner. Steve has been an active force in Downtown Springfield, Inc. for nearly twenty years, during which he has focused on parking and safety issues. He served as President in 2002-2003 and is the DSI Representative for the Mid-Illinois Medical District Advisory Council. Among his many volunteer activities, he serves as Chair of the Operations Committee of Downtown Parking, Inc.; is a member of the Springfield Historic Sites Commission, where he serves on the Design Review Committee for Facade Rehabilitation; and served on both the R/UDAT and SDAT Steering Committees. 

T. David Parker, AIA, Melotte, Morse, Leonatti, Parker Architects, Ltd. 

T. David Parker, AIA is a Principal Architect with Melotte, Morse, Leonatti, Parker, Ltd. MMLP has been a downtown firm almost since its inception, and all of its principals are committed to a strong downtown as the engine that drives a healthy community. David was a member of the SDAT Steering Committee and was also deeply involved as a mentor for an UIUC Urban Design graduate project that looked at Downtown in 2006 and visualized six projects to replace empty lots and abandoned buildings. A Chicago native, David grew up watching its downtown deteriorate; then working in a downtown office immediately out of school, witnessed the revitalization that comes with adding 24-hour residents. His experience also includes participating in restoration projects along the downtown waterfront in Louisville, KY. Having lived in Springfield for more than twenty years now, David is committed to living in the city, working in the city and working for the city. 

Larry Quenette, AIA, Renaissance Architects 

Larry Quenette, AIA, has been President and Principal Architect of Renaissance Architects in Springfield since 1986. The firm’s work includes designing facilities for churches and religious organizations, senior living, office space, banking, U. S. Postal Service and healthcare. Larry’s recent mixed use Redevelopment at 2nd and Adams, using TIF funds, is approaching full occupancy for the 12 new apartments and ground floor office space, and is a prime example of the potential in downtown development. Larry is AIA Illinois Region Director on the national AIA Board of Directors, having served as AIA Illinois’ president in 2006 and on the state council for seven years. As a property owner, a developer and an architect, Larry has a great interest in the revitalization of downtown Springfield and suggests “there are many unrealized opportunities to improve our downtown.” 

Mike Rapps, Rapps Engineering & Applied Science 

Mike is an environmental engineering consultant who works primarily in Illinois, but during his thirty-plus-year career has worked throughout the United States, in Canada, and in South America. Raised in Springfield, Mike has an affinity for the downtown area. Beginning in 2012, he worked with R/UDAT under three mayors, assisting with fundraising, hosting, and follow-up committees. He has also been tapped by the American Institute of Architects to serve as an SDAT volunteer for an SDAT project in Fort Worth Texas. He is pleased to have served on Springfield’s SDAT Steering Committee and is anxious to move forward with the SDAT recommendations. 

Diane Reinhart, Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce 

Diane Reinhart is the Vice President of Business Development and Attraction at The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce, leading all aspects of business attraction, retention, expansion and prospect development efforts, in conjunction with the City of Springfield, Sangamon County, and other key economic development partners. Diane has more than 30 years experience in state and local government, including at the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), where she served as the state’s Central Region Manager for 22+ counties and as a projects manager marketing Illinois to corporations and site selection firms. Born and raised in nearby Lincoln, Diane’s family always looked forward to Sunday shopping expeditions in Springfield. She served on the SDAT Steering Committee. 

Victoria Ringer, Downtown Springfield, Inc. 

Victoria is the Executive Director of Downtown Springfield, Inc. (DSI), representing more than 200 members dedicated to making downtown Springfield attractive to both small and large merchants, retailers, residents, restaurants and service organizations. Victoria arrived at DSI after a successful career in state government, having served as Director of Legislation for both the Departments of Labor and the Illinois State Lottery for over 20 years. During her tenure at the Lottery, she helped a 7-year effort that included event planning and image branding and increased Lottery sales from $1.4 billion to $1.6 billion. Victoria has called Springfield home for nearly 30 years. She served on the SDAT Steering Committee. 

John Shafer, AIA, LEED AP, John Shafer and Associates, Inc. 

John Shafer, AIA, LEED AP, is Principal in charge of John Shafer & Associates, Inc, whose projects include the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts, the LLCC Workforce Development Building, the Illinois Education Association and the Capitol Community Health Center. John is Past President of the Central Chapter of AIA and a member of the U.S. Green Building Council. Among his volunteer activities, he has served on the Boards of the Montessori Cihldrens’ House and Big Brother Big Sister. John is Adjunct Faculty at LLCC and his designs have earned national awards. He served on the SDAT Steering Committee. 

Todd Smith, Garrison Group, Inc. 

Todd Smith has been active in Springfield’s economic development for over 23 years as a commercial real estate broker, property manager and developer, an active member of The Chamber of Commerce and as a member of the Sangamon County Board. His interests in downtown have included leasing retail, restaurant and office spaces and aiding in the sale, renovation, leasing and management of downtown properties. Todd believes a vibrant central core enhances the overall character and atmosphere of the entire City. Todd looks forward to helping revitalize downtown by expanding residential offerings, enhancing business attraction and increasing tourism. 

SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS – With the release of the Springfield SDAT Final Report by the American Institute of Architects’ (AIA) Communities by Design program, Mayor Mike Houston has announced his appointment of 19 citizens to serve as the City of Springfield’s SDAT Action Committee. 

“We asked for guidance to repopulate the core of our city.  Through the SDAT Final Report some of the leading downtown experts across the nation have just delivered some inspiration and, frankly, highlighted our challenges,” said Mayor Houston. “The report shows that a residential renaissance is within our reach. But as it also states, ‘downtown revitalization is a process.’ The SDAT Action Committee will help monitor and encourage that process to make sure we are all moving forward in the same direction to build the bustling, urban neighborhood we want in our downtown.”

The Springfield SDAT Process

Being Irish, I sometimes believe it’s better to be lucky than good. But in the case of Springfield’s application to host a Sustainable Design Assessment Team, it seems the American Institute of Architects felt our city had been very good, in following up on Regional/Urban Design Assistance Team recommendations.

When the eight professionals of R/UDAT left behind 84 pages of recommendations in 2002, Springfield formed a follow-up committee and got to work. R/UDAT team members returned in 2005 and were impressed by awesome changes taking place in less than three years, including a revised preservation ordinance, streetscaping and facade redevelopment, an agreement to demolish the Stratton Building, creation of the Office of the Architect of the Capitol, the beginning of a master plan for the Capitol complex, while the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum and Hoogland Center for the Arts also opened.

Full piece:  http://www.sj-r.com/opinions/x40869351/Paul-OShea-Luck-can-be-the-residue-of-design-for-downtown

From the SJ-R:

“Upper-story apartments, a fitness center, rooftop dining and office space are planned as part of a major redevelopment of two historic buildings at a busy downtown intersection.

The $6 million project by developers Rick and Kim Lawrence will rehabilitate both the Booth Building, 516-18 E. Monroe St., and the Ferguson Building, 524 E. Monroe, which houses Cafe Brio on the ground floor. The exteriors of the buildings will be restored to their early 1900s appearances.”

Full article:  Fitness center, rooftop dining part of downtown redevelopment plan

The SJ-R on their thoughts as to how to move the SDAT ideas from concept to reality.

Take a look at what the AIA’s SDAT team developed after spending three days touring Downtown Springfield, and meeting with various community groups, government officials and other stakeholders.

Increased traffic from high-speed passenger and freight trains is the big unknown for the future of downtown Springfield, local officials told a team of urban-design specialists from across the country Monday.

More green space, retail stores, bike paths, student life and a movie theater were among the many suggestions for downtown Springfield that residents gave a panel of national design and planning experts Monday.