1. Changing the Definition
Uptown Normal
Changing the Definition
Mayor Chris Koos
Town of Normal, IL

2. COMMUNITY INFORMATION
Normal-Bloomington, Illinois
Population of Over 125,000
Two Universities
• Illinois Wesleyan University
Major Employers

3. UPTOWN NORMAL RENEWAL Children's Discovery Museum
Hotel and Conference Centers
Marriott Hotel
Hyatt Place Hotel
Infrastructure Improvements
Uptown Circle
Private Development
Incentives and Controls
Multi-Modal Transportation Center – Uptown Station

4. THE PLAN 1999-2001 Quarter Mile Walking Radius Illinois State
University Campus
Quarter Mile Walking Radius
In 1999, the Normal Town Council embarked on an Uptown Renewal Plan.
Initially, the Council understood and supported concepts such as Smart Growth, infill development, and high density mixed-use development in urban areas. They supported these concepts in the proposed plan for the central business district.
Farr and Associates of Chicago authored the master plan. Doug Farr is one of the charter members of the Congress of New Urbanism. With thes new master plan, Farr and Associates brought the ideas of Transit Connectivity and sustainability.
The plan intended to maximize the use of the existing rail system (Amtrak).
Map shows original master plan including the proposed central roundabout located in the heart of the business district around which the most prominent buildings were to be located. Map shows proximity to Illinois State University with a population of 22,000 students. Map shows overlay of ¼ mile radius indicating the walkability of the area.

5. NEW DEVELOPMENT Marriott Hotel and Conference Center
Children's Discovery Museum
LEED Silver
Uptown Crossing
LEED Certified
Heartland Bank
LEED Silver
Hyatt Place Hotel

6. UPTOWN STATION Local Leadership/Vision Authorized Feasibility Study
The Process
Local Leadership/Vision
Authorized Feasibility Study
Gained Political Support
Received Federal 5309 Bus Funds ($10.5 M)
Developed Designs
“Shelved” Plans in 2006
Received TIGER Discretionary Grant ($22 M) in 2010
Uptown Station opened in 2012

7. UPTOWN STATION Transportation Amtrak
5 round trips per day (up to 9 with HSR)
2nd busiest station in Illinois – 250,000
Station Ridership up 10%
Illinois Ridership up 85% Overall
Chicago to St. Louis Ridership up 210%
Connect Transit
2014 Ridership – 2,521,963
Ridership up 20%
Ridership up 39%
Union Pacific Railroad (5 to 20 trains per day)
High Speed Rail Project between Chicago and St. Louis
Significant increase in bicycle and pedestrian traffic

8. UPTOWN STATION “Stick to Your Guns” / "Guts" Gain Political Support
Lessons Learned
“Stick to Your Guns” / "Guts"
Gain Political Support
Build Relationships
Fulfill NEPA Requirement Early
Promote Economic Development
Commit to Sustainability
Use Transportation as Community Building

9. UPTOWN CIRCLE
Provides open, inviting space in a constrained urban environment
Gathering area for residents
Event area for community groups
Yearly special events and festivals provide excitement and engagement

10. AWARDS & RECOGNITION