May 19, 2008—Normal, Ill.—One Main Development, LLC, announced Monday that Illinois State University plans to lease over 20,000 total square feet throughout Uptown One, Two and Three, located around the future circular intersection in Uptown. The mixed-use buildings are being developed by One Main Development, a Champaign-based company whose focus is on transformative and sustainable development in core urban areas. Construction is already underway on Uptown One.
“As a community partner and an integral part of Uptown Normal, adding a physical presence in the heart of the renewal effort will further strengthen our already outstanding relationship with the Town,” said Illinois State President Al Bowman. “Uptown Normal’s renewal plan shares many of the same characteristics as the University’s Master Plan, including commitments to quality and excellence, citizen-friendly development and sustainability. This move will also allow the University to more effectively use valuable existing campus space.”
The decision to lease space in Uptown displays Illinois State’s commitment to the Town of Normal and their comprehensive Uptown Renewal Plan. Addressing the needs of the community, the Town of Normal has an aggressive growth model aimed at improving the urban core, or Uptown area, and making the area a destination for people all over East Central Illinois.
“We couldn’t be more excited to see Illinois State join our Uptown Community by leasing space in Uptown One, Two and Three,” says Mark Peterson, City Manager for the Town of Normal. “Already, we’re seeing the business district transforming into a true community amenity and regional destination, and the University’s involvement will add so much to the excitement.”
Strong community assets are critical not just to the growth of Normal, Illinois, but to the underlying strategic vision of the University to continue to be the premier public educational institution in Illinois. A strong Uptown area will boost Illinois State’s highly successful efforts to recruit and retain talented faculty, staff and students. Having a University presence in Uptown displays the institution’s commitment to the community and the continued growth and development of the area.
“Conversely, the presence of the intellectual and cultural influences of Illinois State University provide the creative energy needed to catalyze a true urban district,” says Mike Royse, President of One Main Development.
Building community assets takes a strong collaborative effort between public and private entities. The partnership between Illinois State, the Town of Normal and One Main Development creates an energy that impacts the economic growth as well as the social and cultural fabric of the area.
“The partnership we have with the Town of Normal and Illinois State University is a unique and valuable one,” says Mike Royse. “We share the same vision for Uptown; to make it a wonderful place to live, work, play and learn. We share aggressive goals for achieving sustainability, for giving back to the community and for really putting Normal on the map as a destination.”
About Uptown One, Two and Three
The $75 million development consists of three mixed-use buildings, totaling over 390,000 square feet—90,000 of retail, 203,600 of office/commercial space, and 95 residential condominiums. The retail will consist of a mix of unique specialty shops, restaurants and service uses. The project is located within walking distance to the University. In addition to the three mixed-use buildings, the Town’s Uptown Renewal plan also calls for a multi-modal transportation center, a circular intersection and gateway plaza, significant infrastructure and street improvements as well as a 229-room Marriott Hotel, which broke ground in December of 2006. Also, the Town has applied for LEED-ND status for a portion of the business district in Uptown which includes the circular intersection where Uptown One, Two and Three will be located. For more information on Uptown Normal, please visit www.normal.org/Uptown.
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One Main Development, LLC (www.1-main.com) is a full-service development group located in Champaign, Ill. With a focus on mixed-use property and on the revitalization and sustainability of downtown communities, One Main Development transforms core urban environments that spur economic growth and bring social and intellectual value to mid-sized communities.
