Located at one of the busiest intersections in the city, this project reconsiders strip mall stereotypes. By pulling the buildings to the street and locating parking in the back, the center eschews the typical “wild west façade” and becomes a building in the round allowing entry from multiple sides. Although the center acknowledges the significance of the automobile, it works to strengthen the pedestrian experience by creating a walkable environment for the adjacent neighborhood.
The center consists of three smaller buildings than typical, reducing the overall mass of the development while providing added greenspace for pedestrians as well as improved stormwater quality. Inspired by the houses in the neighborhood, natural slate clads the retail center, while a sculptural brick screen wall pays homage to the brick masons of old through extensive corbelling in order to achieve a faceted wall that identifies the development. In contrast to the typical pylon sign, the wall creates a void space that frames the sky by day and offers colored light by night. Completed in April 2019, the center is already 90% occupied and is referenced by the City as a model development for the Sunshine Street corridor.
AIA Springfield, Merit Award
AIA Central States, Excellence in Architectural Design, Merit Award
Architect Newspaper, 2019 Best of Design Awards Honorable Mention
The Chicago Athenaeum Museum of Architecture and Design, American Architectural Award