Capitol Avenue Streetscape

An effective community visioning and input process framed the need to integrate the culture and community of Springfield and the State of Illinois into the Capitol Avenue area. This integration was achieved through the use of contextually derived public art and the planning of the street and its surroundings as a venue for public events that further encourages peripheral development. The infrastructure of the area was updated, energy consumption was reduced, parking and pedestrian were issues addressed, building facades were modified, and landscape elements were incorporated. Public art throughout the historic streetscape speaks to the local culture of Springfield and the greater history of Illinois and its counties.

The interpretive signage for the Springfield Capitol Avenue Streetscape embodies the rich cultural history of the State of Illinois. Over the course of the streetscape, the markers tell the story of Illinois by offering insight into five cultural themes: government, industry, agriculture, transportation and state history or facts. Each individual marker features a quotation, taken from the works of numerous prominent Illinois authors and statesmen, which will pertain to one of the five cultural groupings. Additionally, a cut metal graphic expressively illuminates the text for each marker. The markers were designed to create an ambient dimension to the street at nighttime; a striking visual rhythm tuned to both pedestrian and vehicular scales.