Town of Normal Parking Locator

Visit this map of Uptown Normal for a view of all available parking options

The Town of Normal recognizes a vibrant central business district depends on accessibility. The Town remains committed to making Uptown Normal easy to reach, navigate and enjoy. We understand planned construction may create the perception of a lack of parking. While curbside spaces are often the most visible, a number and variety of parking options are available throughout Uptown Normal.

Parking Around the Clock

Following is a list of public lots and parking decks designed to support Uptown Normal businesses, events, employees and guests. For ease of reference, these locations are organized clockwise, beginning with the College Avenue Parking Deck at the 12 o’clock position (and farthest north): College Avenue Parking Deck Water Department Parking lot off Mulberry Street Uptown Station Parking Deck Beaufort Street Parking Deck In addition to these parking areas, 129 street spaces are available throughout Uptown Normal. Constitution Blvd. (north of College Ave.) East Beaufort Street West Beaufort Street North Street Fell Avenue Broadway Avenue Accessible parking is available: College Avenue Parking Deck (15 spaces) Broadway Avenue (2 spaces) Uptown Station Parking Deck (8 spaces) Beaufort Street Parking Deck (9 spaces)

Uptown Normal Parking Decks

Okay, let’s talk about it. We get it. Parking is often associated with convenience, simplicity and direct access. We know parking decks are not everyone’s preference. They can feel unfamiliar or less comfortable compared to an open spot next to your destination. In defense of the decks. Town of Normal parking decks are well-lit, clearly marked, easy to access and located close to shops, restaurants, offices and other destinations. Parking decks allow more people to access Uptown Normal and support a more walkable, vibrant and connected district. Parking decks also encourage a more pedestrian-friendly experience between destinations throughout Uptown Normal. Easier than you think. For those who do not use parking decks often, the experience can become much easier with familiarity. Clear signage, convenient entrances and exits, electric-vehicle chargers, elevators, accessible spaces, and proximity to destinations are all intended to make parking simple and convenient for everyone. For ease of parking, visit additional parking information on the Town's website.

This development provides a broader range of housing and commercial uses in an area designed for more urban-style living. This area of Uptown Normal is an infill area adjacent to multiple forms of transportation. Several planning efforts by the Town call for this type of development.

Why put housing in the business district instead of elsewhere?

Establishing housing in Uptown Normal creates an attractive and more urban living environment that will permanently increase population and activity for sustained periods, as opposed to “peak” times. Additionally: Long-term sustainable success in core commercial districts requires an increase in daytime and nighttime population. Redeveloping sites in the middle of the community (i.e., infill development) allows the Town to provide services such as water, sewer, street maintenance, emergency response and other services efficiently.

What does this do to property values and taxes?

It is difficult to predict the impact on property values and taxes across the community; however, it is common for central business district property values to increase when the area is revitalized.

Can the Uptown Normal infrastructure handle this development?

Yes. Engineering studies have confirmed that public utilities can manage the proposed development. Construction of these projects will require the relocation of certain utilities, and in some cases will permit the Town to address current issues.

Will these units be affordable?

The developer does not plan to enroll these units in a formal “affordability” program. Rather, they intend to lease them at market rate.

How will this impact the character of Uptown Normal?

Historically, Uptown Normal has been a place to live, work and play. The development will provide more residential options, creating a more complete, connected and compact Uptown Normal neighborhood. The Trail East and Trail West projects will bring more balance and vibrancy to the Uptown Normal central business district, adding foot traffic for nearby businesses every day of the week. Town staff have worked closely with the developer to ensure the new development complements the existing structures and character of Uptown Normal. Where the new structures are adjacent to existing buildings, the façade will incorporate historically appropriate materials like brick and stone.

How will trash, deliveries and congestion be managed?

All of these topics have been addressed with the developer. Updated information about these construction impacts will be provided in real-time once this project is underway.

What are the benefits to our community?

This project: Provides options for young professionals, empty-nesters and others who desire to live in the center of the community / in more urban-style living. Creates a more complete, connected and compact Uptown Normal neighborhood, where people live, work, shop and play. Meets the demands of our community's changing population. Creates more commercial space throughout Uptown Normal. Brings more balance and vibrancy to the Uptown Normal central business district, adding foot traffic for nearby businesses every day of the week.

Renderings of large apartment buildings along College Avenue in Uptown Normal

Trail East & Trail West

Infill, mixed-use development offering residential housing and commercial opportunities with access to existing municipal services, infrastructure and multiple forms of transportation.

Project Overview

This project:

Addresses recommendations from the Town of Normal Comprehensive Plan and the Uptown Redevelopment Plan, making better use of valuable urban land by combining living and working spaces in one area.
Encourages well-designed new housing in an infill area adjacent to multiple forms of transportation.
Provides the Town of Normal with urban-style housing options to meet current and future needs.
Aligns with the values of the Sustainability and Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plans.

Community Impact & Benefits:

Provides options for young professionals, empty-nesters and others who desire to live in the center of the community / in more urban-style living.
Creates a more complete, connected and compact Uptown Normal neighborhood, where people live, work, shop and play.
Meets the demands of our community's changing population.
Brings more balance and vibrancy to the Uptown Normal central business district, adding foot traffic for nearby businesses every day of the week.

Proposed Construction Concepts:

Trail East

A six-story multipurpose building
9,252 square feet of commercial space, including a two-story restaurant/bar with second-floor patio dining and first-floor outdoor seating
132 residential units and amenities on remaining floors
126 parking spaces on-site for Trail East residents

Trail West

A six-story multipurpose building
4,443 square feet of first-floor commercial space, including smaller eateries with first-floor outdoor seating
80 residential units and amenities on remaining floors
70 parking spaces on-site for Trail West residents

Along Uptown Circle

Updates

Parking in Uptown Normal

View Update

"This proposed development provides high-density housing adjacent to local businesses, the Constitution Trail and Uptown Station, and will add new energy and vibrancy to Uptown Normal."

Pamela Reece

City Manager

Trail East & Trail West

Project Overview

This project:

Community Impact & Benefits: