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.

Why is this project being proposed in Uptown Normal?

Uptown Normal represents one of the few truly walkable urban environments in Central Illinois. The area’s proximity to Illinois State University, the multimodal transportation hub, major employers, and the existing Uptown Normal central business district creates a unique opportunity to introduce additional residential density and mixed-use activity in a manner that supports the long-term vitality of the community.

What is the overall vision for the development?

The vision for the Trail East and Trail West development is to create a high-quality mixed-use environment that enhances the walkability, vibrancy, and long-term economic health of Uptown Normal. The development is intended to create a true live-work-gather environment where residents, visitors, and businesses interact within a thoughtfully designed urban setting.

How does this project fit into Uptown Normal’s long-term planning goals?

The redevelopment of these sites has been contemplated within the Uptown Normal planning framework for many years. The project aligns closely with the Town’s long-term goals of increasing residential density, encouraging walkability, supporting local businesses, and strengthening Uptown Normal as a regional destination.

What types of residents are being targeted?

The development is being designed to appeal primarily to professionals and individuals seeking a high-quality, walkable urban living environment. The project is intended to offer amenities and residential experiences that are currently limited within the Bloomington-Normal market.

Is this intended to be student housing?

The project is not intended to function as purpose-built student housing. However, as with any multifamily development, all qualified residents will have the opportunity to lease within the community in accordance with applicable fair housing laws.

How many residential units are included in the development?

The current development program includes approximately 222 residential units across both buildings.

How much commercial or retail space is included?

The development currently includes approximately 14,500 square feet of commercial and retail space integrated into the ground-floor portions of the buildings.

What types of businesses are being marketed to?

While formal leasing efforts have not yet begun, the vision for the commercial spaces is centered around locally and regionally operated businesses seeking a high-profile location within Uptown Normal. The project team anticipates a mix of restaurant, café, service-oriented, and boutique retail uses that complement the existing Uptown environment.

Will the retail spaces prioritize local operators or national tenants?

The development team’s preference is to create a tenant mix that strongly supports locally owned and regionally operated businesses. The goal is to further strengthen Uptown Normal’s unique identity and create a retail environment that complements the existing business community.

What amenities will be included for residents?

Resident amenities are anticipated to include a fitness center, co-working spaces, gathering lounges, outdoor amenity decks, and additional social spaces designed to support a modern urban living environment.

Will there be public gathering spaces incorporated into the project?

Yes. The development includes significant public-facing gathering areas intended to encourage pedestrian activity and community interaction within Uptown Normal.

When is construction anticipated to begin?

Construction is currently anticipated to begin in early spring of 2027, following completion of utility relocation work and final development approvals.

What is the anticipated construction timeline?

Following utility relocation activities, each building is anticipated to require approximately 18 months of construction. The current plan contemplates a staggered construction schedule between the two buildings.

Will construction occur in phases?

Yes. Construction activities are anticipated to occur in phases, with approximately a two-month stagger between the commencement of each building.

Will construction activities occur simultaneously on both buildings?

Yes. During portions of the construction schedule, activities will occur simultaneously on both sites in order to maintain overall project efficiency and schedule continuity.

What are the anticipated working hours for construction?

Typical construction working hours are anticipated to occur between approximately 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. , with adjustments made seasonally based upon weather and daylight conditions.

Will there be weekend construction activity?

Limited Saturday construction activity may occur periodically throughout the project. Sunday construction activities are not currently anticipated except in unusual circumstances.

How will nearby businesses be informed about major construction activities?

The project team intends to maintain regular communication with surrounding businesses regarding significant construction activities, utility work, temporary traffic impacts, and other items that may affect normal operations. Additionally, the Town will update the Trail East Trail West Project page on the Normal Forum.

Will pedestrian access to businesses remain open during all phases?

Maintaining pedestrian access to surrounding businesses is the primary priority throughout construction. Temporary adjustments may occur periodically; however, every effort will be made to maintain safe and accessible pedestrian circulation at all times.

Will there be road closures or lane reductions?

Temporary lane reductions or limited closures may occur periodically during portions of the work. Any significant impacts will be coordinated closely with the Town of Normal and communicated in advance whenever possible.

How will truck traffic be handled during construction?

A detailed construction logistics and routing plan is currently being developed. Significant attention is being placed on routing construction traffic primarily along College Avenue and minimizing impacts to surrounding businesses and pedestrian areas.

How will dust and debris be controlled?

The construction sites will be fully fenced and screened. The project team will implement regular housekeeping practices, debris removal procedures, and dust-control measures throughout the duration of construction.

How will noise be mitigated during construction?

As with any major development project, construction activity will involve the operation of heavy equipment and associated noise. The project team intends to conduct work within standard working hours and in accordance with applicable Town requirements.

How will the site be secured during construction?

Construction sites will include perimeter security fencing along with site monitoring and security systems intended to maintain a safe environment for surrounding businesses and pedestrians.

Will utility interruptions impact nearby businesses?

Some temporary utility interruptions may be necessary during portions of the project. Any planned interruptions will be coordinated well in advance with affected businesses and utility providers to minimize operational impacts.

Will there be on-site property management?

Yes. The completed development will include full-time professional on-site property management and maintenance personnel.

How will security be handled within the development?

The buildings are anticipated to incorporate electronic access control systems, controlled residential access points, security monitoring systems, and professionally managed operations to help maintain a safe residential environment.

How will the development be maintained long-term?

The development will be professionally managed and maintained by an experienced property management company that will oversee daily operations, building maintenance, landscaping, life-safety systems, and long-term upkeep of the property.

How much private investment does this project represent?

While final project budgets remain under development, the total private investment associated with Trail East and Trail West is currently anticipated to exceed $65 million.

How many construction jobs are anticipated to be created?

The development is expected to support a significant number of construction jobs throughout the duration of the project. During peak construction periods, it is anticipated that approximately 100 tradespeople may be working on-site.

How many permanent jobs could the commercial spaces support?

While final tenant mixes have not yet been established, developments of similar scale and use have historically supported approximately 60 full-time equivalent positions within the completed commercial spaces.

How many new residents are anticipated to live in the development?

Current projections estimate that the completed development could accommodate approximately 300 residents.

How will this project support existing Uptown Normal businesses?

One of the primary benefits of Uptown living is the ability to walk to restaurants, retail shops, entertainment, and service providers. The introduction of additional residents and visitors is anticipated to generate increased foot traffic and spending within the existing Uptown Normal central business district.

How will increased residential density benefit the Uptown Normal district?

Additional residential density is expected to support increased economic activity, expanded customer bases for local businesses, and greater long-term vibrancy throughout Uptown.

Will residents primarily walk to nearby businesses?

Yes. One of the defining characteristics of the development is its emphasis on walkability. Residents are expected to utilize the surrounding Uptown businesses, restaurants, and public spaces as part of their daily lifestyle.

How does the development support attracting and retaining young professionals?

Uptown East and Uptown West represent a unique type of mixed-use urban development within Central Illinois. The project is intended to provide a residential and lifestyle experience that appeals to professionals seeking high-quality housing options within a walkable environment.

How will communication with businesses be maintained throughout construction?

The project team intends to maintain regular communication with the Uptown Normal business community throughout construction through project updates, meetings, and direct communication channels.

Will there be regular project updates provided to stakeholders?

Yes. The development team anticipates providing periodic progress updates and participating in ongoing communication with the Uptown Partners and other stakeholders.

Who should businesses contact if issues arise during construction?

Direct contact information for key project representatives will be provided prior to the start of construction. The project team encourages prompt communication regarding concerns so that issues can be addressed efficiently and effectively.

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
9,200 square feet of commercial space, including a two-story restaurant/bar with second-floor patio dining and first-floor outdoor seating
About 130 residential units and amenities on remaining floors
About 125 parking spaces on-site for Trail East residents

Trail West

A six-story multipurpose building
4,400 square feet of first-floor commercial space, including smaller eateries with first-floor outdoor seating
About 80 residential units and amenities on remaining floors
About 70 parking spaces on-site for Trail West residents

Along College Avenue

A rendering of two large residential apartment buildings in Uptown Normal, north of Uptown Circle.

Updates

A conceptual rendering of the view from Uptown Circle of Trail East & Trail West.

Conceptual Renderings - Trail East & Trail West

This update provides a look at conceptual renderings for potential Trail East & Trail West development in Uptown Normal.

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Parking in Uptown Normal

Parking Availability

"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

Along Uptown Circle

A rendering of large buildings along College Avenue, looking south

Trail East & Trail West

Project Overview

This project:

Community Impact & Benefits: