March 21, 2007

Orchard Downs ... a beloved space

A major component of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign's housing system, Orchard Downs, located southeast of campus, is home to about 1,500 people, predominantly graduate students with families, many of them international residents. The 160-acre property - bound by Florida Avenue, Race Street, Windsor Road and Hazelwood Drive in Urbana - contains 780 one- and two-bedroom apartments that were built in the 1950s and 1960s.

In March 2004, UIUC engaged a team of consultants to investigate and outline a redevelopment plan for Orchard Downs and the adjacent land to the south. The study includes an investigation of various renovation and new construction options that will create modern housing facilities for families and graduate students as well as appropriate development options for the remainder of the site.

OJC designed the Orchard Downs website to introduce the vision and qualifications of the redevelopment consultants to the local community. The site features the beautiful landscaping and architectural elegance of projects in the consultants' portfolio. It illustrates the consultants' emphasis on harmonizing the architecture with the natural surroundings.

While the website incorporates a lot of attractive images, it simultaneously informs visitors about each of the consultants, their connection to the community and global experience, and their commitment to quality, sustainability and community in the redevelopment plans. The site also demonstrates how the consultants have listened to community input regarding the redevelopment plans and continue to encourage neighbors' involvement.

Employing attractive images and straightforward content, the website targets local residents who will have a stake in the successful redevelopment of Orchard Downs for years to come.

The URL for the Orchard Downs website is www.orcharddowns.com.

More news