A new placemaking effort is underway on Medical Mile, that 2.8-mile stretch between two giant health care systems on National Avenue in Springfield, Missouri. Better Block SGF is ready to tackle a very long challenge.
May 2025
Springfield’s Medical Mile on National Avenue is one long first impression, says Addison Jones, design associate at Dake-Wells Architecture. “We have a lot of data that shows that visitors come to Mercy, Cox and other health care facilities, and they don’t have the opportunity to explore any other area of Springfield; they’re stuck in this zone,” he says. “We know that from an economic standpoint, it is vital for us that we make a very good first impression.”Better Block SGF is embarking on a new placemaking project: Medical Mile, that 2.8-mile stretch of National Avenue between Mercy and CoxHealth hospitals in Springfield. The nonprofit has successfully launched parklets near Park Central Square and supported a refresh of Nixa’s downtown, but Medical Mile’s daily traffic and footprint make it uniquely suited for placemaking.
And placemaking is so much more than better curb appeal, says Jones.
“Placemaking directly impacts talent and retention for businesses,” he says. “With these major employment centers, so many people work on this corridor who might not be Springfield natives. They’re attracting talent from all over the world, and this is a really key area to make sure Springfield at first glance appeals to that talent.”
People want to work where they want to live and play, and Better Block SGF is inspiring businesses on Medical Mile and nearby to consider projects that go way above and beyond the current National Avenue. From more public green spaces to improving walkability, Better Block has developed a 36-page guide for businesses, investors and developers to be inspired, which can be found on the website.
Up first: a temporary public green space with pickleball courts near the west entrance of CoxHealth Medical Center, located at Primrose and Kings Avenue. Springfield’s largest employer is working with Better Block SGF to reimagine the corner and its potential for CoxHealth employees, guests and beyond in 2025. This initial opening will serve as a trial to assess interest in a long-term commitment.
“By improving visitors’ experience on Medical Mile and having amenities like walking trails, parks and public spaces to gather, we have an opportunity for real economic development and impact,” Jones says. “Our visitors can experience all the good that Springfield has to offer, right where they are.”
