In 2004, we built our first building. And shattered all of the rules. Ignoring decades of conventional wisdom that had driven commercial development to the far edge of the city, we constructed our flagship building in the heart of Champaign, Illinois, a thriving Midwest university town. And started a revolution in revitalization. Within 18 months, One Main Plaza transformed an empty parking lot into a five-story, 134,000 square-foot, multi-use building and the focal point of a thriving creative hub. And with that first major step, we created the model for everything else to come.

ONE MAIN. ONE POINT.

When it opened, One Main Plaza offered the total package — unparalleled condominiums, exceptional office space and premium retail opportunities, all in a Class A development at the heart of downtown. But from the very beginning, this magnificent structure was more than the sum of its parts. It was an investment in the new theory of economic growth put forward by urban sociologist Richard Florida. A visionary thinker, Florida believes that the most important driving factor behind post-industrial economic growth was not the upper class or the middle class but a new force in urban dynamics called the creative class. And at One Main, we believe that vision holds true.

Creativity. The New Economic Engine.

The creative class consists of a wide range of professionals whose product is new ideas. They're doctors and lawyers, artists and architects, the visionaries and the creative professionals who see that vision through. With them, there's no shortage of new growth and development. Without them, no community can hope to compete.

At One Main Development, we understand this emerging dynamic. And we work closely with community leaders, city officials, retailers and other visionaries to create environments that serve as a magnet for the creative class. To work. To live. To play. And to transform the communities where they invest their passion, their time and their skills.

Rethink. Revitalize. Repeat.

Champaign is an exceptional community. But it is not alone. Across the country, there are a number of small, but highly intellectual communities that have the ability to create a new center. To take development back from the edge of the city and drive it deep into the heart of thriving downtown, making room for new energy and ideas. At One Main Development, our goal is to identify the communities that have both the desire and ability to support a revitalized downtown and partner together with them to make that vision real.