At the heart of Uptown Normal is Uptown Circle. In addition to conveying traffic in a safe and efficient manner, the circle provides a beautiful public gathering space and acts as an innovative storm water treatment area.

• Awarded one of the USEPA's highest honor in 2011 - the National Award for Smart Growth Achievement for a Civic Place . 
• Received the 2012 Transportation Planning Excellence Award by the Federal Highway Administration and Federal Transit Administration
• Included as one of 8 finalists from around the world in the Urban Land Institute's 2020 Urban Open Space Awards program