Construction crews continue to make progress at Bicentennial Plaza — a REALTOR® Community Partnership in Springfield as they move closer to the Aug. 26 dedication.

Eight trees have been planted on the east side of the plaza and are providing the first glimpse of natural beauty the project will provide. Once the project is complete, eight Bald Cypress and 12 Redbud trees will be added to several existing trees to provide shade and color to visitors who follow the walkways between interpretative historical panels.

Strings of lights have also been hung from the towers in recent weeks. Each tower will hold an interpretative panel that will showcase people who lived and worked in Springfield and who advanced the vision of President Abraham Lincoln.

Bicentennial Plaza is dedicated to Lincoln’s vision for America as a country with opportunity and equality for all. Located between Fifth and Sixth streets, just north of Illinois REALTORS® headquarters, the area around Bicentennial Plaza has sites linked to Abraham Lincoln, who historians say would have often used the Jackson Street Corridor while he lived in Springfield.