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More horrible news for the Capital City’s downtown

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• Illinois

* I have lived in Springfield on and off since 1985. The downtown has never been great, but we’ve lost a lot of venues since the pandemic, and others, like the downtown hotels, have deteriorated. And now this…

City of Springfield officials said late Wednesday that a downtown building in the 400 block of East Adams Street heavily damaged by fire will be demolished Thursday.

The building, split on the first floor but open on the upper floors, housed Cat’s Pyjamas Cat Cafe and Electric Quill Tattoo. Cat’s Pyjama’s opened in March, while Electric Quill just moved into its downtown location in May.

* This place is legendary…

WAND TV has posted several photos of the destruction.

* WICS…

On Wednesday night, city officials tore down two-thirds of the building’s front side. On Thursday morning, they will finish demolishing the front end of the building before taking down the five-story building attached to it on the other side.

* The good folks at Buzz Bomb stepped up…

Nine cats that were inside Cat’s Pyjamas were all accounted for and taken initially to Buzz Bomb Brewing Co., but then another downtown location. […]

Buzz Bomb, Bloom Wine Bar and Florals, 2 S. Old State Capitol Plaza, and Ad Astra Wine & Tapas Bar, 308 E. Adams St., are part of a Saturday bar crawl from 2 to 6 p.m. Flanders said there will be donation baskets at each location to help the businesses that have been hurt.

* More…

* ‘Pillsburied’ exhibit lost in downtown Springfield fire: Curator Robert Mazrim with the nonprofit Moving Pillsbury Forward Project confirmed the news on Wednesday afternoon. The exhibit was located on the third floor of the Adams Street building. He said it was full of important historical artifacts and documents from the old Pillsbury factory, as well as hundreds of art pieces — many of which included elements from the factory site.

* Donation buckets will be out for first Adams Street Bar Crawl to help downtown fire victims: Ad Astra Wine & Tapas Bar posted to Facebook, “We are waiting to learn more about anyone who is rebuilding, relocating, or simply needing help paying the bills while closed, and will be using this money for one, or more, of these causes. The APL will need help fostering the 9 kitties from the cafe and help feeding them as well. If you can foster or feed, please call them to help.”

posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, Jun 20, 24 @ 1:38 pm

Comments

1. This all happened on what is the most “vibrant” block in the entire downtown. The fire will also impact the Farmers Market.

   But the bad news gets worse. The number of buildings downtown that need total elevator modernization (about $1m per elevator) is a long list. For these buildings where elevator modernization and maintenance were deferred for decades, maybe even a generation, their values are less than the cost to upgrade the elevators, which means that there are more buildings in the near future that will need to be condemned and torn down.

   Comment by Merica Thursday, Jun 20, 24 @ 1:54 pm

2. This is a big loss for the city.

   I’m always hopeful that plans can be made to rebuild. But when was the last time a new building was constructed in the core of downtown?

   Comment by Cool Papa Bell Thursday, Jun 20, 24 @ 2:04 pm

3. Tragic loss to the downtown community on a street with real original town character. Wondering if TIF money can help in some way. I think I read that some legislators rent apartments in the building next door?

   Comment by Give Us Barabbas Thursday, Jun 20, 24 @ 2:09 pm

4. That’s just awful. The loss of all that Pillsbury history is so sad.

   I’m glad the cats are okay; they must have been terrified.

   Comment by JoanP Thursday, Jun 20, 24 @ 2:10 pm

5. Sadness. I have not heard the cause of the fire but the lack of upkeep of these old buildings has gotten to the point of dangerous.

   Springfield will do a good job of helping these businesses. I am sure. But poor pillsburied. These people never catch a break.

   Comment by Lurker Thursday, Jun 20, 24 @ 2:11 pm

6. Was about the only block of downtown that felt vibrant from early morning to late evening. Springfield’s downtown was already a collection of empty storefronts, this is the last thing it needed.

   Comment by Give Me A Break Thursday, Jun 20, 24 @ 2:22 pm

7. IF they don’t rebuild, make it a mini-park - some grass, tree(s). If not, definitely NOT parking.

   Comment by Anyone Remember Thursday, Jun 20, 24 @ 2:27 pm

8. It wasn’t that long ago that whole corner was a decaying derelict until it got a renaissance. And now this. Gut punch.

   Comment by Skeptic Thursday, Jun 20, 24 @ 3:00 pm

9. These businesses were a core part of ablock that was actually offering Springfield something new and unique. To see this happen to them is beyond a tragedy.

   Comment by Former Downstater Thursday, Jun 20, 24 @ 3:04 pm

10. I am so sorry this happened. In general I imagine that it’s hard for downtown business to plan for attracting business both during session and during other times of year. I’d been heartened to see some newer restaurants/bars open in recent years, but really sad to see the state of hotels. As someone who just wants clean and comfortable without frills, and while knowing that staff are fairly paid, it’s sad to me that this does not currently seem to be possible.

    Comment by Ugh Thursday, Jun 20, 24 @ 3:14 pm

11. Shocked and saddened about yesterday’s fire, thoughts and prayers for all people, businesses, and pets affected.

    Springfield Business Journal (which is apparently published by the Illinois Times) has an article on how to help the fire-affected businesses:

    https://www.springfieldbusinessjournal.com/articles/how-to-help-businesses-affected-by-the-adams-street-fire-15318903

    Comment by NonAFSCMEStateEmployeeFromChatham Thursday, Jun 20, 24 @ 4:21 pm

12. I’m confused. Is the building that was destroyed the one that Moxo is in? Is that the one that will now be torn down? Or is it the adjacent building?

    Comment by New Day Thursday, Jun 20, 24 @ 4:23 pm

13. New day, Moxo is next door and it’s wall may have gotten cooked a little. I expect the Mayor will ask that the inspectors get their work expedited so Moxo and Wakery can get back in gear soon.

    Comment by Give Us Barabbas Thursday, Jun 20, 24 @ 6:27 pm

14. Sorry to be late, but am also trying to figure this out. I lived in 431 E Adams for a session (back in 2014). Not great management, but a great location and Moxo next door was a mainstay (both from home base and from session).

    Praying for all and recovery.

    Comment by Leslie K Thursday, Jun 20, 24 @ 10:00 pm

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