Springfield has evolved into a much more viable commercial market than it was in years past. The old adage goes that “retail follows rooftops” and that has certainly been the case in Springfield. Many new restaurants have recently opened in Springfield and have been quite successful. Additionally, the improvements to Main & 8th Streets have improved both the accessibility and aesthetics of Springfield’s commercial corridors. Everything is now in place for the successful redevelopment of Springfield’s commercial districts and SPAR is at the forefront of that effort.
SPAR is now concentrating on the commercial development of the north-south and east-west corridors of Springfield (Main St. and 8th St.). SPAR continues to aggressively target businesses whose needs match the existing vacant commercial properties and helps support Springfield’s existing businesses. SPAR has also played a role in the opening of a variety of new Springfield businesses such as: Three Layers, City Kidz Ice Cream, Uptown Market, Wafaa & Mike’s Cafe, Fusion Art, Wine, Jazz, and Sweet Pete’s Candy Shop. These businesses have created new jobs, make the area more attractive to new residents, and are drawing people from downtown and all over the city into Springfield. SPAR encourages its residents to “shop locally” and keep their hard earned money within the neighborhood, which in turn helps sustain local businesses.
SPAR is also seeking to improve the facades of the commercial buildings along Main Street through the Main Street Property Enhancement Program. This program gives Springfield businesses donated products such as signs and fencing from local companies, provided they pay for a share of property improvements on their own. To date, the Valerio Building at 3rd and Main Street and Joe’s Detailing have completed projects through program. The Valerio building has new paint, signs, and awnings as a result of the program. This improves the overall look of Main Street and also makes the building more attractive to potential new businesses. SPAR plans to continue seeking funding and grants to improve the look of the commercial corridor in the future.
The commercial development of Main and 8th Streets is vital to Springfield’s future growth. Both corridors present a wide range of potential future uses. There are many opportunities to open restaurants, shops, and offices in Springfield’s existing commercial structures. There are also a significant amount of vacant parcels that are ripe for mixed use infill development. Springfield’s commercial corridors have the potential to bring new jobs, residents, businesses, and visitors to Springfield. SPAR will continue to play an active role in the recruitment of new businesses and help to support existing businesses, improving the overall visual appeal and potential of the commercial corridors.
Commercial Revitalization
Springfield has evolved into a much more viable commercial market than it was in years past. The old adage goes that “retail follows rooftops” and that has certainly been the case in Springfield. Many new restaurants have recently opened in Springfield and have been quite successful. Additionally, the improvements to Main & 8th Streets have improved both the accessibility and aesthetics of Springfield’s commercial corridors. Everything is now in place for the successful redevelopment of Springfield’s commercial districts and SPAR is at the forefront of that effort.
SPAR is now concentrating on the commercial development of the north-south and east-west corridors of Springfield (Main St. and 8th St.). SPAR continues to aggressively target businesses whose needs match the existing vacant commercial properties and helps support Springfield’s existing businesses. SPAR has also played a role in the opening of a variety of new Springfield businesses such as: Three Layers, City Kidz Ice Cream, Uptown Market, Wafaa & Mike’s Cafe, Fusion Art, Wine, Jazz, and Sweet Pete’s Candy Shop. These businesses have created new jobs, make the area more attractive to new residents, and are drawing people from downtown and all over the city into Springfield. SPAR encourages its residents to “shop locally” and keep their hard earned money within the neighborhood, which in turn helps sustain local businesses.
SPAR is also seeking to improve the facades of the commercial buildings along Main Street through the Main Street Property Enhancement Program. This program gives Springfield businesses donated products such as signs and fencing from local companies, provided they pay for a share of property improvements on their own. To date, the Valerio Building at 3rd and Main Street and Joe’s Detailing have completed projects through program. The Valerio building has new paint, signs, and awnings as a result of the program. This improves the overall look of Main Street and also makes the building more attractive to potential new businesses. SPAR plans to continue seeking funding and grants to improve the look of the commercial corridor in the future.
The commercial development of Main and 8th Streets is vital to Springfield’s future growth. Both corridors present a wide range of potential future uses. There are many opportunities to open restaurants, shops, and offices in Springfield’s existing commercial structures. There are also a significant amount of vacant parcels that are ripe for mixed use infill development. Springfield’s commercial corridors have the potential to bring new jobs, residents, businesses, and visitors to Springfield. SPAR will continue to play an active role in the recruitment of new businesses and help to support existing businesses, improving the overall visual appeal and potential of the commercial corridors.