Operations in a low-key building located on South Grand Avenue West help people live their lives without limits. The Springfield Center for Independent Living serves people with disabilities, their families and communities in Sangamon, Christian, Logan, Menard and Montgomery counties by breaking down barriers and prejudices and replacing them with positive attitudes. The organization’s philosophy […]
Columns
Posted inAsk an Attorney
Deeds and real property transfers
Transferring ownership of a home is one of the most significant legal transactions the majority of people will ever undertake. In Illinois, real estate transfers are governed by a combination of state statutes, common law principles and local recording practices. Whether you are selling your home, gifting property to a family member, placing property into […]
Posted inColumns
New co-owner for Coble Animal Hospital
Dr. Sandra Gilmore has become a co-owner of Coble Animal Hospital after returning to the practice in August 2024. Gilmore is a native of Oquawka, Illinois, and earned her doctor of veterinary medicine from University of Illinois in 2004. She began her career in mixed animal practice in Pike County, serving rural farmers and families […]
Posted inColumns
New dispensary planned on South Dirksen
If he had his druthers, Ward 3 Ald. Roy Williams Jr. would rather see something besides a proposed new recreational cannabis dispensary going into 1401 S. Dirksen Parkway, a currently abandoned property in his ward. “But I don’t like empty buildings or empty houses,” Williams said. So, albeit with some reluctance, Williams said he would […]
Posted inComings & Goings
Francesca’s closing all locations
The Francesca’s store in White Oaks Mall will be closing later this month after the women’s fashion retail chain filed for bankruptcy. Francesca’s filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in New Jersey earlier this month and plans to close all its stores nationwide. An employee at the White Oaks location confirmed that Feb. 25 would be […]
Posted inColumns
Grand opening for Bob’s Discount Furniture
Bob’s Discount Furniture held a grand opening Feb. 13 for its Springfield location in Southwest Plaza, one of three central Illinois stores to open this month. In August, the national retailer began renovation work at 3251 S. Veterans Parkway. The former Bed Bath & Beyond space had been vacant since early 2023, when it was […]
Posted inBuilding Permits
Building permits – Feb. 9 to Feb. 15
Central Lodge #3 F & AM-PHA received a commercial remodel permit for 1310 E. Adams St. Contractor is Michael Von Behren Builder, Inc., and the project is valued at $250,000. 1200 Centre West LLC received a commercial remodel permit for 1200 Centre West Drive. Contractor is Furman & Sons Paving and the project is valued […]
Posted inPeople on the Move
DSI appoints interim executive director
Downtown Springfield, Inc. is searching for a new executive director “following a mutual separation with Carlos Ortega,” according to a statement the organization issued Feb. 17. Always On Consulting, the human resources company led by Debbie Thompson, has been retained to lead the search process. Jay Shanle, who currently serves as DSI’s director of communications […]
Posted inColumns
Smokey Bones part of bankruptcy filing
The parent company of restaurant chain Smokey Bones has filed for bankruptcy restructuring. Fat Brands Inc. filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in late January. In addition to Smokey Bones, Fat Brands operates restaurant chains such as Fazoli’s, Johnny Rockets, Ponderosa Steakhouse, and Fatburger. Fat Brands is majority owner of the subsidiary Twin Hospitality Group, which […]
Posted inColumns
Springfield MCL closes abruptly
The MCL Restaurant and Bakery on Wabash Avenue has closed. A sign on the door of the restaurant, located at 2151 Wabash Ave., stated that the restaurant would be permanently closed as of Feb. 13. “Thank you all for the support over the years,” the sign reads. A recording on the restaurants call-in menu line […]
Posted inColumns
Fire and Ale closing
Sherman restaurant Fire and Ale has announced it will be closing this weekend after 14 years of business. Zac Copelin, who owns the restaurant along with business partner Justin Misiorek, said that, like many independent restaurants, Fire and Ale has faced significant financial challenges that ultimately made it impossible for the restaurant to continue operations. […]
Posted inColumns
More renovation plans for Adams Street
It’s been more than a year-and-a-half since a fire on East Adams Street damaged several downtown Springfield buildings, and the rebuilding efforts are still underway. Chris Nickell, who owns the property where the fire originated, is applying for TIF assistance to accelerate the renovation of the street-facing portion of the building. The three-story building at […]