The recent passage of a moratorium on tiny houses in Ward 2 comes with some conditions, namely, that the city engage in a review of zoning and housing policies, hold at least two community engagement sessions, assess economic, environmental and social impacts of tiny homes in Ward 2, and make recommendations to the city council […]
Columns
Posted inProfessional Development
Best practices for performance reviews
Ah, the performance review… the human resources tool that everyone loves to hate. Managers and employees alike struggle to find value in reviews, but when done right, they guide career development and keep the organization moving forward. With turnover still high in many organizations, and with so many workers still in a remote or hybrid […]
Posted inQ & A
Q&A with Phil Martin
Phil Martin started working on job sites with his father, Russ Martin, at a young age and graduated from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 1984 with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. After starting his career with Turner Construction Company in Chicago, he returned to Springfield in 1991 to work at Martin Engineering Company, […]
Posted inComings & Goings
Good Heart Tattoos relocating
Another downtown business is closing, but this time the owner says it’s because of a transition to a different business model rather than a lack of foot traffic. “I know there are a lot of other businesses leaving downtown, but mine is less about being downtown and more about life changes,” said Benny DeWitt, owner […]
Posted inComings & Goings
New boutique for west side
For Brittney Hinkle-Dura, being called “beige” is a compliment. “They call me ‘beige Brittney;’ I like that warm tone and feel,” she said. Now she is launching her own business, Beige Bee Boutique, to offer neutral, veritable wardrobe staples to other women. The boutique will be located at 3255 Ginger Creek Dr. in the last […]
Posted inBuilding Permits
Building permits – Dec. 8 to Dec. 14
The Yard Springfield LLC received a commercial remodel permit for 1650 Wabash Ave., Suite A. Contractor is Keystone Construction Enterprises Inc. and the project is valued at $16,200. Wabash Park LLC received a commercial new construction permit for 21 Mercantile Drive. Contractor is Joyner Construction Services Inc. and the project is valued at $470,000. Wabash […]
Posted inPeople on the Move
Frank Coffey joins BOS Asset Management
Frank Coffey has joined the financial services team of BOS Asset Management as a financial advisor. Coffey previously served as a vice president at The Baker Group, a financial services firm where he specialized in investment portfolios, and has also worked as a financial advisor for Equitable Advisors. Coffey has a bachelor’s degree from the […]
Posted inComings & Goings
Buzz Bomb owner addresses closure
Buzz Bomb Brewing Co. has been a downtown anchor since 2018, but co-owner Josh Flanders said the hobby-turned-business has reached “the end of the line, unfortunately.” Flanders, Benjie Gines and Bill Larson launched the business at 406 E. Adams St. in downtown Springfield after building a following via the Prairie Schooners Homebrew Club. The group […]
Posted inComings & Goings
A new phase for Taste of Seoul
After owning and operating a restaurant in downtown Springfield for two years, Kimsimone Manning says she’s ready to catch her breath before she decides on her next move. “I have a list of projects that I’ve pushed to the back burner that have nothing to do with cooking,” Manning said. “I’m going to breathe – […]
Posted inComings & Goings
The Barrel Head contents up for auction
The Barrel Head has been closed for more than two years, but those who are nostalgic about the longtime bar and grill now have a chance to own a piece of its history. Aumann Auctions is conducting a liquidation sale of the bar and grill’s inventory, ranging from beer and spirit signs and assorted draft […]
Posted inComings & Goings
Two more Hardee’s close in Springfield
The number of Hardee’s restaurants in the Springfield area continues to decline, with two more locations closing permanently within the past week. The stores at 317 E. Clear Lake Ave. and 2501 Stevenson Dr. both have “permanently closed” signs on the front doors directing customers to visit the remaining locations at 1835 Sangamon Ave. and […]
Posted inComings & Goings
Pop in Seoul Asian Market to open
A local couple is bringing a Korean convenience store concept to Springfield. Jung and Julie Kim have signed a lease for space at 2637 Chatham Road to open Pop In Seoul Asian Market in the shopping center that also houses Café Moxo and Papa Murphy’s. “An Asian convenience store is a little different than an […]