One of only five buildings on the Old State Capitol Plaza that remains from Lincoln’s time may soon be getting a new owner and a makeover. The building at 518 E. Adams St. has been vacant since the last tenant, Di Piero’s Sicilan Cucina, closed at the end of 2024. Owner Pete Praia opened the […]
Columns
Posted inProfessional Development
Beyond shortcuts
In a world where we joke “there’s an app for that” every time we face an inconvenient task, it’s easy to slip into a mindset where technology exists to help us do less thinking. Need a summary? AI can do it. Need ideas? AI can brainstorm. Need the answer to a question your brain should know? […]
Posted inRestaurant review
Jo’s Place
One of my besties has been crowing to me about Jo’s Place in Virden and that I needed to do a review of it. Unfortunately, some timing issues meant that I was unable to do the review with him. Instead, I visited with my wife and mother-in-law – each a critic in their own right. […]
Posted inPhilanthropy
Breaking down barriers
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 […]
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 last August. 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 while […]
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 […]