A historic property that recently served as the administrative headquarters for Conn’s Hospitality Group is now the Springfield office for a Chicago-based nonprofit.
The Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus Foundation acquired the property at 625 S. Second St., known as the Dewitt Wickliffe Smith Mansion, as of June 1. It was purchased for $245,000, according to Sangamon County tax records.
The historic house, built in 1865, had been used as offices for CHG since the company purchased the mansion and adjacent Vinegar Hill complex in October 2021. Both properties were put up for auction in mid-April but, according to owner Karen Conn, did not sell at that time.
“They were interested prior to the auction but couldn’t get ready to make a bid in time,” Conn said.
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As far as the Vinegar Hill property, it is still listed for sale with Springfield-based commercial broker Dan Sperry at an asking price of $450,000.
“We have a couple of interested parties; they have both brought architects and other professionals through, but we haven’t received any offers as of yet,” she said.
However, CHG announced last month that Trish & Mary’s would transition its English pub and soccer concept to The Cidery at Obed & Isaac’s, which will continue to feature ciders and beers on tap. The other operating business at Vinegar Hill Mall, Wm. Van’s Café, closed in March due to what Conn said was part of a consolidation effort to stabilize overall operations.
The ILLCF, founded in 2002, is a non-partisan 501©3 organization that serves as the public policy and civic engagement arm of the Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus.
In a social media post, the ILLCF said the acquisition of the Springfield property would create “a permanent home for our work and a lasting investment in the communities we serve,” calling it a “historic milestone” as the organization prepares to launch its 25th anniversary campaign.
“Having a physical presence in our state capital is about more than a building, it is about visibility, accessibility, and commitment. This space will allow us to strengthen relationships, expand opportunities, convene leaders, and ensure that our community has a place where ideas, advocacy, education, and service can flourish,” the post read in part.
Conn said she hasn’t had a chance to meet the new owners, but is pleased knowing that the historic mansion continues to be in good hands.
“That is such a great property,” she said. “I want to see it preserved, and I think the people who bought it have that in mind.”