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 413 E. Adams St. was demolished last year due to extensive fire damage. However, the five-story north portion of the building, 415 E. Adams St., was able to be preserved. Structural engineers from Hanson Professional Services designed a new south-facing steel skeleton to provide lateral stability and support a new façade.
Café Moxo previously occupied the adjacent building at 409-411 E. Adams St., but owner Mark Forinash relocated to the former Three Twigs Co. space on the city’s west side following the fire. Nickell said he has had conversations with potential tenants but no one has committed to leasing the space, given the current condition and uncertain timeline to have it ready for occupancy.
Nickell gave a proposal Feb. 5 to the city of Springfield’s Economic Development Commission outlining his plans for the exterior and façade improvements. He intends to construct a new brick façade, refinish the west wall that was previously an interior wall but has become an exterior wall, and install permeable pavers to create a patio area for outdoor seating.
“Anyone walking down the street this fall will have no idea” of the previous damage, he said.
Nickell anticipates spending $754,279 for the first phase of the project and is requesting $560,000 in funds from the Central Area TIF District. However, he noted the total scope of work will be around $2 million, and he plans to secure private financing for the second phase of interior renovations.
Nickell told the EDC he applied for the Historic Preservation Tax Credit to assist with renovation costs but was denied, despite the age and location of the property. The National Park Service cited the loss of historical integrity caused by the façade’s removal, he said.
Several commissioners asked about the property insurance coverage, and Nickell explained that after the insurance company paid for the demolition of one of the buildings, there was about $200,000 left.
“There is insurance money left, but not as much as anyone would hope,” he said. Nickell also noted that a business partnership for the building had “dissolved” due to a difference of opinion over whether to salvage the remaining portion of the building and renovate it or demolish everything.
Nickell said that he is now solely responsible for financing the renovations at 415 E. Adams St. He is also in the process of renovating the building at the corner of Seventh and Adams streets and owns a total of seven properties downtown.
“I appreciate what you’re doing down there,” said Joe Aiello, an EDC commissioner who also serves as the Sangamon County Clerk. “You’re not a fly-by-night guy; you’re vested in downtown.”
Nickell said he hopes to find a restaurant or retail tenant to occupy the main floor of 415 E. Adams St. and said that occupant and the adjacent building would benefit from the newly created 2,100-square-foot-patio space. He also plans to have the patio area open for use during the Old Capitol Farmers Market and downtown festivals.
The EDC did not have a quorum at the Feb. 5 meeting, so no vote was taken. Once a vote does occur, the non-binding recommendation will be forwarded to the Springfield City Council for a final vote to determine whether TIF funds will be awarded.