Ashley Furniture Outlet opened in April 2021, replacing the Barney’s Furniture location at 1987 W. Wabash Ave, but owner Barry Seidman said he is now making changes to the business model and listing the building for sale. “We made a decision to close our outlet store,” Seidman said. “The outlet was a newer concept for […]
Newsletter – Biz Bites
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Hemp growers push back against proposed new regulations
A legislative committee and the Illinois Department of Agriculture agreed recently to delay finalizing new regulations governing hemp production amid an outcry of protests from small, independent producers. Those proposed rules have been in development for at least two years. But the most recent draft, submitted in September, contained significant changes from earlier versions that […]
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B’s Creative Studio relocating to larger space
B’s Creative Studio is on the move for the second time since the business launched in 2022. “We have just continued to grow,” said owner Brandy Fletcher. “The first location was our trial run, and the second one gave us our bigger classroom and boutique. But now we’re needing more space.” The business initially opened […]
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Coffee shop planned for former Recycled Records building
Arrowroot Coffee Co. has been in business for five years butwill soon have its first brick-and-mortar retail location. Owner Jacob Dinardo said he is purchasing the building at 625 E. Adams St. that previously housed Recycled Records. “I jumped at the opportunity to have that building; the oldRecycled Records space really meant a lot to […]
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Building at Fourth and Adams could get $3 million makeover
Martin and Laurie Haxel keep increasing their footprint in downtown Springfield. The couple started with 310 E. Adams St., which houses offices for their own businesses, Haxel Law and Haxel Consulting, but over the past five years they have acquired four adjacent properties. Now, they are hoping the Springfield City Council will approve a TIF […]
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A roadmap for future development
Creating more affordable and market-rate housing, developing areas currently set aside for surface parking and catering more to walkers and bicyclists are among scores of suggestions in a newly released master plan for downtown Springfield and the Mid-Illinois Medical District. The costs of those suggestions aren’t included in the 278-page document, the first-ever long-term plan […]
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Kayla Graven takes job with the state of Illinois
Kayla Graven has a new job with the state of Illinois, working for the Department of Agriculture as the domestic marketing manager. “I grew up on a farm, so it’s really getting back into the skills that I’m passionate about,” Graven said. “I wasn’t looking for a new job, but it’s just been my dream […]
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Changes in the works for Inner Health Spa
Michelle Bullock founded Inner Health Spa in 2014 but now plans to make some changes to the business as of Nov. 1. Located at 1733 S. Fifth St., the business offers a variety of spa and wellness treatments. Bullock is a licensed massage therapist and has another massage therapist on staff, plus an esthetician. However, […]
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Banking on change
Security Bank of Springfield is seeking approval from the federal government to change its ownership structure so that it is owned by investors rather than by the financial institution’s depositors. A recent bank filing with federal regulators also indicated the financial institution is deeply involved with state-licensed cannabis businesses. Bank president and CEO Stephan Paul […]
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Big plans for Clear Lake Avenue
A 38-acre lot the city of Springfield owns along Clear Lake Avenue may become a $38-million complex of municipal warehouses and offices. The city is contemplating erecting a $24 million water distribution facility and a $14 million Public Works building in the 2100 block of Clear Lake Avenue. The matter was slated for consideration by […]
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Building permits – Oct. 14 – Oct. 20
Chatham Square Associates LLC % Robert Horn received a commercial remodel permit for 1756 Wabash Ave. Contractor is Horizon Retail Construction and the project is valued at $500,000. Wal-Mart Re Business Trust % MS 0555 received a commercial remodel permit for 1100 LeJune Drive. Contractor is Knight Electric Inc. and the project is valued at […]
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Building permits – Nov. 18 – Nov. 24
Franchise Realty Investment TR % Joseph P. Kasprzyk received a commercial remodel permit for 3035 Chatham Road. Contractor is Earll Construction Co. and the project is valued at $200,000. Islamic Society of Greater Springfield received a commercial remodel permit for 3252 Mathers Road. Contractor is the Islamic Society of Greater Springfield and the project is […]