Editorial
Central City Rebirth
Springfield Citizens who grew up here and established roots are willing to do more to save the grand homes and historic neighborhoods. Let’s select the original four quarter sections of land originally purchased by Iles, Enos, Cox and Cook as a historic area and take advantage of already existing historic preservation tax breaks and assessment freezes. Designate which structures are worth saving spotlighting outstanding architectural examples of the neighborhood.
Establish a rebuilding trust fund focused outside the TIF District that will be equally direct funding for projects in each of the quarter sections. At least once a year, target a specific structure in each section for purchase/renovation or demolition/green space weighing the maximum impact to the neighborhood and the price. Generations of Springfield Residents are especially willing to help revitalize the old neighborhoods, where they grew up or visited family.
Get input from the various Union Building Trades to adopt the program and provide labor assistance. This program could start with the modest goal of saving four grand homes a year. Face it; some homes aren’t worth saving or spending a large amount of money to renovate. With this program eventually every architecturally significant structure worth saving could be saved. After each restoration, celebrate the project then auction the structure to pre-qualified individuals who will become proud owners occupying the residences. Once completed, take the proceeds and do it again. These first urban pioneers will reap the financial benefits as these once deteriorating homes become historical treasures.
Establish an architectural standard that would prevent any new residential/ commercial structures being built that would not be consistent with the Style and Quality of the ongoing rehabilitations. Every time you turn a grand house around you’ll bring attention to these urban pioneers and the early Springfield History. Eventually developers, historic preservationists and those capable of investing time and money will be enticed by the public interest.
Mix use neighborhoods may not be suited for everyone, commercial projects often face misguided objectors. Allow a mix of commercial and residential use similar to what existed when these 19th Century neighborhoods were first built and urban planners are now designing. Let’s target singles and retirees who would have the time and /or money to maintain these beautiful structures. Hopefully we’ll maximize the properties potential value and better distribute the local tax burden.
Living close to the Historic Downtown can be a big advantage, but everyone should be focusing more attention on rebuilding the surrounding neighborhoods to promote residential, cultural, and entertainment opportunities; keeping the central city more desirable to live, work and play.