After hearing about the go-ahead on the downtown Schnucks in STL this past week, I was glad to see the long-rumored grocery store in downtown Springfield is more or less coming to fruition.



http://www.news-leader.com/apps/pbcs.dl ... 9901060367



This is just the sort of thing that can stabilize (and legitimize) our downtown population, and hopefully allow McGowan and Co to secure the necessary funding to get the Heer's project moving forward.  



Lofts will occupy the top two floors of the building and underground parking will be provided to tenants.  Tentative summer completion I believe.

This is great news for downtown Springfield, and one more encouraging sign of the ongoing urban renaissance there. I remember reading an article when Wheeler's Furniture closed their store at South and Walnut streets in which the building's owner said it wouldn't remain vacant for long- and it looks like he wasn't kidding!



Here's a rendering of the Wheeler's Building as pictured in the Springfield News-Leader:







This will be great for downtown residents, workers, and visitors alike. I like some of the concepts that the store may feature- particularly the windows that would give it an open-air feel. Other than the small market on Campbell Avenue that mostly serves nearby residents and the Dillon's on St. Louis Avenue, I'm not sure of any grocery options in or around downtown, and this market will serve a rather specific niche anyway.



I keep hoping we'll hear more news about Heer's soon. I'm sure with McGowan it's simply a matter of securing financing, because he has built a solid reputation with his many projects here in St. Louis, and I'm confident he'll make Heer's something Springfieldians can really be proud of again.

An update on the Downtown Springfield Market:



http://www.news-leader.com/article/2009 ... to+reality



It sounds like the Price Cutter people are being very cautious since nothing like this has never really been attempted in Springfield (upscale urban grocery). But with the recent news about Heer's starting construction, I'm hoping this project will move along a little faster.

Springfield leaders announce Third Street Greenway to replace rail through downtown. 
https://www.sj-r.com/picture-gallery/ne ... 234026007/

The way I see it... it's only good for St. Louis to see Springfield become a bad ass place to live. Full support.

I like the train station location near the capitol and the middle of things. I will miss it.

Thanks for finding the right thread to whoever moved the convo. 

Springfield has also received two complete proposals and two letters of interest to construct a new 200-300 hotel room connected to an expansion of the Bank of Springfield Convention Center. Given the standard of existing hotels in Downtown, project is believed to be a big win at attracting events again. 
https://www.illinoistimes.com/news-opin ... n-20259508

https://newschannel20.com/news/local/sp ... n-concerns

2 downtown Springfield businesses close amid an apparent decline in downtown activity.