NEED TO LOOK FORWARD
The folks walking through the doors of Studio on 6th every week would beg to differ (“Tourism is up, but downtown is hurting,” April 23). Downtown isn’t running on just “locals popping in on a whim.” The heartbeat right now is tourism – and it’s strong. People travel here on purpose for the Old State Capitol, Dana-Thomas House, Route 66 and the deep roots of Abraham Lincoln’s story. You might be used to it – but they’re not. They’re excited, curious and spending time (and money) experiencing it.
And here’s the part people miss: downtown is shifting. Businesses, artists, historical sites and tourism groups are actually working together to create something new – not just sit around wishing it was what it used to be. That takes time, energy, and yes– people willing to show up with something other than complaints.
Are there challenges? Of course. Every downtown across the country is navigating them. Conversations about safety, support systems and access to care matter – but writing off an entire district doesn’t fix any of it.
Parking? It exists. Events? Constant. Between the Illinois Times calendar, Visit Springfield and Downtown Springfield, Inc., there’s something happening more often than not. Farmers markets, art shows, Pride, live music, classes, pop-ups – it’s all there if you’re willing to look.
And the idea that nobody shops downtown? That’s just not reality. People absolutely do – especially when they’re visiting. They love finding things they can’t get in a big box store: handmade, local, one-of-a-kind. That’s the magic.
If downtown isn’t your place, that’s OK. Truly. But calling it “nothing” or “dead” doesn’t make it true – it just drowns out the very real momentum happening. Because from where I stand, it’s not empty. It’s evolving.
Before we keep saying “downtown is dangerous,” go look at the actual numbers for yourself. Check reports from the Springfield Police Department. Don’t take my word for it – or anyone else’s loud opinion – go see what’s really being reported. You’ll see that what happens downtown is mostly things like theft, car break-ins and occasional vandalism – the kind of everyday nuisance stuff that happens anywhere people gather, not the extreme picture people like to paint.
I don’t see “crime” the way it’s being described. What I do see at times are people struggling – mental health, hard days, real-life situations. That’s not something to ignore, but it’s also not the same thing. Am I afraid of downtown? No. Am I naive enough to think I can walk around in total oblivion? Also no.
And here’s the part that gets skipped: a lot of the more serious crime in Springfield happens in residential areas, not in the downtown tourism and business district. What happens downtown is more visible, so it feels bigger than it actually is.
Meanwhile, downtown isn’t sitting still. Businesses, artists, tourism and historical agencies are working together to build something forward – not just look in the rearview mirror. At Studio on 6th, we’re part of that – creating experiences inside places like the Old State Capitol and the Dana-Thomas House – bringing people in to create, connect and actually enjoy what’s here.
I have worked in some capacity downtown since 1989 and know the ebb and flow of downtown life. I just get sick and tired of hearing the people who complain but never come down and celebrate, promote and cherish our downtown businesses and heartbeat.
Jenny Suttill
Via Facebook.com/illinoistimes
NEED STUDENTS
Downtown is the heart of our capital city – the epicenter of public policy and lawmaking. Southern Illinois University Carbondale and University of Illinois need a small law campus for third-year law students, and University of Illinois Springfield needs a campus for public policy and public affairs students. Five hundred students living downtown would be a heck of a good start.
Grant Hammer
Via Facebook.com/illinoistimes
NEED A BAR SCENE
Let’s face it, a big part of downtown used to be the bar scene. Young adults aren’t imbibing at bars as in the past. And coupled with not feeling safe downtown, I can’t blame them. We personally go downtown and support our faves, but not sure for how much longer. I hope the current team (of downtown leadership) can turn it around. Good cities have a good downtown. I hope it comes alive again.
Jason Curry
Via Facebook.com/illinoistimes
NEED GOOD LANDLORDS
The systemic problem of business downtown isn’t a parking problem or a homelessness problem. We have a landlord problem downtown. Mega-corporations, hedge funds and out-of-state landlords don’t put in the work to maintain historic buildings and charge outrageous rent prices. They need to be held accountable in order for downtown to grow and move forward.
Stephen Sybert
Via Facebook.com/illinoistimes
CORREX
“Tourism is up, but downtown is hurting” incorrectly stated that the former Wells Fargo office building in Springfield has become the new headquarters for the Illinois Department of Central Management Services (CMS). The office building, now the CMS Regional Complex (CRC), does not serve as the agency’s headquarters. CRC does provide office space for several state agencies including CMS, the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and others.
