Springfield: Best Downtown
Written and submitted by Mike Eyster
It’s official – the Eugene Weekly has declared Springfield the best downtown! As recently as two years ago, if anyone had told you Springfield will be named the best downtown in 2019, they would have been greeted with skepticism. That is for two reasons: 1. The renaissance of downtown Springfield has unfolded remarkably quickly, much of it just this year! 2. Our downtown, had deteriorated badly over a long period of time and had a very long way to go to become vibrant once again.
While it may seem that the recovery and revitalization of downtown Springfield has been quick, just occurring in the past year or so, the renaissance of downtown has been a long time coming and the result of thoughtful, deliberate, and persistent effort. Revitalization requires the integration of two elements: 1. A city government that is visionary and willing to create policies and infrastructure that support and encourage development, 2. Courageous entrepreneurs who are willing to work incredibly hard and place their personal resources at risk on an idea. Springfield has both.
The Springfield Renaissance Development Corporation (SRDC) took a huge risk in purchasing, renovating and eventually creating the Wildish Family Theater in 2006 after years of work. Then Bart Caridio established the now landmark eatery Planktown. In 2006 David Loveall purchased and renovated the building that houses the Washburne Café, and business owners like Karen Hageman opened successful businesses on Main Street like the Washburne Café and Haven Home & Gifts.
Behind these entrepreneurial endeavors, the city long ago recognized that if our downtown would ever thrive again, it would need to support and ensure a safe and welcoming environment for visitors, businesses, and property owners. Policies were created, a jail was built and opened, and troublesome tavern operators drew the conclusion that Springfield may not be the best place for their business. New street lights were installed, new murals were painted, and Springfield became a more overtly welcoming community. Currently the city is well into a long-term project to update its development code to be more accommodating for developers in Springfield. The city has an active downtown meet-up group sponsored by the city that meets regularly to discuss ways to make the city more attractive. Attend a City Council meeting and you’ll hear “Springfield is open for business.”
And underpinning it all, is a Chamber of Commerce committed to supporting a business-friendly community by delivering programs and services that strengthen, represent, and promote business.
Indeed, Springfield IS the best downtown. It didn’t happen by accident and it didn’t happen overnight. It happened because exceptional people worked hard in a thoughtful, continuous effort to make it happen. Congratulations Springfield entrepreneurs, Springfield City Government and Team Springfield – now let’s keep up the good work!
If you would like an inside peek at who is behind some of the brilliant revitalization of Springfield, come join Chamber peers and staff as we sit down with local developers, hear what’s top-of-mind for these entrepreneurial visionaries, gain insights to their motivation, and a glimpse of what they have in sight for the future.
The 3rd session in the Meet the Developers series is taking place on November 8th, with special guest, David Loveall. Come listen to David’s story about how he become a key contributor to the success of Downtown Springfield, as well as find out what his next plans for the Springfield area may be.
Upcoming programs are scheduled for 11/8 at Along Came Trudy featuring David Loveall, and 11/22 at Willie’s Lebanese and Northwest Cuisine featuring Tina Patel, from 11:30 AM – 1PM. Please email Dani Thompson at Dani@springfield-chamber.org or call the Chamber at 541-746-1651 to RSVP.
Mike Eyster is a member of the Springfield Chamber Board of Directors, a former Board Chair, and current Chair of the Chamber’s Economic Development Committee.
