SPRINGFIELD, Ill (WICS) — Springfield’s east side may be getting a slice out of the millions of dollars in funding backing the potential expansion of the BOS center.
City council passed an ordinance Tuesday night for a study into a new project—History Across the Tracks—and the feasibility of acquiring state bond funding for Black historic sites in the city.
The Lincoln Colored Home has its place in Springfield and the nation’s history as one of the first ever orphanages for Black children. But today, the property sits fenced off and boarded up.
Bringing these historic sites back into working condition for tourism could bring in economic benefits for the neighborhoods they belong to—helping address what Ward Two Alderman Shawn Gregory said is unbalanced investment in the community.
“Part of the process making sure that the East side is included with development. We’ve been held out and overlooked for far too long, and you know it’s my responsibility to the people that we put forth good plans and try to be involved in funding,” Gregory said.
City council approved 75,000 dollars of their general fund for a study to evaluate the feasibility of this project, by connecting it through the same funding sources planned for the BOS expansion.
Gregory said the 75,000 dollars would go towards likely hiring a consultant to package up everything the project needs for a developmental plan—property values, taxes, revenue.
The BOS expansion project relies on state legislation to create a tourism and economic development district in the City of Springfield.
That new governing body, called the Capital Area Tourism Authority, would then be able to delegate and use STAR bonds, which are paid through state and local sales tax revenue, like hotel operations and sales, on potential development projects for the area.
That project still needs to make its way through the Illinois legislature.
Springfield is currently exploring how the new History Across the Tracks initiative could also acquire those STAR bond funds.
Gregory said heritage tourism is a fast-growing section of the industry and heritage travelers typically spend double the average of a typical traveler.
By expanding opportunities for Black heritage tourism, though the restoration of Springfield’s Black historic sites, Gregory said the east side could see millions of dollars more in tourism funds. He said it would be a huge opportunity to reinvest in the east side.
“For people to know themselves and know the history that’s here in Springfield, as well as the added tourism that it brings. An untapped market that we’ve done some work, but we’ve never really had four sites like this restored fully, or had a chance to restore fully,” Gregory said.
Gregory said the money would focus on four sites: the Ambidexter Heritage Institute, the Lincoln Colored Home, the Dr Lee Medical Facility, and Engine House Number 5 all Black firehouse.
It could even eventually fund a 1908 Race Riot monument, Gregory said.
Gregory said a project like this emphasizes job creation, economic development, and more for the east side of Springfield.
