SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) — On Wednesday afternoon, a large building fire disrupted usual business in downtown Springfield. Now, businesses across Adams Street are left reeling from the aftermath.
Fire Chief Ed Canny said the fire happened at 413 East Adams Street around noon. There was only one person reported hurt in the incident as a firefighter was sent to the hospital for minor injuries. Canny said she has since been released, but now has a concussion.
Canny added that while the fire is still under investigation, it is unlikely that its cause can be determined due to the heavy damage.
The owner of the building told WCIA that demolition began Wednesday night. The building housed The Cats’ Pyjamas Cat Cafe and the “Pillsburied” exhibit, and was the former venue of The Elf Shelf Books & Music before its reported closure in late May.
The roaming cats from The Cats’ Pyjamas have all found foster homes as the situation gets sorted out, Ad Astra Wine & Tapas Bar confirmed. However, people were also left displaced. There were four apartments in the building with six total occupants, the building owner said. WCIA was told that four building residents were moved to the Wyndham City Centre for free.
The fire also affected neighboring buildings — including Electric Quill Tattoos and Cafe Moxo. Ad Astra said that the new tattoo shop was destroyed. Café Moxo announced that they will remain closed as the business assesses their damages. In the meantime, the café has been in talks with Springfield Mayor Misty Buscher to get a temporary location and the Governor JB Pritzker’s Office to get relief.
“We want to thank the community for the outpouring of support,” Café Moxo staff shared on their Facebook page. “It truly never ceases to amaze me what an incredible community we share. Not only in times of celebrations but especially during times of unexpected crisis, you all step up and offer unwavering support. Genuinely my family could not be more grateful at this time.”
The Wakery, located around the corner from the scene, was closed on Wednesday due to the fire and said they will stay closed through Thursday. The non-alcoholic bar said it is currently unsafe for them to reopen, citing smoke damage, nearby water damage and no electricity. However, they still hope to make upcoming appearances at the Levitt AMP Springfield Music Series and the Old Capitol Farmers Market.
Ad Astra and other nearby businesses like Heirloom Haus did not suffer fire damage, but are rallying to help those who did.
At the Old Capitol Farmers Market on Saturday, Heirloom Haus will offer one free vegetable item for any Adams Street brick and mortar receipt. Also this weekend, Ad Astra said cash donation buckets will be set out for the debut of the Adams Street Bar Crawl. The money will go towards recovery efforts.
Here are some more businesses showing support:
- Color Theory Studio Salon on Clocktower Drive is hosting a benefit for Electric Quill on August 24. All donations will go to the lost tattoo shop and its artists. For the event, the salon will offer quick manicures, hair tinsel, tarot readings, and raffle baskets.
- The yet-to-be-opened Wildflowers and Barley hat store is sharing its venue with businesses impacted by the fire. They announced on Facebook that their space can be used for previously-scheduled events or fundraising efforts at no cost.
- Golden Hour Bake House is hosting a free meal drive at 2 p.m. on Saturday to help those affected. They will also be updating a social media post with more community resources.
Ad Astra is also compiling an ongoing master list of ways to help.
“Despite the hurtful words folks have to say about downtown being a waste, being decrepit, and there being nothing down here, we are strong, resilient, and family,” staff said.
As major demolition efforts are set to continue, representatives from Hanson Engineering and O’Shea Builders say the next step will be analyzing the damage and installing metal braces to ensure the tear-down doesn’t affect connected buildings.
In the meantime, Downtown Springfield, Inc. (DSI) said that they are ready to aid impacted businesses however they can.
“We know this is having a great impact on our Adams Street family and beyond. Please know that DSI stands by you and will work to help all of you bounce back from this. We will work to keep all updated on various ways to help as they become available.”
