A historic building in Springfield is one step closer to being demolished. The Springfield City Council on Wednesday approved a zoning ordinance that would allow development of a parcel of land that includes the Sportsman’s Lounge located at 229 W. Mason St. in Springfield.
The building dates to 1866, and is one of the oldest commercial buildings in the city.
An investment group proposes to build 24 housing units for low-income and unhoused residents on property where the Sportsman’s Lounge is located. They petitioned the City for a zoning variance allowing them to install a reduced number of parking spaces. Some local residents complained that on-street parking in the area was already a nuisance, and others urged the city to explore ways that the Sportsman’s Lounge could be saved.
One of the owners of the business told the alderpeople that he and his partners had spent many thousands of dollars in an effort to keep the business viable, but were forced to shut the doors on Friday for financial reasons.
