SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — When you walk down Adams Street in downtown Springfield, you can tell the businesses are a family. Now, that family needs more help than ever before. Business owners and residents are trying to pick up the pieces of their livelihood and homes after a devastating fire ripped through a 120-year-old building on Wednesday.
Over 70 firefighters worked more than 12 hours in the brutal heat to keep the fire from spreading beyond the building at 413-415 E. Adams St. Twelve apartment residents were displaced and multiple businesses were affected, including the Cats' Pyjamas Cat Cafe, Electric Quill Tattoos, and Cafe Moxo.
"Buildings come and go, but people are the ones who make the most impact," said Cafe Moxo owner Mark Forinash. "It's the people that made that building a great impact, not the building."
On Wednesday night, demolition crews took off the roof and top floors of the burnt building, but demolition was paused until consultants could look at the walls of the properties to the left and right side to ensure nothing else falls.
During a news conference held by the city, Mayor Misty Buscher emphasized the compassion shown by members of the Adams Street community.
"Those that weren't affected on the other side of 4th Street have come out multiple times trying to see how they can help their neighbors a block away who have been hurt," said Buscher. "Ad Astra was here this morning trying to find out how they can help get donations, get food, get water, get whatever is needed."
In addition to the establishments and residences, over three tons of art and artifacts from the Pillsbury Mills site being stored in the building were destroyed.
The 400 block of E. Adams will be closed off until further notice for safety. Buzz Bomb Brewing Co., a business across the street that initially took in cats from the evacuated cat cafe, will remain open since the building can be entered from 4th St.
"We literally, in the past few months, got the Cats' Pyjamas and Electric Quill opened,"said property owner Chris Nickell. "Both of those business owners put a lot of care and work into the businesses. The Elf Shelf that was there previously and planned to move to the second floor — all of those folks have a lot of vested interest, as I do too."
If you're interested in providing assistance to residents and business owners, the city of Springfield started a fundraiser with Illinois National Bank. Donations can be made in person at local INB branches. There will also be donation buckets present at the first Adams Street Bar Crawl to help aid those affected.
"Can you imagine the skillset of not having Local 37 take care of this," Forinash asked. "It would have been mind blowing. So, we're very fortunate to have the men and women of Local 37 protect not only these businesses and buildings, but also peoples' lives."
There was a very clear message from business owners and Springfield leaders Wednesday - Downtown will rebuild and this fire will not break apart the Adams Street family.
The aftermath of a fire at a building on E. Adams St. in downtown Springfield on June 20, 2024.
The aftermath of a fire at a building on E. Adams St. in downtown Springfield on June 20, 2024.
The aftermath of a fire at a building on E. Adams St. in downtown Springfield on June 20, 2024.
The aftermath of a fire at a building on E. Adams St. in downtown Springfield on June 20, 2024.
The aftermath of a fire at a building on E. Adams St. in downtown Springfield on June 20, 2024.
Springfield fire crews at a building on E. Adams St. downtown on June 19, 2024.
Springfield fire crews at a building on E. Adams St. downtown on June 19, 2024.
Springfield fire crews at a building on E. Adams St. downtown on June 19, 2024.
Property destroyed by the massive fire at 413 and 415 E. Adams Street in Springfield.
PHOTOS: Aftermath of the downtown Springfield fire
The aftermath of a fire at a building on E. Adams St. in downtown Springfield on June 20, 2024.
The aftermath of a fire at a building on E. Adams St. in downtown Springfield on June 20, 2024.
The aftermath of a fire at a building on E. Adams St. in downtown Springfield on June 20, 2024.
The aftermath of a fire at a building on E. Adams St. in downtown Springfield on June 20, 2024.
The aftermath of a fire at a building on E. Adams St. in downtown Springfield on June 20, 2024.
Springfield fire crews at a building on E. Adams St. downtown on June 19, 2024.
Springfield fire crews at a building on E. Adams St. downtown on June 19, 2024.
Springfield fire crews at a building on E. Adams St. downtown on June 19, 2024.
Property destroyed by the massive fire at 413 and 415 E. Adams Street in Springfield.
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