Reporter’s Notebook: Another look inside the Heer’s building

It’s been 10 months since I’ve seen the inside of the Heer’s building downtown. My, how things have changed.

Media, city officials and local leaders got our first look at construction progress to the 100-year-old building during a media tour this morning. Instead of a gaping hole running through multiple floors and into the basement, there sits the beginnings of a lobby.

What’s up with those letters on top of the Heer’s building?

Just about everything to do with the renovation of downtown Springfield’s iconic Heer’s building seems to light up social media.

When owner Dalmark Development Group LLC posted a sign saying “See you in 2015!” halfway up the eight-story building’s east wall, it was in my Twitter feed for days using just about every Instagram filter available.

Heer’s and HUD: Why Oct. 6 is a big deal (and five other things you didn’t know about Heer’s)

I grew up cheering for Chicago sports teams. Which means even when we’re up by seven in the ninth inning – just for example – I’m holding my breath, ready for my team to blow it. Springfield residents, if you think about it, you’ve walked in my shoes. Consider the redevelopment of the Heer’s building.

Every time an announcement is made about Heer’s moving forward, it seems as if most people in Springfield are pointedly holding their breath. At the Aug. 23 City Council meeting, developer Kevin McGowan outlined what could be the final, $3 million, hole in the Heer’s financing package. Another timeline also was given: McGowan has until Oct. 6 to file an application for an U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development-backed loan. This time, the players involved say, it’s serious.

City loan key to finishing Heer’s project

Christmas shopping at Heer’s Department Store always was something of a tradition for me. I even remember getting my first taste of tortellini Alfredo at J Parrino’s restaurant in the Heer’s building.

Most Springfield natives, if they’re completely honest, will admit that watching the building fall into its current state actually has been painful to see.
The city of Springfield approved Aug. 23 a $2 million loan to St. Louis development company Blue Urban LLC.

They say it, we print it, that’s history

The current issue of Springfield Business Journal reveals my picks for the top quotes published in our pages this year.