City of Springfield to demolish vacant buildings along Boonville

(From the City of Springfield)

The City of Springfield will begin construction to demolish three vacant buildings along Boonville – 827, 833 and 843-845 N. Boonville. The buildings have been acquired by the City over the past few years because they are in disrepair and are considered to be dangerous buildings. A paved municipal parking lot, constructed by Public Works Street Division will replace the buildings. The lot will include 100 spaces, accessible parking for handicapped visitors to Government Plaza and lighting.

The Notice to Proceed Demolition will be issued today and the project will take approximately 45 days, according to Jennifer Swan, a registered architect with the Department of Public Works’ Facility Design and Construction division. 

Swan anticipates the demolition will be complete in May. The demolition will be performed by Earth Savers Solutions LLC at a cost of $43,875.

The City Utilities bus stop shelter located just north of the buildings will be removed temporarily during the project to ensure public safety and will be reinstalled once the parking project is complete, Swan said. The parking lot project is still in the design phase and the Public Works Streets Division will construct the project.

The City is also preparing to renovate the exterior envelope of former Springfield Mill and Lumber building just northwest of the three soon-to-be-demolished buildings at 216 W. Central. This project is estimated to be complete in July at a cost of $711,426.50. Reasbeck Construction will perform the work, which will provide additional office space for the Springfield Police Department.

Due to the contractor’s staging needs, a portion of the newly improved parking lot may remain closed until the renovation is complete in July.