Hanson is contributing to restoration plans for the site of a fire in downtown Springfield, Illinois, on June 19, 2024, that destroyed the homes of several businesses and a nonprofit organization.
Illinois’ capital city saw some of its downtown history destroyed June 19, 2024, when a fire broke out in the buildings occupying 413–15 E. Adams St. in Springfield.
The blaze started in the third-floor attic of the connected buildings, which were constructed in 1903. The structures were home to several businesses, including The Cats’ Pyjamas Cat Café, Electric Quill Tattoo, Elf Shelf Books, as well as the nonprofit organization Moving Pillsbury Forward. Neighboring restaurant Café Moxo, at 411 E. Adams, shared a wall with the 413–15 building and sustained enough damage to require closure.
Chris Nickell, who owns the buildings affected by the fire, hopes to preserve as much of the architecture as possible while planning for the future.
Soon after the fire was extinguished, Springfield company O’Shea Builders called Hanson to assist with evaluating damage at the site. Hanson’s team used a drone over several days to create a 3D model of the structure, analyze it for signs of sidewall movement and assess the stability of the neighboring building housing Café Moxo. This analysis helped with the design of a bracing system to improve the building’s strength and prevent it from requiring demolition, and Hanson continues to contribute to restoration plans with the project team. Chris Nickell, who owns the site and other properties in the area, is hoping to preserve as much of the original architecture as possible as he looks to the future.
“Hanson’s team responded quickly, providing professional assessments and input regarding structural stability, which have been crucial in our restoration efforts,” Nickell said. “Their dedication to preserving the character of these buildings gives me hope as we work to rebuild our downtown community.”
As a company headquartered in Springfield and deeply rooted in communities across the U.S., Hanson takes pride in stepping up when needed. In Springfield, our engineers and specialists have contributed to a variety of significant projects, including engineering and land acquisition services for the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, evaluation and design for the reconstruction of the Old State Capitol underground parking garage and engineering for the Illinois State Capitol north wing renovation. Supporting Springfield and its people is not just Hanson’s work; it’s part of who we are.
“What I like about this project is the owner’s desire to preserve as much as possible the feel of Adams Street and his recognition of the importance of it for the health of the downtown area,” said Gary Clack, P.E., S.E., an assistant vice president and project manager at Hanson who is involved with the restoration effort. “It’s rewarding to be a part of a project that contributes to the viability of this community’s downtown.”
Gary Clack can be reached at gclack@hanson-inc.com.