The former Pillsbury Mills plant on the north east side of Springfield closed 20 years ago. The 18-acre property has significant legal entanglements and is known to be contaminated with asbestos and lead paint. The surrounding neighborhoods are among the most severely impoverished in Springfield.
Removal of existing structures and redevelopment of the site will provide the area with public safety, environmental, health, justice, and economics benefits.
Moving Pillsbury Forward (MPF) has positioned itself to coordinate redevelopment of the 18-acre site.
The Pillsbury project is large and complex but manageable. The project is reasonable and workable with the coordination provided by Moving Pillsbury Forward. It is also clearly worth the effort.
Doing nothing is the worst possible outcome. A successful outcome will require significant support from both public and private sources – and the support of the entire Springfield community. Please join us.
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Pillsbury History: 1st of 3!
Friends, Moving Pillsbury Forward has partnered with Preservation Inc. in hosting a three-part brown bag series at the Historic Ursuline Academy. The series will explore the full history of the Springfield Pillsbury Plant from their announcement to build in 1929 to the ongoing demolition this month where the last elements of the 26-building complex are…
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Abandoned Pillsbury Book Signing & Film Screening Event
Friends, The demolition of the Pillsbury mill and factory is approaching completion, but its history, art, and artifacts are alive and well! As the last of the buildings fall to the ground we have plenty to remember. First up is a brand-new book by curator and artist Robert Mazrim. “Pillsbury Abandoned: Art & Ruin in…
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The Case of the Curious Coin
Friends, In early August while doing volunteer cleanup around the former Pillsbury property a team member found a curious coin. A large copper coin that took a bit of cleaning to reveal the type and date. It turned out to be an 1851 large cent. United States large cent coins were minted from 1793 to…
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“Pillsbury: Past, Present, and Future”
Chris Richmond, retired Fire Marshall in Springfield, IL and creator of the group Moving Pillsbury Forward, gives a PechaKucha presentation on “Pillsbury: Past, Present, and Future” as part of Springfield Inner City Older Neighborhoods’ (ICON) Annual Party Fundraiser 2019.