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MPF Project Updates December 2024

Friends,

Moving Pillsbury Forwards has a few project advances to report on as we move into this Holiday Season.

·       MPF put out requests for proposals for both remediation and demolition of all remaining structures at the site in mid-November. We had 60 contractors come to our mandatory on-site visit day on December 4. This was a great turnout. The bid process will continue into January. More news will follow as contractors are selected to do the work throughout 2025.

·       MPF coordinated another Pillsbury Neighborhood cleanup in early November. We collected a pile of used tires, televisions, over 30 pieces of furniture (mostly sofas and mattresses) and filled a 30-yard dumpster with general household garbage. Yes, fly-dumping is still a serious issue in the neighborhood. Public Works has been great to work with. We are optimistic about seeing lasting improvements going forward.

·       MPF brought together former employees and family members for group photos on November 22. Archival photos were taken in front of the “Roll Call” wall where local artist Jen Santarelli placed over 1300 names of former Pillsbury employees gathered these last few years of the Pillsbury Project. The photos and artwork are powerful statements about the impact of Pillsbury on our community over the decades. The photos will be a part of the publicly available Pillsbury archive at the Lincoln Library in the Sangamon Valley Collection.

·       Resident artist Alex Smith wrapped up several months at Pillsbury in late November. He produced well over 100 art pieces while on-site. Many of the portable pieces went with him to his homebase in Minneapolis. Galleries in both Minneapolis and Los Angeles are anticipated to exhibit and sell some of his works. Many of the pieces were on exhibit at the Springfield Art Association throughout September. The wall art that remains at Pillsbury has been captured in high quality photographs and will be the subject of future public programs. Stay tuned.

·       Pillsbury artifacts from the site remain in storage. MPF is hopeful of finding a permanent home for the collection. About 30% of the artifacts survived the downtown fire in June. The collection is an important element of work life and the industrial history of Springfield. MPF will continue to work with community leaders in finding the best long-term home for these pieces of our recent past.

Thanks for being a part of this important community project!

Happy Holidays!

~ Team Pillsbury