Category: News

Friends,

Moving Pillsbury Forward does work throughout the Pillsbury Neighborhood even though our primary focus is the demolition and redevelopment of the former Pillsbury property. We want to do our best to improve the neighborhood and the quality of life for the folks that live there. Here is a case study for how things tend to play out…over…and over again.

In May of 2021 we cleared a vacant lot at the corner of 14th St. and Phillips Ave. The legal address is 1324 Phillips Ave. (PIN#14270280011). At the time, it was a County Deed Trustee lot that had been reclaimed by the local government for non-payment of back taxes. As volunteers, we chose to mow and remove trash from this lot because we recognized that this corner lot was a bus stop for elementary school children and the sidewalk was not accessible. In working with longtime Pillsbury Neighborhood Association President John Keller, we learned that he had cleared this same lot about ten years prior for the same reason. He let us know that this lot had been vacant and problematic for many many years.

We researched this one recently utilizing the Sangamon County Tax Parcel Viewer site Parcel Viewer (sangamon.il.us) In a short time we found that a bank had repossessed the property in 1996. By 1998 the small home had been demolished. Then, an investor purchased the lot from the bank. Nothing was built, taxes were not paid, and the lot was reclaimed for back taxes for the first time. And, again it was purchased by an investor, nothing was built, taxes were not paid, and the lot was reclaimed for back taxes for the second time. Moving ahead two more cycles, a new investor purchased the lot in 2021 shortly after we (volunteers) cleaned it up. And, here we are again…only this time in the fourth cycle…and 26 years later.

Well, the new investor from 2021 is at least currently paying the $127 annual property tax bill. However, he is not caring for the property (mowing, drainage clearing, junk removal, etc.). And, the City Of Springfield has cited the owner for these issues (the are 4 shown on their website), but the process could take months. So, volunteers cleaned it up again this month so the kids at the bus stop could stand on the sidewalk rather than in the roadway. Will the cycle end…no. When the leins from citations are eventually applied to the property the latest investor will almost assuredly walk away and a fifth cycle will begin. 

Yes…this is a broken system. The only light at the end of the tunnel is changing the system. Let’s get busy and make some changes! We have several good ideas for changes. We understand the complexity of the situation. The kids at the bus stop deserve better. Let’s resolve within ourselves to do better. 

If this case study has motivated you to act, here is the next step: Reach out to us at MPF through our email address () and we will facilitate formation of a working group to focus on this issue. There are dozens of these vacant lots in our community with similar issues.  

Thanks for being a part of this important community project.

~ Team Pillsbury

Springfield Art Association Exhibit Opening

September 6 – September 28
Artist Reception: Friday, September 6, 5:30-7:30 PM

Friends,

Moving Pillsbury Forward partnered with community artists a year and half ago at the Pillsbury site. We facilitated a welcoming space for them to work and create. We harvested greated industrial elements for use in sculptural pieces. We trusted that the results would be great.

Now, in partnership with the Springfield Art Association, the artists works are going on exhibit in the MG Nelson Family Gallery at the Springfield Art Association (700 N 4th St.). Please consider joining us to celebrate their works this Friday from 5:30 to 7:30 on opening night. 

September 6 – September 28
Artist Reception: Friday, September 6, 5:30-7:30 PM

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This show is the third in a series of art exhibits created from and about the ruins of the Pillsbury Mill factory in Springfield. The work includes depictions and interpretations of the abandoned factory, and sculptures and collages created from objects and materials found on site. In most cases, the subject matter focuses on the nature of the ruined built environment as it is today, and also the commercial and social legacies of the factory and its products in this community and in American culture in general. The exhibit also includes artworks rescued from the rubble of the Adams Street fire, where the preceding exhibit was mounted.

The exhibit is an invitational one, featuring the work of numerous area artists who have visited the site for inspiration. It was curated by Robert Mazrim, who has been harvesting and exhibiting the aesthetic potential of the Pillsbury brownfield reclamation project for the last year and a half. Art from the collapse of 20th century industrial America.

Thanks for being a part of this important community project.

~ Team Pillsbury

Friends,

Moving Pillsbury Forward partnered with the Pillsbury Neighborhood Association, SIU-Med Student Volunteers, and City of Springfield Public Works on Saturday, August 24th, to clean up the streets and alleyways throughout the Pillsbury Neighborhood. The weather was great. The clean up crews worked hard. And Lasagna Lady, Beth Ballinger, served up a terrific lasagna lunch. Yes, it was a success!

Each year, the SIU-Med Students take part in a day of service in the Enos Park and Pillsbury Neighborhoods. SIU-Med coordinates the event and arranges lunch for the volunteers. The two neighborhoods benefit from their labor and, hopefully, the students benefit from getting into the neighborhoods and seeing the environmental health challenges (and solutions) that are a part of everyday life in an older and underserved neighborhood. 

We are thankful for having these lasting partnerships. This was our fourth year of the cleanup partnership and we know it makes a big difference for the residents.The Pillsbury street and alleyway cleanup resulted in proper disposal of 30 cubic yards of litter and trash, 11 televisions, 12 mattresses, 14 car tires, and 20 pieces of overstuffed furniture (sofas, chairs, etc.). Most of which had been fly-dumped in the area over the past few weeks. 

Thanks for being a part of this important community project.

~ Team Pillsbury

Friends,

Moving Pillsbury Forward has partnered with the Illinois Symphony Orchestra for a truly special event at Pillsbury (1525 Phillips Ave.) on the evening of September 14. The great community response to our arts events at the site over the past year have been an incredible addition to the overall Pillsbury Project. While we remain focused on seeing cleanup, demolition, and renewal at the site, we have also seen what the addition of arts can do in improving the overall quality of life in our community. And…that is where our partnerships with the community are most meaningful. We hope to see you on September 14.

Go Beyond the Stage with your Illinois Symphony Orchestra at the Pillsbury Factory

The Illinois Symphony Orchestra (ISO) goes Beyond the Stage with new concert experiences that take YOU to unique venues for immersive, themed ensemble performances. From factory and warehouse settings to mansions and yoga studios, Listen Live, be surprised, and experience the artistry of the ISO like you have never experienced it before. Executive Director Trevor Orthmann states, “We are very excited to launch our Beyond the Stage performances at the Pillsbury Factory, working with Moving Pillsbury Forward, to create an experience combining music, art, and food in this unique setting.”

Our inaugural Beyond the Stage concert experience is set for Saturday, September 14, 2024, at the former Pillsbury Factory located on the northeast side of Springfield, Illinois. The ISO’s Percussion Ensemble and Piano Trio, featuring Piano, Violin, Viola, will perform in the C-mill of the old Pillsbury Mills. Local Artist Robert Mazrim said, “the musicians will be surrounded by the spray-painted murals created by local artists, as well as the rich patina of the 87-year-old factory floor, which will provide for a unique acoustic experience beyond the traditional concert hall.”

This ticketed event includes the performance experience and hors d’oeuvres catered by Conn’s Catering along with a cash bar. The event is co-hosted by Moving Pillsbury Forward with all the event proceeds supporting the Illinois Symphony Orchestra.

Go Beyond the Stage on Saturday, September 14, 2024, at the Pillsbury Factory. Gates will open at 6:00 PM with the performance beginning at 7:00 PM. Purchase tickets at ilsymphony.org/Pillsbury. Single tickets are $40 per person prior to the event and $50 per person at the gate (Cards Only).

Beyond the Stage at the Pillsbury Factory is in partnership with Moving Pillsbury Forward. Vice President Polly Poskin said, “we are thrilled to partner with the ISO on this next concert experience. It’s like having a prime seat to the premier of this new immersive concert experience.” Proceeds from the event will go to support your Illinois Symphony Orchestra.

For more information about the ISO, go to ilsymphony.org.

Thanks for being a part of this important community project.

~ Team Pillsbury