SPRINGFIELD
This first upscale neighborhood of Jacksonville was established in 1869, and had many grand Victorian and Queen Anne homes. It later developed examples of Arts and Crafts and Prairie style architecture, among others. Many had fallen into disrepair by the end of the last century, but the area has been going through a rebirth in the last 10 years. Jacksonville has been watching for the revitalization of Springfield, at least since the Springfield Neighborhood Plan was produced in 1977, but homes are now being restored at a phenomenal rate. According to Springfield Preservation and Revitalization (SPAR) Council President Louise DeSpain, more than a third of the 1,800 homes in the historic area have been renovated or restored. There are several dumpsters on every block, and historically inspired new homes have sprouted up on most streets. The Eighth Street commercial corridor has been transformed, and the restoration of Main Street is complete from First through Forth Streets, and is now continuing to Twelfth Street. Property values soared from 2001-2006, but then were hit hard by the bursting real estate bubble. Development has begun again, and the community has restarted it's revitalization. Springfield is again becoming the crown jewel of downtown’s rebirth. The reuse and restoration of this area is increasing the residential density of the urban core, and providing more housing opportunities for the increasing downtown job base.
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