HISTORY
The highly ornate Cutler & Porter Block was built in 1894 and designed by architect Frederick Newman, who designed the recently renovated Court Square Building. The adjacent Produce Exchange Building was built in 1899 and was one of the largest of Springfield's early 20th-century commercial buildings, used for many years as a wholesale produce market. For many years, both were the home of Absorbine Junior, makers of the topical pain reliever of the same name—for muscle aches, joint stiffness, arthritis, and backaches. The buildings were placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983.
THREAT
These buildings are in threat of being demolished for the proposed new courthouse. The demo delay ordinance was lifted by Springfield Historical Commission, and SPT met with the new owners in hopes to save these buildings. These buildings are having environmental work done and projected demolition will start Mid-March.
REUSE
These buildings are a true treasures and should not be demolished.