HISTORY
This is one of the oldest commercial buildings remaining in Springfield. It was erected circa 1830 for Elisha Gunn’s store selling coffee, rum, molasses, sugar, and spices.
THREAT
The building was severely deteriorated when DevelopSpringfield purchased it and received $250K of CPA assistance to stabilize it. This building is now a local historic district. A new owner purchased it from DevelopSpringfield and planned to have two floors with eight apartments. The plan included a first floor that will have a coffee shop and a laundromat. The owner received CPA funding in 2023 and has been provided information about potential funding sources. The owner has been contacted with little response back.
REUSE
Long-term rehab plans and reuse are still undetermined. Its close proximity to both Springfield Technical Community College and the STCC Technology Park make it a good site for a food service establishment.