We believe in the power and possibility of community and neighborhoods. Throughout our city we see our friends contribute to making so many positive things happen. We are glad to be a part of that and are now celebrating almost 10 years of being a part of the rejuvenation of the Commercial Street Historic District. We partner with our neighbors through donations, gifts and in-kind support to continue to build and grow and become all that we can be.
Learn About What's Happening
The Atlantic and Pacific Railroad came to Springfield in 1870. It bypassed the town and laid its tracks a mile north of "old" Springfield into the "new" town of North Springfield. A commercial district sprang up around the railroad depot and the street was thus named "Commercial." Today we call it C-Sreet.
Many Springfield businesses moved to North Springfield after 1870 to do business with the railroad. Bars, hotels and restaurants were opened to cater to rail personnel, inhabitants and travelers. It was the place to go for good food and music. C-Street led the business and population boom in Springfield becoming the hub of industry and entertainment until the 1960's. With the decline in rail travel, business growth spread mostly to the southern part of Springfield.
In the 1970s the Commercial Club, founded in 1928 as boosters of the Commercial Street area, had fueled interest in renewal and renovation of the historic street. It was designated a local historic district in 1978 and was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983.
Today Commercial Street is a booming community of professionals, residents, artisans, businesses, entertainment venues and it continues to grow. C-Street features lofts, antique galleries, vintage clothing shops, creative agencies, special events, a world renowned chocolate factory, a microbrewery and the city’s oldest tavern. All within six unique blocks of intact, circa early 1900’s architecture.
Learn More about C-Street at historiccstreet.com.