Long-abandoned Springfield mill planned to become restaurant, stores under new ownership

The new owners of the mill in the middle of Springfield plan to transform the long-abandoned structure into a restaurant and retail space.

Built in 1928, the large silos tower over much of the city at the corner of Chestnut Expressway and National Avenue. Long vacant, the mill is best known for the giant mural on its side depicting the birth of the baby Jesus.

Though left to decay, current zoning of the property allows it to be renovated into a professional office and a single-family penthouse in the silos.

But its new owners hope to take it into a new direction.

"My sister and I are the new owners of this property," said Sheri Perkins at a Planning & Zoning Commission meeting. "We are opening a small restaurant and retail space."

More:Proposed project offers coffee, pickleball on Grant Avenue Parkway. Council shows interest.

Rather than renovating the whole structure at the outset, Perkins and her sister plan to build a new structure connected with the mill to house their restaurant. 

"We're not going to fill it all up. Our plan is a new build, maybe eventually someday developing something out of the silos as well. But the idea is that it would look connected and cohesive with what's already there. But the new build would be right next to it," Perkins said.

More:Council considers Galloway self-storage amid neighborhood opposition

The Planning & Zoning Commission unanimously approved the rezoning, sending the matter to city council.

"I do want to thank you for investing in this area," said P&Z Commissioner Britton Jobe. "I used to live very close to there and appreciate your work. We're really excited."

Andrew Sullender is the local government reporter for the Springfield News-Leader. Follow him on Twitter @andrewsullender. Email tips and story ideas to asullender@gannett.com.