<body><div><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=4BZn1A_1GvW3YwL00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=4BZn1A_1GvW3YwL00" width="1200" height="630" >Historic Commercial Street, predominantly known as C-Street, is one of Springfield's hidden gems. It has transformed into a destination for small and independent businesses, diverse cuisine and entertainment. After a few years of decline, the historic district has experienced a resurgence, bringing new life to the area. Commercial Street was founded in early 1870, when the Atlantic and Pacific Railroad laid its tracks just a mile north from the town of Springfield. Soon the town flourished and opened bars, restaurants and hotels as a place for residents, railroad workers and travelers.In the late 1990s and early 2000s, C-Street had experienced a decline in activity along with businesses moving to different parts of Springfield. Some people even described it as a “ghost town” and run-down and depressed. By the late 2000s and early 2010s, C-Street began to experience a comeback. A new life of small businesses, unique restaurants and varieties of shops contributed to a renewed atmosphere, turning it into the C-Street that we see today.What you can doC-Street offers a variety of experiences. If you want retail, dining or lifestyle services, you can find them all there.On C-Street, visitors can explore all sorts of local shops for gifts, clothing, artwork, decor and handmade products. Shopping at these local shops is not just about buying items but supporting small-business owners and strengthening the Springfield economy. Beyond shopping, C-Street offers a variety of services, including tattoo shops, hair salons, barbershops and skincare businesses. Visitors can find other activities such as dance and boxing, making C-Street more than just retail and dining. Dining at local restaurants and cafes is another major part of the C-Street experience. C-Street has a wide variety of cuisines, including, Lebanese, Peruvian, Dutch, and French. There are also food options to relax and grab coffee like Eurasia Coffee Co or Big Momma’s Coffee &amp; Espresso Bar. The variety of dining along with entertainment is what gives Commercial Street its appealing destination for Springfield locals and visitors.C-Street hosts several annual events, with upcoming events including Live music at Moon City Pub and the first ever Oktoberfest on October 23. Oktoberfest features beer, food and live music. The next C-Street City Market is a free market that happens every Sunday from 9 a.m to 2 p.m. Finally, on Halloween, there will be a Trick or Treat event hosted by Commercial Street Merchants every year. Whether you are browsing independent shops, looking to try a new cuisine, hanging out with friends at local bars or grabbing a quick bite, C-Street offers something for everyone. C-Street should be top of a must-visit destination for both Springfield locals and those just stopping by. C-Street FootbridgeBesides all that, C-Street features the Jefferson Avenue Footbridge. Often called the “Eiffel Tower of Springfield,” the bridge has been closed for the last 10 years. However, the city landmark recently received a massive multi-million-dollar state and city fund for its construction. The footbridge was originally built in 1902 to give people a safe path over the railroads. The footbridge is 562 feet and is one of the oldest and longest footbridges in the United States. The footbridge has a lot of history, making it extremely important to Springfield. In 1973, the footbridge was placed on Springfield’s Local Historic Register, and in 2003 was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. In 2001, the bridge underwent over $518,000 in renovations and construction finished over 100 years after the original opening.However, in 2016, the bridge was once again closed to the public due to decay. The price to rehabilitate the bridge is around $13.4 million, with $8 million to be provided by the state of Missouri, $2.5 million from the city of Springfield, and a $2 million agreement to raise to bridge height provided by the BNSF Railway Company. Finally, the C-Street commercial club raised $50,000 for the project. This go around the bridge is receiving some new upgrades. There will be two new elevators on each end for better accessibility, completely new steel, protective coating, new wood decking and stairways. The construction had officially started summer 2025, and the expected reopening was to be in the fall of 2026. The bridge is still not open to the public, but should be completed in the very near future. In an interview with Exploring the Ozarks, Mary Collette, president of the Commercial Club of Springfield and owner of the historic firehouse and other properties on C-Street, shared why the footbridge matters.“This footbridge has everything to do with the story of Springfield, coming of the railroads and all that meant to Springfield, and we would not have the diverse economy that we do,” Collette said.A big question being asked by people around Springfield is if the bridge is going to be worth the cost. The construction is receiving all sorts of mixed reviews. Some local residents say that it is a waste of money, and others are excited to have a piece of Springfield history revived.Subscribe to The Standard's free weekly newsletter here.</div></body>

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Historic Commercial Street, predominantly known as C-Street, is one of Springfield's hidden gems. It has transformed into a destination for small and independent businesses, diverse cuisine and entertainment. After a few years of decline, the historic district has experienced a resurgence, bringing new life to the area. Commercial Street was...

Springfield's hidden gem is making a comeback

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Historic Commercial Street, predominantly known as C-Street, is one of Springfield's hidden gems. It has transformed into a destination for small and indep

Springfield's hidden gem is making a comeback

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