by Job Conger
On Sept. 17, organizers of The Avenue North Grand Improvement Association held a first public meeting at the relocated offices of Goodenow Insurance at 700 North Grand Ave. E. The purpose was to formally introduce the organization and invite greater participation in a process intended to lead to a formally organized enterprise. Monthly meetings of a small start-up group which had begun last May led to this mid-September kick-off. Brandon Damm, marketing coordinator for State Farm (201 N. Grand W.) is coordinator for the new association.
Damm said that representatives from State Farm, Alf Insurance, Goodenow Insurance and Noonan True Value Hardware along with neighborhood associations in Lincoln Park, Enos Park and Oak Ridge were all involved from the start. Recently, aldermen Doris Turner (Ward 3), Andrew Proctor (Ward 5) and Jim Donelan (Ward 9), all of whom serve North Grand constituencies, came aboard as well.
A more formal, focused organizing and long-term leadership-building process began to come together at the Sept. 24 meeting at the new Goodenow offices on North Grand, former home of Lincoln Library’s north branch. “We didn’t want to make big decisions before the area was informed and more could participate in the process,” he said. An earlier email invitation aimed to get people involved, but the membership’s more dedicated member recruitment began in September. “The hope is that every business on North Grand will want to be members. We will offer annual memberships to individuals living anywhere and to businesses located on North Grand.”
No specific properties were cited as providing impetus for form the new association. Near-term goals are to begin a “branding” of the area, beautification and revitalization, more green space, improved facades and looking into the formation of a TIF District. “For decades, businesses here felt a sense of family,” he said. “We want to bring it back, and in doing so, to benefit everyone involved.”
Plans are to establish officers and committees as volunteers and resources are identified and committed. “I expect elections before the end of the year, but the leadership will be determined by those who want to make the effort. Major decisions will be made during this phase. For example, do we want to be a 501(C)3 (type of not-for-profit corporation)?”
Dues will be used to fund marketing of the association and, eventually, to help pay for beautification. “With winter coming in, beautification will likely wait until spring,” Damm said. “We want owners to take care of their businesses. It is essential for attracting new businesses.” Retention is also important. “Casa Real, (301 N. Grand W.) is renovating a structure on West Wabash,” he said. “We hope they will remain on North Grand as well.”
Gloria Carriere is very satisfied with the upturn in traffic since Avenue Thrift Shop moved from the northwest corner of Walnut at Jefferson to 830 North Grand Ave. E., home of the last Watt Bros. Pharmacy, helping to create one of the busiest intersections in Springfield. Owner Jason Stuebs relocated three years ago this summer. “It’s been great,” she said. “We had a real visibility problem at the old location. By the time people saw us, it was too late to turn into the parking lot.” Stuebs, who happens to be Carriere’s son-in-law, plans to make improvements soon. “We heard about the first public meeting through the grapevine and look forward to learning more as things develop,” she said.
East Side Marine (2525 North Grand Ave. E.) has been a fixture on the North Grand curve for the past 20 years. The site has operated as a boat shop since the 1960s (although they are quick to point out that they do not sell canoes). Owner Steve Poe was not aware of the new association, but said he takes pride in being a “north ender.” The location, relatively close to Lake Springfield and nearby I-55, has allowed development of his market north into the 309 area code in addition to an established local clientele. He has found the sense of community somewhat lacking, but is very satisfied with his success and that of the businesses on either side of his shop. “We talk fairly regularly,” he said.
Proximity to the evolving nearby medical district, contiguous to North Grand, is expected to be a factor in the association’s future. “Plans are for a residential development at the corner of Walnut and North Grand for medical residential uses,” Damm said. “Implementation of those plans could be a significant boost for our interests.”
Don Goodenow, owner of Goodenow Insurance, formerly of Eighth Street but now settling into the extensively renovated former library, said the completion of the renovation of the building he acquired in 2011 came faster than expected. “We had a lot of encouragement from City Hall, and the timing is right,” he said. He appreciates the greater visibility for his business on the north side of “the avenue” and easy parking thanks to the cooperation of Noonan’s True Value Hardware, a few doors east.
At present, public input is invited during the monthly meetings at Goodenow Insurance and through the asssociation’s Facebook site: Facebook.com/avenueassociation.
Job Conger can be reached at 544-6122 or [email protected].
